Simon Hoare, Minister for Local Government, announced in a letter to Clive Betts, Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee, the department’s intention to consult on proposals to set a backstop date of 30 September 2024. The backstop date will require local bodies to publish their audited financial accounts for all financial years up to and including 2022/23. This announcement is supported by the FRC.
Mr Hoare also stated that the NAO will be sharing a consultation in tandem on potential changes to the Code of Audit Practice to support this approach. Subject to the outcome of the consultations DLUHC intends to bring forward legislation to implement the backstop proposals.