As part of the preparation of the Strategic and Operational Plans, Internal Audit makes use of a rigorous 'Risk and Materiality' assessment of each area of the Authority's activities.   We consider the number and value of transactions processed, operational risks, staffing issues and effect of statutory requirements. The results help to give an indication of the overall 'risk ranking', the required audit resource and the frequency of each audit review.   In general, High risk areas will be audited every year, Medium risk areas every other year with Low risk audits being carried out once every three years. Of course, we will discuss the timing and scope of a review with you well before it is programmed to start.