Public inspection of accounts
30 June 2026
Community news, Money news, News
Residents can inspect and ask questions of our accounts from 1 July to 11 August prior to the completion of the audit.
We are required to open our accounting records for public inspection and challenge over a set time period to reinforce the importance of local transparency, audit openness and accountability.
This notice is published in accordance with the requirements of:
- The Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014
- The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015
The publication of the draft (unaudited) 2025 to 2026 statement of accounts – on the council’s website – took place on 30 June 2026.
Notice is given that from 1 July to 11 August 2026 inclusive between 9.30am and 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays, any person interested or any journalist (any person who produces for publication journalistic material, whether paid to do so or otherwise) may, on reasonable notice, inspect and make copies of the accounts of Epping Forest District Council for the year ended 31 March 2026 and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers and receipts, except as provided for in Section 26(4) to 26(6) of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 in relation to commercially confidential and personal information.
The accounts and other documents will be available for inspection at the address below, or otherwise by arrangement.
Notice is given that from 1 July to 11 August 2026 the auditor, at the request of a local government elector for the council’s area, will give the elector or their representative an opportunity to question them about the accounts.
Notice is given that from 1 July to 11 August 2026, any such elector may make objections to the auditor, under Section 27 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, relating to any matter where the Auditor could act under:
- Section 28 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, namely, to apply to the court for a declaration that an item in the Accounts is contrary to law
- Section 24 and paragraph 1 of Schedule 7 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, namely, to make a Report in the Public Interest
No objection may be made unless the auditor has previously received written notice of the proposed objection, specifying the facts on which the objector relies and the grounds on which the objection is being made. A copy of that written notice must also be sent to the council at the address below.
Notice is given that the auditor is Debbie Hanson, Ernst & Young LLP, 400 Capability Green, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3LU, to whom any questions and notices of objection should be addressed.
- Draft statement of accounts 2025 to 2026 (pdf 2MB)
Owen SparksStrategic Director & Section 151 Officer
Epping Forest District Council, Civic Centre, 323 High Street, Epping CM16 4BZ
- Call 01992 564586
- Email [email protected]
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