Audits & Annual Governance and Accountability Return

The Town Council’s accounting year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) comprises a 6 page document that must be presented to the Full Town Council for formal approval by 30 June each year before it is submitted to the external auditor.
The Council’s independent internal auditor is also required to sign the Annual Return.
The Annual Return is sent to the external auditor with a variety of supporting documentation, which varies from year to year depending on the specific request of the external auditor.  However, the supporting documentation normally includes copies of end of year bank statements and all reports made by the internal auditor, and often insurance policy details, asset and property registers, copies of governance documentation (council rules), risk management schedules and copies of minutes for some specific items.
Upon receipt, the external auditor will examine the Annual Return and its supporting documentation. The external auditor will then complete page 6 (of the 6 page Annual Return) ‘the External auditor’s  certificate and opinion and return it to the Town Council.
The Town Council is required to display the fully completed (6 page) Annual Return, with an accompanying notice that advises local electors how they can view the Annual Return. The Notice (and the Return) is always placed in the Town Hall noticeboard for at least 14 days.
In addition the Town Council now publishes its submission and the completed Annual return on the Town Council website. Hard copies are available at small cost and the original can be viewed by making an appointment at the Town Hall.
The Council audit is conducted under the provisions of the Audit Commission Act 1998, the Accounts and Audit (England) Regulations 2011 and the Audit Commission’s Code of Audit Practice.
The audit of Felixstowe Town Council is currently carried out by:

SBA Team

PKF Littlejohn LLP

1 Westferry Circus

Canary Wharf

London

E14 4HD