Council's accounts 'disclaimed' for second year in row

MIDDLESBROUGH

- By DANIEL HODGSON

Council has seen its accounts disclaimed once again.This means that no external assurance is provided on the council's financial statements relating to 2024/25.

Members of the council's audit committee heard the news as part of a lengthy meeting on Thursday, February 19.

Mark Kirkham, from auditors Forvis Mazars, delivered the news to councillors on the committee, saying that there had been an "inability" to gain sufficient audit evidence to give anything other than a "disclaimed" opinion for 24/25.

Mr Kirkham also pointed to three significant weaknesses at the council in relation to value for money arrangements.

He added that while Forvis Mazars had done more audit work than in the previous year, there had not been enough completed to give the council an "unmodified" opinion.

Cath Andrew, also of Forvis Mazars, highlighted what had and hadn't been completed.