It will be difficult for government departments to achieve value for money from means-tested benefits unless government understands the impacts of means testing, learns from past experience and improves coordination between different benefits.
Standards of accountability and probity in central government bodies remain high, according to head of the NAO Sir John Bourn. Departments have continued to make good progress in meeting the challenge of resource accounting and in improving the quality of accounts submitted for audit. Sir John also welcomed the progress made by departments in submitting […]
This report examines the effectiveness of the government’s approach to reducing childhood obesity in England.
The Comptroller and Auditor General has reported on the 2018-19 accounts of the Department for Work and Pensions.
This report examines the Home Office’s progress in managing a clear assurance and oversight system for police forces’ financial sustainability.
Maintaining accurate address records of the 2.6 million Scottish taxpayers remains the biggest risk facing HM Revenue & Customs in ensuring that Scottish income tax is assessed and collected properly.
The introduction by Customs in 2001 of gross profits tax for betting has been a success in encouraging the biggest bookmaking firms to retain their core operations in the UK. The challenge now for Customs is to address the new risks to duty revenue posed by the use of new forms of gambling such as […]
Sir John Bourn, head of the NAO, today published a report on the Inland Revenue’s accounts for the year 2003-04. Sir John confirmed that overall the Inland Revenue continued to secure an effective check over the assessment, collection and allocation of tax during the year. However, he has qualified his opinion in respect of Tax […]
Departments have acted quickly to reduce staff numbers and this should bring significant savings. To sustain these savings, and deliver long-term value for money improvements, staff numbers must stay at these reduced levels and departments must develop new ways of working.
Head of the National Audit Office Sir John Bourn today reported to Parliament on the National Insurance Fund (GB) account 2003-2004. This account is the responsibility of the Inland Revenue and benefit payments are made from the Fund by the Department for Work and Pensions. Sir John has qualified the National Insurance Fund Account in […]
Amyas Morse, the Comptroller and Auditor General, has today issued a report on the 2016-17 accounts of HM Revenue & Customs.
This report examines the performance, implementation, procurement and management of the Green Homes Grant scheme.
This report provides an update on HMRC’s progress with the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) since July 2017. We consider the deliverability of the CDS programme and highlight the risks and issues HMRC needs to manage to fully implement CDS by January 2019.
The Comptroller and Auditor General, has published his audit opinion on the 2011-12 accounts of the Department for Work and Pensions.
The Pensions Regulator and other agencies regulating defined contribution pension schemes should take a concerted approach towards collecting evidence and assessing risks to members.
According to a report today by the head of the National Audit Office, Sir John Bourn, the Inland Revenue have improved the way they recover debts in recent years but they could make further improvements to reduce debts owed by taxpayers. The Inland Revenue collected £219 billion in tax and National Insurance Contributions in 2002-03. […]
Sir John Bourn, the head of the National Audit Office, today reported on the results of his examination of the Government’s estimates of the number of people who may be affected by the proposed introduction of a lifetime allowance for the amount of tax-privileged saving in a pension scheme. The proposed allowance of £1.4 million […]
This investigation covers how the UK government determines the amount of funding it allocates to the devolved administrations.
Sir John Bourn, head of the National Audit Office, today reported the results of his examination of HM Customs and Excise’s systems for the assessment, collection and allocation of tax revenue during the year ending 31 March 2003. In 2002-03 Customs collected £154 billion (gross) in taxes and duties. Sir John’s report focuses on Customs’ […]