HC Deb 05 May 1998 vol 311 c325W
Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the auditing procedures for parish and town councils. [40403]

Mr. Raynsford

We have no plans to review the auditing procedures for parish and town councils.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to review the financial arrangements for parish and town councils. [40408]

Mr. Raynsford

None.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many cases have been identified by the District Audit Service in the past five years where financial arrangements for parish and town councils have been deemed to be unsatisfactory. [40409]

Mr. Raynsford

This information is not held centrally. When parish council auditors identify unsatisfactory financial arrangements, they will bring them to the attention of the council in the annual management letter, or make a public interest report, using powers under Section 15(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1982. Auditors make no reports to the Secretary of State. The independent Audit Commission receives copies of reports made under Section 15(3).