Consultation responses
We received a good response to the fee scale consultation, in terms of the number of responses and the comments provided. We received 128 responses in total (25% of all consultees), with 126 responses (98%) from opted-in bodies and two from other stakeholders.
The majority of consultation responses (70%) broadly support the proposed approach to setting the 2023/24 fee scale and 30% of consultees do not support the proposals.
Summary of consultation outcome
| Support without caveats | Support with caveats | Total YES Agree with proposals | Total NO Do not agree | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | % of total responses | Number | % of total responses | Number | % of responses | Number | % of responses |
| 16 | 13% | 73 | 57% | 89 | 70% | 39 | 30% |
Many responses reflect a pragmatic acceptance of the fee increase, but also highlight concerns. Of those who support the fee scale proposals, 82% (73 replies) raised some issues or concerns, as did all those who do not support the proposals.
The issues raised in responses to the consultation are complex and PSAA does not control many of the factors involved. For example, PSAA’s remit does not include being able to:
- change the scope of local audits;
- direct auditors as to the amount or timing of their work; or
- secure additional funding for higher audit fees.