Agenda item

Committee considered a detailed report, presented by the Section 151 Officer, which provided an update on the latest position regarding Local Audit Delays.  Members approval was also sought for the draft (unaudited) Statement of Accounts for 2023/24, which were attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

Local Audit Delays

Further to the Section 151 Officer presenting a report at the March Audit Committee in relation to ‘Local audit delays – consultation and proposals for the future,’ which were dependent on legislation being passed, the timing of the general election meant the legislation did not get taken through parliament.

On 30^th July a letter was received from the new Government advising of an intention to lay secondary legislation when parliamentary time allowed to provide an initial backstop date of 13^th December 2024 for the financial years up to and including 2022/23.  This was a change from the original proposal which was 30^th September 2024.  As mentioned in the March report, this did not affect the Council as the 2022/23 accounts had already been audited and signed off by Forvis Mazars.

The backstop date for the last financial year, 2023/24, had been changed to 27^th February 2025, rather than 31^st May 2025, and for the financial year 2024/25, it had changed from 31^st March 2026 to 27^th February 2026.  The Section 151 Officer was hopeful that this meant the 2023/24 accounts would be audited and signed off by Forvis Mazars before the end of the current financial year.

In addition, subject to parliamentary approval, for financial years 2024/25 to 2027/28, the date by which the Council had to publish its draft (unaudited) accounts, would change from 31^st May to 30^th June each year.

Statement of Accounts

Due to circumstances outside of the Council’s control, the statutory deadline for publishing the Council’s draft accounts at 31^st May 2024, was missed.  External information was finally received at the end of June 2024, and the draft (unaudited) Statement of Accounts was published on 3^rd July 2024.

Forvis Mazars were due to start the 2023/24 audit at the beginning of October and it was possible that changes to the Statement of Accounts (as attached to the report) would be requested.  Given this possibility, it was recommended that delegated powers be given to the Chief Financial Officer, in consultation with the Chair or vice Chair of Audit Committee, to agree any final changes to the Council’s Statement of Accounts 2023/24.  It should be noted that the only changes made under these delegated powers would relate to amendments agreed with the Council’s external auditors Forvis Mazars.

In response to a query raised by Councillor Wood, the Section 151 Officer advised Members that she had no concerns in relation to the dates being brought forward.

Moved by Councillor Carol Wood and seconded by Councillor Cathy Jeffery

RESOLVED that: 1) the Statement of Accounts in respect of 2023/24 be approved;

2)    delegated powers be granted to the Chief Financial Officer, in consultation with the Chair or vice Chair of Audit Committee, to agree any changes agreed with the Council’s external auditors Forvis Mazars, which may be necessary to ensure the completion of the Statement of Accounts by 27^th February 2025.