NAO
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.
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.
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.
Reducing the risks from transition
The May local elections returned significant numbers of new councillors including new single issue groups. Abdool Kara examines the role of chief executives in actively managing the transition.
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.
Cost of cladding replacement fund could rise to £330m
The cost of removing and replacing unsafe cladding on privately owned high-rise buildings could rise to as much as £330m, it has emerged.
EXCLUSIVE: NAO leaves open no-deal Brexit audit
An assessment of how ready the UK is for a no-deal Brexit has not been ruled out by the National Audit Office (NAO).
New not-for-profit audit supplier suggested
A not-for-profit audit supplier could be created to work alongside existing and any new firms entering the market, it has been suggested.
EXCLUSIVE: NAO to wade into fair funding review
The National Audit Office (NAO) is gearing up to scrutinise the Government’s divisive fair funding review, The MJ can reveal.
Dawes orders review of review after ministry makes same error again
The Government may have to pay out up to £15m to councils after it made yet another error in its business rate pilot administration.
Cliffs, knives and U2
Abdool Kara is not sure that falling over or off cliffs is the right metaphor for what we could see in local government if the current funding trajectory continues.
Talking about the bespoke approach
Dan Peters reports from a recent round table hosted by The MJ and the National Audit Office, which explored new interest in and conditions for commercialisation as a process that can help councils save money and generate funds
The cost of the care challenge
The recent collapse into administration of care provider Four Seasons has highlighted the huge financial pressures the sector faces. Michael Burton examines the figures
Whiteman calls for fair funding review delay
The fair funding review should be delayed until after the Spending Review, finance expert Rob Whiteman has suggested.
LGA calls for audit changes
Councils have called for auditors to be made to ‘act promptly and report on a timely basis’ when there are concerns within a particular authority.
EXCLUSIVE: Fight for oversight
Brokenshire moves to impose fresh conditions on ‘top slice’ cash
NAO: Government must do more to ensure LEP value for money
The Government has been reprimanded for not doing enough to ensure billions of pounds given to local enterprise partnerships (LEPs) are delivering value for money.
Call for greater focus on culture change in integration drive
Huge cultural and behavioural differences between health and care need more consideration, consultancy Impower has urged.
Government review to look at council audit response
The Government will use its planned review of a key law to look at how councils respond to issues identified by auditors, The MJ has learnt.
Kara: Financial sustainability about more than just money
The key ingredients of financial sustainability have been outlined by a senior sector figure speaking at The MJ’s Future Forum.