Issue - meetings

The External Auditors, Ernst and Young (EY), submitted a report setting out how they intended to carry out their responsibilities as the Council’s external auditors.  The report set out their proposed audit approach and scope for the 2015/16 audit in accordance with statutory and other professional requirements and to ensure that it was aligned with service expectations.  The Audit Plan set out what work the External Auditors planned to perform and the key issues which needed to be taken into account.

The Vice Chairman commented that the report did not refer to National Non-Domestic Ratepayers (NNDR).  EY explained that small businesses were being exempted from paying NNDR according to the latest budget announcement today and that Authorities would, for the present time, be compensated by the Government.  The Director of Finance and Support Services explained that a consultation process on business rates was due in the summer and that she would brief Members when more information was available.

The Committee approved the Audit Plan for 2015/16.

RESOLVED – that the Audit Plan for 2015/16, as now detailed, be approved.