Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Audit Managers.

The Audit Manager (HP) presented the report which required approval from Members for the 2018/19 Internal Audit Plan, which met the terms of reference of the Audit and Governance committee. She stated that the report provided information on the processes used by the Audit Managers to create the plan.

Members were informed that all systems were assessed using an audit risk assessment matrix, with high risk areas audited annually, medium risks every other year and low risks every four years on a rolling plan cycle. The plan was continuously reviewed, ensuring all risks were monitored, and with any amendments presented to the Audit and Governance Committee and that the audit plan was linked to the Corporate Risk Register.

The Audit Managers had received feedback from Strategic Directors and Corporate Managers about their priorities and responsibilities on the corporate risk register and from Audit and Governance Chair and Deputy Chair, which had also been incorporated into the 2018/19 Internal Audit plan.

The areas with the highest audit coverage were creditors, housing and contract management. The creditors had the potential for fraud and cost errors to the Council, but contract management had the potential to save the Council money if done correctly and was area identified for improvement by Internal Audit, based on previous year’s work.

In response to questions from Members the Audit Manager (HP) explained that the level of fraud in Exeter was low compared to other authorities and that any fraud was investigated and appropriate action taken included prosecution.  

RESOLVED that the Audit and Governance Committee approve the 2018/19 Internal Audit Plan.