Meeting Details

To elect a Chair for the ensuing year

To appoint a Vice-Chair for the ensuing year.

Members are reminded that they should declare any personal and/or prejudicial interests at this point and that they should leave the meeting before any item, in which they have a prejudicial interest, is discussed.

Members are asked to agree the minutes of the meeting of the Audit and Performance Management Committee, held on 12 March 2009, and that they are signed as a correct record.

To receive any questions, statements or petitions, of which notice has been received, from members of the public.

The purpose of this report is to bring the latest version of the Committee's constitution to the notice of its Members. The report also advises of the November 2009 meeting date and requests agreement to meeting dates for 2010. Finally, the report brings Members up to date on training issues and requests them to consider what should be the topic of the next training session.

Since the Fire Authority approved the Statement of Accounts 2008/09 on 3 July 2009 a number of amendments have been made: _list Amendments have been made to the Financial Statements to reflect further impairment costs (£14,000), on the Fire Authority's fixed assets. Disclosure notes regarding financial instruments and FRS 17 pension adjustments have been expanded. _list The question of impairment of the value of land as a result of the economic downturn has not been resolved. On limited local evidence this could be significant, although showing impairment in the balance sheet would in itself have no consequences for the Authority. The Audit Commission's technical department has picked up an issue affecting the way all Police and Fire Authorities treat FRS 17 deficits in their general funds. The implications of this generally, and for the Fire Authority's accounts are still being explained. For information.

Mr Wilson from the Audit Commission will attend to present the Commission’s report on the audit for the year ended 31 March 2009, attached marked 9. The Chair, Chief Fire Officer and Treasurer (in accordance with the authority delegated to them by the Fire Authority at its meeting on 19 July 2006) will then sign the Letter of Representation for the year ended 31 March 2009, as required by the Audit Commission. For consideration and adoption

The Fire Authority's Internal Auditor has produced the 2008/09 Summary Audit Report, attached marked 10, which covers all of the work carried out in the year.

This report gives the Committee an opportunity to make comment on the proposed new Code of Corporate Governance, prior to its going forward to the full Fire Authority for agreement and adoption.

This report presents the new 'Annual Governance Statement' (AGS) Improvement Plan 2009/10, formally approved by the Fire Authority on 3 July 2009, and the progress made to date against the improvements contained in that plan.

This report advises Members of summary details regarding the compliments and complaints received during 2008/09, with comparisons to 2006/07 and 2007/08.

This report sets out potential benchmarking material that is available to judge the performance of aspects of the Authority’s work.

To follow marked 16d. For information.

This report informs Members of the score which would be attributed to this Authority for the Key Performance Indicator element of the performance assessment 2008/09, had it still been assessed.

This report informs Members of the Brigade's performance against nationally prescribed Best Value Performance Indicators for the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009.

This report reports progress within the Improvement Priorities Programme for 2008/09.

This report provides information regarding the ongoing performance of the Retained Duty System in Shropshire.

This report demonstrates to Members progress on the Fire Authority's Improvement Priorities for 2009/10.

To inform Members of the Brigade's performance against nationally prescribed Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPIs) for the period 1 April 2009 to 30 June 2009.

This report informs Members of the score, which would be attributed to this Authority for the Key Performance Indicator element of the performance assessment 2009/10, based on current performance, if assessed.

This report advises Members of the mandatory and historical requirements for the reporting of performance, and proposals to review current arrangements.

This report provides the Audit and Performance Management Committee with a summary report on the work of the Equality and Diversity Steering Group.

This report updates Members on the progress of the actions identified within the Corporate Equality Action Plan.