Just before the last bank holiday, the Government was still working to complete the job of compiling and releasing the Whole of Government Accounts (WGA). This annual publication is the most detailed and transparent account of the finances of ‘UK plc'. It consolidates the positions over 6,000 central and local government organisations.

Despite improvements in the quality of the accounts since its introduction in 2011, little use has been made of it to inform national decision making. The focus of government and Parliament should be on raising awareness about the WGA. Opportunities should be explored for publishing consolidated accounts at a city region level to improve local accountability and decision making.