Issue - meetings

To consider the External Audit Plan for year ending 31 March 2025.

The Committee considered the External Audit Plan for year ending 31 March 2025 from Grant Thornton. The representative from Grant Thornton set out the planned scope of the external audit plan and significant identified risks, and highlighted where there had been delays. Part of the delayed work related to the Draft Statement of Accounts, but work was underway with officers with a view to finish the work by December. Value for Money work had commenced for 24/25, and the team had met with Officers, Commissioners, and some councillors.

Members of the Committee explored risks identified in the plan and how they were being addressed. The Committee also acknowledged key issues raised in previous audits related to MRP and queried how the recommendation would be addressed. The Deputy Chief Executive advised additional expertise had been brought in to assist with producing the draft statement of accounts and addressing MRP to ensure the recommendation was fully addressed and resolved.

A member of the Committee expressed an interest in receiving an earlier progress report or assurance on a number of issues set out in the plan, and requested an interim progress report. Grant Thornton acknowledged they were required to follow-up on recommendations from previous reports to explore what processes had been put in place to address those recommendations.

The Committee resolved to agree the External Audit Plan for year ending 31 March 2025.

Meeting adjourned 20:48

Meeting reconvened 21:01