The Audit and Standards Committee of Melton Council was scheduled to consider a range of financial and governance reports. Key items on the agenda included the external audit findings for the 2024-25 financial year, an update on internal audit progress, and a review of counter-fraud arrangements and the whistleblowing policy. The committee was also set to examine the Statement of Accounts for 2024-25 and the Annual Governance Statement for the same period.

External Audit Findings Report 2024-25

The committee was scheduled to receive the Audit findings report for the 2024-25 financial year from Grant Thornton, the Council's External Auditor. This report, known as ISA 260¹, provides an overview of the findings from the external audit process.

Statement of Accounts 2024-25

The Statement of Accounts for the 2024-25 financial year was presented for approval. These accounts are prepared in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the Accounts and Audit (Amendment) Regulations 2024². The agenda indicated that appendices, including a narrative statement and the accounts themselves, were available for review.

Annual Governance Statement 2024/25 - Update

The Monitoring Officer was scheduled to submit the final Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 for approval. This statement provides assurance on the effectiveness of the Council's governance arrangements. The agenda noted that several appendices were provided, including a draft statement with recommended changes from external auditors, a clean copy showing changes, and a report from July 2025.

Counter Fraud Update and Whistleblowing Policy

A report was scheduled to be presented offering insight into the implications of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023³. This report was also intended to include a self-assessment of the Council's fraud prevention arrangements against associated guidance. Additionally, the Whistleblowing policy had been reviewed and updated, and was presented for review and approval.

Internal Audit Progress Report

The Chief Internal Auditor was scheduled to provide an update on the progress made in delivering the 2025/26 Internal Audit Plan. An appendix detailing the progress report was also made available.