Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Not Addressed
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence...
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from HM Treasury (HMT), the Government Finance Function (GFF) and the Environment Agency (the Agency).1
Government response summary AI-generated
The government stated it agrees with the committee's introductory conclusion, then provided a detailed response outlining actions to improve financial reporting quality and timely account laying across central government, including guidance, training, and a commitment to update the Committee by November 2026.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation ensure transparency and accountability before Parliament. The Treasury provides guidance and oversight to support high-quality financial reporting across central government, including through publication of the Government Financial Reporting Manual. Before accounts can be laid in Parliament, they need to have been prepared, and the audit completed so that the Comptroller and Auditor General can issue their opinion. Delays with either preparation or audit can lead to entities missing the pre- recess target. Treasury will continue to support bodies as they work towards pre-recess timelines, including through adapting and interpreting new standards as appropriate for the public sector, the publication of technical application guidance, convening discussion forums such as UPAG (User and Preparer Advisory Group) and RAWG (Relevant Authorities Working Group), and the provision of training through the GFF. Progress will be monitored by the Finance Foundations Group, the senior leadership forum accountable for driving excellence across all finance foundations. The Treasury will review existing finance networks to ensure they support the delivery of our shared objectives around timely and high-quality reporting and will also develop a best practice guide for how departments can support their ALBs with accounts preparation and laying. The Treasury supports the NAO’s ambition to achieve 70% of accounts audited by NAO being published pre-recess in the 2025-26 financial year. The Treasury will engage with NAO to ensure there is effective data sharing on projected and actual laying dates. The Treasury will write to update the Committee on whether the NAO’s 70% target has been achieved (and if not, why not) by 30th November 2026. billion increase on the previous year.