Issue - meetings

Council considered a report presented by Councillor Clive Moesby Portfolio Holder for Resources which summarised the Auditor’s Annual Report 2023/24 prepared by Forvis Mazars attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

It had been reported to the Audit Committee on 12^th March 2024 the plans to address local audit delays in the public sector. The Auditor’s report was presented by Forvis Mazars to an Extraordinary meeting of the Audit Committee held on 20^th February 2025.

Councillor Tom Kirkham highlighted that the Auditors had raised issues in respect of material errors on the group accounts on page 33 and that residents were concerned about the perceived rising costs and issues with big building projects such as the Crematorium and regeneration projects. In view of the Dragonfly Review being almost complete and need to review this report Councillor Tom Kirkham questioned whether it would be possible to arrange an Extraordinary meeting to review and discuss these together with the Auditors. 

Councillor Jane Yates confirmed that an Extraordinary Council meeting would be called to discuss the outcome of the Dragonfly Review report and review of the Dragonfly companies but added that any decisions relating to the Dragonfly Companies arising from the report would be an executive decision and not one taken at full Council. The report would be published with the recommendations and options appraisal being done as part of the report.

Councillor Clive Moesby moved and Councillor John Ritchie seconded RESOLVED that the Forvis Mazars Auditors report be noted.