Issue - meetings

Ms Morgan-Bower introduced the report, which set out the progress as at February 2021. She confirmed that the 2019/20 Audit had been concluded on 3rd February and then highlighted aspects from the report. She drew Members’ attention to the fact that the Housing Benefit Subsidy claim had received an unqualified opinion, as the auditors identified no issues through their testing, which was a rare distinction for a local authority. The Teachers’ Pensions claim and the pooling of Housing Capital receipts were also certified.

Ms Morgan-Bower advised the Committee of the challenges still presented by Covid-19 and possible changes to the timetable for audit; however, Members would be kept updated.

The Committee was informed of two changes to the 2020/21 External Audit. First, the External Auditors were now required to comment on all elements of the value for money audit, not just by exception, which would mean additional work. Second, the Committee was informed that Members would be challenged about their understanding of the processes and methods used to make accounting estimates as well as how they oversee the management process for making these estimates as part of the new external audit requirement.

Mr Morris also emphasised how unusual it was to have an unqualified opinion on Housing Benefits and that the service area was to be recognised for this achievement. The Chair added his congratulations to the Revenue and Benefits Team for achieving this.

The Chair proposed and Councillor Nick Martin seconded that Ms Morgan-Bower be thanked formally for her work as well as having the Committee’s best wishes for her future. The Committee approved unanimously.

Resolved: (1) That the External Audit progress report be noted

(2) That the Committee’s thanks to Ms Morgan-Bower be recorded along with Members’ good wishes.

Barry Morris (Grant Thornton) submitted a report advising the Committee of the External Auditors’ progress in respect of the delivery of their audit responsibilities.  Mr Morris also introduced Sophie Morgan-Bower, who would be taking over the role previously filled by Steve Johnson.

Mr Morris introduced the report and drew the Committee’s attention to an increase in the audit fees on account of new definitions of value for money from the Audit Office, the increased volume of work required to meet the higher expectations of the regulator, along with the more complex nature of this additional work.  However, these were costs being applied to all councils, not just Swindon. The External Auditors drew the Committee’s attention to the rare positive, unqualified findings for their inspections of housing benefit claims and teachers’ pensions. 

There were no questions from Members and the Chair thanked the External Auditors for their work and the report.

Resolved – (1) That the External Auditors’ report be noted.

(2) That the receipt of the Annual Audit Letter and Plan be included on the agenda for the next meeting of this committee.