Treasury to expand Bourn's powers
Formal consultation on orders widening the powers of comptroller and auditor general Sir John Bourn has been launched by the Treasury.
Link: NAO to be auditor of ‘last resort’
The move follows the recommendations of the Sharman Report on the scrutiny of government bodies and greater accountability for the use of public funds.
The new proposals will see Bourn become auditor of all non-departmental public bodies and have new statutory rights of access to bodies and individuals in receipt of government grants, registered social landlords, train operating companies and bodies and individuals contracted to provide goods and services to bodies audited by the C&AG.
The new powers will be provided by means of orders under the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 – on which the consultations are centred.
Responses have to be received by the Treasury Accounts Team by 24 October.