Issue - meetings

This report accompanies the Annual Audit Letter for 2009/10.  The Letter is issued by the Audit Commission.

that the contents of the Audit Letter 2009/2010 be noted and that the Audit Committee will monitor progress against the main features highlighted and delivery of the Action Plan. 

Members had before them the report from the Director of Finance and Corporate Services which accompanied the Annual Audit Letter for 2009/10 issued by the Audit Commission. Present at the meeting were Andrea White and Paul Viljoen (Audit Commission) Ms White in introducing the Letter advised that an unqualified opinion had been issued on the council’s financial statements and arrangements to secure value for money. The detail of these had been discussed at the recent meeting of the Audit Committee. Ms White stated that some additional work had to be undertaken to verify information from some departments as a result of which additional fees had been levied. She reminded members of the need for a consistent approach to be adopted across the council.  Ms White also referred to the perceived improvements in the council’s human resources function and the One Council Improvement and Efficiency Programme and indicated that the council could do more to embed good practice. Regarding the council’s involvement in the London Authorities Mutual Limited (LAML) case she was satisfied that the outcome had not resulted in any material loss to the Council. On the council’s responsibility for the proper administration of the affairs of foundation schools Andrea White referred to her recommendations which had been acted on. She concluded by acknowledging the many challenges which the council would be facing over the coming months, not least the need to deliver a high standard of service within increasing financial pressures.

The Executive thanked Ms White and Mr Viljoen for their contribution and for attending the meeting.

RESOLVED:

that the contents of the Audit Letter 2009/2010 be noted and that the Audit Committee will monitor progress against the main features highlighted and delivery of the Action Plan.