Issue - meetings

To consider a summary of the key findings identified during the Audit Commission’s certification process for 2010-11 specific grant income.

The Committee considered a summary of the key findings identified during the Audit Commission’s certification process for 2010-11 specific grant income.

The report summarised the findings from the certification of 2010-11 claims.  It included recommendations arising from the auditor’s assessment of the Council’s arrangements for preparing claims and returns and information on claims that were amended or qualified.

The report recommended the strengthening of arrangements to ensure that all claims and returns were submitted in accordance with the timetable and improvements in supporting documentation.

The fees associated with the grant certification work in 2010-11 were £74,647.

The Grants Allocation Report was attached as an Appendix to the report.

Judith Tench and Andrea Castling of the Audit Commission presented the report and answered Members’ questions.

Judith Tench also took the opportunity to announce that contracts for the provision of external audit had been provisionally granted and that the contract for the North-West had been awarded to Grant Thornton, who would become the Council’s auditor with effect from 1^st September 2012. Grant Thornton were conscious of the need for continuity and would formally present themselves at an event to be held on 1^st May 2012 to which Council Officers would be invited.

RESOLVED

That

(1)   the Grants Certification Report be noted; and

(2)   the future external audit arrangements be noted.