The Audit Findings for London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

Transcription

1 The Audit Findings for London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Year ended 31 March 2013 September 2013 Page 13 Paul Grady Director T E paul.d.grady@uk.gt.com Sarah Ironmonger Manager T E sarah.l.ironmonger@uk.gt.c om Daniel Bird Executive T E daniel.bird@uk.gt.com 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September 2013

2 Page 14 The contents of this report relate only to those matters which came to our attention during the conduct of our normal audit procedures which are designed primarily for the purpose of expressing our opinion on the financial statements. Our audit is not designed to test all internal controls or identify all areas of control weakness. However, where, as part of our testing, we identify any control weaknesses, we will report these to you. In consequence, our work cannot be relied upon to disclose defalcations or other irregularities, or to include all possible improvements in internal control that a more extensive special examination might identify. We do not accept any responsibility for any loss occasioned to any third party acting, or refraining from acting on the basis of the content of this report, as this report was not prepared for, nor intended for, any other purpose Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

3 Contents Section Page 1. Executive summary 4 2. Audit findings 7 3. Value for Money Fees, non audit services and independence Communication of audit matters 24 Appendices A Action plan 27 B Audit opinion 28 C Overview of audit findings 30 D Key indicators of financial performance 34 Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

4 Section 1: Executive summary 01. Executive summary 02. Audit findings 03. Value for Money 04. Fees, non audit services and independence Page Communication of audit matters 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September 2013

5 Executive summary Executive summary Purpose of this report This report highlights the key matters arising from our audit of your financial statements for the year ended 31 March It is also used to report our audit findings to management and those charged with governance in accordance with the requirements of International Standard on Auditing 260 (ISA). Under the Audit Commission's Code of Audit Practice we are required to report whether, in our opinion, your financial statements present a true and fair view of the financial position, the expenditure and income for the year and whether they have been properly prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting. We are also required to reach a formal conclusion on whether the you have put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in your use of resources (the Value for Money conclusion). Introduction In the conduct of our audit we have not had to alter or change our planned audit approach, which we previously communicated to you in our Audit Plan. Our audit is nearing completion, subject to the satisfactory resolution of the following matters: completion of employee remuneration testing completion of housing benefit case testing receipt and review of the final version of the financial statements; obtaining and reviewing the final management letter of representation; updating our post balance sheet events review, to the date of signing the opinion; and Whole of Government Accounts. We received draft financial statements and accompanying working papers at the start of our audit, in accordance with the agreed timetable. Key issues arising from our audit Financial statements opinion Subject to the satisfactory resolution of the outstanding matters, we anticipate providing an unqualified opinion on the financial statements. We have not identified any adjustments that would affect your reported financial position. We have recommended two minor adjustments to improve the presentation of the financial statements. We have identified an accounting judgement in relation to accounting for voluntary aided schools under the private finance initiative where we disagree with your judgement. The disagreement relates to a non material amount on the balance sheet only and does not affect your reported financial position. Further details are set out in section 2 of this report. Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

6 Executive summary Value for money conclusion We are pleased to report that, based on our review of your arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in your use of resources, we propose to give an unqualified VFM conclusion. Further detail of our work on Value for Money is set out in section 3 of this report. Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) We will complete our work in respect of the Whole of Government Accounts in accordance with the national timetable. Deadline for submission to auditors was 14 August. Controls Your management is responsible for the identification, assessment, management and monitoring of risk, and for developing, operating and monitoring the system of internal control. Our audit is not designed to test all internal controls or identify all areas of control weakness. However where, as part of our testing, we identify any control weaknesses, we report these to you. We draw your attention in particular to control issues identified in relation to your IT systems. Further details are provided within section 2 of this report. The way forward Matters arising from the financial statements audit and review of your arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in your use of resources have been discussed with the Director of Finance. We have made a number of recommendations which are set out in the action plan in Appendix A. Recommendations have been discussed and agreed with the Director of Finance and the finance team. Acknowledgment We would like to take this opportunity to record our appreciation for the assistance provided by management, the finance team and other staff during our audit. Page 18 Grant Thornton UK LLP September Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

