Agenda item

External Audit Arrangements 2022/23 to 2024/25

Joint Report of Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change and Corporate Director of Resources and Treasurer to the Joint Committee

Minutes:

The Joint Committee considered a joint report of the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change and Corporate Director of Resources and Treasurer to the Joint Committee which presented proposals for the continued delivery of the external audit by Mazars for the three financial years 2022/23 to 2024/25 (for copy see file of minutes).

 

The Finance Manager, Neighbourhoods and Climate Change advised that the quotation provided by Mazars for 2022/23 of £2,250 was £380 higher than the previous three years and the increase would be in line with CPI for the two years thereafter. The increase was in line with public sector audit cost inflation that was being experienced throughout the audit industry.

 

Town Councillor D Ranyard, while understanding the benefits of appointing the same organisation to conduct external audits, raised concerns that a tendering exercise had not taken place this time around. The Finance Manager, Neighbourhoods and Climate Change explained the continuity benefits as a number of other authorities and organisations had missed audit deadlines. It was noted that Durham County Councils audit completion deadlines have all been achieved and would be beneficial to continue with Mazars at this time. He advised that a full tendering exercise would be undertaken in the future.

 

Resolved:

That Mazars be appointed to undertake the external audit arrangements for the 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years.

 

 

Supporting documents: