Official Report 243KB pdf
Item 6 is to note the publication of the controller of audit's follow-up report on financial management of education services in Scottish Borders Council. I invite the committee to note the report.
"Progress Report on Scottish Borders Council" is helpful because it charts the progress that has been made since the appointment of a new chief executive and explains how a number of positive actions have been taken. Further progress is still to be made on the action plan. Will Audit Scotland continue to monitor progress? If Audit Scotland has fulfilled its remit, I suggest that we write either to Audit Scotland or to the Executive to suggest that the matter be seen through to its conclusion.
The Accounts Commission for Scotland will consider the report on 10 July. Perhaps we should see the outcome of that discussion first.
I understand that Audit Scotland will go back to the council for a follow-up. As Jackie Baillie said, there have been many positive changes in recent days. I hope that, if the auditors go back in September, they will come away with positive feelings about the council.
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