7 Section 2: Audit findings 01. Executive summary 02. Audit findings 03. Value for Money 04. Fees, non audit services and independence Page Communication of audit matters 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September 2013

8 Audit findings Audit findings In this section we present the work we have undertaken and our findings in respect of: (a) matters and risks identified at the planning stage of the audit, as summarised in our Audit Plan and circulated to the Statutory Accounts Committee; and (b) additional matters that arose during the course of our work. We also set out the adjustments to the financial statements from our audit work and our findings in respect of internal controls. The findings presented below are subject to the satisfactory resolution of outstanding matters, as set out on page 5. Changes to Audit Plan We have not made any changes to our Audit Plan as previously communicated to you. Audit opinion We anticipate that we will provide you with an unmodified opinion. Our audit opinion is set out in Appendix B. Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

9 Audit findings Audit findings against significant risks "Significant risks often relate to significant non-routine transactions and judgmental matters. Non-routine transactions are transactions that are unusual, either due to size or nature, and that therefore occur infrequently. Judgmental matters may include the development of accounting estimates for which there is significant measurement uncertainty" (ISA 315). In this section we detail our response to the significant risks of material misstatement which we identified in the Audit Plan. As we noted in our plan, there are two presumed significant risks which are applicable to all audits under auditing standards. Risks identified in our audit plan Work completed Assurance gained and issues arising 1. Improper revenue recognition Under ISA 240 there is a presumed risk that revenue may be misstated due to improper recognition Review and testing of revenue recognition policies. Further substantive procedures on income transactions. Our audit work has not identified any issues in respect of revenue recognition. 2. Management override of controls Under ISA 240 there is a presumed risk of management over-ride of controls Review of accounting estimates, judgments and decisions made by management including accruals. Testing of journal entries Review of unusual significant transactions. Testing of payments and receipts around the yearend date, to see if transactions have been posted to the correct financial period. Our audit work has not identified any evidence of management override of controls. In particular the findings of our review of journal controls and testing of journal entries has not identified any significant issues. We set out later in this section of the report our work and findings on key accounting estimates and judgments. Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

10 Audit findings Audit findings against other risks In this section we detail our response to the other risks of material misstatement which we identified in the Audit Plan. These findings are subject to the satisfactory resolution of the outstanding matters as set out on Page 5. Recommendations, together with management responses, are attached at Appendix A. Transaction cycle Description of risk Work completed Assurance gained & issues arising Operating expenses Creditors understated or not recorded in the correct period We identified and walked through the controls operating within this system. Our audit work has not identified any issues in respect of operating expenses. We undertook substantive testing of unrecorded liabilities, accrued liabilities and attribute testing. We reviewed the Minimum Revenue Provision, recharges and presentation and disclosure. Employee remuneration Remuneration expenses not correct We identified and walked through the controls operating within this system. We undertook substantive testing of employee remuneration. We reviewed senior officers remuneration and exit packages as politically sensitive items. Our audit work has not identified any issues in respect of employee remuneration. Page 22 Welfare expenditure Welfare benefits improperly computed We identified and walked through the controls operating within this system. We reviewed the reconciliation between the housing benefits subsidy claim and the general ledger. We reviewed the system parameters and the basis of claim compilation as prescribed by Audit Commission and the Department for Work and Pensions. Subject to the satisfactory completion of outstanding work, our audit work has not identified any material misstatements in respect of welfare expenditure. Our substantive testing identified one case where proof of identity had not been retained on the file. We will be undertaking additional testing prior to certifying the housing benefit claim. We undertook substantive testing of housing and council tax benefit claims to supporting records as prescribed by Audit Commission and the Department for Work and Pensions Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

