Agenda item

9.1

Tim Cutler, Partner, KPMG, introduced a report outlining the External Audit Plan for 2016/17.

9.2

Mr Cutler reported that KPMG had identified a number of significant audit risks in relation to the financial statement. These were either standard risks required by auditing standards, items of high value with a large degree of estimation or something complex being looked at for the first time.  There was one significant value for money risk in respect of financial resilience with a particular focus on how social care was managed in the budgeting process.

9.3

In response to a question from a Member of the Committee, Eugene Walker, Acting Executive Director, Resources, commented that there were a number of key issues to keep watch on but they were largely things that were known about. Childrens and adults’ services were to be brought together in People Services portfolio and this would provide a better opportunity to manage on a whole life basis. Social care was a difficult issue, but the Council had to find a way to manage it.

9.4

Resolved: That the Committee notes the External Audit Plan 2016/17.