The Audit Committee of Oldham Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to review the Council's financial performance and governance arrangements. Key discussions included an update on members' allowances, the audit strategy memorandum from Forvis Mazars LLP, and the draft 2025/26 Annual Statement of Accounts. The committee also received progress reports on internal audit work, including updates on reports contributing to the 2024/25 Limited Assurance Annual Audit Opinion, and considered weak and limited assurance reports.

The meeting addressed the administration of members' allowances, noting that discrepancies arose from systemic weaknesses in processes, controls, and communication between various council departments. A series of actions had been implemented to strengthen governance and reduce the risk of recurrence. The external auditors, Forvis Mazars LLP, presented their Audit Strategy Memorandum, outlining the planned scope and timing of their audit for the year ending 31 March 2026, including significant and enhanced audit risks. They confirmed their independence and compliance with ethical requirements. The committee also reviewed the draft 2025/26 Annual Statement of Accounts, which detailed the Council's financial performance and position, highlighting an overspend of £3.845m for the year, which was funded from reserves. Progress reports on audit opinion reports contributing to the 2024/25 Limited Assurance Annual Audit Opinion were also presented, indicating that while significant progress had been made, some areas remained ongoing, with improved outcomes expected in future years. The committee approved the Internal Audit Charter for 2026/27 and noted the work programme for 2026/27. Finally, the committee received an update on Treasury Management for 2025/26, noting that the Council maintained an under-borrowed position and had implemented strengthened internal controls regarding members' allowances.