The Audit Commission has confirmed it has effectively frozen audit and inspection fees for councils next year, while health and probation bodies will have their bills cut. Following an eight-week consultation, the commission has opted to subsidise a one-off, 6% rise in fees for councils, fire authorities and police bodies during 2010/11, which has arisen from the transition to new international reporting standards. It means fees will be the same as for 2009/10, while those for health and probation bodies will be cut by 2% and 1% respectively. The commission said it wanted to help local authorities manage their costs during the recession. Chief executive, Steve Bundred, added: ‘I'm sure that will be welcome news with the financial squeeze ahead.'
