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RAPC 595-26 – Annual Governance Statement 2025/26

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A draft Annual Governance Statement for the New Forest National Park Authority for 2025/26 is presented for approval by the Resources, Audit and Performance Committee. The statement is required by the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and CIPFA/SOLACE guidance and is intended to show that the Authority operates lawfully, follows proper standards, and safeguards and accounts for public money. It also supports the duty under the Local Government Act 1999 to seek continuous improvement in economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. The draft is compiled from evidence including the Internal Auditor’s opinion, the Corporate Risk Register, external audit reports, and ongoing monitoring by the Monitoring Officer. Any significant governance weaknesses identified are recorded, with an improvement action plan to be monitored by the Committee. After Committee approval, the draft will go to external auditors (Ernst & Young) with the draft financial report, and the final audited statement will be signed before publication.
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Resources, Audit and Performance Committee Meeting

1 June 2026

RAPC 595/26

Annual Governance Statement 2025/26

RAPC 595/26

NEW FOREST NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

RESOURCES, AUDIT AND PERFORMANCE COMMITTEE MEETING – 1 JUNE 2026

ANNUAL GOVERNANCE STATEMENT 2025/26

Report by: Nigel Stone, Head of Resources and David Stone, Corporate Services Manager

1. Summary

1.1 This report presents the draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for the New Forest National Park Authority for the financial year 2025/26, detailed in Annex 1.

1.2 Following acceptance at this Committee, the draft AGS will be passed to the External Auditors (Ernst & Young) alongside the draft Financial Report for the year. These will then be subject to the usual audit processes/amendments and both finalised documents will then come back to the full Authority for definitive approval.

1.3 The audited AGS must be signed by the Authority Chair and Head of Paid Services (Chief Executive) prior to final publication.

2. Annual Governance Statement

2.1 The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and ‘proper practice’ (CIPFA/SOLACE) require the Authority to produce an AGS and conduct a review of its governance framework. The AGS seeks to demonstrate that the Authority’s business is conducted in accordance with the law and proper standards, and that public money is safeguarded and properly accounted for. There is a duty under the Local Government Act 1999, to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

2.2 The AGS is compiled using a wide range of evidence sources from across the Authority, such as:

  • the Internal Auditor’s opinion for the financial year 2025/26,
  • Corporate Risk Register,
  • External Audits reports,
  • the Monitoring Officers’ on-going review of governance.

2.3 Any significant issues (weaknesses) found as a result of the review of the governance framework, are recorded in the AGS. An action plan for their improvement will be drawn up and monitored by this Committee.

2.4 Members are reminded that whilst the AGS sets out the key governance issues for 2025/26, the NPA’s 2025/26 Annual Report summaries the Authority’s significant activities and achievements over this period. The Annual Report is currently being compiled and will be considered by members in July.

3. Equality Impact Assessment

3.1 The Authority takes equality and diversity extremely seriously when considering all its working and governance arrangements.

4. Recommendation

It is recommended that Members approve the Draft Annual Governance Statement for the financial year 2025/26 and that the draft is passed to the External Auditors.

Papers:

  • RAPC 595/26 – Cover report
  • RAPC 595/26 Annex 1 - Annual Governance Statement 2025/26

Contact:

David Stone

Corporate Services Manager

Email: david.stone@newforestnpa.gov.uk

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