Agenda item

The report, which asked Members to consider the External Auditors 2022/23 Annual Report, was presented by Mark Surridge of Mazars LLPA.

It was noted that there was an update to page 97, section 2 of the report.  As a result of the work an additional error arose relating to the valuation of land and buildings by the Valuer and consequently there had been a book adjustment to comply with financial reporting standards. The 2022/2023 accounts can now be signed off with “clean opinion” later this month.

The report refers to a letter regarding the Derbyshire pension fund which should arrive this February, the letter is required to complete the signing off of the accounts.  No impact on the accounts is expected from the contents of this letter.

Members queried the position the pension fund was in and whether there would need to be a change to the contributions over the next year.  It was noted the Authority contribution is set for the next 3 years so no change is expected until 2026.

It was clarified that any fluctuations in the pension fund was not a risk for the Authority.  The Chair asked for clarification and a more detailed response regarding the query about the huge movements on the pension scheme and asked what the term “other experience” means (page 73 of the report). The pension surplus/deficit is calculated as a snapshot and has not impacted on Authority reserves.

The recommendations set out in the report were moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the audited Statement of Accounts for 2022/23 at Appendix 1 of the report.

2.    To consider and note the External Auditor’s Audit Completion Report (ACR) at Appendix 2 of the report.

3.    To note the letter of management representation at Appendix A within Appendix 2 of the report needs to be signed by the Chief Finance Officer.