Issue - meetings

The Committee received the Audit Progress Report from Forvis Mazars, covering both Middlesbrough Council and the Teesside Pension Fund.

The external auditor confirmed that the Council’s draft accounts for 2024/25 were published on 30 June 2025, with the main audit work scheduled to commence in October 2025 and completion anticipated by February 2026, in line with the national backstop arrangements.

Work on the Value for Money (VFM) assessment was ongoing, with findings expected to be presented to the Committee in December 2025.  At this stage, the auditor reported no significant issues to bring to Members’ attention.

Members noted that the main Council audit would progress towards the February 2026 backstop date, with a further update report to be presented at the next meeting.  No significant issues were reported at this stage.

AGREED that the Audit Committee:

1.     Noted the Audit Progress Report from Forvis Mazars, including the update on the 2024/25 audit timetable, the Value for Money (VFM) assessment, and national publications.

2.     Noted the planned timeline for completion of the main audit in line with the national backstop arrangements and agreed to receive further updates as the audit progresses.

3.     Agreed that the external auditor would provide a further update to the Committee at the December 2025 meeting, including progress towards meeting the February 2026 backstop date for completion of the main Council audit.

4.     Agreed that the findings of the Value for Money (VFM) assessment will be presented to the Committee by the external auditor upon completion.