Finance and Audit Minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Miss C M Andrew, E L Fisher and B E Hanson.

None

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

Consideration was given to the Audit Commission's Annual Governance report for the 2007/08 audit. Mrs J Tench from External Audit attended the meeting and reported that she was likely to give an unqualified opinion on both the statement of accounts and the value for money conclusion by 30 September 2008. The Committee was informed that the additional fee to be charged to the Council, would be £20,218.

It was noted that paragraph 33 and the first item in appendix 2 should not have been included in the report and would therefore be deleted.

RESOLVED

That subject to not receiving a qualified opinion, the Audit Commission's Annual Governance Report for the 2007/08 Audit be received.

The Committee gave consideration to the Audit Commission's Audit Plan for 2008/09, which set out the inspection work that the Audit Commission proposed to undertake for the 2008/09 financial year.

The Committee raised concerns that the fee had increased by 25% even though a use of resources assessment would not be carried out. Mrs J Tench highlighted that this was due to the impact and significant risks associated with the Reorganisation of Local Government.

Mrs J Tench highlighted that the Audit and Inspection fee for use of resources may be incorrect and agreed to investigate this issue further.

RESOLVED

That subject to the use of resources fee being investigated the Audit Commission's Audit Plan for 2008/09 be received.