Internal Audit
Councils are addressing staffing challenges and ongoing concerns about financial controls and governance in their internal audit functions.
Richmond upon Thames Council is facing significant delays in its internal audit work due to staffing shortages, with only 51% of planned audits completed or in progress by the end of September 2026, as heard by its Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee in October 2026. Separately, external auditors Ernst & Young identified persistent weaknesses in Tower Hamlets Council's financial sustainability and internal controls in September 2026. Haringey Council secured its internal audit services through framework agreements with Croydon and Barnet Councils in September 2026.
Kensington and Chelsea Council's Audit & Transparency Committee reviewed an Auditor's Annual Report in September 2026 that highlighted governance weaknesses. In July 2026, Croydon Council's Full Council approved amendments to its Audit and Governance Committee's terms of reference to strengthen oversight of internal audit functions. The Audit and Governance Committee at Sutton Council is scheduled to discuss internal audit matters on 22 October 2026.
The internal audit function provides independent assurance and consulting to improve an organisation's operations. Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Audit Committee reported a strong control environment in its annual report for the 2024/25 municipal year, reviewed in January 2026. Barking and Dagenham's Audit and Risk Committee noted an increase in corporate fraud referrals in October 2026.
Key facts
- Richmond upon Thames Council had only 51% of planned internal audits completed or in progress by the end of September 2026. Source
- External auditors Ernst & Young identified persistent weaknesses in Tower Hamlets Council's financial sustainability and internal controls in September 2026. Source
- Haringey Council secured internal audit services through framework agreements with Croydon and Barnet Councils in September 2026. Source
- Haringey Council's contract for internal audit services with Forvis Mazars is valued at up to £2.0 million over three years and six months. Source
- Croydon Council's Full Council approved amendments to its Audit and Governance Committee's terms of reference on 20 July 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 21 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.