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A zero sum game?

The number of SEND tribunal cases is rising and the proportion of appeals ‘lost’ by local authorities is at a record high. Lottie Winson talks to education lawyers to understand the reasons why, and sets out the results of Local Government Lawyer’s exclusive survey.

Select committee launches inquiry into abolition of Audit Commission

MPs on the Communities and Local Government select committee have launched an inquiry into the impact of the decision to abolish the Audit Commission on the accountability of local government.

The committee said it will “consider future arrangements in all the areas that previously fell within the responsibility of the Audit Commission”, including:

  • Audit of local authority expenditure
  • Oversight and inspection of local authority performance
  • Value for money studies

The MPs said they wanted evidence on both the principles involved and the practical arrangements that should be put in place.

Clive Betts MP, chair of the committee, said: "I expect the committee will want to satisfy itself that the arrangements which will be put in place for auditing local government expenditure are effective, efficient and avoid any potential for conflicts of interest.

“We will also be looking closely to ensure that the useful work which the Commission does through 'value-for-money' studies can be continued, for the good of local government as a whole.”

Betts added that the committee would want to hear about the steps necessary to ensure full and appropriate accountability for local authority expenditure in the future.