Issue - meetings

The Head of Finance S151 introduced the report which followed on from the previous year’s Annual Governance Statement. He said that it should be noted that when the completion report is presented by the new auditor – Azets, it will also include the same Statutory Recommendations that have been included in the completion report covering 2021/22 and 2022/23 by the previous auditor – EY LLP. 

The Chair thanked the Head of Finance S151 for his report.

Mr Sharman said that the report referred to the breakdown in the relationship between the former Section 151 Officer and Chief Executive - which he wished to make clear the Committee had not been aware of. He added that the report also felt weighted towards perfection at the beginning.

Councillor Nicholls agreed with Mr Sharman’s comments.

It was moved by Councillor Williamson and seconded by Councillor Nicholls, that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved. After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Draft Annual Governance Statement for 2023/24 be reviewed and commented on; and

(B)   that it is noted that when the Completion report is presented for 2023/24 by the new External Auditors (Azets), it is anticipated that this will also include the same Statutory Recommendations that have been included in the Completion report covering 2021/22 and 2022/23 by EY, and that the 2023/24 completion report will also have to be presented at a meeting of the full Council within 30 days of Azets providing/presenting the report.