Decision details

The Committee considered a report by Devon Audit Partnership regarding the Internal Audit progress report for 2022-23 (circulated previously).

The Committee was advised of the following in relation to the Internal Audit Progress Report 2022-23:

·       There were 6 further audit reports and findings completed in the 2022-23 plan (as per appendix 1).

·       The Head of Internal Audit’s opinion was that the Authority was on track for an overall opinion of ‘Reasonable Assurance’ on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Authority’s internal control framework.

·       Those listed in Appendix 1 were as follows:

o   Creditors – Substantial Assurance

o   Car Parks – Reasonable Assurance – Improvements had been made since the previous Limited rating.

o   Recruitment and Retention – Reasonable Assurance – a new system had been implemented. It was felt that further training for managers would be beneficial

o   Customer Service Centre – Reasonable Assurance – Current telephony system doesn’t provide a breakdown of calls by service area. New system should provide this information.

o   Programme Management Office (PMO) – Reasonable Assurance.

o   Tarka Leisure Centre – Reasonable Assurance – Building issues were almost rectified. Performance levels need to be established in order to enable monitoring.

·     Appendix 2 provided a summary of the District Council audit coverage.

In response to questions from the Internal Auditor, the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive advised that the Parking Strategy had been covered within the Policy Development Committee when considering the service plans and that it would be reconsidered in conjunction with the outcomes of the Future High Street fund works. It has been highlighted within the service plans.

In response to follow up questions from the Committee, the Chief Executive advised that the issues of carbon offsetting and income generation from the car parks would need to be considered. There was a conflict over providing more car parking, and perhaps promoting public travel services. There was still demand for car parks. There was not the infrastructure to provide electric charging points, or points powered by solar energy, in many of the car parks.

RESOLVED that;

(a)  a summary of Ombudsman Complaints be brought to this Committee, and

(b)  the Internal Audit Progress report be noted.