News reaches us today that senior officers of the Isle of Wight Council have instigated a thorough financial investigation into Ventnor Town Council, dating back as far as 2002.
The Isle of Wight Council Internal Audit Team have today started their investigation, which, as well as scrutinising the financial affairs of the council, will be investigating the previous management of the Ventnor Winter Gardens.
What will they be looking at?
The roles under investigation as far back as 2002 include the former Town Clerk, the former Winter Gardens Management Committee Chair and other members who took an active role in managing the Winter Gardens.
Full details of the terms of reference are listed below
Contracts under the spotlight
The concessions contract, as well as contracts for the engagement of artistes and other promotions, will also be put under the microscope by the audit team.
Finances
As well as all of the above, there will be a review of expenditure and the use of petty cash at the Town Council and Winter Gardens, including review of income and cash management.
The report from the IWC audit team is expected to be completed by Christmas and we’ll keep you informed of any news we hear relating to the audit.
Since the elections in June this year, the Ventnor Town Council has been the focus of much consternation, reaching its crescendo at the Ventnor Town Council meeting on 5 October.
The terms of reference
Below are the terms of reference for the investigation, which are broad and include:
- The roles played by the Audit Commission, The Responsible Financial Officer, The Internal Auditor, The Town Clerk, Winter Gardens Management Committee Chair and other members who took an active role in managing the Winter Gardens and The Volunteers.
- The contracts for the engagement of artistes and other promotions
- The concessions contract
- A review of expenditure and the use of petty cash
- A review of income and cash management
- A review of the overall governance arrangements
- The adequacy and effectiveness of the risk monitoring committee
Image: Kapungo under CC BY-SA 2.0
