Issue - items at meetings - Audit Commission Progress Report 2010/11

Report of the Audit Commission

35.1           The District Auditor provided an update to the Committee providing more information on the decision of central government to disband the Audit Commission. She informed the Committee that although there was still a lot of uncertainty from all sides on the matter, she was of the opinion that the Audit Commission might continue as a mutual co-operative. The Audit Commission would continue to audit the Council until December 2012. Unfortunately, she was not in a position at that time to give further information on matters surrounding the payment of fees.

35.2           The Chairman asked if the announcement would have any short-term impact on staffing levels.

35.3           The District Auditor elaborated they had up until the point of disbandment to develop a framework for mutuality if this was decided as viable which she hoped many staff may want to be a part of. Although the staff were valued, knowledgeable and well-thought of, there was a risk some may decided to leave or be approached by other private audit services.

35.4           RESOLVED- That the verbal update from the District Auditor on the abolition of the Audit Commission be noted by the Committee.