Financial Control

Budget Setting

Budget proposals for the next financial year are developed throughout the year in the light of current priorities. The public and Audit Panel are consulted in December, and the Council agree their budget at a meeting in January.

Accounts

The Council’s accounts are subject to regular review. An internal auditor undertakes a continuous inspection of transactions, and reports regularly to the Clerk and Council. Annual accounts are examined by government appointed external auditor.

Annual Inspection

Once the annual accounts have been agreed by the Council, and prior to submission to the external auditors, there is an inspection period when rate payers can look at all financial records and submit questions. The inspection period is around June each year, and actual dates are published on the Council’s notice boards.

Audit Panel

The Council has an independent Panel with membership made up of public volunteers and a lessor number of councillors representing the various political parties of the Council. The Panel reviews the effectiveness of the financial controls and advises on budget proposals.

Transparency Code

The government requires the Council to publish details of most payment of £500 or more. Links to recent reports are provided below.