MPs warn audit backlog threatens transparency over £100 billion spend

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A huge backlog in auditing accounts across local government has increased the risk of more councils failing financially and undermined accountability for £100 billion of annual spending, MPs have warned. “The cases of Croydon, Slough, Thurrock and Woking councils all should serve as flashing red signals for the Government, and our report finds that the rot risks spreading to central government finance and the NHS.” Dame Meg described the number of firms currently registered to carry out local audit, which is fewer than 100, as “worryingly low”. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Conservative deputy chair of the committee, said the audit backlog should be taken seriously as Government bailouts following the financial failure of councils cost taxpayers “huge” amounts of money. He added: “The cumulative delay of auditing 632 Local Authority 2021/22 accounts is a really serious matter, hindering accountability of £100 billion of local government spending.