Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Borough Treasurer.

The report outlines issues relating to the Statement of Accounts.

The Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Jonathan Davies on Tel: 218 1025 or email: jonathan.davies@stockport.gov.uk

The Borough Treasurer submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Committee to consider issues that have arisen during the audit period and to approve the final audited Statement of Accounts as presented.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         Councillors commended officers for preparing the Statement of Accounts to a high standard and for their presentation to the Council’s External Auditors on 31 May 2018 meaning that the Council had met the new statutory financial closedown deadline for Local Authorities.

·         The Committee discussed the reasons for the deficit in the Children and Family Services budget and the Adult Social Care budget deficit. Councillors noted that the number of Looked After Children had increased and that there was increased demand on places for Special Educational Need pupils.

·         Plans for a refresh of the Reserves Policy. The Policy also ensures the Council’s earmarked reserves are held at an appropriate level to support the Council’s budget and mitigate the impact of unforeseen cost pressures.

RESOLVED – That the Statement of Accounts for 2017/2018 be approved.