Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Acknowledged
Simplified statements for local government accounts delayed amidst severe audit timeliness pressures.
Conclusion
We have previously stated our support for the Redmond Review’s shorter-term proposal for local authorities to publish a standardised statement alongside their accounts to improve transparency to the public.89 The Department told us that work was underway to develop simplified statements for publication alongside local government accounts, but in December 2021 the Department announced it would delay the implementation of these statements while pressures on audit timeliness remained so severe.90 89 Public Accounts Committee, Eleventh Report of Session 2021–22, Local auditor reporting on local government in England, HC 171, para 12 90 C&AG’s Report, para 3.19 18 Timeliness of local auditor reporting
Government Response Summary
The government states its response builds on existing commitments to the Redmond Review and its 2021 package of measures to improve local audit delays, without offering new specific actions for the noted delay.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
This builds on work the government has committed to in its response to the Redmond Review and its December 2021 package of measures to improve local audit delays.