BPC Annual Governance Statement
2025/26

Bootle Parish Council

Governance/Audit

Section 1 – Annual Governance Statement 2025/26

We acknowledge as the members of:

BOOTLE PARISH COUNCIL

our responsibility for ensuring that there is a sound system of internal control, including arrangements for the preparation of the Accounting Statements. We confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, with respect to the Accounting Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026, that:

1. We have put in place arrangements for effective financial management during the year, and for the preparation of the accounting statements.
2. We maintained an adequate system of internal control, including measures designed to prevent and detect fraud and corruption and reviewed its effectiveness.
3. We took all reasonable steps to assure ourselves that there are no matters of actual or potential non-compliance with laws, regulations, and Proper Practices that could have a significant financial effect on the ability of this smaller authority to conduct its business or on its finances.
4. We provided proper opportunity during the year for the exercise of electors’ rights in accordance with the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations.
5. We carried out an assessment of the risks facing this smaller authority and took appropriate steps to manage those risks, including the introduction of internal controls and/or external insurance cover where required.
6. We maintained throughout the year an adequate and effective system of internal audit of the accounting records and control systems.
7. We took appropriate action on all matters raised in reports from internal and external audit.
8. We considered whether any litigation, liabilities, or commitments, events, or transactions, occurring either during or after the year-end, have a financial impact on this smaller authority and, where appropriate, have included them in the accounting statements.
9. (For local councils only) Trust funds (including charitable) – in our capacity as the sole managing trustee we discharged our accountability responsibilities for the fund(s)/assets, including financial reporting and, if required, independent examination or audit.

This Annual Governance Statement was approved at a meeting of the authority on:

Date: 11/05/2026

and recorded as minute reference:

Signed by the Chair and Clerk of the meeting where approval was given:

Chair: [Signature]
Clerk: [Signature]

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Annual Governance and Accountability Return 2025/26 Form 3
Local Councils, Internal Drainage Boards and other Smaller Authorities*

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