Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director, Resources which presented the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2014 (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Corporate Director, Resources advised Members that some amendments had been made to the accounts where appropriate, and that the External Auditor would be issuing an unqualified opinion on the Council and Pension Fund Accounts.

Councillor O Temple congratulated officers on the readability of the accounts and the positive outcomes reported.  On asking a question about Pension Fund contributions declining from senior officers, the Corporate Director, Resources confirmed that officers had withdrawn from the scheme part way through the year.

Councillor Temple referred to Council Tax reduction of funding of 10% resulting in a loss of £5.5m and asked why the figure of £54,010 of benefits receivable did not reflect the 10% reduction.  The Corporate Director, Resources explained that 10% government funding cut would be absorbed in financial planning.  He added that the figure shown in the accounts was in respect of two years, £54m in 2013/14 and £52.4m in 2013/14.

Councillor Temple’s final point was relating to the increase in write offs for Council Tax, and was advised that he would be given an explanation at a later date.

Resolved:

That the statement of accounts for the County Council for the financial year ended 31 March 2014 be approved.