The report presented the Council’s Statement of Accounts for 2016/17.  The accounts were presented to the External Auditors (Ernst & Young) on 23 June 2017 and signed by the Finance Director. 

The Committee formally approved the financial statements after the completion of the external auditors. 

A motion was MOVED by Cllr McCheyne and SECONDED by Cllr Hirst to approve the recommendations in the report with the addition of the following words:

2.2:  Delegated authority was given to the Finance Director in consultation with the Chair of Audit Committee to agree any changes to the Draft Statement of Accounts 2016/17 by external audit and sign the final audited statements to be approved by the committee. 

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that:

2.1The Draft Statement of Accounts for 2016/17 and Annual Governance Statement were reviewed. 

2.2Delegated authority was given to the Finance Director in consultation with the Chair of Audit Committee to agree any changes to the Draft Statement of Accounts 2016/17 by external audit and sign the final audited statements to be approved by the committee. 

Reason for recommendations

A system of sound financial control and governance arrangements underpins all of the services and priorities of the Council.