Issue - meetings

Business Efficiency Board considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED: That Council opt into the sector-led procurement of external auditors that will be undertaken by Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA).

The Business Efficiency Board considered a report of the Operational Director, Finance, on the arrangements for appointing external auditors.

RESOLVED: That Council opt into the sector-led procurement of external auditors that will be undertaken by Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA).

          The Board considered a report of the Operational Director, Finance, regarding the appointment of external auditors.

          The Board was advised that the Council’s current external auditor was Grant Thornton. Following the closure of the Audit Commission, such contract was managed by the Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA), a not for profit company, limited by guarantee, and established by the Local Government Association.

          It was reported that these transitional arrangements for external audit would expire at the end of the 2017/18 accounts, and the Council would then assume responsibility for the local appointment of its auditor. However, it was noted that the Council could opt into arrangements to have its auditor appointed on its behalf.

          The report set out options for the local appointment of external auditors. It was noted that the Council had until December 2017 to make an appointment, but in practical terms contract negotiation needed to commence in Spring 2017 to meet that deadline.

          RESOLVED: That Council be recommended to opt into the sector-led procurement of external auditors that will be undertaken by Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA).