To provide the committee with a progress update of the work being undertaken by the external auditor, Grant Thornton.

Grant Thornton presented the report and highlighted that progress was currently on track. 

It had been helpful that the Secretary of State had extended the external audit deadline to end of November 2020.   One potential risk was that there may be drift or cost implications with the extension to 30 November.  

The Council would want to have its 2019/2020 accounts signed off as soon as possible as this would mean that the council could set its budget on an audited set of statement of accounts.  

It was noted that the impact of Covid-19 on the value for money statement was expected to be a factor for the 2020/2021 accounts. 

Following a query from a member of the committee, it was confirmed that discussions were still ongoing with government about securing all the funding for, e.g. road flooding repairs.  The council did have reserves but would prefer the funding to be provided by central government.   It was hoped that these discussions would be concluded by November 2020 and Grant Thornton would be kept updated. 

The chief finance officer confirmed that the draft statement of accounts would available for inspection by 26 June 2020.   The council would be accommodating as much as possible for members of the public who wish to inspect the documents and books.

RESOLVED that

The external audit progress report be noted.