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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

Chart of the week: Defence spending battle lines
  • Article
  • 10 Jan 2025
Our chart this week takes a dive into the £53.9bn Ministry of Defence expenditure in 2023/24 ahead of what is likely to be a charged debate about defence spending in the coming year.
Supporting our public sector finance professionals
  • Article
  • 08 Jan 2025
Are you in need of extra support or advice on an issue you’re dealing with in your public sector-facing role? ICAEW and CIPFA offer a wide range of support to members working in or advising the public sector.
Economic update: five key trends for 2025
  • Article
  • 02 Jan 2025
Following a disappointing end to 2024, UK’s economic prospects could become brighter this year, despite notable domestic and global challenges. ICAEW’s Economies Director Suren Thiru discusses the implications.
Public finances stabilise as economic indicators flash amber
  • Article
  • 23 Dec 2024
The lowest November monthly deficit in three years suggests public finances are stabilising, even as concerns increase around the economic and fiscal outlook for 2025.
Chart of the week: Commonwealth of Australia balance sheet
  • Article
  • 20 Dec 2024
Our chart this week heads down under for some warmer weather and to take a look at the Australian federal government balance sheet in its recently published consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024.
Member insights: December 2024
  • Article
  • 18 Dec 2024
As members continue to digest announcements made in the Autumn Budget, it’s the rise in Employers’ National Insurance that dominates the agenda. But despite challenges, businesses remain cautiously upbeat for 2025.
Technical round-up: December 2024
  • Article
  • 18 Dec 2024
This month’s top stories feature issues with HMRC’s customer service performance raised by ICAEW; the Scottish and Welsh Budgets; and a range of articles on why the UK must reform VAT.
ICAEW fears offshoring risk if apprenticeship funding axed
  • Article
  • 18 Dec 2024
The Institute warns that new highly-skilled UK jobs are at risk of being outsourced overseas if government reforms to Level 7 apprenticeship funding go ahead.
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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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