£24,605 audit fee

During a recent Corporate Services meeting, members heard that the money is to cover audit fees.

The report explained: ‘Council is required to pay to the Comptroller & Auditor General such audit fees as the Department of Environment may determine.

‘For the year 2008-09 accounts the audit fee was estimated at 17,000 and the actual bill, now received, is 24,605. The reason for the increase is that more time was necessary due to a range of considerations, including accounting treatment following revaluation of assets, increased work associated with management letters, tendering for major works, additional verification as a consequence of proforma set of accounts provided by DOE, issues relative to landfill provisions.

‘Members are asked to note that in the light of this the estimate for 2010/11 may be understated. The Chief Local Government Auditor has also pointed out that the year ahead will be a challenging one for both audited bodies and auditors with IFRS shadow accounts to be prepared and reviewed and 14 new Joint Committees dealing with Peace III and Rural Development.’