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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: UN budget contributions 2025
  • Article
  • 14 Feb 2025
Our chart this week looks at the assessed contributions of member states to the United Nations Regular Budget for 2025.
NAO reports and insights published in Winter 2024-25
  • Article
  • 11 Feb 2025
The National Audit Office publishes a wide range of reports. Below is a selection that are especially topical and of interest to ICAEW members and the wider profession.
Business tax compliance costs £15bn a year
  • Article
  • 10 Feb 2025
In its latest report, the National Audit Office (NAO) explores the costs for businesses in meeting their tax obligations and for HMRC in administering the tax system. It reveals UK businesses incur costs of at least £15.4bn each year.
Chart of the week: the end of year capital rush
  • Article
  • 07 Feb 2025
Our chart this week highlights the big rush in UK public sector capital expenditure in the final quarter of each financial year, prompting us to ask why March is the best time of the year to build new assets.
Chart of the week: Pensioners on the rise
  • Article
  • 31 Jan 2025
Our chart this week highlights how the number of pensioners in the UK is expected to increase by 14% over the next 10 years. This will have major implications for the public finances.
Technical round-up: January 2025
  • Article
  • 30 Jan 2025
This month’s top stories feature Parliament accusing HMRC of damaging trust in the tax system; a warning to not respond to a fraudulent agent services text message; and more from the How to fix VAT campaign.
NAO guide to aid financial management in government
  • Article
  • 30 Jan 2025
The latest in a series of best practice guides brings together feedback from experts including ICAEW and highlights the need to spend smarter against a backdrop of tight public funds.
Chart of the week: Make America Indebted Again!
  • Article
  • 24 Jan 2025
Our chart looks at official projections, published three days before President Trump was inaugurated for the second time, that predict federal debt is on track to return to and exceed levels last seen in the 1940s.
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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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Hands globe
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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