15
Rejected
We asked MHCLG if it anticipated any issues with the programme of local government reform.
Conclusion
We asked MHCLG if it anticipated any issues with the programme of local government reform. It replied that it is pursuing an ambitious programme of reform and change and considers the current pace to be as fast as parliamentary time allows.26 MHCLG also reiterated its aspiration from the PAC session in January 2025, concerning the 2022–23 WGA, to ensure that no local authority accounts are qualified or disclaimed by 2027–28.27 However, it acknowledged that this remains an aspiration rather than a firm commitment.28
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the committee's conclusion regarding the nature of its commitment to local audit reform, asserting it has a clear ambition to clear all backstop-related disclaimed opinions by 2027-28 and has a published transition plan.
Government Response
Rejected
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
3.3 The government does not agree with the Committee’s conclusion in relation to local audit. The government has a clear ambition to clear all backstop-related disclaimed opinions by the end of 2027-28 and has published a transition plan setting out the arrangements for the reformed local audit system to help meet this objective.
Source
Committee
Public Accounts Committee
Report
69th Report - Whole of Government Accounts 2023-24
04 Mar 2026
HC 1243
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.4 yrs
Report published
04 Mar 2026