Annual Returns

All local councils in England with an annual turnover of £65 million or less must complete an annual return in accordance with proper practices summarising their activities at the end of each financial year.

In this annual return the term ‘Local Council’ includes a Parish Meeting, a Parish Council and a Town Council.

The annual return comprises four sections:

Sections 1 and 2 are completed by the person nominated by the local council (the clerk/responsible financial officer)
Section 3 is completed by the external auditor appointed by the Audit Commission
Section 4 is completed by the local council’s internal audit provider.
Councils must approve this annual return no later than 30th June following the end of year to which the return relates.