To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 9 May 2022 (enclosed)

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 May 2022, as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

Requests received by the Protocol deadline to be reported by the Senior Democratic Services Officer with details of the Agenda Item to which they relate. (Such persons entitled to use the Protocol attend for the purpose of making representations, answering questions or giving evidence relating to the business of the meeting and the time allocated to each person is a maximum of three minutes unless extended at the discretion of the Chairman).

No requests were received.

To consider the report of the Accountancy Services Manager (enclosed).

DECISION

That the financial performance for 2021/22 be accepted.

Reason:

1.    Following the Redmond Review, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) put in place revised regulations that came into force on 31st March 2021. The Accounts and Audit (Amendment) Regulations 2021 extended the statutory audit deadlines for 2020/21 and 2021/22 for all local authorities. As a result, the publication date for audited accounts moved from 31st July to 30th September for the two financial years in question. The public inspection period must now commence on or before the first working day of August, effectively requiring the unaudited accounts to be signed off and published by 31st July.

2.    Members will be aware that the audit of the 2020/21 accounts has still not been finalised, some 8 months after it commenced. There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an impact on the audit process, but our auditors have also experienced resourcing issues, as have others in the public sector audit market, and this has also played a part in the delay in sign-off. EY have recommenced work on the 2020/21 audit during June and now expect to complete in early August. The Audit of the 2021/22 accounts will not commence until the 2020/21 audit is complete. Clearly this is disappointing but is outside of the Council’s control. Naturally, if there is any change to the financial performance, due to amendments arising from the audit, this will be reported to Cabinet as soon as practically possible following completion of the audit.

Considered – Report of the Accountancy Services Manager.

Other options considered: None.

To consider the report of the Strategic Finance Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That the treasury management activities for 2021/22 be approved.

2.    That the prudential and treasury indicators for 2021/22 be approved.

Reasons:

1.    The regulatory framework governing treasury management activities includes a requirement that the Council should produce an annual review of treasury activities undertaken in the preceding financial year. It must also report the performance against the approved prudential indicators for the year.

2.    This report fulfils the requirement above and incorporates the needs of the Prudential Code to ensure adequate monitoring of capital expenditure plans and the Council’s prudential indicators. The treasury strategy and prudential indicators for 2021/22 were contained in the report approved by Council on 18th February 2021.

Considered – Report of the Strategic Finance Manager, presented by the Accountancy Services Manager.

Other options considered: None. It is a legislative requirement that the Council receives an annual report covering its treasury activities for the financial year.

DECISIONS

1.    That the cabinet resolve to recommend to Council that the action plan in response to the peer review be approved.

2.    That the cabinet resolve to recommend to Council that the annual priorities for the Blaby District Plan be approved.

Reasons:

1.    The peer review process requires an action plan to be developed and approved by Council in response to the peer review report.

2.    The Blaby District Plan, approved by Council in January 2021, sets out the priorities for the Council for the period 2021- 24. An annual plan sets out the aspirations and intent of the Council for the year ahead.

Considered – Report of the Chief Executive.

Other options considered: No other options have been considered. It is appropriate that there is an action plan in place to support the delivery of the Blaby District Plan.

To consider the report of the Strategic Director (Section 151 Officer) (enclosed).

DECISION

That the Annual Governance statement in respect of 2021/22 financial year, as attached to this report, be approved.

Reason:

It is a requirement of the Account and Audit Regulations 2015 for the local authority to prepare and approve an Annual Governance Statement.

Considered - Report of the Strategic Director (Section 151 Officer).

Other options considered: Not to produce a separate report on the Annual Governance Statement for the Cabinet Executive. This option was dismissed given it of utmost importance that the Cabinet Executive are fully informed and assured by the completion of the Corporate Assurance Review and the production of the Governance Statement.

DECISIONS

1.    That the preferences and changes to appointments to Outside Bodies as proposed at Appendix 1 of this report be approved.

2.    That unless otherwise stated all appointments at Appendix 1 be held, until the first Cabinet Executive meeting following the Annual Council meeting in 2023.

3.    That all appointments be endorsed as approved duties for the payment of allowances.

4.    That the Constitution be amended accordingly.

Reason:

It is appropriate to give effect to the wishes of the political groups.

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer, presented by Cllr. Terry Richardson, Leader of the Council.

Other options considered: None in the context of this report.