Audit
Council has 'made progress' since chief's departure
South Ribble BC has ‘made progress to address historic governance issues and challenges,’ according to a Local Government Association (LGA) peer review.
LGA: External audit firms need to address their shortcomings
Town hall leaders have said external audit firms ‘need to address their shortcomings’ to improve the timeliness of audits.
Willis to leave troubled Thanet
Troubled Thanet DC has struck a deal that will lead to the departure of its deputy chief executive and Section 151 officer Tim Willis.
Let councils be responsible for their own decisions
We should shine a light on council payouts – sort out the audit regime which is currently failing so desperately – and let councils take responsibility for their own actions, says Heather Jameson.
EXCLUSIVE: Section 114 notice floated for Pembrokeshire after 'unlawful' decision
Pembrokeshire CC councillors have been advised a Section 114 should be issued following an ‘unlawful’ £95,000 settlement agreement with former chief executive Ian Westley.
Thanet issued with rare Section 24
‘Serious concerns about the ability of senior officers to work together’ has led to cash-strapped Thanet DC being issued with a rare Section 24 notice.
Audit completion rate drops to 9%
Just 9% of local government bodies’ 2020-21 audits were completed by the end of September target date, according to the latest data.
Councils warned of 'shocking' audit fee increase
Councils have been warned they could face audit fee increases of more than £20,000.
Benefits teams overcome COVID challenges
Most councils in Scotland maintained or improved benefits services during the COVID-19 pandemic while battling short staffing and technological issues, a report has found.
Need for social care solution 'greater than ever'
Progress in addressing challenges in social care is too slow, according to a public sector watchdog.
Warrington to be hit by statutory recommendation
Auditors are expected to issue a statutory recommendation over Warrington Council’s minimum revenue position (MRP) amid ongoing concern over its investment strategy and financial health.
Watchdog criticises council's slow pace of improvement
Audit Scotland found South Ayrshire Council had ‘made limited progress on key aspects of Best Value’.
Watchdog warns East Dunbartonshire on housing
The Accounts Commission said the council was well led overall, but raised concerns over the poor performance of its housing services.
Auditors question financial sustainability of Welsh councils
Auditors have questioned the sustainability of local authorities in Wales despite the improved financial position councils have experienced as a result of pandemic support.
Advisers brought in to boost Liverpool governance
Two independent advisers have been co-opted onto Liverpool City Council’s audit committee in a bid to strengthen the authority’s governance.
Jamieson urges councils to sign up to national audit procurement
The Local Government Association’s (LGA) chairman has urged councils to sign up for the national scheme for auditor appointments despite admitting disappointment with external audit’s operation.
Stalemate over audit timeliness
The organisation responsible for appointing local government auditors has admitted it can do little to improve the timeliness of opinions.
Warrington opposition demands to see auditors' letter
Opposition members on Warrington Council are demanding to see an auditor’s letter sent 15 months ago which they claim sets out concerns about the authority’s financial position and investment strategy.
Welsh councils must provide ‘ambitious leadership’ to revive high street
Local authorities in Wales have been urged to use their existing powers and resources to make town centres sustainable.
Survey reveals interest in PSAA scheme
Public Sector Audit Appointments has a battle on to maintain the number of organisations signed up to its national auditor appointment scheme.