11 Audit findings Audit findings against other risks Transaction cycle Description of risk Work completed Assurance gained & issues arising Property, plant & equipment PPE activity not valid We reviewed the capital programme. We undertook substantive testing on physical verification, title deeds, additions and depreciation. Our audit work has not identified any issues in respect of property, plant and equipment. Property, plant & equipment Revaluation measurement not correct Testing of revaluations did not identify any misstatements. The expert was evaluated, the revaluation was reviewed for appropriate accounting. Completeness of revaluation was reviewed.. Our audit work has not identified any issues in respect of property, plant and equipment. Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

12 Audit findings Accounting policies, estimates & judgements In this section we report on our consideration of accounting policies, in particular revenue recognition policies, and key estimates and judgements made and included with the Council's financial statements. Accounting area Summary of policy Comments Assessment Revenue recognition Income policy Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the Council transfers the significant risks and rewards of ownership to the purchaser and it is probable that economic benefits or service potential associated with the transaction will flow to the Council. Revenue from the provision of services is recognised when the Council can measure reliably the percentage of completion of the transaction and it is probable that economic benefits or service potential associated with the transaction will flow to the Council. Expenditure policy Supplies are recorded as expenditure when they are consumed. Where there is a gap between the date supplies are received and their consumption (and the values are material) they are carried as inventories on the Balance Sheet. Expenses in relation to services received (including services provided by employees) are recorded as expenditure when the services are received rather than when payments are made. The income and expenditure recognition policy appears appropriate under the accounting framework; The disclosure is adequate; and Our testing did not identify any instances of non compliance with the policy. Page 24 Assessment Marginal accounting policy which could potentially attract attention from regulators Accounting policy appropriate and disclosures sufficient Accounting policy appropriate but scope for improved disclosure 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

13 Audit findings Accounting policies, estimates & judgements Accounting area Summary of work done Comments Assessment Judgements and estimates Key estimates and key judgements include: Classification of property Revenue recognition Recoverability of debtors Treatment of voluntary aided schools within the private finance initiative scheme Other accounting policies We have reviewed your policies against the requirements of the CIPFA Code and accounting standards. Policy is appropriate under accounting framework Disclosure is adequate The private finance initiative (PFI) for schools covers two voluntary aided schools. You have contractual liability for the whole scheme. The voluntary aided schools pay you for their element of the liability. The position is shown net on your balance sheet. Our consideration of your judgement is that the position should be shown gross i.e. the PFI liability should include the element that relates to the voluntary aided schools and a long term asset should be created to reflect the voluntary aided schools' contributions. The issue of accounting for voluntary aided and other schools is currently being considered by CIPFA and may lead to an update for 2014/15.. Our review of accounting policies has not highlighted any issues which we wish to bring to your attention Page 25 Assessment Marginal accounting policy which could potentially attract attention from regulators Accounting policy appropriate and disclosures sufficient Accounting policy appropriate but scope for improved disclosure 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

14 Audit findings Adjusted misstatements No misstatements were identified that were adjusted in the accounts. Misclassifications & disclosure changes The table below provides details of misclassification and disclosure changes identified during the audit which have been made in the final set of financial statements. Adjustment type Value '000 Account balance Impact on the financial statements 1 Disclosure - Explanatory foreword Paragraph on 'central items' was re-worded to add clarity. No impact on financial statements. 2 Disclosure - Note 15 Intangible assets Duplicated column removed from note 15. No impact on balance held. Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

15 Audit findings Unadjusted misstatements Adjustment type Value '000 Account balance Impact on the financial statements 1 PFI asset 6,900* Long term debtor The long term asset should be increased to reflect the contributions due from two voluntary schools in relation to PFI liabilities. This is offset by the increase in the PFI liability. 6,900* Long term liability (PFI) * auditor estimation based on Grant Thornton PFI model The long term liability for PFI schools should be increased to reflect the liability due for two voluntary schools. This is offset by the increase in the long term debtor. Page 27 Recommendation 1: You should consider adjusting your long term debtor and long term liability for the PFI amounts related to voluntary schools Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

