The meeting primarily focused on the audit committee's review of the council's financial statements and internal audit reports. Key topics included the status of the audited statement of accounts for 2021-22 and 2022-23, significant judgments and uncertainties in the accounts, and the internal audit annual report for 2022-23.

Audited Statement of Accounts 2021-22 and 2022-23

The committee discussed the unaudited statement of accounts for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23. Helen Parks, the external auditor, and Sarah Knowles from Maseras, the internal auditor, were present to assist. The accounts have not been audited due to capacity issues within the external auditors across England. The external auditors are awaiting guidance from central government on the wording for a special type of opinion. The committee was assured that the value for money assessment and the going concern assessment have been completed. The internal audit opinion indicated no fundamental issues with the internal control systems. The committee noted the importance of these assessments and agreed to wait for the final wording from the external auditors.

Significant Judgments and Uncertainties in the Accounts

The committee reviewed the significant judgments and uncertainties in the forthcoming set of accounts. Key areas of judgment include property, plant, and equipment valuations, pension liabilities, and provisions for business rates. These judgments are based on expert assessments and are crucial for ensuring the accounts present a true and fair view. The committee acknowledged the complexities involved and the need for expert guidance in these areas.

Internal Audit Annual Report 2022-23

Sarah Knowles presented the internal audit annual report for 2022-23. The overall assurance opinion was moderate, which is the second-highest level of assurance. The report summarized all the audits carried out during the year, with no high-priority recommendations raised. The committee appreciated the work done by the internal audit team and acknowledged the improvements made in the council's internal controls.

Section 106 Planning Obligations Internal Audit Report

The committee reviewed the internal audit report on Section 106 planning obligations. The report received a moderate assurance opinion with two medium and two low-priority recommendations. Sharon, a council officer, highlighted the significant improvements made by Leslie, the compliance officer, in managing Section 106 obligations. The committee acknowledged the importance of this work and the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance.

Other Business

The committee discussed the action plan and improvement program, noting that the timeline would be adjusted due to the ongoing election period. The next meeting was scheduled for the 29th of the month.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments to the auditors and council officers for their hard work and contributions.