Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance & Accountability Return

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Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 – Sections 26 and 27
The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)

1. Date of Announcement

Monday 2 June 2025

2. Inspection of Accounting Records

Each year, the smaller authority’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) must be reviewed by an external auditor appointed by Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd. The unaudited AGAR has been published with this notice and is subject to change pending review by the appointed auditor.

Any interested person may inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates. This includes books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts, and related documents.

Inspection period:
From Tuesday 3 June 2025 to Monday 14 July 2025
By application to:
Michael Warmoth
Seascale Library, Gosforth Road, Seascale, CA20 1PN
Email: theclerk@seascaleparishcouncil.co.uk

3. Rights of Electors

Local government electors and their representatives may:

• Question the appointed auditor about the accounting records
• Make an objection to an item in the accounts which is unlawful or merits a public interest report

Objections must be made in writing to the appointed auditor, with a copy sent to the smaller authority.

4. Appointed Auditor Contact Details

Moore (Ref AP/HD)
Rutland House, Minerva Business Park
Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6PZ

5. Notice Issued By

Michael Warmoth
Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer
Seascale Parish Council

Local Authority Accounts: A Summary of Your Rights

This summary applies to all relevant smaller authorities including parish councils and internal drainage boards.

The Right to Inspect

After finalising its accounts, a council must advertise when these records are available for inspection. You then have 30 working days to inspect them upon providing reasonable notice.

The Right to Ask Questions

You may ask your council questions about the accounts. During the inspection period, you can also ask the external auditor “what” questions (but not “why” questions).

The Right to Object

If you believe a financial entry is unlawful or of public interest, you may request the auditor to investigate. This must be specific, evidenced, and submitted in writing. A copy should also be sent to the council.

Note: This right is not intended for personal complaints or grievances. Such matters should be addressed via appropriate legal or advisory channels.

Costs associated with handling objections are borne by the authority. Objections are only pursued if deemed to be in the public interest.