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Public sector

Many ICAEW members work in or with the public sector to deliver public priorities and strong public finances. ICAEW acts in the public interest to support strong financial leadership and better financial management across the public sector – featuring transparency, accountability, governance and ethics – to ensure that public money is spent wisely and that public finances are sustainable.
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Local government finance

Skills for the future

  • Hub page
  • 25 Oct 2024
Improving financial skills is critical in balancing the books and delivering value for citizens. As backstop dates for audited accounts come into force, ICAEW explores how local authorities can strengthen their approach to financial management.
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Latest Insights

Residential land tax hike in Wales
  • Article
  • 11 Dec 2024
In its Budget for 2025-26, the Welsh government has announced that the rates of land transaction tax (LTT) for some purchases of residential property will increase by 1 percentage point.
Proposed public-sector sustainability standard takes broad approach
  • Article
  • 10 Dec 2024
ICAEW’s Public Sector team examines a draft climate-related disclosures standard, setting a global baseline for public sector ESG reporting. How does it compare with IFRS S2 and GRI?
ICAEW outlines effective grant management for government entities
  • Article
  • 09 Dec 2024
Grant-paying government entities could save £1.9bn through effective grant management. A new ICAEW helpsheet offers advice on designing a grants assurance framework and highlights some of the main pitfalls to avoid.
Comparing IPSASBs draft climate disclosures standard with IFRS S2 and GRI
  • Article
  • 09 Dec 2024
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has issued a draft public sector specific climate standard. What are the unique features of this standard and how does it compare to IFRS S2 and GRI?
Chart of the week: US federal debt
  • Article
  • 06 Dec 2024
Our chart this week looks at how US federal debt has almost doubled over the past decade from $17.8tn in September 2014 to $35.5tn at the end of the most recent financial year in September 2024, with debt held by the public increasing from $12.8tn to $28.3tn.
Leading data-led decision making in local government
  • Article
  • 05 Dec 2024
Finance professionals are pivotal in ensuring local authority decisions on service delivery are grounded in robust data analysis. CIPFA’s Iain Murray outlines the role of finance teams in ensuring data-led decision-making and the skills required for success.
ICAEW Past President Sir Brian Jenkins, 1935-2024: a force for change
  • Article
  • 04 Dec 2024
ICAEW President in 1985/86, Sir Brian Jenkins was an important figure in the profession, from pioneering IT in audit to providing his expertise to the charity sector.
Public funds fraud cost taxpayers £81bn, NAO says
  • Article
  • 04 Dec 2024
The National Audit Office outlines the impact of fraud and error on public funds, how public bodies can tackle fraud and error and the NAO’s efforts to reduce the impact of fraud.
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Highlights

ICAEW vision for local audit
  • Hub page
  • 09 Mar 2023
ICAEW sets out its vision for local audit, making the case for better financial reporting, high quality and more timely audits, stronger financial management and governance, and a thriving profession that is highly valued.
Public sector financial and non-financial reporting
  • Hub page
  • 15 Nov 2022
We highlight the vital role public sector reporting plays in strengthening financial controls, improving evidence-based decision making and bringing transparency to the public about how taxpayers’ money is spent.
UK public sector audit
  • Hub page
  • 14 Jul 2022
Public sector bodies may produce financial statements under the same accounting standards as their private sector counterparts, but there are some key differences. In addition, each of the UK's four nations has its own approach to audit. This hub highlights the important variations all auditors need to be aware of.
Local public audit in England
  • Helpsheets and support
  • 06 Oct 2015
ICAEW is responsible for the licensing, registering and monitoring of auditors who wish to carry out audits of local public bodies. This page explains what accountancy firms and individuals need to do to become a registered local auditor under the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014.
Demystifying the role of NEDs in the public sector
  • Article
  • 21 May 2024
Chartered accountants possess many of the skills required to be an effective NED in the public sector. We explain what the role entails, how interested members can find vacancies and why they are so desperately needed.
“Smarter government” could secure billions in savings
  • Article
  • 22 Jan 2024
The National Audit Office chief highlights areas of opportunity for government, but warns savings could only come from more innovation, better data and tighter governance.
Economy explainers
  • Hub page
  • 06 Jun 2024
ICAEW experts offer simple guides to help understand the technical, economic jargon that is discussed when talking about public finances and the economy.
tcfd framework update
  • Webinar
  • 10 May 2024
In July 2023, Max Greenwood, Senior Finance Advisor, HMT took part in a webinar on the introduction of the TCFD framework for central government. This short video expands on the implementation challenges of phase II and III of the framework.

Resources by Topic

Public Sector Audit and Assurance

Improving the quality of public audit. Becoming a registered local auditor. Assurance for grant-paying bodies

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Public Sector Finances

Insights and analysis on the UK public finances, including the #icaewchartoftheweek.

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Public Sector Financial Management

Our Better Government Series of policy insights looks at how to improve finance leadership and financial management in the public sector.

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Public Sector Financial Reporting

Developments in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) affecting the public sector.

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Europe and International

Exploring public sector finances and financial management across the globe.

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Books seen from above
Learning and Development

How we can help professionals, in the public sector and beyond, develop their skills and advance their careers.

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Further resources

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Public Sector webinars and recordings

Specialist resources and events for the public sector

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Diverse group of people
Public Sector Community

Free to join and open to non-ICAEW members

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Public Sector Community Newsletters

Latest news from the Public Sector Community

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