The District Auditor presented the Annual Audit Letter 2010/2011, which summarised the work undertaken for the 2010/2011 audit of Wirral Council, including the Merseyside Pension Fund. The Letter had been delayed as a result of additional work that had been undertaken in connection with issues raised by a group of whistleblowers regarding the award and contract management of the Council’s Highways and Engineering Services (HES) contract.

The Letter referred also to his unqualified opinion on the 2010/2011 financial statements of Wirral Council and the Merseyside Pension Fund. He commented also on his qualified 2010/2011 value for money conclusion and highlighted work that had been undertaken in relation to certification of grant claims and returns.

The additional work undertaken on the HES contract and difficulties experienced during the financial statements audit had resulted in a significant increase in the audit fee. The Letter had been agreed with the Chief Executive and the Interim Director of Finance and the District Auditor thanked Members and staff for their positive and helpful approach to the audit.

Resolved – That the Annual Audit Letter be noted.