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AUDIT, GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE |
18 JANUARY 2016 |
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Is the final decision on the recommendations in this report to be made at this meeting? |
Yes |
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Grant Claim Certification |
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Final Decision-Maker |
Audit, Governance and Standards Committee |
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Lead Head of Service |
Stephen McGinnes |
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Lead Officer and Report Author |
Stephen McGinnes |
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Classification |
Public |
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Wards affected |
All |
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This report makes the following recommendations to this Committee: |
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1. That the Committee notes the Grant Thornton assurance that the Council maintains a strong control environment for the preparation and monitoring of grant claims and returns.
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This report relates to the following corporate priorities:
In maintaining effective financial controls the Council is able to confidently progress it’s priorities. |
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· Keeping Maidstone Borough an attractive place for all - · Securing a successful economy for Maidstone Borough - |
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Timetable |
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Meeting |
Date |
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Audit, Governance and Standards Committee |
18th January 2016 |
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Grant Claim Certification |
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1. PURPOSE OF REPORT AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 To consider the outcome of the Grant Thornton work to certify the subsidy claim that the Council submitted during 2014-2015.
2. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
2.1 Grant Thornton undertook work to certify the Housing Benefit grant claim that was submitted by the Council with a value of £46.6 million, with the process completed in advance of the 30th November deadline set by the Department for Work and Pensions.
2.2 The level and form of testing reflect the value and specific requirements of the grant paying body, as detailed within Appendix A.
2.3 Whilst the work gave rise to minor amendments (99.96% accuracy) the overall assurance confirmed that the Council continues to have good systems in place to ensure the accuracy of its grant claim.
3. PREFERRED OPTION AND REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Report is provided for information only.
4. CONSULTATION RESULTS AND PREVIOUS COMMITTEE FEEDBACK
4.1 Report is provided for information only.
5. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES AND IMPLICATIONS
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Issue |
Implications |
Sign-off |
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Impact on Corporate Priorities |
In maintaining effective financial controls the Council is able to confidently progress its priorities. |
Head of Revenues and Benefits |
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Risk Management |
Certification provides external assurance to the Council on the effectiveness of its controls around accurate payment and recording of benefit expenditure. |
Head of Audit Service |
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Financial |
The financial considerations have been outlined within the body of the report and attached appendices. |
Section 151 Officer |
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Staffing |
No impact. |
Head of Revenues & Benefits |
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Legal |
No impact. |
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Equality Impact Needs Assessment |
No impact. |
Head of Revenues & Benefits |
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Environmental/Sustainable Development |
No impact. |
Head of Revenues & Benefits |
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Community Safety |
No impact. |
Head of Revenues & Benefits |
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Human Rights Act |
No impact. |
Head of Revenues & Benefits |
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Procurement |
No impact. |
Head of Revenues & Benefits |
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Asset Management |
No impact. |
Head of Revenues & Benefits |
6. REPORT APPENDICES
The following documents are to be published with this report and form part of the report:
· Appendix I: Grant Thornton Certification letter
7. BACKGROUND PAPERS
None