Past – Research for Action

Public Interest in Local Audit and Accountability

Local government accountability and transparency is a thread that runs through all our work so far. Our latest project focuses on this area from two perspectives: local audit and public interest, aiming to increase accountability in local government through advocacy and action research. Building on our previous work on local audit and using the opportunity of planned legislative changes, we will influence the government’s proposals for audit reform to ensure that public interest is upheld when shaping the new regulator. We will also broaden our work on how local authorities protect public services and funds: with a focus on the... [continues]

Past

Citizen Debt Audit of LOBO Loans

Research for Action is developing a citizen debt audit in the London Borough of Newham, building on the investigation by Debt Resistance UK into bank lending to local authorities in the form of risky and expensive long-term loans called LOBOs. The aim of a citizen debt audit is to improve the accountability and transparency of local government towards its residents in managing funds in the public interest. It will examine the financial sustainability, legality and legitimacy of local authorities’ debts, especially where interest repayments are preventing the council from meeting their obligation to provide a duty of care to residents... [continues]

Past

Audit and Accountability in Local Government

Research for Action has made extensive use of the right the public has under the Local Audit and Accountability Act to inspect council accounts. We have also supported residents to file objections to spending they believe is not in the public interest, mainly LOBO loans, under the same accountability legislation that on paper gives the public the right to scrutinise council spending and participate in accountability processes. Despite some successes in highlighting issues in council finances, we have serious concerns shared by residents we have supported that the LAA Act is not fit for purpose. We have not witnessed a... [continues]