Tag #Public Audit

What are the direct financial consequences of the UK government's decision to abolish the Audit Commission, and how has this impacted local councils?

The abolition of England's council spending watchdog, the Audit Commission, in 2015, intended to save £100m annually, has instead resulted in significantly increased audit costs. A University of Sheffield report reveals that average audit costs have more than tripled, reaching at least £50,000 higher per council than before the change. This has led to several councils declaring bankruptcy.