Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to advise Members of discussions between York and North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) regarding the business benefits of moving towards a shared service solution for internal audit and fraud services. 

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to:

(i)                 Note the officer discussions to date and the agreement, in principle, to develop a shared service solution with North Yorkshire County Council for the provision of audit and fraud services;

(ii)               Approve the proposed shared management arrangements as set out in this report (phase I of the proposal) from 1 October 2007 until at least March 2008, but with the option to extend this period by up to 12 months;

(iii)             Approve the commitment of resources to the arrangement on the basis of the existing audit and fraud service levels and costs.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:To enable Members to consider future collaboration with North Yorkshire County Council in the delivery of internal audit and fraud services.

Members received a report which advised Members of discussions between York and North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) regarding the business benefits of moving towards a shared service solution for internal audit and fraud services. 

Members had two options to consider.  The first option was to confirm the agreement, in principle, to enter into a shared audit and fraud service with NYCC, together with the proposed interim shared management arrangements.  The second option was to seek alternative measures to address the existing constraints on service capacity and resilience.  The first option was recommended.  A detailed options appraisal would be undertaken before moving to phase II of the process.

Members raised concerns about whether the planned programme of work would continue to be met and that there would be no diminution in services. Officers reported that they would ensure that there was no loss or prejudice to the council’s own audit plan, and that exit strategies would be incorporated, in case the shared service did not go according to plan.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised to:

(i)                 Note the officer discussions to date and the agreement, in principle, to develop a shared service solution with North Yorkshire County Council for the provision of audit and fraud services;

(ii)               Approve the proposed shared management arrangements as set out in this report (phase I of the proposal) from 1 October 2007 until at least March 2008, but with the option to extend this period by up to 12 months;

(iii)             Approve the commitment of resources to the arrangement on the basis of the existing audit and fraud service levels and costs.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:To enable Members to consider future collaboration with North Yorkshire County Council in the delivery of internal audit and fraud services.