16 Audit findings Internal controls The purpose of an audit is to express an opinion on the financial statements. Our audit included consideration of internal controls relevant to the preparation of the financial statements. We considered these controls to enable us to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but we did not consider them for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control. The matters reported here are limited to those deficiencies that we have identified during the course of our audit and that we have concluded are of sufficient importance to merit being reported to you in accordance with auditing standards. These and other recommendations, together with management responses, are included in the action plan attached at appendix A. Assessment Issue and risk Recommendations 1. Our review of your Information Technology (IT) systems identified a number of risks. None of the risks were assessed as giving rise to a risk of material or significant misstatement and management has responded to all issues raised. In summary recommendations were made to improve controls relating to restricting access to the sensitive transaction code (RZ10) (currently six users) restricting full systems access (SAP-ALL) (currently ten users) enhancing the use of the password exception table (USR40) reconfiguring the security of the default SAP account undertaking regular checks on the job scheduler strengthening password policies introducing a dedicated intrusion detection system or intrusion prevention system (periodic network penetration testing is undertaken) implementing a formal review of leavers on a subsidiary system (Northgate) implementing a formal policy to review user access on a subsidiary system (Northgate) implementing a formal policy to review unauthorised access attempts on a subsidiary system (Northgate) The Head of ICT should ensure that the recommendations are implemented in line with the agreed action plan. Page 28 Assessment Significant deficiency risk of significant misstatement Deficiency risk of inconsequential misstatement 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

17 Audit findings Other communication requirements We set out below details of other matters which we are required by auditing standards to communicate to those charged with governance. Issue Commentary 1. Matters in relation to fraud We have discussed the risk of fraud with your Statutory Accounts Committee. We have not been made aware of any other incidents in the period and no other issues have been identified during the course of our audit procedures. 2. Matters in relation to laws and regulations We are not aware of any significant incidences of non-compliance with relevant laws and regulations. 3. Written representations We have requested from you a standard letter of representation. 4. Disclosures Our review found no material omissions in the financial statements. We did agree to minor amendments as noted on page Matters in relation to related parties We are not aware of any related party transactions which have not been disclosed. 6. Going concern Our work has not identified any reason to challenge your decision to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

18 Section 3: Value for Money 01. Executive summary 02. Audit findings 03. Value for Money 04. Fees, non audit services and independence Page Communication of audit matters 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September 2013

19 Value for Money Value for Money Value for Money conclusion The Code of Audit Practice 2010 (the Code) describes your responsibilities to put in place proper arrangements to: secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in your use of resources ensure proper stewardship and governance review regularly the adequacy and effectiveness of these arrangements. We are required to issue our VFM conclusion based on the following two criteria specified by the Audit Commission which support our reporting responsibilities under the Code. You have proper arrangements in place for securing financial resilience. You have robust systems and processes to manage effectively financial risks and opportunities, and to secure a stable financial position that enables it to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. You have proper arrangements for challenging how it secures economy, efficiency and effectiveness. You prioritise your resources within tighter budgets, for example by achieving cost reductions and by improving efficiency and productivity. Key findings Securing financial resilience We have undertaken a review which considered your arrangements against the following three expected characteristics of proper arrangements as defined by the Audit Commission: Financial governance; Financial planning; and Financial control You have good arrangements in place and we assessed each area as green rated: arrangements meet or exceed adequate standards. The table on the next page summarises our conclusions in each area for financial resilience. Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

