SE004 Annual Audit and Inspection Letter - FINAL

2004 Annual Audit and Inspection Letter Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council INSIDE THIS LETTER PAGES 2 - 15 • Executive summary • Key messages • Council performance • Accounts and governance • Other work • Looking forwards • Closing remarks PAGES 16 - 19 Appendices • Appendix 1 - Audit and inspection reports issued • Appendix 2 - Scope of audit and inspection • Ax 3 - Audit and inspection fee Reference: SE004 Annual Audit and Inspection Letter Date: January 2005 2004 ANNUAL AUDIT AND INSPECTION LETTER Financial position Sefton’s revenue reserves are very low Executive summary compared with similar councils. This is being addressed through an annual contribution to The purpose of this Letter build up the level of balances. However, members need to ensure service expenditure is This is our audit and inspection ‘Annual Letter’ strictly controlled and that any over-spending is for members which incorporates the Annual not merely financed from balances. Audit Letter for 2003/04, and is presented by Levels of arrears are increasing for council tax the council’s Relationship Manager and District and NNDR, and collection rates need to improve. Auditor. The Letter summarises the conclusions and significant issues arising from our recent audit and inspections of the council. Other accounts and governance We have issued separate reports during the issues year, having completed specific ...