REPORT FROM THE EXTERNAL AUDITORS SAYS COUNTY GIVES VALUE FOR MONEY (Somerset Liberal Democrat Group)

Somerset Liberal Democrat Group <info@somersetlibdems.org.uk>

REPORT FROM THE EXTERNAL AUDITORS SAYS COUNTY GIVES VALUE FOR MONEY

February 13, 2009 3:00 PM

At this morning's meeting of the Audit & Resources Scrutiny Sub Committee our External Auditors, the Audit Commission, reported on their assessment of the past financial year 2007/2008 and on progress through 2008.

The Inspection Report stated that in their opinion the County Council "is performing strongly - well above minimum requirements" with regard to the "achievement of good value for money". This relates to all aspects of the County Council finances, including looking after our assets, investments and borrowing.

A four out of four is very difficult to obtain and the Liberal Democrat-run Somerset County Council is one of a handful of Local Authorities to achieve this distinction. The overall judgement was an improvement on the previous year - which was good.

Councillor David Gladding, the Vice Chair of the Audit & Resources Committee said, "I am delighted that the Audit Commission regard this Council so highly, and it quite rightly recognises the hard work of our members and officers in this most excellent result."

Councillor Sam Crabb, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Strategic Resources added, "this big tick from the Audit Commission is helpful, because it reassures the people of Somerset that their money is in safe hands. It is being used well and we are achieving good value for money. With one of the lowest rates of Council Tax in any county area in England and the best services, Somerset County Council is helping many other local authorities to improve how they run their Councils".

Jill Shortland, Leader said "Sam and his Finance team are achieving excellent results - and we will be hearing more about the refund of the Icelandic Bank deposits in the next few months."

ENDS.