The terms of the contract through which an auditor is appointed by local arrangements will determine how the service is provided and the remuneration arrangements.
The Ethical Standard issued by the FRC in December 2019 [due to be replaced with the Revised Ethical Standard 2024 by the end of 2024] precludes contingent fees on audit engagements. A contingent fee basis includes any arrangement made at the outset of an engagement under which a specified commission on, or percentage of, any consideration or saving is payable to the firm upon the happening of a specified event or the achievement of an outcome (or alternative outcomes).
Whether an auditor is appointed by PSAA or by local arrangements, the specification of a local audit is fixed. It is determined by the requirements of the:
- NAO’s Code of Audit Practice which sets the scope of the audit;
- Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting published by CIPFA/LASSAC which sets the format of the financial statements;
- HM Treasury in respect of the arrangements for Whole of Government Accounts; and
- FRC who regulate the work of the auditor in the application of International Auditing Standards.
The framework of the Appointing Person scheme is the relevant legislation, namely the Local Audit and Accountability Act, the Appointing Person Regulations, and Accounts and Audit Regulations.