Agenda item

Joint Report of the Treasurer to the Joint Committee / Corporate Director: Resources and the Corporate Director of Neighbourhood Services.

The Principal Accountant referred Members to the report as regards External Audit Arrangements for 2015/16 (for copy see file of minutes).

Councillors were reminded that in April 2015, the Joint Committee had considered a report noting the changes in legislation in respect of the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.  As Members recalled, it had been agreed to discontinue the production of a full Statement of Accounts, however, there would be a Small Bodies Return and a Balance Sheet produced on an annual basis.

The Joint Committee were informed that the contract with BDO LLP in respect of Limited Assurance Audit ended in September 2015 and accordingly Members noted that it was proposed to continue with the existing external auditor for continuity in 2015/16 and to then undertake a tendering exercise for a new auditor for the 3 year period covering the 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 external audits.  Members noted that timescales as regards a procurement exercise for 2015/16 would be challenging and that the process for 2016/17 would provide an opportunity to test the market in terms of value for money. 

Resolved:

(i)        That the Joint Committee engage BDO LLP to continue with the existing        audit arrangements for the 2015/16 financial year.

(ii)      That a tendering exercise is undertaken to market test the rates being        charged and appoint a new auditor for a 3 year period covering the     2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 external audit.