The Audit and Transparency Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council is scheduled to convene on Monday 28 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the external auditor's annual report, findings from the 2025/26 audit, and a progress report on equalities and equality impact assessment recommendations.

Grant Thornton Auditor's Annual Report Including Value for Money Arrangements 2025/26

The committee is set to receive Grant Thornton's Annual Auditor Report for the 2025/26 financial year, which includes commentary on the Council's value for money arrangements. The report is expected to highlight findings and audit recommendations, along with management's responses. A key focus will be on the Council's financial sustainability, governance, and its economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in service delivery. The report will also summarise the position on previous recommendations that are still in progress.

Audit Findings Report 2025/26

Attendees will be presented with the Audit Findings Report for the 2025/26 financial year, detailing observations from the external auditors, Grant Thornton UK LLP. This report will cover findings related to the Council's financial statements and the Kensington and Chelsea Pension Fund. The auditors anticipate issuing an unmodified opinion on the Council's 2025/26 accounts, indicating they are free from material misstatement and present a true and fair view. The report will also detail any audit adjustments made to the accounts and outline recommendations for management, along with their responses.

One-Year Progress Report on Equalities and Equality Impact Assessment Audit Recommendations

A one-year progress report on the 12 recommendations arising from the Audit of Equalities and Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs) is scheduled for discussion. This report will update the committee on progress made since the six-month review in March 2026, identify recommendations that remain open, and outline the further work required. The committee will be asked to note the progress made, the recommendations that are still partially implemented, and the proposed next steps.

2026/27 Assurance Update Report

The committee will receive an assurance update report summarising the work undertaken by the Internal Audit and Fraud Investigations teams up to the end of August 2026. This report will detail the outcomes of finalised audits, including their assurance ratings, and provide an update on the status of recommendations from previous audits. Additionally, it will outline the achievements of the Counter Anti-Fraud Service (CAFS) in fraud prevention, detection, and recovery, including specific case examples.

The Committee's Action Tracker & Forward Programme

The committee will review its Action Tracker, which monitors responses and actions against requests made at previous meetings, noting progress or proposed reporting timetables. The Forward Programme for the remainder of the municipal year 2026/27 will also be presented, and members will have the opportunity to suggest topics for future consideration. This programme is subject to change.