Agenda item

The Committee will receive the External Audit Progress Report and Technical Update.

The Committee received the External Audit progress report and technical update for July, 2016, giving a high level overview of progress in the delivery of the External Auditor’s responsibilities.  The report set out in the appendix a summary of the main deliverables including reports and opinions given and Members noted progress against those issues. 

The following matters were highlighted:

·         It was noted that no areas of concern had been identified

·         The audit of the draft financial statements was on track with the intention of the issuing of the opinion before the deadline on the 30^th September, 2016

·         Reference was made to the results of the KPMG Local Government Budget Survey and in this respect particular reference was made to the potential implications of recent changes to pensions taxation in relation to Senior staff.  Arising out of this discussion

o    the Director of Finance, Assets and Information Services commented on the current position with regard to proposals contained with the Enterprise Bill

o   Reference was made to the potential staff retention issues, to ‘packages’ that could be offered and to the potential implications for the Future Council in relation to the downsizing of the workforce

·         There was a discussion of the changes introduced following the publication of the 2016/17 Better Care Fund planning guidance.  It was noted that proposals were in place and discussions had taken place with both the CCG and the Health and Well Being Board

RESOLVED that the External Audit progress report and technical update for July 2016/17 be noted.