The backstop changed everything – but what comes next?
Following the significant milestone of backstop legislation in September 2024, the backlog of unissued accounts has fallen dramatically. The challenge now is to rebuild assurance and secure a sustainable future for the system of local accounts production and audit. The reforms set out in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill are essential to restoring trust and accountability to the local audit system.
Our latest report explores:
- How the system is being reset after the backstop
- The immediate and long-term consequences of this milestone
- What reforms are needed to achieve timely, trusted audits
Why does it matter?
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill paves the way for the creation of a long-awaited and much-needed systems leader for local audit, the Local Audit Office (LAO). This is a critical step toward rebuilding trust and accountability. But success depends on collaboration. Key stakeholders including local audited bodies, the audit firms, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Public Sector Audit Appointments, the National Audit Office, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales must work together to:
- Establish the LAO effectively
- Return to high levels of compliance
- Ensure timely publication of accounts with unmodified audit opinions
What you’ll find in the report
- The state of local audit post-backstop
- Challenges to achieving sustainable compliance
- Our recommendations for securing the future of local audit
Download the full report
Get the insights you need to prepare for the future of local audit.
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Mark Stocks Mark Stocks - I have over 25 years of experience in working with public sector bodies, specialising in local government and health. My experience covers external audit, governance, accounting, financial management, financial planning, risk management, performance management, and alternative delivery models.View Profile