20 Value for money Risk area Key Indicators of Performance Strategic Financial Planning Financial Governance Summary observations We compared three key financial ratios with those of other similar London Boroughs. Your financial position compares well with your peers. Detailed graphs are set out at Appendix D. Your medium-term financial strategy is robust. It models changes to the most significant drivers of income and expenditure over a 3-year period, and allows officers to quantify the 'budget gap' based on different scenarios for setting the council tax demand. However, local elections are due to take place in May 2015 which means that there is uncertainty over the economic and political plans for the period beyond 2015/16. We recommend working with political parties to understand likely priorities to enable enhanced modelling from 2015/16. Recommendation 2: Senior officers should work with members from all political parties to better understand their likely priorities after the 2015 election. This would allow you to enhance your scenario analysis and to consider the impact that these may have on the medium term financial strategy. Reports to Cabinet and the Finance and Performance Scrutiny Group demonstrate that members have a good understanding of and engagement with the council's financial position. Budgetary control and reporting is good. You have a minimum reserves policy which has not been updated for some time and we recommend that this is reviewed. Recommendation 3: You should review the minimum reserves policy to ensure that it remains appropriate in the context of a changing funding environment and different political imperatives. High level risk assessment Green Green Green Page 32 Financial Control You have an adequately resourced and capable finance department, and the overall control environment is strong. We note that your internal auditors have made several recommendations for improvements of your core financial systems. Budget monitoring processes are strong, with savings plans built into base budgets. You have a strong track record of budget underspends and we recommend that underspends are reviewed as part of future budget setting. Recommendation 4: Based on savings being embedded with budgets and a track record of budget underspends, you should review underspends as part of setting future budgets. Green 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

21 Value for money Key findings (continued) Challenging economy, efficiency and effectiveness We have reviewed whether you have prioritised your resources to take account of the tighter constraints you are required to operate within. The key finding arising from our work include the following: you have continued to make progress in implementing the Achieving for Children work programme and established a Joint Committee. A Joint Management Team has been established and there are a number of workstreams operating to support the development of the new organisation. The change is complex and the arrangements are in place to mitigate the potential gaps in service delivery and governance; you have continued to make progress in developing an Integrated Care Organisation and the Full Business Case was presented to the Cabinet in July 2013 enabling discussion of the issues arising. The change is complex and the arrangements are in place to mitigate the potential gaps in service delivery and governance; Your change programmes for Achieving for Children and the Integrated Care Organisation are complex and it is important that you continue to ensure the risk of potential gaps in service delivery and governance are mitigated. Overall VFM conclusion On the basis of our work, and having regard to the guidance on the specified criteria published by the Audit Commission, we are satisfied that in all significant respects you have put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in your use of resources for the year ending 31 March Page 33 from 1 April 2013 you became responsible for delivering public health services. The transfer arrangements appear to have operated as planned. You are currently reviewing the underlying contracts and commissioning arrangements; and you have continued to implement shared services as part your strategic objective to become a Commissioning Council. You have reviewed the experience of earlier shared services and identified lessons for future shared services. You reported to Cabinet that shared services are delivering savings as well as your plans to continue to expand shared service arrangements Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

22 Section 4: Fees, non audit services and independence 01. Executive summary 02. Audit findings 03. Value for Money 04. Fees, non audit services and independence Page Communication of audit matters 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September 2013

23 Fees, non audit services and independence Fees, non audit services and independence We confirm below our final fees charged for the audit and provision of non-audit services. Fees Per Audit plan Actual fees Council audit 120, ,261 Grant certification 24,450 * Total audit fees 144,711 Fees for other services Service Fees Tax structuring options for Achieving for Children 10,000 * grant certification work is ongoing. Independence and ethics We confirm that there are no significant facts or matters that impact on our independence as auditors that we are required or wish to draw to your attention. We have complied with the Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards and therefore we confirm that we are independent and are able to express an objective opinion on the financial statements. We confirm that we have implemented policies and procedures to meet the requirements of the Auditing Practices Board's Ethical Standards. Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

24 Section 5: Communication of audit matters 01. Executive summary 02. Audit findings 03. Value for Money 04. Fees, non audit services and independence Page Communication of audit matters 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September 2013

