§ Lord Freemanasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made in implementing the conclusions of the report of the Audit Commission of November 2003 entitled Strategic Regulation. [HL1627]
§ The Minister of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Lord Rooker)The Audit Commission's report onStrategic Regulation proposed to reduce the regulatory burden on audited and inspected bodies by stopping or reshaping activities where the benefits do not outweigh the costs. Furthermore, it proposed to reduce fees to local government over the next two years by 12 per cent.
It also made recommendations to remove the statutory requirement to audit best value performance plans (BVPPs). The Government are keen to explore opportunities to minimise any burden that may be associated with the audit of BVPPs. We intend to discuss the detailed implications of this proposal with the Audit Commission shortly.
These recommendations have been included in the Audit Commission's strategic plan, which is still in consultation with ODPM Ministers.
The Audit Commission consulted on the strategic regulation report. From the feedback received the commission has formulated a new code of audit practice. This is being drafted for consultation.