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ITEM BV5

BEST VALUE COMMITTEE – 23 JUNE 2004

UPDATE REPORT ON FINANCIAL CONTROL ISSUES WITHIN OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Report by Director for Social & Health Care And Head of Finance

Introduction

  1. The Committee received a report on Financial Control within the income and debt collection section of Social & Health Care Directorate on 25 February 2004. The Committee resolved to receive a progress report at each subsequent meeting and to circulate to all councillors. This report outlines the current position and summarises progress since the last report on 26 May 2004.

    2. District Auditor - Statement of Accounts 2002/03

  2. The Council’s Statement of Accounts for 2002/03 is being printed. Members will receive a report on the changes to the pre-audit Statement of Accounts 2002/03 presented to the Committee on 24 September 2003, and those certified by the auditor, at the next meeting of the Committee on 28 July 2004.

    3. Social & Health Care Systems and Finance Investigation

  3. Progress with finalising figures for 2003/04 (including any prior-year adjustments for 2002/03), has been delayed due to the financial investigation reported to the last meeting of this Committee.

  4. It has been necessary to appoint temporary staff to undertake a review of financial records. It is intended that this work will be completed by October, and a supplementary bid will be made to the Executive to finance this review.

    5. Financial Control – Additional posts

  5. Members are reminded that the Executive resolved to recommend Council to approve a supplementary estimate of £104,000 for 2004/05 for additional posts and agree that the supplementary estimate is built into the budget for 2005/06 and future years. Council is considering this recommendation on 15 June, and an oral update will be given at the meeting.

    6. Progress with SAP and Financial Management Reviews

  6. Since the last meeting of the Committee, IBM have been appointed to advise on the future development of SAP, and they commenced work on 10 June. It is intended to report back to members in September on the outcome of this work.

  7. Accountants RSM Robson Rhodes have been appointed to undertake the review of financial management. RSM Robson Rhodes are currently undertaking several workshops with staff and reviewing financial records. It is planned to complete the review by the end of July, and report to members in September.

    8. RECOMMENDATION

  8. The Best Value Committee is RECOMMENDED to note the report and endorse the action already taken and proposed.

CHARLES WADDICOR
Director for Social & Health Care

CHRIS GRAY
Head of Finance

Background Papers: Nil

Contact Officer::
Michael Rolton, Financial Control & Operations Manager Seconded to Social & Health Care Directorate) Tel: 01865 815440 michael.rolton@oxfordshire.gov.uk

June 2004

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