The Audit Section assists the Corporate Director of Resources in discharging his statutory duties under Section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 and subsequent legislation. These duties include ensuring that the requirements of Section 5 of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 1996 are fulfilled.

The Section has devised and implemented a strategic Audit Plan, which ensures that all major financial systems and controls within the Authority are reviewed over an appropriate period, together with a one year operational plan identifying the detailed operational areas, which will be reviewed and reported upon during each year.

The Chief Internal Auditor liaises with the Council’s External Auditors to ensure all audits are covered with due emphasis and without duplication of effort. The Section ensures that all contracts and procurement procedures comply with Standing Orders, and resultant contract accounts are correct and financially robust.

The Internal Audit Section includes a Benefits Investigation Team to ensure compliance with the fraud investigation aspects of the Benefit Verification Framework.

The Mission Statement for the Section is:

"To provide a cost effective and professional audit review of the Authority’s systems and operations to minimise the risk of loss from error, fraud, waste or extravagance".