PURPOSE OF REPORT

1 This report is to present to Members the draft Annual Governance Statement for 2020/21.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2 The CIPFA/Solace Delivering Good Governance in Local Government Framework (2016) (the Framework) requires the Fire and Rescue Authority (the Authority) to publish an Annual Governance Statement.

3 The draft Annual Governance Statement for 2020/21 is set out in Appendix 1 and has been prepared in accordance with the principles set out in the Framework. The forward work programme for 2021/22 is contained within the draft Annual Government Statement.

4 The Annual Governance Statement will be published as part of the production of the statutory financial statements for 2020/21. An assessment will be made by the external auditor to confirm whether it is consistent with the financial statements and has been produced in line with the Framework.

RECOMMENDATION

5 Members are asked to:

(i) note the governance arrangements outlined within the draft 2020/21 Annual Governance Statement;
(ii) note the forward work plan for 2021/22; and
(iii) approve the draft 2020/21Annual Government Statement.

OBSERVATIONS FROM EXECUTIVE PANEL

6 The draft 2020/21Annual Government Statement was reviewed by the Executive Panel at its meeting of 10 May 2021. The Panel noted the content and recommended approval by the Authority.

BACKGROUND

7 Since 2010/11 all local government bodies have been required, by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, to prepare an Annual Governance Statement which is published as part of the Statutory Accounts.

8 The purpose of the Annual Governance Statement is to assess and demonstrate that there is a sound system of corporate governance throughout the organisation.

INFORMATION

9 In 2016, CIPFA and Solace published a new governance framework, Developing Good Governance in Local Government: Framework (the Framework). The Framework is structured around seven principles of governance which enables the Authority to demonstrate its overall arrangements and set out how it has discharged its responsibilities.

10 The purpose of the Annual Governance Statement is to set out the Authority’s arrangements to ensure that:

(i) business is conducted in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations;
(ii) public money is safeguarded and properly accounted for ; and
(iii) resources are used economically, efficiently and effectively to achieve agreed priorities which benefit local people.

11 The draft 2020/21 Annual Governance Statement is set out in Appendix 1. It provides an overview of the governance arrangements and confirms the work plan for 2021/22.

12 The Annual Governance Statement is reviewed by Audit Wales to confirm that it is consistent with its knowledge of the Authority and the financial statements.

IMPLICATIONS

Wellbeing Objectives This report links to NWFRA’s long-term well-being objectives and demonstrates the governance arrangements in place to enable the Service to provide emergency responses and prevention work well in to the future.
Budget Not applicable
Legal The Annual Governance Statement has been prepared in accordance with the prescribed standards.
Staffing None
Equalities/Human Rights/Welsh Language None
Risks A sound governance framework supports the Authority’s risk management arrangements.