Conservative-Led District Council is ‘Good Value for Money’ Say Auditors

Cllr. Giles McNeill, Chairman of West Lindsey's Governance and Audit Committee

Conservative-led West Lindsey District Council represents good value for money according to an annual audit into its financial accounts.

The 2013/2014 audit was undertaken by independent auditors KPMG, to assess the council on its financial statements, which was given an unqualified opinion. The report explained:

“This means that we believe the financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the authority and of its expenditure and income for the year.”

The report concluded that the council represented ‘unqualified value for money’. This means they are satisfied that the authority has proper arrangements for securing financial resilience and challenging how it secures economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

Cllr. Giles McNeill, Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee was pleased with the positive assessment. He said:

“The annual audit is an independent, external check on how the council is managing its accounts and tax-payers money.

“I am pleased to see that we have received independent confirmation that we are managing our finances well, from the external auditors. We must not become complacent and will continue to work hard to maintain our high standards. It is important that we have robust, transparent measures in place as a public service.”

Auditors looked at the financial governance, financial planning and the financial control processes when assessing the authority. It also examined how the council is prioritising resources and improving efficiency and productivity. The Governance and Audit Committee is responsible for the following areas;

  • Monitoring the operation of the constitution
  • Approving the statement of accounts
  • Monitoring the effective development and operation of risk management by the council
  • Promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct by councillors and co-opted members.

The committee’s remit also incorporates the internal audit programme, which changes each year. Cllr. McNeill added:

“Internal audits are also carried out regularly at the council which is important to ensure we continuously review our governance procedures. Early this year we agreed to work with neighbouring authorities to look at the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan Partnership and we are conducting our own internal audit of West Lindsey’s Planning department, checking that we are providing the right services in the right way.”