Governance
LCC (as the FRA) is responsible for ensuring:
- its business is conducted in accordance with the law and proper standards
- that public money is safeguarded and properly accounted for
- that public money is used economically, efficiently and effectively
One of the Executive Councillors (portfolio holder) has specific responsibility for the exercise of executive functions in relation to the Council’s role as Fire Authority.
LCC has adopted a governance and assurance structure which is consistent with the principles of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and Society of Local Authority Chief Executives Framework Delivering Good Governance in Local Government. The Council’s Annual Governance Statement sets out its commitment to good governance describing the governance framework and processes. It provides details as to the measures taken by LCC to ensure appropriate business practice, high standards of conduct and sound governance. It also sets out the actions LCC has undertaken to review the effectiveness of its governance framework, including the system of internal control. LCC’s Annual Governance Statement is included in its Statement of Accounts publication.
LCC’s internal audit department publishes an Annual Internal Audit Report. This complies with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) and the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.
This provides an independent opinion of the overall adequacy and effectiveness of the Council’s governance framework and internal control system. The opinion of the Head of Internal Audit in respect of the year ended 31 March 2022 was that:
- arrangements for risk management were performing well
- arrangements for governance, financial control and internal control were performing adequately
The Portfolio Holder, Chief Executive and Chief Fire Officer provide routine oversight of the fire and rescue service. Key decisions are processed through the County’s Informal Executive and Executive as necessary. LFR reports to the Public Protection and Communities Scrutiny Committee on a regular basis in accordance with the scrutiny work programme. Copies of committee reports can be found on our website.