Agenda item

There had been circulated copies of a report by KPMG, the Council’s Auditors together with a report by the Chief Financial Officer and a copy of the Annual Accounts 2015/16.  The Chief Financial Officer’s report explained that the Council’s External Auditors, KPMG, had now completed the audit of the Council’s 2015/16 Annual Accounts.  KPMG had prepared the Annual Audit Report and had provided an unqualified independent audit opinion.  The Annual Audit Report summarised KPMG’s conclusions, including:

·                An unqualified audit opinion

·                Statements supported by high quality working papers;

·                KPMG concur with management’s accounting treatment and judgements;

·                KPMG concluded positively in respect of financial sustainability, financial management, governance and transparency and value for money.

KPMG had identified two Grade 3 (minor) recommendations requiring action and these had been accepted by management and would be enacted within the agreed timescales.  As required under the Local Authority Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2014, the audited Annual Accounts for Scottish Borders Council, Scottish Borders Council’s Pension Fund, SBC Common Good Funds, the SBC Charitable Trusts, Bridge Homes LLP, SB Support and SB Cares, copies of which had also been circulated, had been presented to the Audit & Risk Committee prior to signature.  Councillor Ballantyne as Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee commented on that Committee’s review of the accounts and was pleased with the report received.  She highlighted that the level of risk covered by balances was lower and suggested that the level of Reserves not be allowed to fall any lower.  Councillor White as Chairman of the Pension Fund Committee commented on the operation of the new Board system and the fact that performance had exceeded the benchmark over the last 4.5 years.  He paid tribute to the Committee and its advisors. 

DECISION

AGREED to approve the following audited accounts:-

(a)     the Scottish Borders Council’s audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(b)     the Scottish Borders Council’s Pension Fund audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(c)     the Scottish Borders Council Common Good Funds’ (Charity SC031538) audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(d)     the SBC Welfare Trust (Charity SC044765) audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(e)     the SBC Education Trust (Charity SC044762) audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(f)      the SBC Community Enhancement Trust (Charity SC044764) audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(g)     the Thomas Howden Wildlife Trust (Charity SC015647) audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(h)     the Ormiston Trust for Institute Fund (Charity SC019162) audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(i)      the Scottish Borders Council Charity Funds’ (Charity SC043896) audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(j)      the Bridge Homes LLP audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016;

(k)     the SB Supports audited Annual Accounts for the year to 31 March 2016; and

(l)      the SB Cares audited Annual Accounts for the year to the 31 March 2016.