Issue - meetings

The committee received a report from the Deputy Head of Finance regarding the external audit of the Statement of Accounts which was still underway.  However, there had been very good progress made and in a much shorter timescale to that experienced for the 2018/19 accounts.  Both officers and the External Auditors emphasised the quality of the paperwork, responsiveness of team members on both sides, despite remote working.  Members commented that the fact that the work had been turned around much more quickly this year was to be commended and were suitable assured, the Committee thanked the Finance Team and EY for the work undertaken to get to this point.  The recommendations were written in a way if there were any major issues the matters would be brought back to committee.

Resolved (6-0) to:

i.               Receive the Audit Results Report presented by EY.

ii.             Approve the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2020, subject to any remaining amendments per recommendation iii.

iii.            Delegate authority to the Chair, in consultation with the Opposition Spokes, to approve any amendments to the Statement of Accounts arising from remaining audit procedures, provided that these do not have a material impact on the Council’s reserves or result in any changes to the auditor’s opinion.

iv.           Authorised the Chair of the meeting to sign the Letter of Representation and Statement of Accounts for the financial year ended 31 March 2020 on behalf of the Council.