Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

The Head of Service, Finance presented the report on the Final Statement of Accounts making the following points:

• that the findings set out in the report mirror the findings as set out in the earlier external Audit Findings Report;
• that there were minor changes to the disclosure reports but no changes to the accounts; and
• that delegated powers were sought in the recommendation as set out in the report.

The Head of Service, Finance, Strategic Director for Corporate Resources and Chief Executive responded to Members’ questions in the following terms:

• £18 million was borrowed against St Sidwell’s Point and the New Homes Bonus had been set aside to repay debt and a larger loan had been taken at a lower interest rate. This included Riverside and had a reducing balance;
• the update on page 126 in relation to the Live and Move Programme was expanded to better explain progress with a new Wonford Community and Learning Centre;
• the change in the number of staff in some pay bands was due to incremental pay increases resulting from the annual pay award; and
• Sport England grants formed part of the Council’s accounts therefore were audited by Grant Thornton.

The Chair moved the recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Knott, voted upon and CARRIED unanimously.

RESOLVED that the Audit and Governance Committee give delegated powers to the Strategic Director Corporate Resources and Chair of Audit and Governance Committee to approve the Statement of Accounts for 2023/24 upon the conclusion of the audit and to report back to this committee any significant findings, if any are identified in the remainder of the audit.