The Town Council has received a positive independent internal audit report, giving residents reassurance that the Council has strong financial management, governance and internal controls in place.

The audit, carried out by the Southern Internal Audit Partnership as part of the Council’s annual governance review, concluded that there is “a generally sound system of governance, risk management and control in place” and found no high-priority issues requiring immediate action.

For local people, the report provides independent assurance that public money is being properly managed and that the systems and controls behind the Council’s services are operating effectively.

The review looked at a wide range of Council activities, including budgeting, financial reporting, procurement, income collection, payroll, asset management, risk management, information governance and legal compliance.

Auditors noted several areas of good practice, including:

• Regular and detailed financial monitoring by councillors;
• Strong compliance with the Council's Financial Regulations;
• Effective controls over payments, income collection and VAT accounting;
• Robust payroll arrangements;
• Well-maintained asset registers and bank reconciliations;
• Effective risk management processes; and
• Compliance with data protection and information governance requirements.

Only two improvement points were identified, relating to the Council’s investment strategy and procurement framework. These were classed as observations for improvement rather than significant concerns, and action plans are already in place to address both recommendations.

The positive report is particularly welcome during a year of change for the Council, following the appointment of a new Town Clerk, Finance Manager and other members of the management team.

Town Clerk, Charmaine Bennett, said:

"Most residents do not see the day-to-day work that goes into managing a local council’s finances, but it matters enormously. Public money must be handled carefully, openly and properly, and this independent audit provides reassurance that the Council has strong arrangements in place."

"I am especially pleased that this positive outcome has been achieved during a year of change. It reflects the hard work of staff, the oversight of councillors and the Council’s commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability."

Town Mayor, Cllr Mary DeBoos, who chaired the Policy & Finance Committee during the period covered by the audit, said:

"This report provides independent reassurance that the Council is managing public money responsibly and that appropriate financial controls are in place. Good governance is not always visible, but it is essential to maintaining public confidence and ensuring resources are used effectively for the benefit of the community."

"I would like to thank both councillors and officers for their work in maintaining these standards during a year of change for the Council."

The internal audit forms part of the Council’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), which is submitted each year as part of the statutory audit process for local councils.
Residents will also be able to inspect the Council’s accounts during the annual public inspection period, in line with the statutory arrangements.