Alderstead Council is responsible for managing the public resources entrusted to it and for understanding whether its services are achieving what residents and the council require.

Financial management

The council maintains budget management, accounting, procurement, audit and financial-control arrangements appropriate to its functions. The Chief Finance Officer provides professional financial stewardship and advises the council on the financial implications of decisions.

Financial information is most useful when it identifies the period covered, the decision or service concerned and the status of the figures. Approved accounts, budgets and formal reports are distinguished from draft forecasts, working estimates and internal management information.

Performance

Performance information helps the council understand whether services are accessible, timely and effective. Measures can include service demand, timeliness, completion, quality, participation and other evidence relevant to the service. A useful measure explains what is being counted and the period it covers rather than presenting a number without context.

Audit and scrutiny

Financial and performance information supports the work of managers, the executive, overview and scrutiny and the Audit and Governance Committee. Published reports remain part of the formal council record and can be followed through the relevant meetings and decisions pages.