20.12.2007
Residents of Stornoway will have an opportunity to view the Scottish Parliament’s Audit Committee in operation when it meets at the Western Isles Council Headquarters in Stornoway on 11 January 2008. The Committee will scrutinise the finances of the Western Isles Health Board.
The Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into the Auditor General’s report on the 2006/07 audit of the Western Isles Health Board. Committee members Andrew Welsh, Stuart McMillan, Willie Coffey, Claire Baker, George Foulkes and Derek Brownlee will take evidence from representatives of the Health Board as well as NHS officials within the Scottish Government.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the Committee Meeting. To book tickets for the meeting please call Visitor Services on 0131 348 5200.
The Committee meeting will begin at 10.00 am and conclude around 3.00 pm, with a break for lunch.
Acting Committee Convener Andrew Welsh MSP said:
“The Auditor General’s report highlights concerns with leadership and management at the Health Board and reveals weaknesses in internal control and governance arrangements. The Committee has decided to take evidence in order to look more closely at these arrangements and to probe the current financial recovery plan and performance management arrangements.
“Holding this meeting in Stornoway enables the Committee to take the work of the Parliament to the people of Lewis and enable islanders to attend in person and listen to the evidence.”
Background notes:
Access Arrangements
- Members of the public will be able to book seats in the public gallery. Seats are free of charge and are open to all on a first-come-first-served basis. To book tickets contact Scottish Parliament Visitor Services on 0131 348 5200 or email sp.bookings@scottish.parliament.uk
The Audit Committee is unique amongst the Scottish Parliament’s committees in that its remit is based on reports laid before or made to the Parliament by the Auditor General for Scotland.
The Committee’s primary function might be described as holding to account those who spend public funds to ensure that this is done efficiently and effectively. The Committee’s focus in this inquiry is therefore on the management of the Board’s finances and the adequacy of its systems.