23 July 2007
Since the Annual Accounts Committee met a month ago, a number of steps have been taken in response to the Leader's comments at the meeting.
Highlights show that:
- Work has commenced on reviewing and confirming arrangements involving cash handling and the collection fund.
- The Benefits ‘backlog’ has been reduced from 2,800 items to 1,077 between 20.6.07 and 17.7.07 and is on target to be out of ‘backlog’ by end of July.
- An independent Financial Consultant has been commissioned to work with members, officers and external audit. He will assist in arranging for a full forensic check of the Council's financial processes and procedures in conjunction with the audit of the Council's accounts over the next two months.
Cllr David Tutt says, “I am pleased with the progress to date but there is much to be done and it is important that this is carried at some speed to assure the Council, our external auditors and the public of the town that our finances are on a stable footing. Once this is complete the Council can concentrate on its forward plans.”
