Councillor Steve Tuckwell and Councillor Richard Mills have welcomed the appointment of Mr Paul Grady as the Independent Chair of the new Audit, Finance & Performance Committee. The move, agreed by the council, aims to enhance scrutiny, openness, and transparency.
Councillor Tuckwell stated that the committee had been established in line with 'relevant requirements' designed to provide 'enhanced scrutiny, openness and transparency'. He emphasised the need to allow the committee to fulfil its intended purpose and confirmed that the new arrangements would be subject to ongoing review.
Councillor Mills seconded the motion, highlighting the significance of the committee's independence as a 'clear statement of intent' and a step forward for 'further openness and transparency'. He added that the committee's overall function would be strengthened, noting that Hillingdon Council had attracted an 'excellent calibre' of applicants for the role, with Mr Grady receiving unanimous approval across all parties.
Mr Grady brings 'extensive public sector audit experience and a strong understanding of governance and accountability' to the role. His application also demonstrated 'a passion for the value of good governance and effective stewardship of funds within public services, and the importance of accountability to the taxpayer.' He possesses 'extensive experience of working with senior figures in a number of public sector bodies' and 'a good understanding of how to chair an effective Committee.'
However, the appointment was not without discussion. Councillor Tony Eginton raised concerns regarding the Audit Committee's report being 'effectively hidden' within the Head of Democratic Services report. He questioned the compliance with legal and statutory requirements, specifically noting that the report 'does not refer to overseeing the production of the annual government statement or recommending its adoption,' a function he stated is mandated by the council's constitution and Regulation 61A of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.
Councillor Eginton also pointed to the absence of any mention of 'seven Section 24 statutory recommendations delivered by the external auditors'. Furthermore, he questioned why an 'annual independent review of the committee's effectiveness' had not been undertaken, believing it had not occurred for a decade. He felt the placement of the report did not adequately reflect its importance or the statutory duties of the Audit Committee.