Embargoed: 00.01 a.m. Wednesday 30 March 2005

A spokesman for the Highland Council welcomed the Controller of Audit’s report and the Accounts Commission’s findings.

The Council is committed to the maintenance of sound financial stewardship, and takes its Best Value and Community Planning responsibilities very seriously. Systematic performance management arrangements are being developed. The Council is also looking forward to its participation in the Best Value Audit process later in 2005.

The Council is under an obligation to complete its Accounts by 30 June in each financial year, and this was achieved in both 2002/2003 and 2003/2004. The Audit Certificate was received by the target date of 30 September 2004 for 2003/2004. Unfortunately there was a delay in processing the required audit adjustments, but the accounting teams are now at full strength and an action plan to ensure timeous presentation of future Audited Accounts is in place.

The Accounts Commission findings include reference to Council Tax collection rates increasing for the fifth consecutive year. In the case of the Highland Council there has now been a continuous improvement in the "in-year" collection rate over a period of eight years. As at 31 March 2004 the collection rate was 93.5%.

ENDS