REPORT TO PICKMERE PARISH COUNCIL
4th October 2022
AGENDA ITEM 7.3 REPORT FROM EXTERNAL AUDITOR AND ADOPTION OF 2021-22 ACCOUNTS
1. REPORT
1.1 The Council’s accounts for 2021-22 have been externally audited and have been advertised as required by the relevant regulations.
1.2 The External Auditor has reported as follows:
On the basis of our review of Sections 1 and 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), in our opinion the information in Sections 1 and 2 of the AGAR is in accordance with Proper Practices and no other matters have come to our attention giving cause for concern that relevant legislation and regulatory requirements have not been met.
1.3 The Auditor has also commented:
Other matters not affecting our opinion which we draw to the attention of the authority: The AGAR was not accurately completed before submission for review. The AGAR had to be sent back for amendment.
1.4 This comment relates to an amendment to the Council’s Asset Register for 2020-21 and 2021-22, which reflects an error in attributing payment for the new noticeboards between the two financial years, the deposit payment being made in 20-21 and the balance payment in 21-22. The amended Asset Register for 31st March 2022 is attached for confirmation.
1.5 In the light of the Auditor’s approval of the accounts, it is now appropriate that they be adopted and the accounts closed.
2. RECOMMENDATION
2.1 That the Parish Council’s accounts for 2021-22 now be formally adopted and the accounts closed.
2.2 That Council approves the amended Asset Register for 31 March 2022.
Jack Steel
Clerk to the Parish Council