To report the outcome from the recent Audit of the Herefordshire Local Area Agreement (LAA) undertaken by Audit Commission.

THAT the Herefordshire Local Area Agreement (LAA) Audit Report be noted.

1.             The Audit Commission is undertaking high-level audits of each Local Authority holding a LAA.  A number of Local Authorities with LAAs have already been audited, and the remainder will be audited over the coming months.  It is expected that Audits will be taking place on a regular basis to ensure that financial, performance management and accountability structures and procedures are in place.

2.             The Audit Commission discussed the remit of the Audit with Government Office West Midlands to ensure that the Audit complemented and did not duplicate the six-month Review of the Local Area Agreement.  This was agreed in advance by Herefordshire Council and Government Office West Midlands.

There are no alternative options.