2007-2008 - Annual Audit and Inspection Letter - Uttlesford District Council v1.0.

Annual Audit and Inspection Letter Uttlesford District Council Audit 2007/08 March 2009 Contents Key messages 3 Purpose, responsibilities and scope 4 How is Uttlesford District Council performing? 5 The audit of the accounts and value for money 14 Looking ahead 21 Closing remarks 22 Status of our reports The Statement of Responsibilities of Auditors and Audited Bodies issued by the Audit Commission explains the respective responsibilities of auditors and of the audited body. Reports prepared by appointed auditors are addressed to members or officers. They are prepared for the sole use of the audited body. Auditors accept no responsibility to: • any member or officer in their individual capacity; or • any third party. Key messages Key messages 1 Uttlesford District Council has made progress in some priority areas, despite the significant financial pressures. Urgent action had to be taken during 2007/08 to avoid major budget deficits. The Council achieved a modest underspend in 2007/08 and reserves are likely to exceed the minimum level set by the Council. There is mixed performance in key services, although performance in some other service areas is high performing and exceeds the average for district councils. 2 Capacity is improving, including through external support. At the Council’s request, progress has been monitored through a voluntary improvement board since May 2008. Performance management arrangements are improving ...