The Director – Assurance (Grant Thornton UK LLP) presented the Certification Report for the year ended 31 March 2013, in relation to grant claims and returns submitted by the Council. Three claims and returns had been certified for the year, which related to expenditure of £252m and the report provided a summary of the overall assessment of the Council’s management arrangements in respect of the certification process, drawing attention to key messages in relation to individual claims.

The analysis of performance showed that one claim was submitted late for audit, all were certified on time with amendment and two were certified with a qualification letter. The report also contained an action plan with recommendations for improvement that had been completed by management, and it advised that the total certification fee of £39,818 was a reduction from 2011/2012 of over 40%.

Resolved – That the report be noted.