There was submitted a report by the Chief Auditor, Renfrewshire Council relative to the Internal Audit annual report on the Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Strategic Development Planning Authority Joint Committee 2018/19.

The report intimated that the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards required that the Chief Auditor prepare an annual report on the internal audit activity’s purpose, authority and responsibility as well as performance relative to its plan. The report must also provide an audit opinion on the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control environment of the audited body.  

The annual report for the Joint Committee was appended to the report and outlined the role of internal audit, the performance of the internal audit team and the main findings from the internal audit work undertaken in 2017/18 and contained an audit assurance statement. 

DECIDED: That the Internal Audit annual report for 2018/19 be noted.

There was submitted a joint report by the Treasurer and the Strategic Development Plan Manager relative to the unaudited annual accounts for the Joint Committee 2018/19 which were appended to the report. 

The report intimated that the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2019 had been completed and forwarded to Audit Scotland for audit. The accounts showed a surplus for the year of £66,422 against a budgeted breakeven position.   

In accordance with the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, the unaudited accounts had only been signed by the Treasurer as proper officer.  The audited accounts would be submitted to the next meeting of the Joint Board for approval and would then be signed by the Convener and Strategic Development Plan Manager, as well as the Treasurer, in accordance with the regulations.  

DECIDED: 

(a) That the annual accounts for the year ended 31 March 2019 be noted and that the accounts be further presented to the Joint Committee on completion of the audit; and

(b) That the Annual Governance Statement be approved.

Under reference to item 8 of the Minute of the meeting of this Joint Committee held on 11 March 2019 there was submitted a report by the Strategic Development Plan Manager providing an update on the ongoing operation and work of Clydeplan.

The report provided an update in relation to Clydeplan’s budget; delivery of the Clydeplan Strategic Development Plan; staffing; office accommodation; processes and governance; and the Clydeplan work plan.

DECIDED: 

(a) That the report and the approach of Clydeplan and its Core Team, particularly in relation to Glasgow City Region related activities, be noted;

(b) That the position of a Strategic Planner with housing policy experience within the Clydeplan Core Team be advertised in support of the activities of Clydeplan, the Glasgow City Region and to support future requirements of the Planning (Scotland) Bill; 

(c) That the lease of the lower ground floor, 125 West Regent Street, Glasgow be terminated and that it be agreed that Clydeplan occupy office space within Glasgow City Council at 40 John Street, Glasgow along with the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network and Climate Ready Clyde;

(d) That the cost of dilapidations in respect of the lower ground floor, 125 West Regent Street and associated removal costs to the office space at 40 John Street, Glasgow be funded from earmarked balances; and

(e) That it be noted that following the Planning (Scotland) Bill receiving Royal Assent there may be further organisational and governance changes in respect of Clydeplan and its Core Team and further reports would be brought to the Joint Committee as appropriate.