Let citizens appeal to remove local government auditors

July 7, 2011

Reacting to the Select Committee report on audit reform, Simon Parker, Director of localism think tank the New Local Government Network (NLGN) said:

“We’re pleased that the committee has recognized our call earlier this year for independent local audit bodies with members of the public heavily involved in monitoring council finances. This is by far the best way to reassure citizens that taxpayers’ money is not being misspent and to guard against difficulties”

‘With the demise of the Audit Commission, there remain real dangers of the market becoming a closed shop, barring new business entry and raising costs for councils. The Committee is therefore right to seek to encourage competition by looking to set up the Audit Commission Practice as a mutual”

“As part of the ‘further safeguards’ identified by MPs to monitor council finances, we recommend a ‘Citizen Right of Appeal’ against auditors whose independence may be questionable. Giving citizens full and clear access to the books and letting them challenge below par, or compromised auditors, will reaffirm the public’s confidence in how its money is spent”


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