Council is delivering "economy, efficiency and effectiveness", say auditors

The Council has been praised for putting in place "proper arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources" by auditors Mazars LLP.

Mazars presented the findings of the 2019/20 report to members of Cabinet on Thursday February 25.

Presenting the report at the Cabinet meeting, Gavin Barker from Mazars said: "This Council has a sound financial position and is well placed to meet the financial challenges it faces. Your arrangements for the production of financial statements are really good."

On the Council's response to the COVID-19 pandemic he added: "The Council has responded well to these very, very difficult circumstances."

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We're very pleased that external auditors have once again recognised the work we are putting in to deliver value for money for residents in light of the considerable financial challenges we face.

"The report acknowledges the planning in place to deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the uncertainty caused by the one year funding settlement from Government.

"The report is reassuring for residents as we prepare for a future beyond COVID-19."