25 Communication of audit matters Communication of audit matters to those charged with governance International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 260, as well as other ISAs, prescribe matters which we are required to communicate with those charged with governance, and which we set out in the table opposite. The Audit Plan outlined our audit strategy and plan to deliver the audit, while this Audit Findings report presents the key issues and other matters arising from the audit, together with an explanation as to how these have been resolved. Respective responsibilities The Audit Findings Report has been prepared in the context of the Statement of Responsibilities of Auditors and Audited Bodies issued by the Audit Commission ( We have been appointed as the Council's independent external auditors by the Audit Commission, the body responsible for appointing external auditors to local public bodies in England. As external auditors, we have a broad remit covering finance and governance matters. Our annual work programme is set in accordance with the Code of Audit Practice ('the Code') issued by the Audit Commission and includes nationally prescribed and locally determined work. Our work considers the Council's key risks when reaching our conclusions under the Code. It is the responsibility of the Council to ensure that proper arrangements are in place for the conduct of its business, and that public money is safeguarded and properly accounted for. We have considered how the Council is fulfilling these responsibilities. Our communication plan Respective responsibilities of auditor and management/those charged with governance Overview of the planned scope and timing of the audit. Form, timing and expected general content of communications Views about the qualitative aspects of the entity's accounting and financial reporting practices, significant matters and issues arising during the audit and written representations that have been sought Audit Plan Audit Findings Confirmation of independence and objectivity A statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, relationships and other matters which might be thought to bear on independence. Details of non-audit work performed by Grant Thornton UK LLP and network firms, together with fees charged Details of safeguards applied to threats to independence Material weaknesses in internal control identified during the audit Identification or suspicion of fraud involving management and/or others which results in material misstatement of the financial statements Compliance with laws and regulations Expected auditor's report Uncorrected misstatements Significant matters arising in connection with related parties Significant matters in relation to going concern Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

26 Appendices Appendices Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

27 Appendices Appendix A: Action plan Priority High - Significant effect on control system Medium - Effect on control system Low - Best practice Rec No. Recommendation Priority Management response Implementation date & responsibility 1 You should consider adjusting your long term debtor and long term liability for the PFI amounts related to voluntary schools. 2 Senior officers should work with members from all political parties to better understand their likely priorities after the 2014 election. This would allow you to enhance your scenario analysis and to consider the impact that these may have on the medium term financial strategy. High Medium A review will be undertaken to look into the issue raised along with any revised guidance from CIPFA Meetings are taking place with Lead Members from both parties to consider the potential financial environment post 2014/15. In the absence of firm information on Government grant funding, a number of scenarios are being developed. February Chief Accountant September to December 2013 Director of Finance & Corporate Services Page 39 3 The minimum reserves policy should be reviewed to ensure that it remains appropriate in the context of a changing funding environment and different political imperatives. Low This will be reviewed as part of the overall update to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). February 2014 Director of Finance & Corporate Services 4 Based on savings being embedded with budgets and a track record of budget underspends, you should review underspends as part of setting future budgets. Medium The reasons for underspends will be analysed as part of the review of the MTFS and officers will consider the impact on longer term budgeting were appropriate. February 2014 Director of Finance & Corporate Services 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

28 Appendices Appendix B: Audit opinion We anticipate we will provide you with an unmodified audit report INDEPENDENT AUDITOR S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LONDON BOROUGH OF RICHMOND UPON THAMES Opinion on the Authority financial statements We have audited the financial statements of London Borough of Richmond upon Thames for the year ended 31 March 2013 under the Audit Commission Act The financial statements comprise the Movement in Reserves Statement, the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and Collection Fund and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2012/13. This report is made solely to the members of London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in accordance with Part II of the Audit Commission Act 1998 and for no other purpose, as set out in paragraph 48 of the Statement of Responsibilities of Auditors and Audited Bodies published by the Audit Commission in March To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Authority and the Authority's Members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Respective responsibilities of the Director of Finance and Corporate Services and auditor As explained more fully in the Statement of the Director of Finance and Corporate Services Responsibilities, the Director of Finance and Corporate Services is responsible for the preparation of the Statement of Accounts, which includes the financial statements, in accordance with proper practices as set out in the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom, and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board s Ethical Standards for Auditors. Scope of the audit of the financial statements An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Authority s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Director of Finance and Corporate Services; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and nonfinancial information in the explanatory foreword to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report. Opinion on financial statements In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the financial position of London Borough of Richmond upon Thames as at 31 March 2013 and of its expenditure and income for the year then ended; and have been properly prepared in accordance with the CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2012/13. Opinion on other matters In our opinion, the information given in the explanatory foreword for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. Matters on which we report by exception We report to you if: in our opinion the annual governance statement does not reflect compliance with Delivering Good Governance in Local Government: a Framework published by CIPFA/SOLACE in June 2007; we issue a report in the public interest under section 8 of the Audit Commission Act 1998; we designate under section 11 of the Audit Commission Act 1998 any recommendation as one that requires the Authority to consider it at a public meeting and to decide what action to take in response; or we exercise any other special powers of the auditor under the Audit Commission Act Page 40 We have nothing to report in these respects Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

