Audit Wales has finally signed off Welshpool Town Council accounts for 2019/20 following a lengthy investigation into the running of the authority.
But Richard Harries, the Director of Audit Wales, has been scathing about the accounting procedures during that financial year and the governance arrangements in place at the time.
The external audit was carried out on behalf of the Auditor General for Wales on financial affairs under the council’s previous Town Clerk and approved by the previous council ahead of last May’s election period when several councillors did not stand for re-election.
New Town Clerk Anne Wilson had warned the council of discovering worrying accounting methods and failings in proper governance procedures when processing an internal audit and she has been praised by Mayor Alison Davies.
Cllr Davies said: “Our new Town Clerk, Anne Wilson has made many changes to the way our accounts were managed in terms of local government statute and in line with the Accounts and Audit Regulations and made members of the council more accountable by providing much accounting paperwork for them to consider at a meeting.
“The Council has had some difficult times over the past few years and the 2019/2020 accounts and associated governance papers do not show due diligence and accountability to the community to the level they should do. But the Town Council made decisions on the basis of the paperwork they were provided with.
“The Council has now purchased a new bespoke local government accounting system which helps with reporting and the information given to councillors. The way in which they are now presented enables the councillors to be open and transparent on all decisions including the agreement to the end of year accounts and governance.
“We have made great strides forward in terms of our accountability to the community and will ensure good value for money services in all we offer,” she added.
“The Town Council now has a dedicated Responsible Financial Officer who carries out the day-to-day management of the accounts and presents them to the meetings.”
The Auditor General’s report, signed by Mr Harries, states that he had not been able to conclude whether or not the accounting statement has ben properly prepared in accordance with proper accounting practice and whether it properly presents the council’s income and expenditure and financial position.
The council’s accounting statement for 2020/21 has also been signed off by Audit Wales and the full end of year paperwork is now available to view on the council’s new website at: https://www.welshpooltowncouncil.gov.uk/