Shared service venture to create “finance academy” for managers
A back office shared services initiative run by three London councils is to create a “finance academy” to improve budget management and financial control. The move is being made as[…]
Technical
NAO rejects option to allow extensions of revised audit code remit
The National Audit Office has backed down on a proposal to allow the introduction of new reporting criteria for local authority audits during the lifetime of a new Code of[…]
Scottish councils fail to explain budget variations
Public spending watchdog the Accounts Commission has flagged up transparency failings in its latest annual report on the financial health of local authorities in Scotland. The body said an analysis[…]
County introduces new rules after £9.1m funds gaffe
A report to Hertfordshire’s most recent audit committee meeting said the “treasury control failure” had come to light in August, one day after the multi-million-pound redemption was not received. The[…]
Room 151’s top news stories of 2019
As an eventful year for local authority treasurers draws to a close, Room 151 takes a look at the top 10 stories from the sector during 2019. 10. Spending watchdog[…]
Review highlights ongoing financial management issues at Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire County Council’s new section 151 officer should draw up plans to repatriate powers from government commissioners amid ongoing problems with financial management, according to an independent review. In September,[…]
Ministers reject creation of new Audit Commission-style watchdog
The government has ruled out setting up a new Audit Commission-style watchdog to oversee scrutiny of council finance – seemingly irrespective of the findings of the Redmond review. A formal[…]
LGA writes to ministers over audit delays
The Local Government Association has protested to two Whitehall departments about the impact on councils of delays by auditors in preparing their accounts. LGA resources board chair Richard Watts told[…]
Peterborough pushes ahead with housing revenue account plan
Peterborough City Council’s cabinet has voted to set up a housing revenue account (HRA) to allow it to expand the number of homes for rent it owns and take advantage[…]
Redmond Review to probe audit approach on commercialisation
The Redmond Review of local authority audit will consider whether councils are being effectively held to account following changes to business models including greater commercialisation and property investment. Sir Tony[…]
