External news

MHCLG is seeking to appoint the Controller of Local Audit for the Local Audit Office. The deadline for applications is 11:55pm on 12 July 2026.   Further details are available at: Local Audit Office appointments. 

We are pleased that MHCLG has announced Bill Butler, PSAA’s Chair, as their preferred candidate to chair the Local Audit Office (LAO). Subject to a pre-appointment hearing by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee on 16 June 2026, Bill would be appointed for a five-year term. If appointed, Bill intends to continue in […]

MHCLG is seeking to appoint five highly skilled and experienced Non-Executive Directors to join the Local Audit Office. The application deadline is 5pm on 23 June 2026.  Further details are available at: Local Audit Office appointments – Non-Executive Directors. 

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill has become law after receiving Royal Assent. The Bill includes the establishment of the Local Audit Office to oversee and coordinate the local audit system in England, as part of the Government’s local audit reform strategy. MHCLG issued the following press release.

CIPFA/LASAAC has published the 2026/27 Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom (the Code), which applies to financial years commencing on or after 1 April 2026.

MHCLG has published an updated list in relation to compliance with the 27 February 2024/25 backstop. The list includes bodies yet to publish all audited accounts as of 9 March 2026, for financial years up to and including 2024/25.

MHCLG is seeking to appoint the new Chair for the Local Audit Office. The deadline for applications is 5pm on 18 February 2026. Further details are available at: Local Audit Office appointments – Chair.

MHCLG issued a Written Ministerial Statement on 2 December outlining its intention to speed up the process of rebuilding assurance at local bodies as part of its wider local audit reform strategy, and has written to all audit firms and local bodies underlining the need for everyone to work together to accelerate progress. The English […]

MHCLG has published an updated list in relation to compliance with the 28 February 2023/24 backstop. The list includes bodies yet to publish all audited accounts for financial years up to and including 2023/24 as of 31 October 2025.

On 5 September there was a call for evidence from individuals with relevant expertise and experience or a special interest in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, which is passing through Parliament. Further details can be found on the UK Parliament website.