Public Inspection of Accounts
Where has all the money gone? (long time asking)
This article was written by committee member Ian Cantley and explains how the public can access the council's accounts.
In April 1997 on behalf of this Association I wrote to the Finance Department at the Civic Centre to enquire about the amount of money spent annually on Ruislip Woods. I had been concerned for some time about the accuracy and quantity of information supplied to the advisory group.
My request was met with a set of summary figures for the previous 4 years, later that year I received the figures for 96-97. All of these summaries raised more questions than they answered and it became obvious that Hillingdon’s finances were a deal more complicated than I had first thought. On further enquiry I was told that the opportunity for asking detailed questions had passed and so it was that I became aware of a process called the Public Inspection of Accounts.
I have attended the inspection for the last eight years, and I have come across many shortcomings and matters of very serious concern. Unfortunately as these are still being investigated I cannot go into details as that may prejudice the outcome, however I can outline the process for those who may want to find out for themselves just why Hillingdon is perpetually short of money.
What is the Public Inspection of Accounts?
Every year for a period of fifteen days members of the public have the
statutory right to attend the Civic Centre and ask to examine the accounts. This
is usually in July to August but you must watch the official notices in
the Gazette to get the actual dates and times. The council's accounts for the
period April 2006 to March 2007 will be available for the public to look at from
Monday 9th July up to Friday 3rd August 14 2007.
Who is allowed to ask questions?
Any local government elector or person interested.
What can you ask to see?
The accounts to be audited and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers
and receipts related to them.
How do I ask my question ?
You can go into the Civic Centre and ask to see Paul Whaymand, Head of
Accounting or his colleagues Emma Stabler and Maria Rebato-Sachs. Alternatively
you can write to him or email him at
pwhaymand@hillingdon.gov.uk
What are you not allowed to see?
Personal information about, or details of payment to, a member of staff.
If you come across something that concerns you or you think is wrong what
can you do?
At the end of the fifteen days you are allowed to question the District
Auditor regarding any concerns. This must be done in person at the Civic Centre
but you should write to them first. You are only allowed to question about the
accounts, not the policies of the authority. If you wish to object to the
accounts and for the auditor to take action against or to raise matters publicly
with the authority you must write to the auditor first.
This right of inspection is an important public right, and it is one of the few ways open to us to check on those who are spending our money. It can be lengthy, I am still awaiting information on expenditure from 1997, but eventually it will have to be supplied.
If you want to find out what is spent on providing a service or what it supposed to be done or supplied by those delivering a service or whether you just want to find out where all the money has gone then the opportunity awaits you. Further details available from The Audit Commission 1 Vincent Square SW1.
Auditor's report
The district auditor looks at the accounts of the London Borough of Hillingdon
each year. You can see his report on the council's website
http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/central/strategy/index.php
There are some interesting comments on insurance claims, the woodlands and
relationships between Members and senior officers.
If you have any views on the above please let us know see Feedback