Agenda item

The Committee received a report from the External Auditor that gave an update on progress on the External Audit report for Durham County Council (for copy see file of Minutes).

Councillor Temple enquired as to whether the e-learning course for whistleblowing was available for the Committee Members .  The Chief Internal Auditor and Corporate Fraud Manager said that he would look into this and report back.  The External Auditor added that there may be a cost associated to this training.

Mr Hoban asked if there were challenges made to the opinions of the Internal Valuer and was advised that the opinions were accepted but that there was close working with the External Auditor, who also gives an opinion.  The Chairman asked for assurance that the knowledge of the Internal Valuer was kept up to date and that there was a continuation of work with the External Auditor.  The Assistant Finance Manager assured Members that there was evidence to show the judgements taken by the Internal Valuer and that the work with the External Auditor was vitally important.

Resolved:-

That the report be noted.