Auditor’s public interest report published

Auditor’s public interest report published

The council’s external auditor, Grant Thornton, has published a public interest report (PIR) on the council’s historical financial reporting arrangements and statement of accounts covering the period 2018/19 to 2024/25.

A public interest report is a formal mechanism available to external auditors when they consider matters arising from their audit to be of significant public interest and one that should be formally considered by the council and brought to wider public attention.

The Slough Borough Council PIR, published today (29 October 2026) makes four recommendations relating to leadership and governance, financial systems and controls, quality assurance and the further work needed to restore audit assurance.

These include actions for both council officers and political leadership.

Political leadership must establish a clear and sustained grip over financial management and reporting, ensuring effective oversight, accountability, and delivery of timely, high-quality financial statements.

Statutory officers should prioritise the re-establishment of robust core financial systems, controls, and disciplines to support the timely preparation of CIPFA Code compliant financial statements.

The council should establish and embed a robust, end-to-end quality assurance framework for financial reporting, ensuring that the Statement of Accounts and supporting evidence are consistently audit-ready and delivered on time. This should operate across both the central finance team and service areas, with sufficient time and resource for effective review prior to Section 151 certification.

The council must, at pace and in collaboration with its external auditors, establish a clear and deliverable roadmap to address the causes of the previous disclaimer opinions and restore audit assurance.

Councillor Wal Chahal, leader of the council, said: “This report covers a six year historical period until 2024/25 and, because of the section 114 notice in July 2021 and investigations and reviews then and since, there is nothing in the report which is new or surprising.

“Also, because of the timing, it doesn’t take into account that the 2025/26 accounts were published on time and are currently going through the audit process; which shows the significant progress Slough has made recently.”

Between April 2024 and February 2026, the council published six years of outstanding accounts, clearing a long-standing backlog.

The 2025/26 Statement of Accounts were published by the 30 June 2026 deadline, and these are currently being audited.

Councillor Chahal added: “Although the report focuses largely on historical matters, its findings reinforce that good financial management, strong governance and accountability are responsibilities we all share.

“We know there is much more to do and the progress that has been made needs to be fully incorporated.

“We are committed to providing quality services for residents, strengthening our organisation and embedding lasting improvement across the council.”

The report will be discussed at a full council meeting on Thursday 26 November 2026 and can also be read on our website: Report in the Public Interest by independent finance company – Slough Borough Council

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