Council has approved two new committees, one that will oversee internal operational and financial procedures, assess external audit recommendations and the second, consider petitions from the public.

The Audit Committee, which will comprise five Councillors nominated and elected by the full Council, will scrutinize most aspects of Council’s internal procedures including business and strategic risk assessments, operational efficiency, sound financial practices, and public accountability.

Council Leader Dave Berry said: “I believe it highly desirable that Council establish an Audit Committee to scrutinize, promote and where appropriate, improve Council’s practices and procedures and in doing so establish a high standard of service and accountability to those we serve.

“The committee will also act as an interface between the Council and external bodies such as Audit Scotland which make recommendations from time to time on how we can improve the services we deliver to our communities.”

The Petitions Committee, which will consist of the four party leaders with the Provost as convener, will promote community engagement by enabling the public to bring petitions to the Council.

Depute Council Leader Stuart Currie said: “The Petitions Committee will provide a high profile forum with which to encourage more community engagement on a range of issues. The Council intends to establish an online petitions system similar to that at the Scottish Parliament to make it as easy as possible for residents to communicate with the committee.”

The Audit Committee is expected to meet four times during the 2008-09 Council session and the Petitions Committee twice, increasing to four times in subsequent years. Both committees will meet in public.

ENDS

Issued by Rob Sinclair, Corporate Communications, 26 August, 2008
T. 01620 827741 M. 07887675547 email rsinclair@eastlothian.gov.uk