The Committee considered the report of the Head of Financial Services setting out the Council’s Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2015.

Nigel Kennedy circulated a paper setting out the calculation of business rates income to the council and explained the risks to the medium term financial strategy from the unpredictability of appeals costs; a proposed reassessment of the rates in 2017; potential change to assessment for national companies in 2016; and the changes as a result of large developments. He highlighted other key points for the committee. He thanked the accounts team for their work in preparing the statement of accounts.

The Committee agreed to note the contents of the Statement of Accounts certified by the Head of Financial Services (Section 151 Officer) prior to their submission to the external auditors.

The Chair certified the Statement of Accounts at the meeting.