Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval of the Conservators’ final accounts for the financial year 2025/26.

The Conservators received a report seeking approval of the final accounts for the financial year 2025/26.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Balance. A Member of the Conservators queried why the interest on balances is higher than forecast. The Chief Accountant explained that an average interest rate is assumed when the budget is set, for the year 2025/26, it was expected to be averaging about 4%, and slightly higher was achieved. She also explained if there is less expenditure and more income, then there is a higher cash balance on which interest is being earned.

Following consideration, the Conservators unanimously resolved to:

(1)      Receive the final accounts for 2025/26, subject to external audit.

(2)      Consider and approve the Annual Governance Statements as set out in section 1 of Appendix 3 to this report.

(3)      Consider and approve the Accounting Statements as set out in section 2 of Appendix 3 to this report.

(4)      Confirm that the arrangements for the internal audit as set out in this report are effective for auditing purposes.

(5)      Nominate and authorise the Chair and Clerk to sign the Annual Governance Statement and the Accounting Statements on behalf of the Conservators.