Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The auditor threatens WC with higher fees.

Due to the seemingly lamentable state of the WC accounts, the auditor has stated that their fee might have to be increased.

If you go to the WC web site (www.wiltshire.gov.uk) have a look at the following 'Council, agendas and minutes, cabinet, 22 jun agenda.' This is the final outturn which shows a small overspend – but earmarked reserves have been raided by £17m (earmarked is different from general reserves and should only be used for specific purposes) – including the whole of the £7m One Council For Wiltshire reserve – lets hope they can balance the books next year.

Elsewhere, there is a damning report from KPMG (Council, agendas and minutes , Audit, 30 jun 10, agenda reports pack). KPMG report that WC has not even carried out reconciliation of all their bank accounts i.e. no one has been checking the bank statements to ensure all the entries are correct. They also criticise how staff are entered onto the payroll and who authorises bill payments.

In addition, there are still no final accounts although, in theory, they should accompany these reports and be published on the internet – they will have to have something posted by 30th June!