Rushcliffe Borough Council has received the highest rating from its internal auditors for its risk management, control and governance arrangements for 2025/26.
The annual internal audit report by BDO rated the council’s financial arrangements as “good” for the fifth year running. “Good” is the highest of four possible assurance ratings used in the audit.
The report said there had been no material changes to the council’s risk management, control and governance arrangements, and said controls reviewed during the year were suitably designed and operating effectively.
Auditors also noted the wider context facing councils, including planned changes through local government reorganisation.
The report stated: “Significant structural changes to local authorities have been announced by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government through local government reorganisation.
“However, despite this landscape, the council have continued to design and operate controls effectively across the areas reviewed during the year.
“The controls in the areas which we examined were found to be suitably designed and operating effectively to achieve the specific risk management, control and governance arrangements.”
BDO also said there had been positive engagement from council staff and members during the year, including senior officers, and that management responses to audit recommendations had been provided promptly.
Rushcliffe Borough Council said it also plans more than £24m of capital spending over the next five years on services and assets.
Councillor Davinder Virdi, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Transformation and Governance at the council, said the rating reflected the council’s governance, financial management and internal controls.
He said: “We are extremely pleased the council has once again achieved the highest ‘Good’ assurance rating within the Internal Audit Annual Report.
“This reflects the strength of the council’s governance, financial stewardship and internal control environment, together with the professionalism and commitment shown by both officers and members across the organisation.
“Whilst this is a significant achievement and one we should be proud of, strong governance is never something we can take for granted.
“Maintaining high standards, continuing to focus on the basics and ensuring accountability remains embedded throughout the organisation will continue to be essential as we move forward.”
Cllr Virdi said the council remained debt free and said this allowed money to be spent on services and local projects rather than debt repayment.
He added that the council was developing enhancement plans in Radcliffe-on-Trent, Ruddington, West Bridgford, Keyworth and East Leake.
He said: “We are heading into a period of uncertainty with Local Government Reorganisation but we aim to continue to deliver excellent services and enhance facilities for residents and crucially maintain high standards of governance which underpin excellent service delivery.”
