Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Operational Director, Finance, which sought approval for the Council’s 2019/20 Statement of Accounts (the latest version of which was enclosed with the Agenda), and the report of the Audit Findings of the External Auditor (Grant Thornton) on the 2019/20 financial statements. The report also sought approval of the Council’s Letter of Representation.

It was reported that the Statement of Accounts set out the Council’s financial performance for the year in terms of revenue and capital spending and also presented the year-end financial position as reflected in the balance sheet. The key elements were detailed in the report.

The External Auditor presented the Audit Findings report which summarised the findings from 2019/20 external audit. Section 2 of the Audit Finding report presented the finding of the External Auditor in respect of matters and risks identified at the planning stage of the audit and additional and significant matters that arose during the course of their work. Whilst Section 3 of the report also presented the External Auditor’s findings on the Value for Money (VFM) conclusion. It was noted that the overall conclusion was that the Council had proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources.

Councillor Philbin asked a number of questions regarding Runcorn Locks and it was agreed that a response would be circulated to Board Members.

RESOLVED: That

1.    the draft Letter of Representation in Appendix 1 be approved and any subsequent additions or amendments be approved by the Operational Director - Finance, in liaison with the Chair of the Business Efficiency Board;

2.    the External Auditor’s draft 2019/20 Audit Findings Report in Appendix 2 and Audit Opinion in Appendix 3 be received and any subsequent additions or amendments be approved by Operational Director - Finance, in liaison with the Chair of the Business Efficiency Board; and

3.    the Council’s draft 2019/20 Statement of Accounts in Appendix 4 be approved and any subsequent additions or amendments be approved by the Operational Director - Finance, in liaison with the Chair of the Business Efficiency Board.