The Audit Committee of Stockport Council met on Wednesday 17 September 2025 to review progress on internal audits, consider the annual report of the Chair of the Audit Committee, and discuss the draft Annual Governance Statement. The meeting also included an update on the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts audit and the external auditors' completion report.

Internal Audit Progress Report 2

The committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Director of Finance detailing the progress made by internal audit against the Risk Based Internal Audit Plan approved in March 2025. This report, titled Internal Audit Progress Report 2 Internal Audit Progress Report 2.pdf, outlines the activities undertaken and the status of ongoing work by Internal Audit, Risk Services, and Business Continuity/Civil Resilience. The committee was requested to note the contents of this report.

Annual Report of the Chair of the Audit Committee 2024-25

A report was scheduled for consideration detailing how the Audit Committee had fulfilled its terms of reference during the 2024-25 financial year. The Annual Report of the Chair of the Audit Committee 2024-25 Annual Report of the Chair of the Audit Committee 2024-25.pdf also outlines the committee's commitment to improving the Council's governance and control environments in the year ahead. The committee was asked to note the contents of this report.

Draft Annual Governance Statement

The committee was scheduled to review the Draft Annual Governance Statement Final AGS 2024 to 2025 CLT.pdf for 2024/25, presented by the Assistant Director, Governance and Monitoring Officer. This statement provides an update on the Council's governance and internal control framework. The Audit Committee was asked to consider the draft statement, provide any comments, and approve it before it is finalised and signed by the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive. The statement includes an action plan addressing key governance challenges faced by the Council during the year.

2024/25 Statement of Accounts Audit Update

A report from the Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) was scheduled to provide the Audit Committee with an update on the progress of the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts audit. The 2024/25 Statement of Accounts Audit Update 202425 Statement of Accounts Audit Update.pdf was expected to detail the status of the audit work being carried out by the external auditors, Forvis Mazars LLP. The committee was requested to note the contents of this report.

2024/25 Audit Completion Report

The committee was scheduled to consider the Stockport MBC - Audit Completion Report 2024-25 Stockport MBC - Audit Completion Report 2024-25.pdf from the external auditors, Mazars. This report provides details of the audit findings for the 2024/25 financial year. The committee was recommended to note the contents of the Audit Completion Report.