The Audit and Standards Committee of Brent Council met to discuss the finalisation of the Council’s Statement of Accounts for 2022-23 and the findings of the Annual Auditor’s Report. The committee approved the final statement of accounts, subject to no further material changes, and authorised the Chair to sign the document upon receiving written assurances from the auditors. They also noted the findings of the updated Audit Findings Report and the Value for Money report, and expressed contentment with the increased level of audit fees agreed with the PSAA.

Brent Council Statement of Accounts/Audit Findings Report 2022/23

The committee received a report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources, which provided an update on the progress in finalising the Council’s Statement of Accounts for 2022-23 and the Annual Auditor’s Report. The report was previously discussed in detail at the preceding meeting of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.

The committee made several key decisions:

1. Approval of the Final Statement of Accounts 2022-23: The committee approved the final statement of accounts for 2022-23, contingent on no further material changes being required.
2. Authorisation for Signing: The Chair of the Audit & Standards Committee was authorised to sign the final statement of accounts for 2022-23, pending written assurances from the auditors that no further material changes were necessary.
3. Audit Findings Report: The committee noted the findings of the updated Audit Findings Report, which included additional recommendations.
4. Value for Money Report: The findings of the Value for Money report were noted and commended to the Full Council.
5. Audit Fees: The committee expressed their contentment with the increased level of audit fees as agreed with the Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA).

Councillor Tatler, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Reform and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Growth, was present during the meeting, along with independent advisors and members of the Audit & Standards Advisory Committee.

For further details, you can refer to the minutes of the meeting.