It is the end of another exhausting financial year. Districts continue to be called upon to implement strategic initiatives such as the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and energy rebates. They are delivering important facets of the checks and support for the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Finance teams are busy preparing the accounts for 2021-22. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy dashed hopes of suspending the requirement for updated valuations for property assets. The problem remains: external auditors should not mark every piece of work done by professionally qualified valuers and actuaries. Double-checking does not help in understanding councils’ revenue position.