Spending watchdog refuses to sign off ‘inadequate’ public sector accounts

The NAO said there is inadequate data on public spending caused by an audit backlog in local government (PA) - (PA Wire)

The official audit watchdog has refused to sign off the Government’s spending figures for the first time due to inadequate scrutiny of local authorities’ finances.

Severe backlogs in the auditing of England’s 426 councils have prompted the National Audit Office (NAO) to “disclaim” the figures, saying it is impossible to assess data and provide assurance on the Whole of Government Accounts (WGA).