The External audit annual audit letter 2008/09

Report: 8
Date: 28 January 2010
By: Treasurer on behalf of the Chief Executive

Summary

The District Auditor has submitted the annual audit letter for 2008/09. The draft letter was submitted to the Corporate Governance Committee for comment at its meeting on 10 December 2009 where it was recommended that it be received by the Full Authority for approval.

A. Recommendation

That following consideration by the Corporate Governance Committee, members receive the external auditor’s letter for 2008/09.

B. Supporting information

1. The District Auditor has submitted the annual audit letter for 2008/09 and the final version is attached as Appendix 1. Members of the Corporate Governance Committee considered a draft letter at its meeting on 10 December 2009 and recommended that it be received by the full Authority.

2. At the conclusion of the annual audit of the Authority’s accounts the external auditor issues an annual audit letter to the members of the Authority, summarising the significant issues that have arisen as a result of his assessment of the Authority’s performance in discharging its stewardship of public money.

3. As well as covering the work carried out as part of the external audit on the accounts and value for money, the letter includes summarised information on the Audit Commission’s assessment of the Police Use of Resources Evaluation (PURE) and the Authority’s financial position.

C. Race and equality impact

There are no direct implications on equality and diversity arising from this report.

D. Financial implications

There are no immediate financial implications from this report.

E. Legal implications

1. The duties and powers of external auditors appointed by the Audit Commission are set out in the Audit Commission Act 1998, the Local Government Act 1999 and the Commissioners Statutory Code of Practice.

2. External audit is an essential element in the process of accountability for public money and makes an important contribution to the stewardship of public resources and the corporate governance of public services.

3. This Committee has delegated authority to review the external auditor’s Annual Governance Report and any other reports and to report these to the Authority as appropriate, including implementation of agreed recommendations.

F. Environment implications

There are no direct implications on environmental issues arising from this report.

G. Background papers

None

H. Contact details

Report author(s): Annabel Adams, Deputy Treasurer, MPA

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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