This achievement provides assurance of the Council’s accurate and timely financial reporting arrangements, strong financial governance and commitment to transparency. It highlights Herefordshire Council’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of accountability and ensuring public funds are managed efficiently.

Cllr Peter Stoddart, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, said:

“We are immensely proud to be the first UK local authority to receive an audit opinion on our annual accounts for the second year running. This is the latest affirmation of our sound financial management following the publication of the Local Government Association’s Corporate Peer Challenge report last week, which praised our strong approach to financial planning, leadership and governance.

“The audit of our accounts is critical not only for transparency but also for meaningful financial planning. A clean and audited set of accounts provides a reliable foundation for forecasting financial requirements, allocating resources and setting strategic priorities aligned with our residents’ needs for the years ahead. It enables the Council to make informed decisions about investments in essential services such as children’s services, adult social care, infrastructure and growth initiatives — all while navigating budget pressures, rising service demands and economic uncertainties.

“A clean set of accounts is more than a milestone – it’s a foundation for better services.”

Rachael Sanders, Director of Finance for Herefordshire Council, added:

“The independent audit opinion provides a valuable source of external assurance over the council’s financial reporting, governance framework and budget monitoring arrangements at a crucial time in the financial cycle – giving confidence to residents that the figures and balances that inform the budget setting process for 2026/27 are true and fair and free from error.”
 

The annual accounts for 2024/25 and supporting documents are available to view on our website.