The Audit Commission’s Annual Audit Letter stated: “This has been a challenging year with the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), but despite this, officers continued to improve the financial statements and working papers, and responded promptly to our queries.”

The letter also states that the Council’s financial resilience is robust and that necessary action has been taken to maintain the medium term financial plan.

Throughout the year, the District Auditor has been monitoring the Council’s financial management arrangements as well as its response to the comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) to identify any emerging risks.

The resulting letter states that the Council has:

•    Maintained its financial control arrangements
•    Demonstrated leadership in a difficult economic climate
•    Understood the financial position and identified a number of areas to deliver savings and efficiencies
•    Provided robust challenge of financial assumptions and plans via the Cabinet and Audit Committee

Leader of the Council, Cllr. John Knight, stated that this was the best independent report the Council had received in years.

“It reflects our improvement journey and shows how the Council has worked to keep its finances in order. It is pleasing that the District Auditor confirms that the Council’s financial plans are robust.”

Cllr. Trevor Locke, Portfolio Holder for Finance welcomed the Auditor’s letter and added: “The letter is very encouraging and shows that the Council is moving in the right direction.

“Currently, the Council is facing a challenge of finding £1.9m in efficiency savings, and I believe we are well on target for achieving this.” 

Click here to read the letter.