Mr Matt Dean of Grant Thornton presented the External Audit Fee Letter for 2018/19.  Mr Dean explained that the planned fee for external audit work in relation to the 2018/19 financial statements audit and value for money conclusion had been set at £38,866 which represented a 23% decrease from the fee charged in 2017/18.  The fee for grant claim certification work had not yet been set.

Mr Dean informed the Committee that 2017/18 would be Mr Darren Wells’ final year as Engagement Lead for the audit.  Having worked with Maidstone for the last seven years, Mr Wells was now required to rotate off the audit in order to maintain an appropriate degree of independence.  Mr Wells would be replaced by Ms Elizabeth Jackson, an experienced auditor who had worked with Maidstone before.

RESOLVED:  That the planned fee of £38,866 for the 2018/19 financial statements audit and value for money conclusion be noted.