Audit
Council leaders warn of post-Brexit shortage of professional regulators
Local authority leaders have urged the Government to do more to train staff to work in the regulatory system due to an increase in post-Brexit challenges.
Investigation into 'errors' that cost Liverpool £4.5m
An investigation has been launched into ‘control failures and errors’ that cost Liverpool City Council millions of pounds.
Council held decade-long contract with dormant firm
Grant Thornton said it exposed a ‘significant weakness’ in Herefordshire Council’s contract management in its report on the council’s 2020-21 accounts.
Nottingham expected to bring housing back under direct control after probes
Nottingham City Council is expected to bring its housing back under direct control after two independent probes found ‘underlying issues around governance and finance’.
EXCLUSIVE: Council sacked director over 'vexatious and malicious' police report
Thanet DC sacked its director of corporate governance and monitoring officer after he submitted ‘vexatious and malicious’ allegations about a senior colleague to the police, The MJ can reveal.
Mayor's meetings with contractors breached constitution
Meetings between Middlesbrough’s Mayor and contractors over the council’s flagship regeneration project were against the council’s constitution, internal auditors have found.
Where are the chief finance officers of the future going to come from?
Unless we find a way to turn the tide of the recruitment crisis soon, finding staff at all levels of the finance team, including the chief finance officers of the future, is going to become even harder, says Adele Taylor.
Merthyr Tydfil improvement board ends
Independent oversight of Merthyr Tydfil CBC has come to an end following improvements to its governance and sustainability.
Uncertain future for Scottish councils' finances
The Accounts Commission found councils were grappling with funding reductions and restrictions as they prepare to meet significant challenges.
Deadline laid down for councillors’ improvement
Members at Moray Council have been given a year to show ‘strong cohesive leadership’ by a local government watchdog.
Auditor's improvement pledge after complaint
Mazars has pledged to improve its performance after a council complained about a dramatic drop in its audit standards.
It is not surprising councils' position in the job market is eroding
Local government colleagues report difficulty in recruiting auditors, revenues and benefits staff, accountants at all levels, as well as lawyers, IT and HR staff, says Tony Kirkham.
Chief executive loses £4.9m tribunal claim
A council chief executive has lost an employment tribunal claim for £4.9m.
New accountability body 'stops short' of Audit Commission reinvention
Plans for a body to oversee the accountability of local government stop just short of re-inventing the Audit Commission, according to experts.
Fresh audit procurement launched
A major procurement of audit services for local government bodies designed to encourage and support the development of a more sustainable market has been launched.
Croydon agrees to financial action plan
Croydon LBC has agreed an overhaul of its financial management in response to failings over a £67m refurbishment project.
'Emergency consultation' launched on accounting rules
Temporary changes to the code of practice were requested by the Government to resolve 'timeliness' issues.
Council slashes heritage assets figure
East Ayrshire Council has been found to have about half the number of heritage assets it had claimed following an investigation by auditors.
Auditor blames backlog on staff 'capacity'
External auditors have blamed ‘staff capacity’ at Isle of Anglesey CC for a three-year backlog of work.
Supporting a more financially resilient sector
Rob Whiteman looks at CIPFA's eight assurance reviews of the councils that asked the Government for capitalisation directions, and reviews the common themes that emerged.
