Issue - meetings

To receive a report from Grant Thornton providing the Committee with a report on progress in delivering their responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors.

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

It was explained that the final accounts audit was due to begin on 1 June 2018 with findings reported to the Audit Committee at their special meeting in July 2018. This earlier deadline had represented a challenge in some other local authorities but had been achieved by this Council for the previous two years. The Director of Finance, Assets & Resources was confident this earlier deadline could be achieved again given that there had been very few statutory changes and the Finance department would have more staff resource.

Reference was made to the Value for Money assessment, the Housing Benefit Claim (which would be completed by the end of November 2018) and a list of important dates in relation to the overall external audit. The Committee’s attention was also drawn to a sector led update providing a summary of emerging national issues and developments to support the Council.

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