Written Statement - Communities First

During May I made an Oral Statement on the outcome of the detailed audit inspections of those partnerships assessed as posing the greatest financial or governance risk to the Communities First Programme. This statement was based on the individual audit inspections of each of 12 Communities First Partnerships and their Grant Recipient Bodies.

I committed to publishing the final summary report of the audit inspections once it was finalised and I am doing so today, together with the management response to its recommendations.

The individual reports on each Partnership will be published in the near future. I would like to thank all of those involved in undertaking the detailed work on this programme of further audit activity.  

Overall, it is pleasing to see that the summary report has identified there are not any serious concerns or significant failings in those Partnerships deemed to be the highest risk. The report found clear evidence that individuals, Communities First partnerships and Grant Recipient Bodies continue to show considerable commitment and dedication in delivering the Communities First programmes and projects.  Where that is the case, and where they look after public money well and deliver well for their local communities, they can continue to be assured of my full support.