Agenda item - Ernst & Young - 2013/14 Audit Plan

Report of the External Auditors: Ernst & Young (copy attached).

82.1         The Committee considered a report of the External Auditors in relation to the 2013/14 Audit Plan. The report set out the work the External Auditors planned to provide the authority with in relation to the audit opinion and the conclusion around the Council’s arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness. The report summarised the progress to date and the assessment of the key risks which drove the development of an effective audit.

82.2         In response to Councillor A. Norman the Executive Director of Finance & Resources explained that the existing partnerships in the city were better placed to address the changes proposed through the Better Care Fund, and this would be supported through the changes to the Health & Wellbeing Board. A workshop was currently being set up on this issue which would provide an opportunity for Members to engage in this process. The Annual Governance presentation listed on the agenda was also part of the oversight of this matter and it was noted that the issue had become important recently in the scope of the Committee’s work.

82.3         In response to Councillor Sykes the Executive Director of Finance & Resources explained that there were choices, that could be political, to be made around reducing services; however, there were others where demand fluctuated and the VFM savings looked specifically at services for lower costs or the same costs with more output.

82.4         RESOLVED – That, having asked any relevant questions, the Committee note the report.