There were no declarations of interest affecting the business to be transacted at the meeting.
RESOLVED – That the Agenda be agreed as circulated.
Grant Thornton to present the External Audit Findings Report for year ended 31 March 2021. (Copy Report herewith)
The Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to submit the 2020/21 Statement of Accounts. (Copy Report RD.45/21 herewith)
The Financial Services Manager (Deputy S.151) reported (RD.45/210) that the audit process for the Council's Statement of Accounts 2020/21 had been delayed due to the lateness of the completion of the 2019/20 accounts. The audit of the Statement of Accounts for 2020/21 was substantially complete with the Auditors’ Audit Findings Report (ISA260) having been considered earlier in the meeting. Following approval of that report, the External Auditors would issue their formal opinion and the audit process for 2020/21 would conclude. However, in accordance with Auditing Standards, a Letter of Representation (a copy of which was appended to the report) must also be considered and approved by the Audit Committee prior to the Audit Opinion being provided. Once approved by the Committee it would be signed by the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources on behalf of the City Council. The Financial Services Manager noted that the audit had been conducted in a period of challenging circumstances for the team, he thanked the Key Audit Partner for his assistance in the process. In conclusion, the Financial Services Manager requested that the Committee approve the Statement of Accounts 2020/21 including the Annual Governance Statement. The Committee thanked the team for its work in the preparation and completion of the Statement of Accounts 2020/21.
RESOLVED - That the 2020/21 Statement of Accounts, including the Annual Governance Statement, be approved.
The Corporate Director of Finance and Resources to submit a report seeking approval of the Letter of Representation 2020/21. (Copy Report RD.44/21 herewith)
- NIL -