External Auditor Issues Public Interest Report

Staunton on Wye Group Parish Council’s external auditor has issued a statutory public interest report with regard to the 2024-25 accounts, as revealed during the 2025-26 audit process.

The report draws attention to the unlawful declaration that the Council was below the £25,000 threshold for exemption from further audit in 2024-25. It was in fact considerably over the £25,000 limit thanks to fund-raising and spending on the War Memorial, which had not been declared.

The external auditor wrote to councillors saying: “As a result of the information provided to us during the 2025/26 external review, we are aware that the figure disclosed in respect of the 2024/25 expenditure was incorrect and exceeded £25,000.  Unfortunately, as a result we are required to issue a Public Interest Report to the smaller authority in this respect detailing the breach.  Receipt of the report also incurs a fee equivalent to the statutory review fee banding the Council would be applicable to which in this case is £315 plus VAT which will be included with the statutory invoice issued with the external report for 2025/26.  The Council will also be unable to certify exemption from the 2026/27 review year if it had otherwise met the exemption criteria.”

“As stated in the report please ensure this is addressed by the Council at a meeting within a month of the date of the letter and clearly minuted as copies of the minutes will be a submission document required with the 2026/27 next year.”

The report is copied to the Secretary of State. The Council will be expected to respond.

The report is attached. You can find all 2025-26 financial documents here: https://stauntononwye-pc.gov.uk/annual-accounts-2025-26/