Internal Controls

What safeguards are in place to ensure public money is well looked after and to ensure the Council is doing what it should be doing?

Budget Policy and Framework Procedure Rules

These rules set out the arrangements for the Council's decision making in relation to its budget and those plans and strategies that the Council is legally required to adopt.

Download the Budget Policy and Framework Procedure Rules (PDF 42KB)

Financial Regulations

These regulations govern the way the Council manages its financial forward planning, its annual budget setting, budget monitoring and the closure of accounts.

Download the Financial Regulations (PDF 155KB)

Contract Procedure Rules

These rules set the framework for the Council to procure works, supplies and services, and ensure value for money and propriety in the spending of public money.

Download the Contract Procedure Rules (PDF 206KB)

Officer Employment Procedure Rules

This explains the rules that apply to the employment of officers by the Council.

Download the Officer Employment Procedure Rules (PDF 24KB)

Members Allowances Scheme

This explains the Council’s scheme for payment of allowances to Councillors in accordance with statutory regulations.

Download the Members Alllowances Scheme (PDF 132KB)

Whistleblowing

This works in conjunction with the Public Disclosure Act 1998. It is intended to encourage employees and the public to report any concern they may have of improper conduct, malpractice or abuse within the Council or to any of its service users.

Download our Whistleblowing guidance (PDF 312KB) for more details

Counter Fraud Guidance

This applies to all cases of fraud, which can be practically defined as ‘any dishonesty with the intent to secure that to which you are not entitled’.

Download our Anti-Fraud guidance (PDF 316KB) for more details

Internal Audit

Internal Audit is and has to be an independent, objective assurance and review function set up within the Council as a service to Members, the Audit Committee and all levels of management. The service is responsible for the effective review of the adequacy and effectiveness of all procedures and controls in place relating to risk management and internal control throughout the Council’s activities.

External Audit

The Audit Commission website explains the local government audit and inspection regime through the annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment, the Use of Resources Assessment, and the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter. It also explains the performance framework for 2008 and beyond.

The Council's external auditors are: Grant Thornton, Grant Thornton House, 22 Melton Street, London NW1 2EP. Telephone: 020 7383 5100.

RIPA

This explains the policy and procedures that relate to any covert surveillance the Council is engaged or potentially engaged in.

Download the RIPA Policy (PDF 230KB)

Annual Governance Statement

This report explains the Annual Governance Statement which all Councils are required to produce at least annually to assess the effectiveness of its system of internal control.