To update the committee on progress of the issue of the certificate of closure of the 2016/17 audit by the council’s external auditors, Grant Thornton.

The chief finance officer and Grant Thornton presented the report.  

It was noted that there had been progress but that the certificate of completion of the audit had still not been issued.    Grant Thornton had issued an unqualified opinion with regard to the audit conclusions and value for money.  

Grant Thornton confirmed that there were regular progress reports from the council and acknowledged that the process would take time.   However, they would not be able to issue the certificates until the process had been completed.

It was noted that the issue was complex and reliant on external bodies to undertake work.    

Members of the committee expressed concern that this issue was still unresolved and it appeared that there was nothing that they could do to expedite the matter. 

The head of corporate governance reiterated the offer made at the January 2019 meeting that if the committee wished, a private meeting could be arranged so that members could receive an exempt report and briefing on the issue.

At 1619 hours Councillor EJP Harvey resigned from the committee with immediate effect and left the meeting. 

Members of the committee indicated that they had shown patience with regard to this issue but they remained concerned and agreed that the audit and governance committee formed following the May 2019 local elections be briefed on the issue in private session. 

RESOLVED

That:  (a)       the report be noted; and

            (b)       that this committee recommends that the committee formed after the May 2019 election be briefed in private session on this issue.