Issue - meetings

Cabinet received a report following a referral from the Council’s External Auditor (PricewaterhouseCoopers).

The purpose of the report was for Cabinet to consider and respond to the Audit Letter for 2013/14, prepared jointly by the Council’s external auditors.

Councillor Seaton introduced the report and highlighted the main issues contained within. The Council had received a clean bill of health from the Auditors and as budgets became tighter, the need for rigorous financial management would become more important, therefore the hard work would need to continue going forward. Julian Rickett from PricewaterhouseCoopers added further points of clarification around the summary of the letter and the detailed reports as set out within. The lack of issues reflected well on the authority and based on the work undertaken, it was the Auditor’s view that the Council was financially well run and managed.

         Cabinet considered the report and RESOLVED:

          To approve the Annual Audit Letter for the financial year 2013/14.

          REASONS FOR THE DECISION

          The Council was required to consider the statutory Annual Audit Letter and make appropriate arrangements in response to recommendations.

          ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

The External Auditor may take on board responses received prior to its formal publication, although he had a duty to produce and arrange for the publication of the Annual Audit Letter as soon as reasonably practical. No specific alternative options were submitted to Cabinet for consideration.