South West London Audit Partnership (SWLAP)
Staffing shortages are currently causing delays to internal audit services provided to Richmond upon Thames Council, impacting completion rates.
Richmond upon Thames Council's internal audit work is experiencing significant delays due to staffing shortages, as reported in October 2026. The Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee heard in October 2026 that only 51% of planned internal audits for the 2026/27 financial year were completed or in progress by the end of September, falling short of the council's target.
The council faces recruitment challenges for experienced internal auditors, a situation described as common across London councils. Of 55 audits planned for the year, 18 had not yet started by the end of September 2026. The South West London Audit Partnership (SWLAP) provides these internal audit services to local authorities.
In April 2026, Richmond upon Thames Council's Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee was scheduled to consider the proposed Internal Audit Plan for the 2026/27 financial year. This meeting also included consideration of the Internal Audit Charter and Strategy, setting the framework for the services provided by SWLAP.
Key facts
- Only 51% of Richmond upon Thames Council's planned internal audits for the 2026/27 financial year were completed or in progress by the end of September 2026. Source
- 18 out of 55 planned audits for Richmond upon Thames Council had not started by the end of September 2026. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council's Audit, Standards and Statutory Accounts Committee heard about audit delays on 20 October 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.