Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Growth and Investment introduced a report on the appointment of an external auditor, following the closure of the Audit Commission and the end of the transitional arrangements after the 2017/18 audits. 

The Cabinet Member explained that when the current transitional arrangements would end on 31 March 2018 and the Council would become responsible for the appointment of the external auditor. 

There were three options open o the Council which detailed in the report, together with the advantages/benefits and disadvantages/risks of each:

·  Option 1 – To make a stand-alone appointment;

·  Option 2 -  Set up a Joint Auditor Panel/local joint procurement arrangements; or

·  Option 3 – Opt into a National Procurement Scheme: the “Appointing Person” arrangement offered by Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd

The Assembly noted that the Public Accounts and Audit Select Committee had initially considered the report and asked the Assembly to consider option 2.

The Assembly resolved endorse Option 3 as set out within the report and that the external auditor for the Council and for the Pension Fund, from 2018/19, be appointed by the Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd.