AUDIT

Local audit reform: a strategy for overhauling the local audit system in England [England]

This strategy commits to a series of measures to fix the broken local audit system, including:

A local audit vision with eight core principles.

The establishment of a statutory and independent Local Audit Office (LAO), with five strategic responsibilities - coordinating the system, contract management, ownership of the Code of Audit Practice, quality oversight and reporting.

Mandating audit committees.

The government is also consulting on a number of specific proposals as part of this strategy, including:

Potential additional functions of the new LAO.

Simplifying financial reporting requirements to ensure they are proportionate.

Improvements to enhance capacity and capability in the local audit sector, such as the introduction of public provision.

Strengthening the relationship between local bodies and their auditor.

Reforming the audit regime.

The paper is found at Local audit reform: a strategy for overhauling the local audit system in England - GOV.UK.

Closing date for responses was 29 January 2025.

The IRRV's response can be found at https://www.irrv.net/documents/weblinks/2025/1/IRRV_Response_Consultation_Audit_Reform.pdf. 

COMPULSORY PURCHASE

Compulsory Purchase Process and Compensation Reforms [England and Wales]

This consultation seeks views on a range of proposals aimed at implementing technical reforms to the compulsory purchase process and compensation rules to make it cheaper, quicker and fairer.

The paper and on-line response link can be found at Compulsory Purchase Process and Compensation Reforms - GOV.UK.

Closing date for responses is 13 February 2025.

Law Commission consultation paper on compulsory purchase [England and Wales]

The Law Commission has published a consultation paper on compulsory purchase law in England and Wales.

The Commission is reviewing outdated compulsory