Agenda item - Audited Statement of Accounts 2016/17

Report of the Executive Director of Finance & Resources (copy attached).

That the Audit & Standards Committee:

1)            Notes the findings of the auditor (EY) in their Audit Results Report (ARR). The ARR is a separate item on this agenda.

2)            Notes the results of the public inspection of the accounts (Section 5).

3)            Approves the Letter of Representation on behalf of the council (Appendix 1).

4)            Approves the audited Statement of Accounts for 2016/17.

5)            Note the acceptance of Grant Thornton as the proposed auditor appointment to Brighton & Hove City Council from 2018/19.

25.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Finance & Resources that provided information about the audit of the council’s 2016/17 Statement of Accounts and recommended approval of the 2016/17 audited accounts and the Letter of Representation on behalf of the council.

25.2      Councillor Sykes asked for clarification on the auditing arrangements for the Housing Benefit Subsidy Claim.

25.3      The Deputy Chief Finance Officer clarified that under the new arrangements, there would be responsibility for local authorities to procure the service however, there would also be a change in process whereby the Claims would be reviewed by a suitably qualified, independent accountant rather than formally audited.

25.4      RESOLVED- That the Audit & Standards Committee:

1)            Notes the findings of the auditor (EY) in their Audit Results Report (ARR). The ARR is a separate item on this agenda.

2)            Notes the results of the public inspection of the accounts (Section 5).

3)            Approves the Letter of Representation on behalf of the council (Appendix 1).

4)            Approves the audited Statement of Accounts for 2016/17.

5)            Note the acceptance of Grant Thornton as the proposed auditor appointment to Brighton & Hove City Council from 2018/19.