29 Appendices Conclusion on the Authority s arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resources Respective responsibilities of the Authority and the auditor The Authority is responsible for putting in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources, to ensure proper stewardship and governance, and to review regularly the adequacy and effectiveness of these arrangements. We are required under Section 5 of the Audit Commission Act 1998 to satisfy ourselves that the Authority has made proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources. The Code of Audit Practice issued by the Audit Commission requires us to report to you our conclusion relating to proper arrangements, having regard to relevant criteria specified by the Audit Commission. We report if significant matters have come to our attention which prevent us from concluding that the Authority has put in place proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources. We are not required to consider, nor have we considered, whether all aspects of the Authority s arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources are operating effectively. Scope of the review of arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the use of resources We have undertaken our audit in accordance with the Code of Audit Practice, having regard to the guidance on the specified criteria, published by the Audit Commission in November 2012, as to whether the Authority has proper arrangements for: securing financial resilience; and challenging how it secures economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Conclusion On the basis of our work, having regard to the guidance on the specified criteria published by the Audit Commission in November 2012, we are satisfied that, in all significant respects, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ended 31 March Certificate We certify that we have completed the audit of the financial statements of London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in accordance with the requirements of the Audit Commission Act 1998 and the Code of Audit Practice issued by the Audit Commission. Paul Grady Director for and on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP, Appointed Auditor Grant Thornton House Melton Street Euston Square London NW1 2EP September 2013 Page 41 The Audit Commission has determined these two criteria as those necessary for us to consider under the Code of Audit Practice in satisfying ourselves whether the Authority put in place proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ended 31 March We planned our work in accordance with the Code of Audit Practice. Based on our risk assessment, we undertook such work as we considered necessary to form a view on whether, in all significant respects, the Authority had put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

30 Audit findings Appendix C: Overview of audit findings In this section we present our findings in respect of matters and risks identified at the planning stage of the audit and additional matters that arose during the course of our work. Changes to Audit Plan We have not had to change our Audit Plan as previously communicated to you. Account Transaction cycle Material misstatement risk? Description of risk Change to the audit plan Audit findings Cost of services - operating expenses Operating expenses Other Operating expenses understated No None Cost of services employee remuneration Costs of services Housing & council tax benefit Employee remuneration Other Remuneration expenses not correct Welfare expenditure Other Welfare benefits improperly computed No No None None, subject to the satisfactory completion of outstanding work Page 42 Cost of services other revenues (fees & charges) Other revenues None No None (Gains)/ Loss on disposal of non current assets Property, Plant and Equipment Other Revaluation measurements not correct No None Precepts and Levies Council Tax None No None 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

31 Audit findings Account Interest payable and similar charges Pension Interest cost Interest & investment income Return on Pension assets Capital grants and contributions Impairment of investments Investment properties: Income expenditure, valuation, changes & gain on disposal Income from council tax Transaction cycle Material misstatement risk? Description of risk Change to the audit plan Borrowings None No None Employee remuneration None No None Investments None No None Employee remuneration Property, Plant and Equipment None No None None No None Investments None No None Property, Plant & Equipment None No None Council Tax None No None NNDR Distribution NNDR None No None Audit findings Page 43 Revenue support grant and other Government grants Grant Income None No None 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

