External Audit Services - Poole Housing Partnership

The Audit must be carried out in accordance with legislative requirements set out in The Companies Act and within appropriate Accounting and Auditing standards.

The Audit is to include such examination of the accounts, statements, underlying records and control systems as is necessary to reach an opinion on the financial statements.

The external auditor should report on significant weaknesses in accounting and internal control systems in a Key Issues Memorandum (Management Letter), and review the company’s internal financial controls.

The external auditor will be required to attend the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board to discuss and provide comment on the Financial Statements and the Annual General Meeting. An audit plan will be required in advance, on an annual basis, detailing the proposed dates, staffing, materiality and charge.

Poole Housing Partnership (PHP) is an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) that was established in 2004. Wholly owned by the Borough of Poole it manages the Housing Revenue Account for the council and has responsibility for the delivery of all services relating to the council housing stock across Poole.

PHP receives a management fee via the Housing Revenue Account and operates within a management agreement agreed with the Borough of Poole that sets out the responsibilities of each party. It is also able to generate income from other activities that support housing services and receives a small level of income from grants and other contractual arrangements

PHP is a company limited by guarantee and is governed by the Companies Act. It does however operate in the not for profit sector and seeks to achieve social aims with any profits that can be generated from its operations. The Board of Directors consists of 15 members representing tenants & leaseholders, Poole councillors and independents.