Cost of asking a question of the External Auditor

Question

I have just been informed by one of my parish councillors that it costs the parish council £1000 each time someone ask the external auditor a question about the parish council. Is this correct as it seems very high?

I can imagine there is a cost to the council but this much!

Answer 1

The fees for involving the external auditor depend on the size of the council and the level of seniority compiling the response...

For councils with £25001+ the fee for the annual review is £200 rising to £3600 for authorities up to £6.5million.  Hourly rates range from £105 for 'other staff' up to £355 for 'engagement lead'

So £1000 is entirely possible.

These fees are fixed across the board by the Smaller Authorities Audit Appointments board www.localaudits.co.uk/fees.html