To receive an update report from the Council’s external auditors.

Ms. K. Murray (Mazars) provided an introduction to the key features of the Audit Strategy Memorandum, including the external auditors’ role in providing formal opinions on the Council’s accounts and value for money arrangements. It was reported that the auditors were currently on track to deliver the programme for the year. A briefing was provided for Members on the concept of “materiality”, insofar as it applied to the audit opinion. An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions on the report’s content; these related to key areas of potential identified financial risk. In discussion, the suggestion was noted that a non-technical summary of the report’s key messages might be of benefit to the Committee’s Members.

RESOLVED – That the content of the Audit Strategy Memorandum be noted.