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A representative from Grant Thornton presented a report which provided a progress update on the work undertaken by the external auditor, alongside a sector update which included a summary of emerging national issues and areas for consideration for the Committee.

The Chair reported that the Annual Audit Report had been delayed which did not allow the Committee to respond to matters in a timely manner given some three months has now passed since the date set under legislation for it to be presented to councils. It was noted that the report once received was now unlikely to be presented to Committee until March 2024.

A representative from Grant Thornton confirmed that the Annual Audit Report had undergone senior quality review process and would be shared imminently with Council management for review and comments. Members requested that the Director of Finance circulated the report to Committee Members once the report had been received and reviewed by Council management reviewed prior to the next Committee meeting in March. 

Resolved – That the update provided by the Council’s external auditors be noted.