This report informed the Committee of the Section 151 (s151) Officer’s (Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change) assessment of the Council as a ‘Going Concern’ for the purposes of producing the 2022-23 Statement of Accounts.

Following amendments to the Audit Standards under which the Council’s external auditors undertake their audits, the Council’s auditors have sought assurance that the Council has evidenced it has completed a ‘going concern’ assessment, which underpins the preparation for the annual Statement of Accounts.

This report confirms the assessment of the Council as a going concern as required by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA’s) Code of Practice on local authority accounting.

In response to the report, a Member drew attention to the handling of cash flow, a representative from Audit Wales thought the report very valuable in the context of the financial distress of some local authorities in England, and the Chairperson and officers discussed issues around the payment system for the revenue support grant from the Welsh Government.

In addition, the Chairperson drew attention to theCouncil’s Code of Corporate Governance, which was updated during the financial year and

approved by Cabinet on 7 February 2023. He noted that the Group Manager – Chief Accountant had assured him that the Code would be considered by the Committee in September.

RESOLVED:

The Committee accepted the outcome of the assessment of the Council’s going concern status for the purpose of preparing the 2022-23 Statement of Accounts.