Grant Claim Certification

 

MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

 

Audit Committee

 

Monday 26 January 2015

 

REPORT OF Director of Regeneration and Communities

 

Report prepared by Stephen McGinnes 

 

 

1.           Grant Claim Certification

 

1.1        Issue for Consideration

 

1.1.1   To consider the outcome of the Grant Thornton work to certify the subsidy claim that the Council submitted during 2013/14.

 

1.2        Recommendation of Head of Revenues and Benefits

 

1.2.1 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.

 

1.3        Reasons for Recommendation

 

1.3.1 Grant Thornton undertook work to certify the Housing Benefit grant claim that was submitted by the Council with a value of £46.3 million.

 

1.3.2 The level and form of testing reflect the value and specific requirements of the grant paying body, as detailed within Appendix A.

 

1.3.3 Whilst the work gave rise to minor amendments the overall assurance confirmed that the Council continues to have good systems in place to ensure the accuracy of its grant claim.

 

1.4        Alternative Action and why not Recommended

 

1.4.1   The report is provided for information only.

 

1.5        Impact on Corporate Objectives

 

1.5.1   The report supports the objective of providing corporate and customer excellence.

 

1.6        Risk Management

 

1.6.1   The accuracy of the grant claim represents a key financial risk, with the work undertaken by Grant Thornton in part aimed at mitigating that risk.

 

1.7        Other Implications

 

1.7.1    

1.      Financial

 

 

x

2.           Staffing

 

 

 

3.           Legal

 

 

 

4.           Equality Impact Needs Assessment

 

 

 

5.           Environmental/Sustainable Development

 

 

6.           Community Safety

 

 

7.           Human Rights Act

 

 

8.           Procurement

 

 

9.           Asset Management

 

 

 

 

1.7.2   The financial considerations have been outlined within the body of the

report and attached appendices. 

 

1.8        Relevant Documents

 

1.8.1   Appendices

 

Appendix A – Grant Thornton Certification letter

 

1.8.2   Background Documents

 

None

 

 

 

IS THIS A KEY DECISION REPORT?                  THIS BOX MUST BE COMPLETED

 

X

 
 


Yes                                               No

 

 

If yes, this is a Key Decision because: ……………………………………………………………..

 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

 

Wards/Parishes affected: …………………………………………………………………………………..

 

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