North Yorkshire Council

Audit Committee

15 December 2025

Report of the Corporate Governance Working Group

1.0       PURPOSE OF REPORT

1.1 To advise members of the Audit Committee on the outcome of the consideration of the Statement of Accounts (SOFA) for North Yorkshire Council by the Corporate Governance Working Group.

2.0       SUMMARY

2.1       This report provides an update on the Corporate Governance Working Group’s review of the draft Statement of Accounts and update on changes resulting from the audit of the accounts.

3.0       BACKGROUND

3.1       On 23 June the Audit Committee considered a report which provided a draft Statement of Accounts (SOFA) for 2024/25. The SOFA also included a draft Annual Governance Statement.

3.2       In order to fulfil its responsibilities, the Audit Committee is required to ensure that the SOFA properly reflect the financial position of the Council and the governance and internal control processes described in the AGS are operational and effective.

3.3       It was agreed that a Members Working Group with the Chairman of the Audit Committee, Cllr Philip Broadbank, Cllr David Chance, Cllr Neil Swannick and Mr David Portlock be convened to give detailed consideration of the draft SOFA and that a report would be presented to full Audit Committee.

4.0       KEY AREAS OF REVIEW

4.1       The meeting reviewed the Statement of Accounts for North Yorkshire Council (including the North Yorkshire Pension Fund) for 2024/25 and the notes of the meeting are attached as Appendix A.

            Annual Governance Statement

4.2       The Corporate Governance Working Group reviewed the Annual Governance Statement and expected changes following draft AGS. There are no matters to bring to the attention of the Audit Committee.

            Statement of Accounts

4.3       The Corporate Governance Working Group reviewed the SOFA and changes agreed as part of the external audit. Members noted there was still outstanding work remaining in relation to the audit of the North Yorkshire Pension Fund, Harbours Accounts and Building Assurance work following the disclaimed audit opinion on the Statement of Accounts 2023/24.

4.4       It should be noted that the audit of the accounts had not concluded at the time of the meeting and therefore the Members Working Group had not been made aware of the finalised position of audit.

6.0       Conclusions

6.1       Subject to the remaining work on Harbours and Building Assurance no further material changes being identified through the remainder of the audit the Working Group are satisfied that the 2024/25 SOFA for North Yorkshire Council represents a true and fair view of the Council’s financial position.

6.3       The Working Group is satisfied that all appropriate actions have been taken and satisfactory explanations have been provided where required.

7.0	Recommendations of the Corporate Governance Working Group
7.1	Subject to the completion of the audit and work on Harbours Accounts and Building Assurance, the Working Group recommends to the Audit Committee that the North Yorkshire Council Statement of Final Accounts and Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 are approved.

APPENDICES:

Appendix A – Notes of the Corporate Governance Working Group meeting 6 October 2025

Corporate Governance Working Group

5 December 2025