External auditors have placed Somerset Council in the highest category for financial accounts assurance recovery, recognising the strong progress it has made in improving how it delivers its statutory financial accounts.
The assessment, prepared by Grant Thornton and reported to Somerset Council’s Audit Committee on Thursday 27 August 2026, places Somerset in “Category A”. This is the highest rating available and reflects auditor confidence in the Council’s ability to regain a fully unqualified, or clean, audit opinion by 2027/28.
The Council recognises that significant challenges remain and continues to respond to the Best Value Notice recently issued by Government. However, the external auditor’s assessment provides independent assurance that the Council has the leadership, capacity and plans in place to continue its improvement journey.
The judgement follows historic local government audit backlogs nationally, and the Council has carried out a substantial programme of work to address the issues locally, including the completion of 11 sets of accounts over an 18-month period and improvements to financial processes and governance arrangements.
Cllr Liz Leyshon, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Finance, Procurement and Performance, said:
This is an important and encouraging recognition from our external auditors. It reflects the hard work of our finance team, auditors, councillors and officers across the Council to strengthen our financial management and governance arrangements.
We know there is still more to do, particularly as we continue to address the challenges highlighted through the Best Value Notice and our wider improvement programme, but this assessment gives confidence that we are moving in the right direction.
The Council continues to work closely with its auditors, government and improvement partners as part of its wider transformation and financial sustainability programme. Progress will continue to be reported publicly through Audit Committee, Scrutiny and Executive meetings.
