Audit
Somerset auditors recognise improved finances
Somerset CC’s improved finances have been recognised by auditors, according to a report to be discussed next week.
Move to delete chief executive post 'politically motivated'
The Labour opposition leader at Hertsmere BC has branded proposals to delete the authority’s chief executive post as ‘politically motivated’.
Treasurers lobby to challenge auditors
County treasurers have called for changes to allow councils to better contest conclusions that auditors reach.
Council considers scrapping chief's role
Hertsmere BC is considering plans to delete its chief executive role with the current post holder on sick leave.
New audit code to bring commentary requirement
Auditors will have to issue a commentary on councils’ financial sustainability, governance and how they are improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness under a new code.
Watchdog tells Perth & Kinross to tackle 'underperforming' services
Perth & Kinross Council has been warned it must tackle underperforming services by a watchdog despite making ‘steady improvements’ elsewhere.
Commissioners urge NAO to monitor auditor powers
The National Audit Office (NAO) should monitor auditors’ use of additional powers and use this to produce a report to help identify sector-wide risks and issues, the Government-appointed commissioners overseeing under-fire Northamptonshire CC (NCC) have urged.
Local audit at a 'crossroads'
Local audit is at a ‘crossroads’ and needs to provide ‘better assurance and more impact for the public,’ Grant Thornton has said.
Number of delayed audit opinions rockets
The number of delayed audit opinions in local government has risen sharply this year, according to figures compiled by the body responsible for appointing auditors.
Rebuilding trust is a long-term ambition
Making local authority accounts more accessible to the modern-day user will help us shape a more transparent tomorrow, says Rob Whiteman
Moray warned time is running out
Audit Scotland has told a council that it has 'limited time' to curb spending before its reserves run out.
Audit separation call
A call has been made for auditors’ value for money work to be separated out from their wider work on councils’ financial statements.
Auditor raises reserves concerns at Redcar & Cleveland
The council has been warned it faces running out of reserves within two years.
Report discovers little assurance on council-owned company governance
A Hertsmere BC audit report has only given ‘limited assurance’ that its governance of council-owned companies is effectively controlled.
KPMG winner as big four take more public contracts
KPMG has emerged as the chief beneficiary of an increase in public sector spending with the big four accounting firms.
LGA: Audit deadline should be pushed back
The July audit deadline should be pushed back to September 30 for future years, the Local Government Association (LGA) has told ministers.
Auditors may consider 'emerging risks'
Auditors could be given ‘more flexibility to consider emerging risks’ after the National Audit Office (NAO) said it would consider the move.
Redditch slapped with rare Section 24
Auditor Grant Thornton has slapped Redditch BC with a rare Section 24 notice and urged it to take urgent steps to address its financial challenges.
Audit sign off delayed for fourth year
Auditors will not be able to sign off Scarborough BC’s accounts by the statutory deadline with a formal objection stretching back four years still unresolved.
CIPFA calls for auditing changes
The information currently reported publicly by auditors does not help taxpayers understand the key issues, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has said.