Agenda

To confirm, as a correct record, the minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held on 24 March 2026.

Items of other business notified under Council Procedure Rule 30 to be announced, together with special circumstances that justify their consideration as a matter of urgency.  The Chair to rule on the admission of such items.

To receive any declarations of interest.

This report:

a)     Details the Shared Internal Audit Service’s (SIAS) overall opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of Three Rivers District Council’s (the Council) framework of governance, risk management and control. Reference is made to significant matters and key themes.

b)     Shows the outcomes of the self-assessment against the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) incorporating the requirements of the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP).

c)     Summarises the internal audit work that informs this opinion.

d)     Shows SIAS performance in respect of delivering the Council’s internal audit plan.

e)     Presents the 2026/27 Audit Charter for approval.

Recommendation

Members are recommended to:

·        Note the Annual Assurance Statement and Internal Audit Annual Report 2025/26

·        Note the results of the self-assessment required by the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) and the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP)

·        Approve the SIAS Internal Audit Charter 2026/27

·        Seek management assurance that the scope and resources for internal audit were not subject to inappropriate limitations in 2025/26

This report sets out changes in Accounting Policies for 2025/26 and the timelines for completion of the draft Statement of Accounts for 2025/26.

Recommendation

·        To note the update in relation to the 2025/26 Statement of Accounts timeframes.

·        To review the draft Accounting Policies for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 and note that a further update will be presented to the Committee at the next meeting.

That the Committee consider and makes necessary changes to its Work Programme.