Behind the Numbers: Can we unclog the local audit backlog?

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, we discuss whether the filing of local authority audited accounts will ever get back on track.

Just 1% of local bodies published audited accounts on time for the 2022/23 [LE1] financial year. Now, the government has introduced backstop dates in the hopes of resetting the system, with the first arriving on 13 December. But will they anything change? And how should local authorities be managing the external audit process to ensure timely filing?

To answer those questions, host Philippa Lamb is joined by Alison Ring, ICAEW Director of Public Sector and Taxation; Cecilie Booth, Executive Director of Resources at Peterborough City Council; and Paul Dossett, Head of Public Sector, London and South East, at Grant Thornton UK.

Links 

• ICAEW Public Sector Conference: https://www.icaew.com/learning-and-development/events/public-sector-conference 
• ICAEW Local government finance: skills for the future: https://www.icaew.com/technical/public-sector/public-sector-financial-management/local-government-finance-skills-for-the-future 
• ICAEW Public Sector Community: https://www.icaew.com/groups-and-networks/communities/public-sector 
• ICAEW vision for local audit: https://www.icaew.com/technical/public-sector/public-sector-audit-and-assurance/uk-public-sector-audit/icaew-vision-for-local-audit

Host

Philippa Lamb

Guests

• Alison Ring, Director, Public Sector and Taxation, ICAEW
• Cecilie Booth, Executive Director of Resources, Peterborough City Council
• Paul Dossett, Head of Public Sector Assurance, London and South East, Grant Thornton UK

Producer

Natalie Chisholm

Episode first published: 21 November 2024
Podcast recorded: 14 November 2024