Bromley Council's Audit and Risk Management Committee has approved the deferral of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Transport audit to the 2026/27 financial year due to delays in implementing a new system. The decision was made during the committee's meeting on Thursday, 6 November 2025, where members reviewed the Internal Audit Plan for November 2025 to March 2026. The committee aimed to approve the plan, ensuring it provides assurance on risk management, governance, and control. The plan also aligns with the council's strategic objectives and stakeholder needs.
The new system, initially expected to be in place earlier in 2025, is now slated for launch in January 2026. This delay necessitates a post-implementation review to ensure the design and operation of controls are effective, prompting the committee to push back the audit. The audit is intended to provide assurance on the design and operation of controls of the new system, and therefore is best deployed post-implementation.
The draft Internal Audit Plan November 2025 – March 2026 outlines several objectives, including providing assurance on a broad range of risks, aligning with the council's strategic objectives, mitigating key corporate and departmental risks, meeting stakeholder needs, and balancing assurance and consultancy work.
Other proposed audit areas in the plan include Council Tax, Financial Management Code, Payroll Deductions, Violence at Work, Arboricultural Contracts, Commercial Properties, and a post-implementation review of the Planning System.
The Audit and Risk Management Committee, chaired by Councillor Michael Tickner, plays a crucial role in overseeing the council's risk management and internal audit functions. The committee's responsibilities include monitoring the Counter Fraud and Corruption Strategy, assessing fraud risks, and ensuring the independence and effectiveness of internal audit processes.
The Audit and Risk Management Committee continues to play a vital role in ensuring the council's accountability and effective management of resources.
