Naomi Povey, Audit Manager – Grant Thornton introduced the External Audit - Committee Progress Report that provided an overview of the planned scope and timing of the statutory audit of Wirral Council for those charged with governance.

The report informed that the National Audit Office had issued a document entitled Code of Audit Practice that summarised the responsibilities of auditors and what was expected of the audit body. The report also set out how the scope of the audit was set out in accordance with the Code and International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) – to form and express an opinion on the Council’s financial statements and value for money arrangements.

The report identified significant risks i.e. fraudulent transactions and management over-ride of controls and Valuation of Land and Buildings. In each case the External Audit provided a view (fraudulent transactions – in Wirral’s case not identified as a significant risk by the External Auditor) and proposed actions that the External Auditor would be taking to monitor the Council’s actions.

Resolved – That the report be noted.