Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
Councils are adopting governance codes based on CIPFA guidance, with some facing scrutiny over financial stability and identified governance weaknesses.
Islington Council's Audit and Risk Committee approved a new Code of Corporate Governance in March 2026, which is based on CIPFA/SOLACE guidance. This decision prompted discussion about the influence of private sector guidance on local authority operations. Separately, Hillingdon Council Leader faced scrutiny in December 2025 regarding warnings of key governance weaknesses issued by CIPFA and auditors in February and March 2025, coinciding with the 2025/26 budget approval.
Enfield Council is considering renaming its General Purposes Committee to the Audit Committee, a move discussed in October 2025, to align with CIPFA's recommendations for focusing on finance and risk management. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is a professional body for public sector accountants in the UK, providing guidance on treasury management and conducting external assurance reviews. Barnet Council's Employment Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on 5 October 2026, with this topic on its agenda.
Key facts
- Islington Council's Audit and Risk Committee approved a new Code of Corporate Governance based on CIPFA/SOLACE guidance in March 2026. Source
- Hillingdon Council Leader faced scrutiny in December 2025 over CIPFA warnings of governance weaknesses issued in February and March 2025. Source
- Enfield Council discussed renaming its General Purposes Committee to Audit Committee in October 2025, aligning with CIPFA recommendations. Source
- CIPFA is a professional body for public sector accountants in the UK. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- CIPFA provides guidance on treasury management and conducts external assurance reviews. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.