To update the committee on progress in the planning for the preparation of the 2017/18 final accounts and management responses to items raised in the External Auditors audit findings report presented in September.

The chief finance officer presented the report.   It was confirmed that the finance business support officer would act as the single point of contact for the audit.

Following a query from a member of the committee, it was confirmed that a firm of valuers had been appointed in relation to the disposal of property holdings in Rotherwas.    The firm’s expertise was in council valuations.     It was confirmed that the council do use a variety of professional valuers for disposing of council property. 

Following a concern raised by a committee member, it was confirmed direct contact had been made with all tenants in Rotherwas with regard to the disposal of the freehold interest.   The advice which had been received by the council was that auctioning the properties was the best way to achieve best value for money.   If there had been any breakdown of communication between the council and the tenants, then this would need to be addressed.  

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.