Answers from Morley Town Council

Replies to my eight questions received in the post yesterday. I have interspersed the questions for clarity, as the reply letter just listed the answers. I've also commented in red italics.

1) The balance sheet in the recently published annual report does not show a closing balance. MTC presumably sought advice on this. Which body advised that it was legal to redact the closing balance and what did they say?

The external auditors, Mazars LLP, were consulted verbally on this point.

Yes, but what did they say? It might have been "We don't recommend it, but you could just leave it out of the annual report as it isn't a statutory obligation".

2) The annual report claims reasons of confidentiality for redacting 2010 general administration, total expenditure and closing balance. Is this related purely to the out of court settlement with K Barrett after losing the Employment tribunal in March 2009?

The redaction of figures in the Annual Report is related to the compensation award made to Mrs K Barrett.

That was straight forward enough, but the word "solely" is not included so it is still open to interpretation.

3) which party proposed that the out of court settlement be on a confidential basis- the Morley Town Council Barrister or the Solicitor representing K Barrett?

As I was not in attendance at the conclusion of the Employment Tribunal, I cannot answer this question.

But I'm not asking the Town Clerk, I'm asking Morley Town Council via the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk doesn't make decisions but is expected to record them. 

4) If it was MTC that proposed confidentiality in the out of court settlement, what was the justification for doing so?

See answer to question 3 above.

See comment after answer 3 above!

5) Have Mazers been consulted in the matter of redacting the Annual Report Balance Sheet? If so, what was their expressed opinion?

See answer to question 1 above.

...and my corresponding comment!

6) Will the closing balance be redacted in the audited reports available later this year?

The complete Annual Return was displayed on the Town Council notice board between Friday, 20th August and Friday 3rd September.

Indeed it was, next to the censored Annual Report. The annual report remains, but for two weeks, Morleians were able to work out the figures.

7) Had I have visited the office during the pre-audit accounts inspection window up until July 28th, would I have found that the closing balance was redacted?

Yes.

Interesting, that would have been breaking the law.

8) Did any electors or interested parties inspect the accounts during the July 2010 inspection window?

I do not see relevance in this question.

You haven't answered it either.