Agenda and minutes

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 25 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded).

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 25, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Chief Democratic Services Officer at least 24 hours before the meeting)

There were no appeals against the refusal of inspection of documents.

1  To highlight reports or appendices which officers have identified as containing exempt information, and where officers consider that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons outlined in the report.

2  To consider whether or not to accept the officers recommendation in respect of the above information.

3  If so, to formally pass the following resolution:-

  RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following parts of the agenda designated as containing exempt information on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information, as follows:-

There were no resolutions to exclude the public.

To identify items which have been admitted to the agenda by the Chair for consideration

(The special circumstances shall be specified in the minutes)

There were no late items submitted to the agenda for consideration.

To declare any personal / prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) if the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 12 of the Members Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest made.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor P Harrand, Councillor T Hanley and Councillor N Taggart.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes held on 14^th December 2010.

The minutes of the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee meeting held on 14^th December 2010 were approved as a correct record, subject to the addition of the apologies received from Councillors S Smith and P Grahame.

To receive a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods detailing the recent use of directed surveillance and advising the Committee about the outcome of the latest Office of Surveillance Commissioners (OSC) Inspection Report, and also the outcome of an inspection by the Interception of Communications Commissioner’s Office in relation to the acquisition of communications data.

The Head of Property Finance and Technology  from  Corporate Governance presented a report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods. The report advised Members about the outcome of the latest Office of Surveillance Commissioners Inspection report, in relation to the use of directed surveillance, and also the outcome of an inspection by the Interception of Communications Commissioner’s Office in relation to the acquisition of communications data. The report also proposed consequential changes to the Council’s Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) policy.

The Committee noted the report and considered the types of cases that are acted on by the Council. The Committee also discussed that the review of the RIPA policy will take place annually.

The Committee sought assurance that the supplier which considered whether applications for data complied with the requirements of RIPA on behalf of the Council and that was also criticised by the Interception of Communications Commissioner’s Office, had been removed.

RESOLVED  - The Committee resolved to:

(a)  note the proposed amendments to the RIPA Policy which will be presented to the Executive Board for approval; and

(b)  note the outcomes of the Office of Surveillance Commissioners Inspection report and the Interception of Communications Commissioner’s Office inspection report, and in relation to the latter to note that an appropriate action plan has been agreed.

To receive a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement) setting out changes to partnership structures and planning arrangements operating at a strategic level in the City.

The Head Leeds Initiative and International Partnerships presented a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Planning, Policy and Improvement). The report set out the changes to partnership structures and planning arrangements operating at a strategic level in Leeds.

The Committee discussed the report and highlighted the importance of working with the right partners so to achieve Council objectives. The Committee also raised concerns about the governance arrangements of partnerships and how good governance would be achieved.

RESOLVED – The Committee resolved to:

(a)  note the governance implications of the revised structures of the Leeds Initiative and the planning framework for the City; and

(b)  request a further report detailing the governance arrangements for the revised partnership structures and strategic planning arrangements.

To receive a report of the Director of Resources presenting KPMG’s Annual Audit and Inspection Letter 2009/10.

The Principal Finance Manager (Financial Management) presented a report of the Director of Resources. The report summarised the key external audit findings for the 2009/10 financial year. Two representatives from KPMG presented further details on the findings, namely Alison Ormston (Senior Audit Manager at KPMG) and Steve Clark (Director of KPMG).

The Committee discussed the Annual Audit Letter with the representatives of KPMG. Particular concern was raised over the value for money received for the services provided by KPMG in light of the economic challenges facing the Council.

RESOLVED -  The Committee resolved to:

(a)  note the key  external audit issues arising from the 2009/10 audit  process; and

(b)  to discuss KPMG’s charging fees at a future meeting.

To receive a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) notifying and inviting comment from the Committee upon the work Programme.

Please find attached a document entitled ‘Proposed Work Programme and Scales of Fees 2011/12’ compiled by the Audit commission in 2010/11 for your information.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) submitted a report notifying Members of the draft work programme.

The Committee reviewed its forthcoming  work programme.

RESOLVED – The Committee resolved to:

a)  note the draft work programme; and

b)  request that the Local Enterprise Partnerships item, currently unscheduled, be scheduled for a meeting before May 2011.