Decision details

Georgia Jones, Grant Thornton (External Auditors) provided a detailed explanation of the External Annual Audit report, as contained on pages 299 to 342 of the Book of Reports.

Comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:

·       Opening Balance Disclaimer concerns

·       Capacity of the Finance Team to produce quality evidence

·       External Audit Statutory powers

·       Tracking of external audit recommendations mechanisms

·       New IT system in place for 2024/25, which should improve information management

·       Independent Member on the Audit Committee – Key recommendation

·       Financial training for Councillors needed

RESOLVED:

A.    That the report be noted.

B.    That an Action Planner and Tracker be submitted to future meetings in respect of the external audit recommendations.

C.    That financial training for all Councillors be sourced from an external provider.