Recommendation 30

The Department reported that it was working closely with the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and 75 Local Government Association submission, page 2 76 Institute for Chartered Accountants in England and Wales submission, pages 1, 4 77 Qq 12, 42, 46 evidence session of 20 May 2021 78 Q 43 evidence session of 20 May 2021 79 Q 46 evidence session of 20 May 2021 80 Q 12 evidence session of 20 May 2021 81 Qq 29, 30 evidence session of 17 May 2021 82 Local Government Association submission, page 2 83 Q 53 evidence session of 17 May 2021 84 Q 54 evidence session of 17 May 2021 85 Institute for Chartered Accountants in England and Wales submission, page 4 18 Local auditor reporting on local government in England others to ensure there were enough skilled auditors to meet the needs of the market.86 It noted that the FRC was leading a working group with stakeholders to look at factors affecting the supply of audit staff, such as entry criteria and skills development. The Department wanted to make the process for auditors to gain key audit partner status as slick as possible to encourage more people, but it also recognised that increasing the supply of people with the necessary skills would be a long-term issue.87