Recommendations requiring a response under s11 Audit Commi…

Our reference Your reference Date 23 March 2005 Members of the Council Portsmouth City Council Civic Offices Guildhall Square Portsmouth Hampshire PO1 2EA Dear Councillor Interim Annual Audit Letter 2004/05 – Recommendations requiring a response under s11 Audit Commission Act 1998 - Severance Payments Introduction This letter is issued to members in advance of the conclusion of the 2004/05 audit of accounts. It summarises concerns that have arisen which I wish to bring to members attention in advance of the conclusion of the audit and which require a public response under s11 Audit Commission Act 1998. Summary conclusion I have concluded that weaknesses in processes, systems and governance within the council resulted in a redundancy payment to the former City Planning Officer that was contrary to law. Similarly, I have concluded that the award of compensatory added years to the former City Planning Officer and four other former chief officers were also contrary to law as members failed to take relevant considerations into account, namely the exercise of discretion and the long term financial cost. I have set out my findings in this letter and the council is invited to respond to my recommendations. Once I have received the council’s response, I will consider whether I wish to take formal action to apply to the courts that the items are unlawful under Section 17 Audit Commission Act 1998. Background The City Council has recently completed the ...