Finance & Audit Sub-Committee

Tuesday, 24 April 2001 at 3.00 pm

Present:  Councillors Calvert, Jackson, McCabe, Mitchell, O’Rourke and Rebecchi. 

Chair: Councillor Jackson presided.

In Attendance: Chief Executive, Mr G Douglas (for Director of Legal & Support Services), Head of Accountancy Services, Interim Director of Finance and Chief Internal Auditor.

Apology:  Councillor Robertson (Y).

387

Control Accounts Update

387

There was submitted a report by the Head of Accountancy Services setting out the current position in respect of the Creditors Control Account, Council Tax system v Ledger Reconciliation and Housing Control Accounts and indicating that satisfactory and significant progress had been made in the reconciliation of these Accounts; the report recommended the establishment of documented procedures and clear lines of responsibility within Finance & Housing Services.

Decided:

(i)  that it be remitted to the Head of Accountancy Services and Head of Administration and Finance, Social Work & Housing Services jointly to ensure documented procedures and clear lines of responsibility relating to Control Account reconciliations are in place by 30 April 2001;

(ii)  that the contents of the report be noted; and

(iii) that further reports at quarterly intervals be made to the Sub-Committee on the position with regard to the reconciliation of Bank Accounts and Control Accounts, with an overview from Internal Audit, to ensure that the progress to date is maintained.

388

Progress on Audit Plan to 31 December 2000

388

There was submitted a report by the Chief Internal Auditor advising on progress in the Audit Plan to 31 December 2000, setting out in detail the work undertaken both on a planned and unplanned basis.

Noted

389

Return to Inland Revenue : Sub-Contractors

389

Arising from discussion of the previous item, the Sub-Committee enquired as to the submission of the Return required for the Inland Revenue in respect of sub-contractors employed by the Council during the Tax Year 2000-2001.  The Head of Accountancy Services advised that it was anticipated that this Return would be made by 30 April 2001 in good time for the statutory time limit.

Decided: that it be remitted to the Head of Accountancy Services to submit a report to the Sub-Committee on the position with regard to the 1999/2000 Return to the Inland Revenue in respect of sub-contractors employed by the Council.

390

Inverclyde Council - Strategic and Annual Audit Plans 2001-2005

390

There was submitted a report by the Chief Internal Auditor setting out the role and responsibility of Internal Audit and her plans for the carrying out of Systems Audits during the period 2001-2005 including the current year 2001/2002. 

Decided:

(i)   that the Sub-Committee note the contents of the report;

(ii)  that the Sub-Committee approve the 4 year strategic Audit Plan and the Annual Audit Plan for 2001/2002; and

(iii) that it be remitted to the Chief Internal Auditor to submit reports to the Sub-Committee on significant issues arising from audits.