Structure of the Act Part 2 – Regulation of Social Housing Monitoring Section 210 – Extraordinary audit
616.This section broadly replicates the effect of paragraph 22 of Schedule 1 to the 1996 Act.
617.Subsection (1) specifies that where the regulator has decided to hold an inquiry under section 206, the regulator may require the registered provider to allow its accounts and balance sheet to be audited by a qualified auditor appointed by the regulator.
618.Subsection (2) defines “qualified auditor” for the purposes of this section.
Subsection (3) requires the auditor appointed under subsection (1) to report to the regulator on the matters and in the form determined by the regulator, once the audit has been completed
619.Subsection (4) limits the use of inquiries in respect of registered providers which are also registered charities. This is equivalent to paragraph 28 of Schedule 1 to the 1996 Act. This ensures the independence of charities while respecting the Charity Commission’s own role as regulator of charities in their non-housing activities.
620.Subsection (5) specifies that the cost of the audit, including the auditor’s remuneration, will be met by the registered provider.