William Eichler 03 March 2023

Levelling up committee launches local audit inquiry

Levelling up committee launches local audit inquiry  image
Image: chase4concept/Shutterstock.com.

An inquiry into financial reporting and audit in local authorities has been launched to ensure that councils are financially sustainable and remain accountable to their residents.

Launched today by the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, the inquiry will look at the purpose and understanding of local audit and the impact of local authority accounts and audit findings.

It will also explore how financial reporting at the local level could be made more accessible and the role of local audits in acting as a warning for councils facing financial difficulties.

Clive Betts, chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee, said: ‘Councils across England face a series of cost and service pressures. Many local authorities are struggling financially with some councils in recent months even warning that they could be forced to declare effective bankruptcy within the coming year. When council finances are under greater pressure than ever before, the need for effective financial accountability for local government is put into even sharper focus.

‘Local public bodies are responsible for billions of pounds of expenditure each year, delivering public services that taxpayers rely on every day. Effective financial reporting at the local council level is important not only for delivering value for money for these services but is also key to democratic accountability.

‘As a committee, we are keen for our inquiry to examine how local authority financial reporting could be improved to better engage with taxpayers and other stakeholders. We will also want to explore how local audit fits into the “checks and balances” of how councils operate and the effectiveness of audit in acting as a “red flag” to councils to address financial issues.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Tea Time Club Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro-rata
Tea Time Club Assistant  Grade 1 £24,027 pro-rata Permanent 10 hours per week Required from September 2025 Would you like to work with a group of won Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Licensing Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 £28,598
The Community Protection Service is looking for 2 Licensing Assistants to join the Business Compliance Team    1 x Temporary for 1 year 1 x Temporary Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor  Required from 1st September 2025 Grade 1    £24,027 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint a Lunchtime Supervisor to join Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Child Protection Chair (Registered Social Worker)

North East Lincolnshire Council
Up to £48,710 dependent upon experience
We are seeking an Child Protection Chair who is a registered qualified and experienced Social Worker. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Organisation and Service Designer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC34 £43,693
If you’re someone who can blend creative storytelling to inspire customers, staff and leaders North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner