Audit
Peer review proposal for pensions
The Local Government Association peer review programme could be expanded to include council pension schemes, a new report has suggested.
Delayed audit council names kept under wraps
The 150 councils where auditors were unable to issue an opinion by the end of September are expected to escape being named and shamed.
EXCLUSIVE: Failure to improve reporting and audit could prompt legislation
Whitehall officials have warned ministers ‘could seek to legislate’ if the transparency and quality of local authority financial reporting and external audit fails to improve.
LGA fears over audit delays
Problems with completing a large number of audits on time could lead to councils being penalised, the Local Government Association (LGA) fears.
Working towards collective responsibility in financial management
Rob Whiteman says CIPFA’s Financial Management (FM) code launched today will provide consistent standards for the sector, rooted in transparency.
Call for new audit oversight body
A new type of oversight body for local audit that would take a strategic approach to addressing the sector’s sustainability challenges is needed, a top auditor has suggested.
What is the future for audit?
Paul Dossett puts the case for a new type of oversight body for local audit that would take a strategic approach to addressing the sector’s sustainability challenges.
Election and Brexit could hit peer review plans
A General Election before March would put the Local Government Association (LGA) at risk of failing to deliver the number of peer challenges demanded by Whitehall.
Managing finances: Getting back to the basics
The new CIPFA Financial Management Code will allow us to get back to the basics of public service in the current climate, says Rob Whiteman
Extracting more value from local audit
Abdool Kara says the sharper focus on value for money and the expectation of clearer, more timely reporting is perhaps the most noticeable difference between the NAO's new Code of Audit Practice now out for consultation and the current code.
Audit fees could rise
Fees could rise if the new code of audit practice changes the scope of auditors’ work, the sector has been warned.
Call for views on financial reporting
The Government has called on the sector to feed into a review on the quality of the financial reporting of local authorities in England.
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.