Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 November 1998. It was answered by Nick Raynsford (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 November 1998 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what is the average charge made by the District Auditor on behalf of the Audit Commission to carry out audits of parish councils' yearly accounts; what percentage this charge represents of the average annual precept for parish councils; what options for redress are open to parish councils in the case of disputes over audit fees. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average charge made by the District Auditor on behalf of the Audit Commission to carry out audits of parish councils' yearly accounts; what percentage this charge represents of the average annual precept for parish councils; what options for redress are open to parish councils in the case of disputes over audit fees; and if he will make a statement. [59599] Mr. Raynsford: The average audit fee for the audit of parish councils' accounts was £175 in 1997-98 which represents some 1.25 per cent. of the average annual precept of parish councils in England. The number of hours required for any audit are agreed between the auditor and the audited body at the time of the audit. The first option for redress for a parish council would be to discuss the matter with the auditor. Subsequently they should pursue any complaint through the formal procedure operated by the Audit Commission.

Secondary information