To consider the final, updated external audit findings report for the year ended 31 March 2025.  This report was considered by the Committee at the September meeting.  All findings remain unchanged with the exception of the fee analysis for 2024/25 which includes final fee variations.

The Head of External Audit (HEA) introduced the report. It was noted that this report had been considered by the Committee at the September meeting. All findings remain unchanged with the exception of the fee analysis for 2024/25 which included final fee variations.

The additional fee of £23,344 for additional investigation work was required above and beyond the contract to ensure there was sufficient assurance on both the value for money and financial statements opinion reporting.

As per a new requirement from PSAA for any additional fees above the scale fee, a breakdown of details per grade and for the hours taken looking at a specific task could be found on page 63 of the report. Data could be reconciled directly back to internal timesheets. All additional fees are subject to scrutiny and approval by PSAA before anything is billed to the Council.

In response to committee questions, it was noted:

1.     The Director of Finance confirmed she was satisfied with the schedule of the hours and seniority of the level of work that had been completed and that it was a reasonable charge.  

Resolved

The committee noted the report.