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Advice to CFOs of local authorities on Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 issues

We understand the significant challenges that local authorities face in respect of their financial management and audit obligations, as set out in the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.
 

Difficulties can develop if a local auditor considers that a “public interest report” (PIR) should be made on any matter coming to their attention during the audit. In these situations, it is crucial for Finance Directors and CFOs to seek early advice in order to ensure accurate representations are made on their behalf, and on behalf of the local authority and councillors.

Where serious failings are alleged to have taken place resulting in a PIR, the Finance Director or CFO may also face a referral to their regulatory body and a potential disciplinary investigation. 

We have significant experience in representing local authority Finance Directors and CFOs in relation to preparing representations supporting their position during the PIR report preparation process, and also in disciplinary investigations arising out of adverse conclusions made in PIRs.  We provide detailed advice and support at each step in the process, to seek to mitigate any professional or reputational damage.

Melinka Berridge

Partner and Head of Department

Jessica Clay

Partner

Hannah Eales

Partner

Iain Miller

Partner

Julie Norris

Partner

Andrew Sanderson

Partner

Shannett Thompson

Partner

Sarah Atkinson

Legal Director

Colette Best

Director of Anti-Money Laundering

Jenny Higgins

Legal Director

Harriet Farquhar

Senior Associate (Foreign Qualified Lawyer)

Clare Hastie

Senior Associate

Louise Murphy-King

Senior Associate

Stephen Nelson

Senior Associate

Laura Vignoles

Senior Associate (Barrister)

Sophie Allen

Associate

Kate Baggs

Associate

Zoe Beels

Associate

Jane David

Associate

Jac Davies (Cymraeg)

Associate (FCILEx)

Jac Davies

Associate (FCILEx)

Jessica Etherington

Associate

Jack Garden

Associate

Cameron Hughes

Associate

Mariella Leeman

Associate

Tarah Morris

Associate

Natasha Savovic

Associate

Irène Schell

Associate

Huda Abdilahi

Case Support Paralegal

Tajmina Begum

Case Support Paralegal

Sam Binymin

Senior Paralegal

Antonia Corbin

Case Support Paralegal

Ella Felstead

Senior Paralegal

Lorna George

Senior Paralegal

Lakisha Gravell

Case Support Paralegal

Cerys Hughes

Senior Paralegal

Amicie Knowles

Senior Paralegal

Meg Lewis (Cymraeg)

Senior Paralegal

Meg Lewis

Senior Paralegal

Lily Matthews-Cook

Senior Paralegal

Georgia Morris

Case Support Paralegal

Madeleine Noton

Senior Paralegal

Nimra Shamas

Case Support Paralegal

Ananta Singh

Trainee Solicitor

Harrison Wisson

Senior Paralegal

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