Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Finance, Procurement & Commercial Services.

Consideration was given to the Grant Thornton Progress Update report as contained on pages 13-32 of the Book of Reports.

The Chairman invited Georgia Jones, Audit Manager Grant Thornton, to present the report to the Committee.

Comments and Questions were raised as follows:

·         PSAA to mediate regarding the increased fee request by Grant Thornton

·         Grant Thornton employees overseas working on accounts and associated costs being same as those employees working in the UK.

·         No assurance can be given by Grant Thornton that their work will not be paused if increased fee cannot be agreed, but would be a last resort.

·         Only 3 of the 15 Councils across Lancashire have published their accounts.

·         Request for it to be minuted again that the most common reason for delay is lack of resources, Covid Pandemic and the Government placing extra work on the Auditors.

·         Accounts to be completed and brought to an extra meeting of Audit & Governance on 22 March 2022.

RESOLVED:     That the Grant Thornton Progress Update Report be noted.