The Committee considered a report setting out the draft 2025/26 Annual Governance Statement (AGS), which was attached to the report at Appendix 1.  The Council was required to prepare and publish an AGS each year as an accompaniment to the authority’s financial statements.  The Council was responsible for ensuring that its financial management was adequate and effective and that it had a sound system of internal control, which facilitated the effective exercise of the Council’s functions, including arrangements for the management of risk.  The AGS was a record of the overall effectiveness of governance arrangements within the Authority; it reflected the latest guidance from CIPFA/SOLACE on a strategic approach to governance and demonstrated how the key governance requirements had been met. 

The report stated that the AGS incorporated the latest guidance in relation to the Council’s Best Value duty and demonstrated the Council’s continued commitment to maintaining robust governance arrangements while addressing emerging challenges and regulatory requirements.

The AGS concluded that it was satisfied that the Council’s governance arrangements for 2025/26 were fit for purpose and where areas for improvement had been identified, appropriate action plans were in place.

It was noted at the meeting that, under the Governance Arrangements by Principle, the AGS stated that Principle F: Risk Management and Internal Control was considered quarterly by the Committee, but this matter was now considered twice a year instead of quarterly, so this needed amending.

Resolved:    

(1)          That the Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26 be agreed, subject to amending the frequency of risk management consideration under Principle F;

(2)          That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to make minor amendments to the Annual Governance Statement, in consultation with the Leader and the Chief Executive, prior to signature by the Leader and Chief Executive.