Decision details

The Deputy Chief Executive reported that external auditors appointed by the Audit Commission, KPMG, were required, in accordance with international auditing standards and statutory requirements, to report annually to the Council on:

·         Their opinion on the Council’s Statement of Accounts

·         Any uncorrected items in the Statement of Accounts

·         Qualitative aspects of the Council’s accounting practices and financial reporting

·         The Annual Governance Statement

·         Their annual Value for Money conclusion

They also reported annually on their audit of the Council’s accounting and internal control systems.

Neil Hewitson, on behalf of KPMG, presented the report and responded to members’ questions. He concluded that the Council had made proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources and therefore was an unqualified, positive audit in relation to (a). The Financial Statement and (b). Value for Money (VFM).

The external auditor gave a positive overall conclusion and stated that this was a testament to the work of the Accountancy and Audit teams of the Council.

Resolved that:

1)    The Audit Committee is asked to note the External Auditor’s 2015/16 audit report (Appendix A).That the Chief Finance Officer sign the letter of representation (as attached to appendix 4 of the Auditors’ report).

2)    That the Chief Finance Officer and Chairman of the Committee sign the statement of accounts.

3)    That the Audit Committee notes the draft officer responses to the recommendations made in Appendix 1 of the Auditors’ report.