Issue - meetings

To receive a progress report and update from Grant Thornton regarding progress in delivering their responsibilities as the Council’s external Auditors.

The Committee had before it, and NOTED, a report * from Grant Thornton providing an update on progress in delivering their responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors.

The following was highlighted within the report:

·         An Audit Plan would be issued in the New Year.

·         The approach regarding Value for Money work was explained.

·         Over the coming months there would be discussion around the Council’s Special Purpose Vehicle, the retention of Business Rates, the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and future sustainability.

·         Regarding the procurement of external audit services, Grant Thornton had successfully bid and been awarded 41% of the local government market including Mid Devon District Council.

·         Grant Thornton publications which might be helpful to the Council when considering alternative methods of service delivery.

Following this the Engagement Lead informed the Committee that Steve Johnson, who had been the Audit Manager for 9 years, would be attending the Committee for the last time. It was good practice within the industry to rotate audit managers and it was now time for Steve to change his area of remit. The new Audit Manager who would attend the Committee in future would be Andrew Davies.

The Engagement Lead personally thanked Mr Johnson for the support and advice he had given her. She had relied on his historical knowledge of Mid Devon District Council during her time as Engagement Lead. The Director of Finance, Assets & Resources also thanked Mr Johnson for many years of hard work and co-operative working.

Finally, the Chairman of the Committee stated that Mr Johnson must have seen many changes to the authority over 9 years, he hoped that many of these were for the better. Both he as Chairman and the Committee, had, at times, required complex explanations being unqualified as auditors or accountants themselves and Mr Johnson had always excelled at this. The work that he and his colleagues did was absolutely essential to the Council as was the assurance they provided to the public. The Committee wished him well for the future.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.