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 September, 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 report and opinions give 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 almost complete and the Value for Money conclusion was complete

·         The Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Claim was the only grant remaining under the Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSSA) regime

·         Additional work was being undertaken in relation to the Teacher’s Pensions Agency and the Pooling of Capital Receipts which fell outside the PSAA regime and the cost for this work was £7,750.  In response to detailed questioning, the External Audit representatives explained the rationale for these fees and the Service Director Finance commented particularly on the issues previously addressed in relation to the Teacher’s Pensions Agency return

·         Reference was made to the KPMG publication of reports ‘Value of Audit – Perspectives for Government’; ‘Reimagine – Local Government’; and ‘The Future of Cities’

RESOLVED that the External Audit progress report and technical update for September, 2016 be noted.