Rebuilding Audit Assurance: Risk Assessment Update
Havering Council's external audit recovery timeline has been extended, with an unqualified audit opinion now anticipated no earlier than the 2029/30 financial year.
The external audit recovery timeline for Havering Council has been extended, with an unqualified audit opinion now anticipated no earlier than the 2029/30 financial year. The council's Audit Committee received an update on 13 October 2026, where the external auditor, Ernst & Young (EY), reported improvements in audit readiness and financial reporting.
EY stated that Havering Council faces a longer recovery journey than many authorities due to historic audit backlogs and previous disclaimed audit opinions. The "Rebuilding Audit Assurance" report, which details the risk assessment update for rebuilding audit assurance over reserves, was noted by the Audit Committee in October 2026.
Key facts
- Havering Council's external audit recovery timeline was extended to the 2029/30 financial year. Source
- An unqualified audit opinion for Havering Council is now anticipated no earlier than the 2029/30 financial year. Source
- The Audit Committee of Havering Council received an update on 13 October 2026. Source
- External auditor Ernst & Young (EY) reported improvements in Havering Council's audit readiness. Source
- Havering Council faces a longer recovery due to historic audit backlogs and disclaimed audit opinions. 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 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.