Finance: Annual Accounts, Budget Details etc
This page explains the purpose of the AGAR. Copies of past returns can be found in the document archive.
AGAR stands for Annual Governance and Accountability Return. The AGAR is set of documents and financial statements that local councils are required to prepare and submit each year. It is an essential part of the external audit process and serves several purposes:
- Accountability: The AGAR provides a transparent and accountable overview of a council’s financial activities, governance procedures, and decision-making processes. It allows the council to demonstrate its stewardship of public funds and adherence to legal and financial regulations.
- Compliance: The AGAR helps ensure that lo9cal councils comply with statutory requirements and regulations. It includes information on the on the council’s financial management, internal control procedures, and adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
- Transparency: By making the AGAR publicly available, local councils provide transparency and openness to their constituents. It allows residents and other stakeholders to review the council’s financial performance, budgeting decisions, and governance arrangements.
- External Audit: The AGAR serves as a basis for the external audit of a local council’s financial statements. Once the council completes the AGAR, it is submitted to an external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission or another approved auditor. The auditor reviews the AGAR and issues an audit opinion, assessing the council’s compliance and the accuracy of its financial statements.
- Financial Assurance: The AGAR helps provide assurance to the council and its stakeholders that the financial operations are conducted in a responsible and proper manner. It ensures that the council’s accounts are accurate, complete, and reflective of the council’s financial position.
The AGAR typically consists of various sections, including the Annual Governance Statement, Accounting Statements, and an Internal Audit Report. Each section requires specific information related to the council’s governance arrangements, financial transactions, assets and liabilities, income and expenditure, and other relevant details.
Documents.
1. Notice of Conclusion of Audit 2024/2025
The external auditor has completed the review of Trowell Parish Council’s Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ended 31 March 2025. The audit is now concluded. The Notice of Conclusion of Audit and the Final External Auditor’s Report & Certificate are published here in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.
Notice of the audit and right to inspect the Annual Governance & Accountability Return
Final External Auditor Report and Certificate 2024-25 in respect of Trowell Parish Council – NT0187
Annual Governance Statement Section 3 – 2024-2025
2. AGAR Internal Audit Form 2024/2025
This section contains the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1 of the AGAR) and the report from the Parish Council’s internal auditor, confirming the checks carried out before submission to the external auditor.
Annual Governance Statement 2024-2025 Section 1 and Annual Internal Audit Report 2024-2025
3. AGAR Sections 2 & 3 2024/2025
This includes the Parish Council’s Accounting Statements (Section 2 of the AGAR) and the Final External Auditor’s Report and Certificate (Section 3).
Annual Governance Accounting Statements 2024 – 2025 Section 2
Annual Governance Statement Section 3 – 2024-2025
4. External Auditor Report 2024/2025
This section contains the Final External Auditor’s Report and Certificate (Section 3 of the AGAR), issued by PKF Littlejohn LLP, together with the accompanying auditor’s letter.
Annual Governance Statement Section 3 – 2024-2025
Final External Auditor Report and Certificate 2024-25 in respect of Trowell Parish Council – NT0187
5. Explanation of Variances 2024/2025
This document explains any significant changes in figures between this year’s and last year’s accounts. It provides context to help residents understand the Parish Council’s financial position.
Explanation of Variances – 2024-2025