Julian Gillett from Grant Thornton, the Council’s external auditor, introduced the Committee to its progress and update report on the position of the external audit work completed.
Good progress had been made and the Audit was on track against the plan with the Fee Letter, Accounts Audit Plan and Interim Accounts audit all having been completed earlier in the year.
It was expected that the opinion of the external auditor and its value for money conclusion would be given before the 30 September 2016 deadline. Three risks had been identified in relation to the VFM conclusion including the Council’s financial position, the progress of the new Local Plan, and the Brightwells development in Farnham. Work proposed to deal with these risks included a review of the Council’s financial strategy, consideration of the current progress and impact of the new Local Plan, and monitoring performance and governance of the Brightwells development.
RESOLVED that the External Audit Update Report be noted.