Government launches review into local gov audits

Sir Tony Redmond is to lead an independent review into the quality and effectiveness of the audit and financial reporting of local authorities in England.

As part of the role, the former President of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance will examine whether the financial information provided in local authority accounts facilitates scrutiny by local taxpayers and by local press.

Launched in July 2019 to examine the effectiveness of local authority financial reporting and the audit regime, the review will seek views on the topic and encourages practitioners who work in the local government sector, the audit community, representative bodies and other relevant or interested parties, to submit their response to an open set of questions.

Local Government Minister Luke Hall said: “It’s important that local authorities are held financially accountable to reinforce public confidence and deliver value for money for taxpayers. That’s why the independent review being carried out by Sir Tony Redmond, to ensure a robust local audit system, is so vital. I encourage all interested parties to submit evidence to help inform the review’s recommendations.”

Redmond said: “This call for evidence is a key part of my review of the effectiveness of audit in local authorities and the transparency of their financial reporting. I will look to test the assurance processes in place with regard to value for money arrangements together with the financial resilience in local councils. I am keen to hear from practitioners as well as the audit community, and will consider all information as I formulate my report to the Secretary of State.”