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

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner