Meeting Details

Apologies for absence have been received from Councillor Kiernan.

Members are reminded that they must not participate in the discussion of, or voting on any matter, in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

Members are asked to agree the minutes, attached marked 3, of the Audit and Performance Management Committee meeting, held on 27 September 2013, and that they are signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Members are asked to receive any questions, statements or petitions, of which notice has been received, from members of the public.

Members are asked to receive the Annual Audit Letter 2013/14 of the Audit Commission, attached marked 5a, which summarises the key findings of the Commission's audit for the year ended 31 March 2013.

This protocol, attached marked 5b, sets out the key principles and procedures underpinning the working relationship between Audit Services and the Fire Authority's external auditors, Grant Thornton. It establishes a framework for co-ordination, co-operation and exchange of information.

This paper, attached marked 5c, provides a report on the progress of Grant Thornton in delivering their responsibilities as the Fire Authority's external auditors. The paper also includes: A summary of emerging national issues and developments that may be relevant to the Fire Authority; and A number of challenge questions in respect of these emerging issues, which the Committee may need to consider.

This report, attached marked 6, summarises the progress made to date against the improvements contained in the Annual Governance Statement Improvement Plan 2013/14.

This report, attached marked 7, updates Members on the high-level benefits of the Service Transformation Programme.

This report, attached marked 8a, presents a summary of the Service's performance for the period April to September 2013.

This report, attached marked 8b, provides information regarding the ongoing performance and management of the Retained Duty System in Shropshire.

This report, attached marked 8c, provides information on the performance of the Fire Authority controlled company, Shropshire Fire Risk Management Services. Please note that the appendix to this report contains exempt information and will, therefore, be considered in closed session at item 10.

Members are asked to consider a resolution under the Local Government Act 1972 that the public and press be excluded for the following agenda item on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined by the provisions of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act, by virtue of paragraph 3.

The Committee is asked to receive the appendix to report 8c, attached marked 10, which contains exempt information.