The Head of Finance and Risk introduced the report of the Director of Pensions. The report highlighted the key findings and other matters arising from Grant Thornton’s external audit of the financial statements of Merseyside Pension Fund for the year ended 31 March 2023. Subject to the satisfactory completion of the outstanding audit work, Grant Thornton’s anticipated audit opinion would be unqualified.

Officers explained to members that there had been a national delay in signing off Council accounts. It was expected that the Statement of Accounts for 2021/22 would be approved by Audit & Risk Management Committee in October 2023. Members noted it was a positive report overall. 

Resolved – That the report be noted.