Agenda item

The Committee received a report from the External Auditor which summarised the work undertaken for the year ended 31 March 2022 (for copy see file of minutes).

Mr C Waddell, Mazars confirmed that the external audit opinion was completed in March 2023. It was noted that no significant weaknesses were identified in the council’s arrangements.

Referring to the wider reporting responsibilities, Mr C Waddell advised that the assurance statement was submitted to the National Audit Office (NAO) in April 2023. The Audit instruction had not yet been issued by the NAO, however Durham County Council had been identified as a sample component and the audit certificate would be issued when that work had been completed.

It was noted that additional work had been undertaken in relation to Housing Benefit and Teachers Pension assurance and additional fees had been agreed previously in relation to extra work around Value for Money and Infrastructure Assets.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.