At last nights meeting the Clerk said he did accept he was wrong and his request for a delay was within the law and he disputed the external auditors findings.
I also remember at a previous meeting he told members he had requested an extension but needed members approval, this was passed by most members.
The internal auditor in my view works to closely with the town clerk, told me there was no issue when I met him and mentioned the delay.
I assume the external auditor is trained and qualified? and for this reason should the Clerk be disputing the findings at the council meeting?
So I am not criticised by my anonymous critic's, I am reproducing the Clerks own words concerning the Town Council Accounts.
The Council has received a "qualified" approval of its accounts 2009 - 2010 from the external auditor. This is slightly disappointing as the ideal is that an "unqualified" opinion is given. The accounts themselves are fine but the "qualified" opinion is because of the fact the council failed to approve the accounts by June 30th.
Having read the guidance on the preparation of the accounts, the Clerk informed the meeting on July 7th, when the accounts were considered, that the council was within its rights as there is a 20 day rule that states that if accounts are not approved by the 30th June, a Council has an additional 20 days to do so. The External Auditor disagreed with this interpretation.
The External Auditor was written to but has stood by his original opinion.
Members will recall that the delay in the preparation and subsequent approval of the accounts was a result of the Clerk's absence during April and May 2010 due to ill health.
The External Auditor has proffered the opinion that the Council should consider the possibility of such a delay in the future in its Risk Management documentation.
Since I resigned from the Town Council, I have attended meetings and would like to point out the Town Council is trying very hard to improve and is currently reviewing all its procedures and practices.
Cllr Tor Clark said The Council must be seen by the electors as a proactive organisation.
