URL: https://democracy.runnymede.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1078

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The press and public were excluded from the meeting during discussion of the report under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that the report in question would be likely to involve disclosure of exempt information of the description specified in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.   The Committee received for information an update on the Council’s progress with obtaining the outstanding audit opinions from the Council’s former external auditors, BDO.  The audits related to 2019/20 through to 2022/23 and it was understood these were likely to be ‘disclaimed audit opinions’.  The Council’s new External Auditors, Grant Thornton, were unable to complete subsequent years’ audits until the outstanding ones had been finalised.    There had been various reports to the Committee previously, and at the meeting in November 2024, it was resolved to take additional pro-active steps to address the Council’s dissatisfaction, including lodging a formal complaint with BDO.   The initial letter of complaint and its response were appended to the Officer’s report for information.   Members were advised that until they had exhausted the complaints process with BDO, and subject to the outcome thereof, they could not take the matter to the PSAA nor the ICAEW.  The anticipated timescale for this was noted including an outline of what it was intended to include at the next stage.   Members reviewed the one outstanding matter from the 2019/20 audit and the reasons why it had not yet been concluded.  Officers continued to work with BDO to resolve this so that they could move forward to concentrate on the 2024/25 audit process.   Members were pleased that the Council’s statement of Accounts for 2024/25 had been published on time, and Officers were working with Grant Thornton on progressing the audit in line with the timescale set out in their Annual Audit Plan for 2024/25.   The legal and risk implications as set out in the report were also acknowledged.   Officers would therefore bring a follow up report to the Committee when the next steps had been taken, and a reply received.  This would determine whether any further action should be taken.   Members regretted the additional work placed on an already stretched team but were nevertheless grateful for their efforts to resolve the situation for the benefit of all concerned.   The report was duly noted.  

Date of Decision: July 16, 2025