Issue - meetings

Background:

This report advised Members of the recovery of funds misappropriated from Temple Mill Primary School and the options for disbursement.

It was noted that the Audit Committee had initially considered options for the disbursement of the recovered funds on 9 July 2013 and recommended to Cabinet on 6 August 2013 the provision of training on governance issues (option 4), as this would reduce the risk of a similar fraud occurring elsewhere in Medway. It also requested a further report on how the proposed programme would be delivered. The Cabinet, on 6 August 2013, requestedthat the Audit Committee re-examine all existing evidence relating to the issues at Temple Mill Primary School and review any new information that had become available before making a further recommendation to Cabinet. The Audit Committee, on 4 September 2013, subsequently reconsidered the issues, which included representations from the Headteacher and Governors from Temple Mill Primary School.

A copy of the minutes of the Audit Committee were attached at Appendix 1 to the report and the report included information obtained following the committee meeting as to ICT replenishment, financial management systems and support to the school.

Reasons:

Using these funds will provide targeted support to Temple Mill Primary School and will also provide training on governance issues, which will reduce the risk of a similar fraud occurring elsewhere within Medway.