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<p>The Government has been clear that the significant backlog of local audits in England
is unacceptable. It is taking action to deal with this backlog and put the system
on a sustainable footing. On 8 February DLUHC, with local audit system organisations,
issued a <a href="https://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fgovernment%2Fconsultations%2Faddressing-the-local-audit-backlog-in-england-consultation%2Flocal-audit-delays-joint-statement-on-update-to-proposals-to-clear-the-backlog-and-embed-timely-audit&data=05|02|Will.Noble%40levellingup.gov.uk|5e3ccd18914a4b14340508dc6503a3e2|bf3468109c7d43dea87224a2ef3995a8|0|0|638496313516218439|Unknown|TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D|0|||&sdata=QU9K5l1Eb1y2kxws975R%2FMRmhu8zGHFjSWy8j%2BRMxRo%3D&reserved=0"
target="_blank">Joint Statement</a> setting out a clear package of measures to meet
these challenges, alongside the launch of DLUHC and National Audit Office consultations.</p><p>We
proposed a statutory backstop date of 30 September 2024 for the publication of audited
accounts for all years up to and including 2022/23. This will enable local authorities
and firms to focus on the most recent accounts as quickly as possible. Five years
of further backstop dates would allow assurance to be gradually rebuilt. The Government
also recognises that important questions concerning systemic challenges must be addressed.</p><p>The
Government is carefully reviewing consultation responses and will respond in due course.</p><p>
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