2019 will be a pivotal year for local government in England. Numerous difficult and open-ended questions need rapid resolution, at a time when government focus and capacity is directed elsewhere. Drawing on a number of our recent reports, here I explore some of the challenges facing the sector, from budget cuts and growing social care […]
This report examines the effectiveness of the government’s approach to reducing childhood obesity in England.
The C&AG has issued a disclaimed opinion on the Whole of Government Accounts for 2024-25, the third year in a row this has happened
This report assesses whether MHCLG is overseeing an effective system of developer contributions that delivers the intended benefits.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has published its 2025-26 accounts, containing the audit opinion of the C&AG.
This report will examine how public service pension arrangements work and whether they are used effectively.
This Overview summarises the Department’s responsibilities on how it spends its money and its key developments of work.
Up to 60% of buildings with dangerous cladding have not yet been identified & remediation for buildings within government’s portfolio is slow.
The Whole of Government Accounts consolidates accounts from over 10,000 public bodies, providing an overview of the UK’s public finances.
The Whole of Government Accounts consolidates accounts from over 10,000 public bodies, providing an overview of the UK’s public finances.
This Overview looks at the local government landscape during the last financial year and summarises both matters of likely interest to Parliament as well as our work with local authorities. The NAO prepares statutory guidance on how local auditors should meet their responsibilities.
The NAO is publishing a suite of short guides for the new Parliament, one for each government department and a selection of cross-government issues, to assist House of Commons select committees and members of Parliament.
DLUHC spends around £33 billion each year to support people, places and communities. This guide examines DLUHC’s spending and performance.
Our modified audit opinions for accounts across the public sector, prior to 2024-25.
The condition of local roads in England is declining and the backlog to return them to a good state of repair is increasing.
This report assesses DfE’s response to challenges faced by local authorities in placing looked-after children in residential care in England.
Government can release resources and improve accountability by tailoring governance and audit requirements for small public bodies.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of the NAO has reported on the Whole of Government Accounts for 2021-22.
Our report examines whether local governance arrangements provide assurance that local authority spending achieves value and authorities are financially sustainable
Government needs to ensure its growth plans for Cambridge are aligned with its £6-7bn investment in a new regional railway (East West Rail, Oxford to Cambridge), so it can maximise the economic benefits of the line, a new report by the National Audit Office says.