Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were shared as listed above.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting(s).

Resolved:              That the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th April 2025 be agreed as a true and accurate record.

The Finance Manager (Deputy Section 151 Officer) presented the report on the proposed Accounting Policies, the Council’s critical judgements in applying them and assumptions made about the future and other major sources of estimation uncertainty.

Cllr Stubbs asked if changes referred to recommendation 3 could be communicated to the Committee as soon as possible.

The Chair and the Finance Manager confirmed this could be done.

Resolved:    1. That the proposed Accounting Policies that would form part of the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts be approved.

2. That the Council’s assumptions made about the future and other major sources of estimation uncertainty that would form part of the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts be approved.

3. That the ability to make further changes to the proposed Accounting Policies to reflect the release of new or updated guidance if applicable be delegated to the Service Director for Finance (Section 151 Officer).

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The Service Director for Finance (S151 Officer) presented the report on the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 which was based upon relevant and reliable evidence and was to be included in the financial statements.

Cllr Stubbs asked the Deputy Leader what his thoughts were on governance improvement actions since 2023/24.

The Deputy Leader was satisfied with the contents of the report.

Cllr Whieldon pointed out a typo – “properly accounts instead of property” which the Service Director for Finance noted.

Resolved:    That the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 be approved.

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The Finance Manager (Deputy Section 151 Officer) presented the report on the financial outturn for 2024/25 which was to be approved and published by 30^th June, thanking members of his team for their contribution.

The report highlighted key issues including a commentary on the General Fund outturn, the Balance Sheet, the Collection Fund, the Capital Programme and the Council’s reserves.

The Chair and Cllr Stubbs commended the work of the Finance team.

Cllr Stubbs asked if the section on Kidsgrove page 62 of the pack could be rewritten to reflect recent changes prior to publication.

The Chair suggested that a discussion with the Deputy Chief Executive may be appropriate to catch up with the current situation.

The Finance Manager noted the request.

Cllr Whieldon expressed her satisfaction at the financial outturn and balance sheets figures, the way they fitted against each other and the overall management of the funds by both officers and the Council.

The Chair seconded the statement and confirmed the Council was in a good position compared to other authorities.

Resolved:    1. That the General Fund outturn and key issues in respect of the Council’s financial position as at 31 March 2024 be noted.

2. That the draft Statement of Accounts for 2024/25 be approved for publication and audit.

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The Chair introduced the work programme.

Resolved:    That the work programme be noted.

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There was no urgent business.