Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the HAMPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE held at The Castle, Winchester on 14 November, 2008
PRESENT:
Councillors: M.F. Cartwright; M.G. Cooper; P. Galton; D. Harrison; R. McIntosh
Also in attendance were Charlotte Smith and Graham West from the Audit Commission.
In the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee Councillor M.F. Cartwright was appointed as Chairman for this meeting.
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COUNCILLOR M.F. CARTWRIGHT IN THE CHAIR
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81. APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors P.R.C. Hutcheson; D.A. Kirk and R. Smith.
82. 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, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 12 of the Code.
There were no declarations of interest made by Members under this item.
83. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 19 September, 2008 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
Arising thereon:
HFRA - Annual Governance Report - Audit 2007/08
On Minute 79, the Treasurer reported that the required adjustment to accounting arrangements in relation to the Fire and Rescue Assurance Mutual Limited had now been agreed in accordance with the advice given.
84. AUDIT COMMISSION'S USE OF RESOURCES ASSESSMENT FOR 2007/08 - DRAFT CONSULTATION
The Committee considered the Audit Commissions' Use of Resources Assessment for 2007/08 which at this stage was a consultation draft (Item 5 in the Minute Book).
Graham West and Charlotte Smith introduced this item. They reported that the assessment was intended to evaluate how well authorities manage and use their resources. It was to be replaced next year by a new Organisation Assessment (OA) assessment which would form part of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CAA). The Committee noted that the report summarised the Commission's key findings in relation to five main themes (financial reporting; financial management; financial standing; internal control and value for money) and highlighted main areas for improvement. There had been little time for consultation on the fine detail of the draft, on which the Commission would welcome further comments in due course.
Members welcomed the Commission's initial scores showing the Authority was improving outcomes in the key priority with "high 3" scores (`performing well') in all but one of the assessments. They noted that actions have now been put in place to improve on the "2" score (`adequate performance') for the assessment in respect of Internal Control.
It was reported that the various scores in the draft paper were still subject to confirmation by the Commission's national quality control process and may change as a result but this was not likely. The Commission expected to notify the Authority of its final scores in December 2008.
RESOLVED:
That the Committee thank the Audit Commission for the Use of Resources draft Assessment for 2007/08 and note that the final version will be reported to the Fire Authority on 11 February 2009.
85. INTERNAL AUDIT PROGRESS REPORT
The Committee considered the report of the Treasurer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) about the Authority's internal audit plan for 2008/09. The report summarised overall progress and referred to issues raised in the annual internal audit opinion for 2007/08 and significant matters arising from 2009/09 internal audit work, together with priorities for the remainder of this financial year.
RESOLVED:
That the progress of internal audit work during 2008/09 and the key issues arising be noted.
86. REVIEW OF FINANCIAL REGULATIONS AND STANDING ORDERS RELATING TO CONTRACTS
The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) about a proposed revision of financial limits and their incorporation in revised financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders.
RESOLVED:
That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Authority:
(a) That the revised financial limits set out in paragraph 4.1 of the report be approved with effect from 1 January 2009.
(b) That the revised Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders set out as Appendices 1 and 2 of the report be approved.
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