Independent auditors have praised Fenland District Council for the way it manages its finances and achieves value for money.

The external auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, set out their findings in the annual audit results report for 2015/16.

This was presented to the council’s Corporate Governance Committee on Tuesday (September 27).

Ernst & Young LLP have said that they are “impressed with the Council’s approach” to the audit and the “high standard” of financial statements, which stood up extremely well in comparison to others. They deemed the right measures to be in place to secure “economy, efficiency and effectiveness in use of resources”.

Councillor Mark Buckton, the committee’s chairman, said: “It is pleasing to see that the auditors have given us an excellent report, especially as it is the first time they have worked with us. Despite the financial and resourcing pressures the Council continues to face, this report confirms that we are managing our effort very well.”

The hard work of our financial officers continues to pay off, and the committee would like to pay tribute to them.”

Councillor Chris Seaton, the Cabinet member responsible for finance, said: “In times of continued austerity, it is positive the report shows we are achieving the best value for money. We will continue to make the most of our resources and manage our finances carefully.”