PAPER B
REPORT
TO THE CABINET
Date : 30 JANUARY 2006
Title : ANNUAL AUDIT AND INSPECTION LETTER
REPORT OF THE CABINET MEMBER FOR RESOURCES,
AUDIT, AN EFFICIENT COUNCIL AND CUSTOMER CHAMPION
IMPLEMENTATION DATE : 9 February 2006
SUMMARY/PURPOSE
1. To
consider the Audit Commission Annual Audit and Inspection Letter for 2004-05,
which is attached to this report. The Council’s Relationship Manager and
District Auditor, Stephen Taylor, will make a presentation to the meeting and
be available to answer Members’ questions.
BACKGROUND
2. The
Annual Audit Letter summarises the conclusions and significant issues arising
from recent audits and inspections of the Council. It covers in particular
performance, governance, and financial issues including the audit of the
2004-05 accounts. Key messages and actions required are set out in pages 5 to
7, and an updated CPA scorecard and Direction of Travel statement follow on
pages 9 onwards.
3. The
Letter notes recent improvements in the strategic planning framework, and in
the performance of a number of service areas. However, other service areas have
failed to improve, and concerns are expressed about capacity to deliver an
ambitious change agenda. Performance measurement is seen as robust, but the
need to move now to performance management is noted.
STRATEGIC
CONTEXT
4. This
Letter is a key report providing an independent and authoritative assessment of
how the Council is performing, and provides invaluable guidance on measures
required to deliver improvements, particularly in terms of external
inspections.
CONSULTATION
5. Officers
of the Council have been widely consulted on the content of the Letter.
FINANCIAL
IMPLICATIONS
6. There
are no direct financial implications attaching to the Letter, but resultant
action plans may require re-allocation of resources.
LEGAL
IMPLICATIONS
7. The
Letter is prepared in order to meet the requirements of the Statement of
Responsibilities of Auditors produced by the Audit Commission.
