Audit
The dark side of Clarke
Last week, the sector mourned the sudden departure of local government minister Simon Clarke.
Before reorganisation we need a clear view of the sector's core purpose
How local government 'can sensibly be reorganised without a clear view of its core purpose (will adult social care services be in or out?) or funding mechanisms' is baffling Abdool Kara.
We share the Redmond Review's key aims
CIPFA supports the key objective of the Redmond Review to ensure the statutory framework for local government financial reporting aids transparency and accountability, and its focus on longer-term sustainability is vital, says Rob Whiteman.
No going back on audit
Heather Jameson talks to the author of The Redmond Review Sir Tony Redmond about the flaws in local government audit, the need for a new body to manage, oversee and regulate – and what will happen if his recommendations aren’t implemented quickly.
Section 114 warning for troubled Thanet
The Section 151 officer of troubled Thanet DC has warned he may be forced to issue a Section 114 notice.
Council chief claims auditor 'not balanced or fair'
The boss of a council where an auditor raised concerns about culture and governance failures that ‘stem from the very top’ has rejected the claims.
Redmond review calls for new audit regulator
A new local government audit body should be created and ministers should change the way they judge the financial stability of councils, a review of local government audit has found.
Leader of 'North Korea' council deposed
The leader of a scandal-hit council compared to North Korea has been deposed after a vote of no confidence at a fiery meeting.
EXCLUSIVE: Internal auditor blows whistle over culture and governance failures
A senior auditor has called for action after raising concerns about culture and governance failures that ‘stem from the very top’ of Thanet DC.
Nottingham moves to tighten governance of its companies
Nottingham City Council is to overhaul the governance of its commercial interests following failures at its energy firm.
Auditors issue public interest report into Notts firm
Auditors have issued a public interest report into the failures of Nottingham City Council’s commercial firm, Robin Hood Energy.
At the sharp end of Scottish scrutiny
The chair of Scotland’s public spending watchdog for councils steps down this month. Graham Sharp talks to Ann McGauran about his legacy and says the challenges have never been greater.
South Ribble chief executive resigns
South Ribble BC’s chief executive has resigned after a year on ‘special leave’.
Fresh league table fears
The prospect of council performance being ranked in a league table has been raised again this week.
Watchdog urges faster improvement at Argyll and Bute
The council has been told it must ‘significantly increase’ the pace of improvement by the Accounts Commission.
Grant Thornton most likely to suggest extra audit fees, survey finds
Grant Thornton is the firm most likely to have proposed an additional audit fee, a survey of finance directors has found.
Audit scale fees frozen
Audit scale fees for 2020/21 have been frozen though there could still be rises for individual councils ahead.
KPMG criticised for rejecting Northamptonshire public interest report pressure
Northamptonshire CC’s commissioners have criticised the council’s former auditors for deciding not to issue a rare public interest report.
Make councils account for extreme investments
Local government needs a new way to hold councils to account when they are making ‘extreme’ investments, finance expert Rob Whiteman has claimed.
Jenrick urges councils not to delay on coronavirus spending
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick this week urged council leaders not to put off decisions because of money in their response to the coronavirus pandemic.
