West Lancs logo

Agenda item

EXTERNAL AUDIT PROGRESS REPORT AND SECTOR UPDATE 2020-21

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

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the Grant Thornton Update Report as contained on pages 185 to 199 of the Book of Reports.

 

The Chairman invited Georgia Jones, Key Audit Partner - Grant Thornton, to present the report to the Committee.

 

Comments and questions were raised as follows:

·         Difficulties during Pandemic and catch-up work/capacity issues in Team

·         A staff re-structure of the Finance Team at WLBC has been undertaken and this will now provide stability moving forward

·         A notice of delay for the 2020/21 audit has been published on the Council's website in line with regulation

·         Clarification/breakdown of the increase in fees - Grant Thornton/ Justify to PSAA for agreement

·         Project Plan for Audit 2020/21 – Autumn 2022

·         Grant Thornton revising samples following some changes made to the 2020/21 Accounts

·         Civica Improvement modules / wider transactional

·         Impact on Annual Governance Statement due to non-receipt of 2020/21 Accounts

·         Audit deliverables - The Head of Finance commented that revised 20/21 Accounts, in full Group format, would be distributed to members of the Audit and Governance Committee by 31 August 2022

 

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

Supporting documents: