Archived decisions

AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE held at The Castle, Winchester on 10 September, 2007.

PRESENT:

Councillors: P.R.C. Hutcheson (Chairman); M.F. Cartwright; D. Harrison; D.A. Kirk; R. McIntosh; R. Smith.

44 APOLOGIES

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M.G. Cooper; S. Jackson and R. Williams.

45 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, declare 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.

46 MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 21 June, 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

47 DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations made under this item.

48 AUDIT COMMISSION'S ANNUAL GOVERNANCE REPORT

The Committee considered the Audit Commission's Annual Governance report (Item 5 in the Minute Book).

Mr. S. Taylor and Mr. R. Reeve introduced their report. They had concluded they could provide an unqualified opinion on the accounts. They were satisfied that the Statement of Internal Control had been prepared in accordance with the proper practice specified by CIPFA and was consistent with the findings of their audit. Also, they concluded that the Authority had made proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources in the 2006/07 year and supported an unqualified value for money conclusion. The Committee welcomed the report and, whilst being informed of some weaknesses identified in internal control, noted that the recommendations to address these were being actioned and made no material difference to the overall opinion.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee thanks the Audit Commission for their Annual Governance Report and notes with satisfaction that the Audit Commission has no formal recommendations to make as a result of the Statutory Code of Practice Audit regarding future actions on the part of the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

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