Forvis Mazars

Harrow Council's 2025/26 financial accounts are set to receive a qualified opinion from Forvis Mazars due to a backlog and resource issues, with a full unmodified opinion anticipated by the 2027/28 financial year. The auditors had previously issued a disclaimed opinion for 2024/25 due to a lack of guidance. In March 2026, Forvis Mazars questioned Greenwich Council's financial sustainability for 2024/25, citing a continued reliance on reserves and unmet savings targets.

Forvis Mazars' 2024/25 audit for Harrow Council, presented in November 2025, also revealed significant weaknesses in areas including the schools grant, PFI contract, children's social care, and fraud governance. Councils continue to review audit progress: Ealing Council's Audit Committee discussed the progress of external audits by Forvis Mazars in September 2026, while Greenwich and Camden Councils reviewed their external audit strategies in July 2026.

Forvis Mazars, an international accounting and auditing firm, serves as the external auditor for various local authorities, including Derbyshire County Council, Northumberland County Council, Trafford Council, Ealing Council, Greenwich Council, Oldham Council, Camden Council, and Stockport Council. The qualified opinion for Harrow Council's 2025/26 accounts is part of an ongoing process to rebuild assurance, with a full, unmodified opinion anticipated by the 2027/28 financial year.