Public Sector Financial Management Insights

Technical round-up: May 2024

This month’s top stories include a HMRC warning about VAT bank details fraud; an NAO report showing taxpayers have been let down by poor HMRC service; and HMRC rejecting the ‘brightline’ test for furnished holiday lets.

Demystifying the role of NEDs in the public sector

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.

Border uncertainty holding back business

Repeated delays in implementing a full UK border control regime in wake of the UK’s EU exit have had serious impacts on traders, according to the National Audit Office.

£80bn fall in net worth of local authorities since 2021

Report by the National Institute of Economic Social Research points to rising interest rates driving a growing cost of debt at local authorities.

Taxpayers let down by poor HMRC service, says NAO

The National Audit Office (NAO) has found that HMRC’s increased digital offering has not delivered the expected savings or improved services for taxpayers. The government has promised more funding for HMRC.

Is the government adequately tackling COVID fraud?

While progress has been made, significant challenges remain in the meaningful recovery of fraudulent losses from pandemic support schemes, says Mike Miller, ICAEW’s Economic Crime Manager.

National level structural barriers impact local authorities, report says

DLUHC’s assessment finds that local and national systems for delivering public services are not currently designed to facilitate joined up working across government.

ICAEW technical round-up: April

This month’s top stories include community amateur sports clubs asked to check their status; MTD ITSA private beta testing relaunched; and tax administration and maintenance day summary.

New committee needed says PAC

New committee needed to scrutinise sensitive government expenditure, says PAC

Level of service provided by HMRC at “all-time low” says PAC

PAC has recommended more resources for HMRC so that it can meet its service standards. It has found that HMRC’s approach to off-payroll working is deterring legitimate economic activity.