Press Release – Middlewich Town Council AGAR

/in /by

PRESS RELEASE

Middlewich Town Council has been praised by the Auditor following the recent completion of the Internal Audit as part of the 2020/2021 Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR)

In May 2019, the Council decided to thoroughly investigate potential breaches in the historic financial accounting records and financial processes. A new Auditor, JDH Business Services Ltd, was appointed to carry out a wide-ranging review and, as expected, the resulting Internal Audit identified 58 breaches. Middlewich Town Council received heavy criticism and it was recommended that the Council took urgent and comprehensive action to rectify the financial control issues that were highlighted.

Lisa Benskin, Middlewich Town Clerk, joined the council in January 2020. Lisa, a qualified solicitor, was tasked with reviewing the Council’s processes and bringing all Governance requirements up to the standard that is required and expected. In just 14 very challenging months, Lisa has succeeded in completely revising the financial procedures which have resulted in a positive turnaround.  The latest AGAR Report praises the Council and states that “It is clear from our follow up of prior year issues that the Council has made excellent progress in addressing the numerous internal control weaknesses identified in previous years’ internal audit reports.  The 2020/2021 AGAR Report notes that ‘54 out of the 58 breaches raised in the 19/20 Internal Audit have now been resolved. This is a huge achievement in such a short period of time’.

Lisa said “I am very proud to report the results of our latest AGAR. To view ‘Yes’ responses in the AGAR certificate in comparison to the high volume of ‘No’ responses in the previous year is a clear demonstration of the commitment and hard work of the council, myself and the staff. We were committed to resolving the 58 breaches and to put a robust process in place that is fit for purpose and we have achieved this. There are of course 8 issues raised that we will work to resolve, which are highlighted in the Audit for 20/21, but I will strive to conclude these as soon as possible so that the Council can continue to move forward in a positive direction. Officers will now be able to work on numerous projects the Council want to see developed for the Town as opposed to fixing historical errors”

Chairman of the Council, Councillor Mike Hunter is delighted with the latest Audit and states “When we took control of the council in 2019, we knew that we were inheriting a huge array of problems. There were many issues which needed to be tackled and these had been allowed to evolve over a long time period. We were determined to make sure that the financial situation of the council was clear, that the identified problems were dealt with and professional processes put in place. It has taken an incredible amount of effort and time by our Town Clerk to ensure that, finally, we have an Audit that demonstrates that Middlewich Town Council is legally compliant, more efficient and fit for purpose”

An open air Public Meeting to legally approve the Annual Governance Statement and the Annual Accounting Statements will take place Monday 21st June 2021 at 7.15pm on the Civic Way Car Park, Civic Way, Middlewich. The meeting will also be streamed via Facebook.

For more information, please contact Middlewich Town Clerk, Lisa Benskin at clerk@middlewich.org.uk or call 01606 833434

 

Ends.

Additional Notes

  • The Local Audit & Accountability Act 2014 and the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2015 set out the responsibilities of all local councils in respect of their accounting and auditing procedures.
  •  Each year, Middlewich Town Council’s financial accounts and statements must be examined by an independent internal auditor appointed by the Council.
  •  Every Council is required to complete an Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) which includes the findings of the Internal Auditor, together with Governance Statements and Financial Statements. The AGAR is then submitted to the independent external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission for examination.
  •  A public meeting must be held to approve the Annual Governance Statement and the Annual Accounting Statements. Middlewich Town Council will hold the AGAR public meeting on Monday 21st June 2021 at 7.15pm. Due to the extension of Government lockdown rules this meeting will take place outside on Civic Way Car Park, Civic Way, CW10 9AT.
  • Details of the 21st June 2021 meeting, including the full Agenda pack, can be viewed on the Middlewich Town Council website: https://middlewich.org.uk/meetings
  • Chartered Accountants JDH Business Services Ltd are registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Companies House Registration Number: 03824298