William Eichler 27 November 2024

NAO: Council audit backlog prevents Government accounts sign off

NAO: Council audit backlog prevents Government accounts sign off image
Image: earth phakphum / Shutterstock.com.

The Government’s financial accounts have failed to be signed off for the first time because of what national auditors describe as the ‘severe backlogs’ in English local authority audits.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has issued a ‘disclaimed' audit opinion on the 2022-23 whole of government accounts (WGA) after only 10% (43) of England's 426 councils submitted reliable data.

Head of the NAO, Gareth Davies, said he had been ‘unable to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence upon which to form an opinion’.

The Government is taking steps to address the backlog in audited accounts for English local authorities, including the use of fixed dates by which each year’s audits must be completed.

However, the NAO warned that while this offered a medium-term solution to the problem, it is unlikely to allow the disclaimer on WGA to be removed for 2023-24.

Davies commented: ‘It is clearly not acceptable that delays in audited accounts for English local authorities have made it impossible for me to provide assurance on the whole of government accounts for 2022-23.

‘It is essential that the steps being taken by Government to restore timely and robust local authority audited accounts are effective.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner