Summary

This web page contains an introduction to the external audit process and the fundamental principles involved in this process, it also includes a link to download and view a pdf (Portable Document Format) version of the Annual Audit and Inspection letter report.  

 

Attachments

Adobe Acrobat's portable document format (pdf). To view these files you will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. This can be downloaded free at www.adobe.co.uk|

 

Annual Audit and Inspection Letter 2008 (PDF 108 kB)|

 

Introduction

External audit is an essential element in the process of accountability for public money and makes an important contribution to the stewardship of public resources and the corporate governance of public services.

Audit in the public sector is underpinned by three fundamental principles:-

• auditors are appointed independently from the bodies being audited;
• the scope of auditors' work is extended to cover not only the audit of financial
  statements but also value for money and the conduct of public business; and
• auditors may report aspects of their work widely to the public and other key
  stakeholders.

The duties and powers of auditors appointed by the Audit Commission are set out in the Audit Commission Act 1998 and the Local Government Act 1999 and the Commission's statutory Code of Audit Practice. Under the Code of Audit Practice, appointed auditors are also required to comply with the current professional standards issued by the independent Auditing Practices Board.

Appointed auditors act quite separately from the Commission and in meeting their statutory responsibilities are required to exercise their professional judgement independently of both the Commission and the audited body.