Title

LOCAL AUDIT

Local government audit: Rebuilding assurance is a more arduous job than clearing the backlog

Rebuilding local audit assurance is essential to financial resilience, accountability and public confidence, says Iain Murray.

By Iain Murray | 12 October 2026
© maks lab/shutterstockcom

After peaking at 918 outstanding audits in September 2023, the Government's backstop programme has secured audit opinions across the sector. 

By 2025, more than 90% of bodies had published opinions for 2023-24 and almost all historical years had been closed off.

Popular articles by Iain Murray

  1. England still lacks the foundations to make fiscal devolution transformative
  2. Councils' finance plans must reflect what can actually be delivered
  3. Might it be time to look at some alternatives to increasing council tax?
  4. For councils, the coming months and years will require steady leadership

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Popular articles by Iain Murray

  1. England still lacks the foundations to make fiscal devolution transformative
  2. Councils' finance plans must reflect what can actually be delivered
  3. Might it be time to look at some alternatives to increasing council tax?
  4. For councils, the coming months and years will require steady leadership
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