Internal Audit Follow Up Review – St Giles Centre

Following a previous statement on the matter, the follow-up report on council processes was considered to provide assurance around completion of actions to address concerns about the management of the handling of recovering debt and informing Councillors about issues.

The investigation, which examined internal documentation, correspondence, and financial records, identified recommendations in the council’s governance around decision making. The recommendations were aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and financial oversight. The most recent report found that all recommendations have been implemented, with the exception of one on retention of data, the completion of which was slightly delayed until the end of September.

Chair of Moray Council’s Audit and Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Scott Lawrence, said: “The findings of the review highlighted improvements needed for the council to continue to uphold the standards of financial stewardship expected of a public body. Although not all Audit recommendations were completed, I’m satisfied that these improvements have been made and that the council is committed to ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent a repetition of the shortcomings highlighted in the original report. Continued compliance with the improved procedures will be monitored through the Chief Executive and corporate leadership team.”

Moray Council’s Chief Executive, Karen Greaves BEM, added: “I thank the audit service for conducting this investigation, which gave the council a robust set of improvements to make and I give my assurance to councillors and residents that we take our responsibilities around this extremely seriously. We have now implemented all but one of the recommendations and I am confident any future decisions of this nature will follow approved practice to ensure transparency and swift decision making can take place.”