Implementing good practices in transparency, reporting and audit to deliver effective accountability
Supporting principles
Implementing good practice in transparency
Implementing good practices in reporting
Assurance and effective accountability
Cheshire West and Chester will:
Comply with the local government transparency code and publish all required information in a timely manner
Have an established medium term financial planning strategy which is subject to regular review
Have in place effective and accessible arrangements for dealing with complaints
Maintain an effective scrutiny function which encourages constructive challenge and enhances the Council’s overall performance
Maintain an effective audit and governance committee which is independent of the executive and scrutiny committees
Maintain and resource an effective internal audit function
Maintain open and effective arrangements for evidencing, recording and explaining decisions
Publish all executive and committee reports under ‘Part 1’- open to inspection by the public – unless there is a legitimate need to preserve confidentiality which will be explained on the basis of the statutory tests
Put in place and publicise ‘whistle-blowing’ arrangements to which all staff and contractors have access
Produce clear timely and accurate information for budget holders and senior officers relating to their area and the budget and financial performance of the Council
Publish an annual pay statement in relation to senior staff in accordance with the Localism Act 2011
Publish annually details of Councillors allowances/expenses
Performance framework on Outcomes including publication of dashboard made available via website
This will be evidenced by:
Medium Term Financial Strategy
Comments Compliments and Complaints Procedure
Audit and Governance Committee reports
Internal and External Audit Reports
Scrutiny Committees
Constitution
Modern Government-democratic services system
Whistle-blowing policy
Annual Pay Policy Statement
Open data/Transparency data published
Modern Slavery - Annual Transparency Statement
Corporate fraud team investigate any allegations
Scheme of delegation
Schemes of financial delegation
Inspection reports e.g. Ofsted
Treasury management reports to Audit and Governance Committee
Reports to Audit and Governance Committee on financial performance
Scrutiny Committees structure and terms of reference regularly reviewed to ensure fit for purpose
Annual financial statements and in-year performance reporting
Audit and Governance Committee Annual Report
Council has won a number of awards for scrutiny reports including the Centre for Public Scrutiny Overall Impact Award
