Archived decisions

Contact: Gary Smith, ext 7691 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 Each year the District Auditor compiles an Annual Audit and Inspection Letter to Members which summarises the conclusions and significant issues arising from the Audit Commission's audit and inspection of the Council. The letter is extremely positive and reaffirms Hampshire County Council's Four Star (highest possible) rating. Higher scores were also achieved in both Environment and Culture.

1.2 The letter predominantly covers the 2006/07 financial year but significant evidence and changes since that time have, in places, been incorporated. In relation to the use of resources section the letter only refers to the 2006/07 financial year. This letter used to be presented to Cabinet in January following a CPA (Comprehensive Performance Assessment) score announcement in December. Since then the timetable has been put back with the CPA star rating now announced in February.

1.3 It is considered useful to have the Council's response at the same time. This paper highlights the main points from the 2007 letter and identifies areas for action. It is important to ensure audit recommendations are followed up as this forms an essential part of CPA and good management, in terms of responding to external feedback and evaluation.

1.4 The following decisions were made:

a) The County Council noted this report and will review the action plan in light of the priorities and the needs of the people of Hampshire.


b) The County Council noted the District Auditor's letter.


c) The County Council repeats its strong protest that after significant improvements in all front line services, it has been given the "improving well" category rather than "improving strongly" when Government agencies such as Ofsted, Joint Area Review (JAR) and the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) have made a point of praising our improvements to services and indeed, have given them top assessments.


d) The County Council will now review its policy which previously have always concentrated on delivering the District Auditor's recommendations.

The County Council re-states the primacy of the mandate it received from the people of Hampshire and it is their needs which will continue to be met in the future, particularly since they, the council tax payer of Hampshire, provides 80% of our budget.

Issues of process will not be regarded as priority merely to tick boxes and capacity improvements will be judged in the light of funding available to the County Council.


e) That the recommendations be forwarded to the Chairman of the Audit Commission and all Hampshire MPs.


f) That the County Council's reservations be taken up with the District Auditor and the outcome of those discussions to be reported back to Cabinet by the Chief Executive.

2. Reason

2.1 The Annual Audit and Inspection Letter contains the findings of the District auditor, including judgements on the Council's overall performance, direction of travel and use of resources. This report provides a response to those findings which will enable the continued improvement of the Council and delivery against the Corporate Strategy.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 No other options considered as the County Council is required to consider the Annual Audit and Inspection Letter prepared by the Audit Commission.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor Ken Thornber, CBE - Chairman