NAO
Putting our finances on a secure footing
Andrew Burns examines how councils can ensure financial sustainability and put local services on the right path.
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.
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.
The true value of showing your support
Cllr Izzi Seccombe outlines the benefits of a new recruitment and development scheme to help those in Warwickshire with special educational needs and disabilities gain entry to the workforce.
Treasurers lobby to challenge auditors
County treasurers have called for changes to allow councils to better contest conclusions that auditors reach.
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.
Mastering the art of commercial destiny
Solace has been considering how councils should best participate in the market. Eric Bohl reports on local government’s investment areas, and outlines the key tests for commercial plans.
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.
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.