Audit Committee 11 September 2006 Summary Minutes

Members Present: Bill Griffiths (Chair), John Spence, Kate Owen
Attending: Mike Eland, Mike Hanson, Stephen Jones, Caroline Mawhood, Carol Lunney, Melvyn Neate

Apologies:

1. Whistleblowing

The new policy was to be introduced as part of a package of changes on 18 September. The paper provided some information about what had happened since the creation of HMRC. The Committee found the paper very useful, and would review the subject again from time to time.

2. SA and PAYE Repayments

Stephen Jones provided an update on the position, as requested by the Committee. The trend for PAYE repayments was downwards in both value and volume terms: for SA the overall value had increased. Stephen Jones would provide a further update to a future meeting. Internal Audit would also report back, to the November meeting.

3. Bad debts

Stephen Jones said that Debt Management and Solicitor’s Office were conferring on ways to improve recovery of law costs. New processes should improve the success rate.
The Committee was grateful for both papers.

4. Consultancy

Mike Hanson said that the key messages about compliance had been sent: in future compliance will be supported by ERP. Internal Audit would continue to monitor.

HMRC was also included in a cross-cutting study being carried out by the NAO.

5. Benefits in Kind

An updated paper had been provided, setting out action taken in response to points made by Internal Audit. The Committee agreed to give the area further consideration at its next meeting - Bernadette Kenny and Mike Shipp would be invited.