In accordance with the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and the Local Audit (Appointing Person) Regulations 2015 (the Regulations), on 22 September 2021 PSAA (a specified appointing person) formally invited all eligible bodies to become opted-in authorities for the five consecutive financial years commencing 1 April 2023 (the compulsory appointing period) which covers the audit years 2023/2024 to 2027/2028.
A decision to become an opted-in authority must be taken in accordance with the Regulations by the members of an authority meeting as a whole [typically Full Council or equivalent], except where the authority is a corporation sole, such as a police and crime commissioner, in which case this decision can be taken by the holder of that office.
In June 2021, we issued a draft prospectus and invited views and comments on our early thinking on the development of the national scheme for the next period. Feedback from the sector and the market was extremely helpful and enabled us to refine our proposals which are set out in the scheme prospectus and our procurement strategy. Both documents contain information that you may find helpful.
Given the very challenging local audit market, we believe that eligible bodies are best served by opting to join the scheme. We believe that the national scheme has many benefits and is the best solution both for individual bodies and the sector as a whole.
Following the completion of the procurement of audit services (in late September 2022) we commenced the auditor appointment process.
Joining the scheme after 11 March 2022
An eligible body created following the 11 March 2022 opt-in deadline has the right to join the national scheme. Whereas a body that did not accept PSAA’s original invitation can request to join the national scheme after 1 April 2023.
Please contact us to discuss joining our scheme.