Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE held at The Castle, Winchester on 22 June 2006.
PRESENT:
Councillors: P R C Hutcheson (Chairman); M F Cartwright; M G Cooper;
D Harrison; D A Kirk; R McIntosh; R Smith.
Also in attendance - Russell Reeve, Audit Commission (Minute 23 refers).
17 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors H Jones and R Williams.
18 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of debate, disclose their interest and having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Fire Authority's Code of Conduct consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.
There were no declarations of interest made by Members under this item.
19 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 9 March 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
20 DEPUTATIONS
There were no deputations.
21 ANNUAL INTERNAL AUDIT OPINION - 2005/06
The Committee considered the report of the Treasurer (Item 5 in the Minute Book) on the annual internal audit opinion for 2005/06. The Treasurer reported on those issues raised as a result of audit testing and confirmed that the controls which had been put in place were operating satisfactorily.
RESOLVED:
(i) That the level of assurance on the central framework, based on audit testing, within Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority be noted.
(ii) That the main risks identified during the year and, as set out in the report, be noted.
22 DRAFT STATEMENT ON INTERNAL CONTROL 2005/06
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) on the draft statement of internal control for 2005/06.
RESOLVED:
That the draft Statement of Internal Control for 2005/06 be approved for signature by the Chairman of the Authority and the Chief Officer.
23 AUDIT COMMISSION - AUDIT PLAN HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY FOR 2006/07
The Committee considered the Audit Commission - Audit Plan (Item 7 in the Minute Book) in relation to the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority for 2006/07. Russell Reeve of the Audit Commission attended the meeting for this item. He summarised those areas due to be assessed and explained that such work was to ensure that the Authority was providing value for money.
During discussion Members were unanimous in expressing their concerns over the audit fee increase on last year and did not feel this was justified. Accordingly, it was
RESOLVED:
That the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority accepts the Audit Commission Audit Plan for 2006/07 but strongly requests the Audit Commission in future years to keep the level of fee increases to, or below, the level of inflation.
4GM140606