Decision details

The Director of Resources submitted a report setting out proposals for appointing the external auditor to the Council for the five-year period from 2023/24 to 2027/28.

The Head of Financial Services reminded members that the Council had opted into the ‘appointing person’ national auditor appointment arrangements established by Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) for the period covering the accounts for 2018/19 to 2022/23. Under this arrangement Grant Thornton were appointed as our external auditors.

The procurement was now taking place for the next appointing period and members had been provided with a detailed report outlining the details of the appointment. He informed members that there were currently only nine accredited audit firms able to carry out local authority external audits. He also highlighted reasons why using PSAA would produce better outcomes and be less burdensome for the Council.

Should the Council wish to take advantage of the national auditor appointment arrangements, as required by the local audit regulations, the decision would be made by Full Council. This was required by 11 March 2022.

*** RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

Recommend to Council that the Council accepts Public Sector Audit Appointments’ invitation to opt into the sector-led option for the appointment of external auditors to principal local government and police bodies for five financial years from 1 April 2023.