Accounts Commission to hold public hearing at Shetland Islands Council

The Accounts Commission for Scotland met today to consider the latest Controller of Audit’s report on Shetland Islands Council. The Commission decided that it will hold a public hearing.

In December 2009 the Commission considered issues arising from the audit of the council’s 2008-09 accounts. Serious concerns were raised and the Commission asked for further audit work and a report on this.

The Controller of Audit published her report last week. It is based on work carried out in recent months and focuses on how the council is being run and arrangements made for the departure of the council’s former chief executive earlier this year.

The Commission accepted and considered the Controller of Audit’s report today and decided to hold a public hearing.

John Baillie, Chair of the Accounts Commission, said:

“The Commission is particularly interested to hear first hand from the council and other relevant parties to gather further evidence and understand better the council’s situation.”

The Hearing will be a public meeting and will be held in a venue on the Shetland Islands within the next few months. Further details regarding the dates, timespan, venue, invitations and representations will be announced in due course, once arrangements have been put in place.

In due course after the Hearing the Commission will publish its findings which may include recommendations to the council and/or Scottish Ministers.