Auditors have recognised Bromsgrove District Council’s strong financial position going forward in its latest interim annual report.

Last year the Council was issued with a section 24 notice for failure to deliver its 20/21 accounts following a range of issues including staff vacancies, technical problems with our finance system and the challenges following the pandemic.

Now the Council has met four of the five recommendations Key Recommendations discussed by Grant Thornton 12 months ago but because the accounts are still outstanding the Section 24 remains.

Bromsgrove District Council’s Portfolio-holder for Finance Cllr Charlie Hotham said: “This is positive news and demonstrates that we have come a long way to overcome the hurdles which we experienced.

“To receive a report which recognises our financial robustness going forward is something we should we proud of as we see other Councils across the country facing financial challenges, some of which have had serious consequences.

“This Council was correct to accept the recommendations from the Auditors last year and the quick action has seen four of the five key recommendations achieved and removed.

“We need to keep up the momentum and I look forward to the section 24 being removed completely on the completion of the accounts.”

A section 24 notice is issued as a warning to a Council that it needed to take action to ensure its statutory Accounts were up to date.

Councils need to accept the recommendations which Bromsgrove Members will consider at the Audit and Governance meeting on November 27 and then demonstrate how they will respond to the actions.

Leader of the Council Karen May said: “I am delighted we have weathered the financial storm and will continue to do so thanks to the hard work and commitment of my colleagues in the Chamber and officers.

“Prudent budgets, as reflected by the Auditors report mean that we have still delivered the key services to our resident which they have told us are important to them.  

“And thanks to Levelling Up Funds we will continue with our regeneration plans for Bromsgrove, not least the Former Market Hall site.”

Here is the full report from the agenda of the Audit, Standards and Governance Committee - Monday 27th November 2023 6.00 p.m.