External auditors give Ashfield District Council positive judgement

KPMG, which works on behalf of the Government has been scrutinising the council’s annual accounts.

They were checking not only for correctness but whether it delivers value for money for its residents, how well it is planning for the future and in particular how it is preparing for further cuts in Government funding.

They summarised that the accounts were a ‘true reflection of the council’s activity during 2012/13’.

Ashfield’s audit committee received the report at their recent meeting where they formally approved the accounts.

“It is pleasing to note the progress made on improving the council’s financial management in recent years,” said Ashfield Council’s audit committee chairman, Coun Ray Buttery (Independent, Sutton West).

“This is the third consecutive year when the council has received a positive report from its external auditors.”

Finance and resources portfolio holder, Coun Dave Shaw (Labour, Hucknall East) added: “This is a very positive report and the result of many colleagues’ hard work.”

The report also acknowledged that there were challenging times ahead for the council with the budget restrictions put in place by central Government and being passed on to local authorities.

“The council is acutely aware of the challenges ahead,” added Coun Shaw. “We will be working hard to deliver a balanced budget for 2014/15, to ensure that we continue to provide good value for money.”