URL: https://brentwood.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1375

Decision Maker: Audit, Governance & Standards Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The pre audit Statement of Accounts for 2025/26 is included at Appendix 1 and has been prepared in accordance with the ‘Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2025/26’.

Content: The pre-audit Statement of Accounts for 2025/26 included in Appendix A has been prepared in accordance with the ‘Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2025/26’.   For 2025/26, it is a requirement that the accounts are certified by the Council’s Section 151 Officer and published on the Council’s website by 30 June 2025, and the final audited version is published by 31 January 2027. The first of these requirements has been met. The Council is currently in the statutory public inspection period for the 2025/26 Statement of Accounts, running from 1 July to 11 August 2026, in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.   Mr Wood, Corporate Manager - Financial Accounting (Deputy Section 151), introduced the report.    Members raised a query about the sources of the information provided in the report.   Mr Wood explained that this information was obtained in-house but would provide details of the original sources outside the meeting.   Members raised concerns about budget pressures, particularly with Local Government Reform (LGR) on the horizon. Mr Dickinson stated that there are always funding pressures in Local Government; however, this Council is in a good position despite the flat settlement from the Government over the next three years and higher-than-anticipated inflation. In view of LGR, much of the Capital Programme is being accelerated where possible.    Regarding revenue, officers are looking ahead and endeavouring to hand over the Council in a strong financial position, as are Chelmsford and Maldon.   Regarding queries relating to S106 monies, Mr Dickinson advised that a report would be coming to this Committee later in the municipal year.   Cllr Rigby MOVED, and Cllr Sankey SECONDED the recommendation in the report.   A vote was taken by a show of hands and Members RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:   R1.     That the Committee notes the contents of the report.

Date of Decision: July 28, 2026