Issue - meetings

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Finance and Business Improvement setting out details of the proposed external audit fee for 2017/18.  It was noted that the main audit fee for the financial statements audit and value for money conclusion had been set at £50,475, which represented no change from the 2016/17 fee.  The fee for grant claim certification work had not yet been set.

In response to questions, the Director of Finance and Business Improvement updated the Committee on the position with regard to the procurement of a new External Auditor.  It was noted that the Council’s current contract with its External Auditor was due to expire at the end of 2017/18, and the Council would need to appoint a new Auditor before 31 December 2017.  The Council had opted-in to an outsourced procurement process under the aegis of the Local Government Association.  Grant Thornton had won the biggest of the lots put out to tender, and it was anticipated that details of specific appointments would be announced next month.

RESOLVED:  That the proposed audit fee of £50,475 for 2017/18 audit work (financial statements audit and value for money conclusion), to be undertaken by Grant Thornton, be noted.