Slough Borough Council’s audit committee will be discussing the financial arrangements of the council after the release of a progress report by external auditors Grant Thornton.
The 72-page report lays out where the auditors feel progress has been made and, specifically where the council’s recovery and transformation has not been fast enough or met expectations.
The report covers significant weaknesses, many of which have previously been reported to the council, along with recommendations for improvement.
The report is part of the auditor’s annual requirement to consider whether the council has put in place proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources.
The Audit and Corporate Governance Committee will be discussing the details at a meeting of the committee on 31 October.
Some of the issues raised in the report include:
- The need for a review of the asset disposal programme to ensure financial implications are fully considered
- The level of funding for the council’s transformation programme
- The high levels of turnover of senior officers in recent years
- Performance management
- Improvements in SEND provision
The report also lists where improvements should be continuing to be made including:
- Better ownership of internal audit actions
- Training of members involved in audit committees
- The creation of a procurement strategy
- The creation of a timeline and project plan for the production of previous years’ accounts
- More assurance around financial reserves
- Effective financial governance and monitoring of council companies including James Elliman Homes
- Improvements needed to the council’s medium term financial planning and budget setting arrangements
- Effective management of Slough Children First
- Effective management or winding up of all council subsidiaries
- Need for better partnership working and cost comparisons with other similar councils
Councillor Dexter Smith, Leader of the Council, said: “The report from Grant Thornton is detailed and comprehensive. The committee will carefully review the report and management's responses to the identified issues.
"It is a challenging read, emphasising the necessary changes to ensure financial sustainability and deliver the best value to our residents.
"That said, the report does not contain any major surprises. The challenges we continue to face as an administration are substantial as we work to transform our services and provide assurances to our residents.
"We are dedicated to improving our internal processes, enhancing our understanding, and ensuring that decisive actions are being taken.
"I am confident we have the right team in place, supported by an energetic senior management team along with government commissioners, to keep us on track in our transformation journey."