Issue - meetings

With this report members are asked to consider and approve the Council’s Annual Governance Statement.

That Council approves the 2019/20 Annual Governance Statement.

Councillor Kam Kaur (Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation) introduced the report and moved the recommendation, being seconded by Councillor Parminder Singh Birdi who reserved the right to speak.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse expressed the hope that as the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) progresses a review of Directorate savings targets will be undertaken. In addition, he requested that the Brexit Impact Plan for Warwickshire be circulated to all members.

Councillor Kondakor noted that although Warwickshire County Council is well governed there is a need to be more robust around environmental issues. Whilst the accounts are thoroughly audited, environment issues need to be cross checked also.

Councillor Bill Gifford noted that the Chair of the Audit and Standards Committee, John Bridgeman had expressed concerns over ensuring that the County Council is prepared for a “hard Brexit”.

On the subject of Brexit, Councillor Kaur asked that a briefing session be arranged for all members. Concerning the MTFS she agreed that a number of aspects including savings targets will require a re-set. On the issue of the environment Councillor Kaur considered that the terminology around it requires review.

Vote

A vote. The recommendation was agreed unanimously.

Resolved:

That Council approves the 2019/20 Annual Governance Statement.