Audit
Councils are owed certainty on funding
The Public Accounts Committee has published its fifth annual report. Chair Meg Hillier says there is much for local government to be concerned about and ‘even the best councils face real struggles ahead’.
Hillier in financial sustainability transparency warning
The chair of an influential government spending watchdog has warned of a lack of transparency around the financial sustainability of councils.
Auditors probe 'negative culture' at Nottingham
An investigation has uncovered a ‘lack of compliance with rules’ at Nottingham City Council.
Fears over local audit future after new regulator is confirmed
The announcement of a new regulator for public sector audits has failed to quell widespread fears for the market’s future.
MPs sceptical over council audit shakeup
The influential Public Accounts Committee quizzed mandarins over the new powers given to the Audit, Reporting and Governance Authority (ARGA).
New finance watchdog to take on local audit
The new regulator set up to oversee private sector audit is to be expanded to include local government, minister Luke Hall has announced.
Auditors defend council governance
Accountancy firms have defended the governance of council finances despite widespread delays in completing audits.
‘Wholesale improvements’ required at Slough
External auditors have issued a scathing report on financial management at Slough BC.
Council chief’s treatment was ‘appalling and inhuman’
The leader of York City Council has survived a no confidence vote following criticism over the departure of its former chief executive.
I have a dream (about local government)
Greater powers, more devolution and a fundamental review of local finances have been promised to local government by the Prime Minister himself. John Tizard outlines the wide-ranging policy pledges featured in his recent dream.
Surge in audit fee variation requests
The number of auditors requesting fee increases for their work has surged, the body that oversees the system has said.
Watchdog urges 'revaluation' of councils' role
The ‘role and value’ of councils should be revaluated in face of rising demand and financial pressures, according to a new report.
'Greater flexibility' for audit fees floated
The Government has published proposals to create ‘greater flexibility’ in agreeing audit fees following the Redmond Review.
Departed chief had threatened tribunal
York City Council was facing a potentially costly employment tribunal over allegations of bullying from its former chief executive before her departure, an investigation has found.
Council to review Greensill land sale
Cheshire West & Chester Council has halted the sale of land to Lex Greensill following controversy over his lobbying of government ministers.
A fresh look at the future of finance
Associate director, local government, at CIPFA-Penna Philippa Watkins shares the lessons learned from a virtual event putting finance on the stage.
Fewer than half of local audits done by deadline, watchdog finds
Fewer than half of local public bodies’ 2019-20 audits were completed by last November, despite a deadline already pushed back due to COVID, says a spending watchdog.
Northampton accepts censure over loan
Northampton BC has accepted a public interest report that heavily criticised its financial governance but warned its response will be ‘limited’.
EXCLUSIVE: Pressure mounts on Jenrick over audit
Whitehall officials are putting communities secretary Robert Jenrick under pressure to change course after he failed to implement a key recommendation of the Redmond Review, The MJ understands.
Failing to act on audit invites intervention, says Whiteman
A failure to act on the Redmond review could lead to more Government intervention, finance chief Rob Whiteman has told MPs.
