This report presents the Committee with the Annual Audit Letter issued by the external auditors, Ernst & Young, following the completion of the audit of the 2016/17 accounts.

The purpose of the Annual Audit Letter was to communicate to members and to the public and other stakeholders, the key issues arising from the audit of the accounts, which the external auditors considered should b brought to the attention of the Council.

The Annual Letter contains the following sections:

a)    Executive Summary – result of the 2016/17 audit process

b)    Responsibilities – of the Appointed Auditors and the Council

c)    Financial Statements Audit – key issues identified as part of the audit

d)    Value for Money – arrangements put in place by the Council to secure value for money

e)    Other reporting issues

Mr Ruck thanked the work of the officers involved to get everything in order. 

A motion was MOVED by Cllr McCheyne and SECONDED by Cllr Rowlands to approve the recommendations in the report.

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

It is recommended that the contents of the Annual Audit Letter are noted.

Reasons for Recommendation

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