PwC red flags Northern Rock 'uncertainty'
Rock auditor says disclosure in the troubled banks accounts do not provide adjustments which would have to be made if the bank collapsed
PricewaterhouseCoopers has raised concerns about Northern Rock’s interim
report disclosures, warning that there was no guarantee the bank will be able to
continue as a going concern unless a key approval is secured from Europe.
The troubled bank’s auditor did not qualify the bank’s half-year numbers, but
said there was a ‘material uncertainty’ hanging over Northern Rock because the
government’s £25bn bailout had not been endorsed by the European Commission.
‘The going concern assumption is dependent on the European Commission
approving financing facilities provided by the Bank of England and HM
Treasury.This outstanding approval indicates the existence of a material
uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the company’s ability to
continue as a going concern,’ said PwC.
In reaching its conclusion, the firm found fault with disclosures made in it
half-year report.
‘The condensed financial statements do not include the adjustments that would
result if the company was unable to continue as a going concern,’ PwC added.