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The important role of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Audit Committee will be reinforced when members meet later this week.

The Audit Committee is a key element of the Council's corporate governance arrangements.

As a non-political advisory group, which includes external independent members, the Committee is an important source of assurance about the local authority's arrangements for managing risk, maintaining an effective control environment and reporting on financial and other performance.

Members will receive an overview of key matters considered by the Audit Committee when Committee Chair Councillor Ken Dawes and Vice-Chair Councillor Paul Milburn present the Annual Report for 2021/2022 at the meeting of Borough Council tomorrow (Thursday 24 November).

Councillor Dawes said: "The Audit Committee has a key role in scrutinising the financial activities of the Council. It is also an important source of assurance around how well the Council governs, manages risk, maintains good control of its finances and uses its resources effectively to deliver value for money services for residents.

"This is an extremely challenging times for all local authorities, therefore it's more important than ever to have good internal control and governance work going on behind the scenes to support the Council to deliver its objectives."

"As a Committee, we are not standing still and are always looking at how we can continue to develop and grow and work even more effectively with officers and external auditors.

"We are also keen to raise more awareness of the work of the Committee in ensuring the Council's governance, risk management and control processes continue to be efficient, effective and transparent."

One of the ways the Council is helping to promote the work of the Committee and Internal Audit team is by offering training to all members to help them expand their understanding and knowledge of audit.

Members will also hear that Internal Audit have given positive assurance on the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the governance, risk and control framework during 2021/22 in their annual report.

This means that the Council continues to have a sound system of control in place, with further progress to be made in some areas.

The meeting of Borough Council takes place at 6pm in the Council Chamber at South Shields Town Hall.