Hacheston Parish Council Approves 2025–2026 Accounts Following Internal Audit

Hacheston Parish Council has approved its 2025–2026 year‑end accounts, following a detailed internal audit that praised the council’s governance, financial management, and administrative practices.

The audit, carried out by Trevor Brown CPFA, was a comprehensive review of the council’s procedures, documentation, website compliance, financial controls, and risk management. The findings were highly positive, confirming that the council continues to operate to a high standard.

The auditor reported that Hacheston Parish Council “continued to maintain effective governance arrangements including a robust framework of internal control and risk management”, and confirmed that the Clerk/RFO “satisfactorily undertook the administration of the Council’s financial affairs and produced financial management information to enable the Council to make well‑informed decisions.”

The report also highlighted the quality of the council’s record‑keeping and transparency, noting that the Minutes “are well presented and provide clear evidence of the decisions taken by the Council”, and commended the council for publishing draft minutes promptly to keep residents informed.

The audit further praised the council’s financial systems, confirming that the cashbook “was found to be in good order and provides detailed evidence in support of the receipts and payments in the year.” Sample checks of invoices, vouchers and bank reconciliations were all found to be accurate and properly documented.

The full audit report and our approved accounts can be found in the Parish Council page of this website under Finances and Year-End Documents. 

As Hacheston’s income and expenditure for 2025–2026 were both below £25,000, the council is again eligible to certify itself exempt from a limited assurance external audit. Councillors have agreed to submit a Certificate of Exemption for the 2025–2026 financial year.

Residents are invited to inspect the council’s accounts and supporting documents during the statutory Public Rights Period, which will run from:

3rd June to 14th July 2026

During this period:

Members of the public may view the council’s financial records

Residents may ask questions or raise queries with the external auditor

Documents will be available by appointment with the clerk

This annual process ensures transparency and allows residents to see how public funds are managed on their behalf.