Decision details

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources which provided details of proposals for appointing an external auditor to the Authority for the 2018/19 accounts and beyond. The Councils current auditors are working under a contract originally let by the Audit Commission which was subsequently novated to Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA) following the closure of the Audit Commission, which would cease at the end of 2017/18.

Decision Made:

That the Council be recommended to accept Public Sector Audit Appointments’ (PSAA) invitation to ‘opt in’ to the sector led option for the appointment of external auditors for five financial years commencing 1 April 2018.

Reasons for Decision:

The Council’s arrangements with its current auditors would end following the approval of the 2017/18 Statement of Accounts. The new external auditors for 2018/19 and beyond would need to be appointed by 31 December 2017.

Approval would ensure that PSAA can appoint auditors on the Council’s behalf for the five financial years from 1 April 2018.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Council could choose to set up an independent Auditor Panel, or join with other authorities to set up a Joint Auditor Panel, to enable an external auditor to be appointed.