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
Colette Best
Director of Anti-Money Laundering
Jenny Higgins
Legal Director
Sarah Atkinson
Senior Associate
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
Harriet Farquhar
Associate (Foreign Qualified Lawyer)
Jack Garden
Associate
Cameron Hughes
Associate
Mariella Leeman
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
Harriet Kirsopp
Trainee Solicitor
Amicie Knowles
Senior Paralegal
Megan Lewis (Cymraeg)
Senior Paralegal
Megan Lewis
Senior Paralegal
Lily Matthews-Cook
Senior Paralegal
Georgia Morris
Case Support Paralegal
Madeleine Noton
Senior Paralegal
Nimra Shamas
Case Support Paralegal
Harrison Wisson
Senior Paralegal