32 Audit findings Account (Surplus)/ Deficit on revaluation of non current assets Actuarial (gains)/ Losses on pension fund assets & liabilities Transaction cycle Property, Plant & Equipment Employee remuneration Material misstatement risk? Description of risk Change to the audit plan None No None None No None Audit findings Property, Plant & Equipment Property, Plant & Equipment Heritage assets & Investment property Property, Plant & Equipment Property, Plant & Equipment Property, Plant & Equipment Other PPE activity not valid No None Other Revaluation measurements not correct No None None No None Intangible assets Intangible assets None No None Page 44 Investments (long & short term) Debtors (long & short term) Investments None No None Revenue None No None Assets held for sale Property, Plant & Equipment None No None Inventories Inventories None No None 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

33 Audit findings Account Borrowing (long & short term) Creditors (long & Short term) Provisions (long & short term) Pension liability Transaction cycle Material misstatement risk? Description of risk Change to the audit plan Debt None No None Operating Expenses Other Creditors understated or not recorded in the correct period No Audit findings None Provision None No None Employee remuneration None No None Reserves Equity None No None Page Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

34 Appendix D: Key Indicators of Financial Performance Working Capital - Benchmarked Definition The working capital ratio indicates if an authority has enough current assets, or resources, to cover its immediate liabilities - i.e. those liabilities to be met over the next twelve month period. A ratio of assets to liabilities of 2:1 is usually considered to be acceptable, whilst a ratio of less than one - i.e. current liabilities exceed current assets - indicates potential liquidity problems. A high working capital ratio isn't always a good thing; it could indicate that an authority is not effectively investing its excess cash. Findings Your working capital ratio was 2.4 in 2012/13 and 2.2 in 2011/12. Your 2011/12 ratio compares well to the peer group of other London Boroughs. This gives assurance that your cash flow position is strong, and you are unlikely to have difficulties meeting commitments as they fall due in the short term. Page 46 Source: Audit Commission's Technical Directory 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

35 Key Indicators of Financial Performance Long Term Borrowing to Tax Revenue - Benchmarked Definition This shows long tem borrowing as a share of tax revenue. A ratio of more than one means that long term borrowing exceeds council tax revenue. Findings You have one of the lowest level of borrowings as a share of tax revenues when compared to other similar London Boroughs. You are planning to increase borrowing over the coming years. The pace at which debt increases should be kept under review for affordability. Page 47 Source: Audit Commission's Technical Directory 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

36 Financial Control Performance Against Budget: 2012/13 variances by directorate The education, children's and cultural services directorate overspent by 340,000. All other directorates reported underspends against their planned budget, leading to an overall revenue underspend of 4.9 million. Page 48 Source: Cabinet report dated July 2013 The reported outturn was lower than this, at 3.8 million, because of an adjustment for 2013/14 commitments carried forward into next year's budgets Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

37 Key Indicators of Financial Performance Schools balances to DSG allocation - Benchmarked Definition This shows the share of schools balances in relation to the total dedicated schools grant allocation (DSG) received for the year. For example a ratio of 0.02 means that 2 per cent of the total DSG allocation remained unspent at the end of the year. Findings Your maintained schools have the highest level of reserves, as a proportion of DSG allocation, of any of the peer group of similar London borough councils. This gives assurance that schools hold sufficient reserves to manage the impact of increasing demand for school places. Page 49 Source: Audit Commission's Technical Directory 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September

38 Page Grant Thornton UK LLP. All rights reserved. 'Grant Thornton' means Grant Thornton UK LLP, a limited liability partnership. Grant Thornton is a member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (Grant Thornton International). References to 'Grant Thornton' are to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms operate and refer to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered independently by member firms, which are not responsible for the services or activities of one another. Grant Thornton International does not provide services to clients. grant-thornton.co.uk 2013 Grant Thornton UK LLP Audit Findings Report September 2013