Issue - meetings

Report of the external auditor.

The external audit planning report 2019/20 was presented to members. It was reported that there were no new risks since last year but two areas had increased risk due to uncertainties arising from Covid-19. It was also highlighted that another consequence of Covid-19 could mean an increase in the amounts written off as irrecoverable due to businesses and residents being unable to meet their financial obligations.

It was reported that there had been a national debate around fees being at an unsustainably low level and that there was a need to increase them to deliver an appropriate quality audit. The audit fees for 2019/20 were still to be largely determined as there had been additional services provided as a result of unforeseeable matters such as Covid-19. There would be separate discussions around this and these would be brought back to future Audit Committees.

In response to a question from a member it was clarified that money given in business grants relating to Covid-19 would be included in next year’s external audit.

The external auditor confirmed that the next audit would begin on Monday 3 August 2020 and had been moved from June 2020 due to Covid-19.

It was moved by Councillor P Williams, seconded by Councillor H Williams and unanimously

                        RESOLVED – the report be noted.