Issue - meetings

To receive and note the report of the Interim Director of Resources, (copy enclosed).

The Committee received the report of the Interim Director of Resources presenting the External Auditor’s Grant Claim Certification for the year ended 31 March 2016.

Ms Debbie Hanson of EY summarised the certification which was attached as Appendix 1 to the report and advised Members of the Committee that the only return now required was the housing benefit subsidy claim and that this claim was extremely complex in nature.  There was a high level of detail required and the audit work done was completed in line with the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) instructions. 

Ms Hanson drew Members’ attention to the need for Maldon District Council (MDC) to appoint its own auditor from 2018/19 as the current contract expired in 2017/18.  The Interim Director of Resources reminded Members that they had resolved to opt in to arrangements with Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd (PSAA).  PSAA would appoint auditors on behalf of MDC and there was, therefore, no need for a separate procurement process.  In addition, work would be undertaken to appoint the same auditor for the housing benefit subsidy claims as an extension to the contract.

RESOLVED that the Grant Claim Certification for the year ended 31 March 2016 be noted.