Luton Borough Council

12/07/2024 - Independent report finds audit and governance committee is performing well

Luton Council’s audit and governance committee is functioning well and benefiting from a shift that is now under way towards a more strategic approach, according to an independent effectiveness review.

Conducted by Good Governance Improvement, and framed against the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) best practice guidance, the assessment was aimed at making recommendations intended to help the committee have a greater positive impact for the people of Luton.

Committee chair Councillor Jacqui Burnett said: “The audit and governance committee does vital work to ensure that the council’s finances are well run and focussed on delivering benefits for our communities.

“I welcome this report and members have resolved to adopt its recommendations aimed at further improvement.

“We have already strengthened the skills, experience and knowledge of the committee with the appointments of two independent members which has added to its impartiality.”

The report found that the committee is well led by its chair and supported by council officers.

The committee’s membership is committed to its role, conscious of the importance of good governance and prepared to challenge officers to achieve better outcomes for the people of the town.

Good practice is identified in several areas, with the committee’s work providing clear value. A number of areas where improvements could be made are also highlighted.

The recommendations call for the Council to:

- Develop a clearer plan, set early each year to identify priorities and training needs

- Report findings and impacts towards the end of each year

- Assess more closely the work of its subsidiary companies Foxhall Homes and the airport for greater assurance

- Be concise, developing shorter, sharper agendas and papers with a clearer introduction and purpose.

- Focus on development, producing an annual programme that supports continuous learning and ongoing improvement.

The full report can be read here.