Issue - meetings

To undertake a review of the Dorset Council Finance Regulations, as contained within the Constitution.

The committee received a report in order to provide the opportunity to review the council’s financial regulations, which was considered to be good practice.  It was noted that a review of the whole Constitution was to take place at the end of the first year of Dorset Council.  Members were invited to review the financial regulations at this stage.

The committee considered the financial regulations and during discussion, the following points were made:

·                In response to a question, the Executive Director of Corporate Development confirmed that the council was part of a national fraud initiative, whereby data was provided to a central organisation in order to identify any duplicate claims, which could assist in the identification of potential fraud

·                The financial regulations noted that an Executive Director would be responsible for agreeing virements within delegated limits on budgets within his/her responsibility and/or control, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer where required.  In addition it was noted that these would be reported by the S151 Officer to councillors through the quarterly finance reports to Cabinet

·                With regard to the section on Budget Monitoring and Control, it was noted that the wording in B12 should be read in conjunction with B13 and the responsibilities of the Executive Directors.  This may be an area which councillors wished to examine at a future meeting.

Councillors considered the potential timescale for the next review of the financial regulations and various views were expressed.

Following discussion it was proposed by Councillor Pipe, seconded by Councillor Lacey-Clarke

Decision

That the financial regulations next be reviewed at the end of Year 1 of Dorset Council during the review of the Dorset Council Constitution and then subsequently reviewed on an annual basis.