Commentary on Sections Introduction
382.Part 8 of the Act makes provision about the inspection and audit of local services. In particular, sections 147 and 148 of and Schedule 10 to the Act provide for the merger of the inspection functions of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (in relation to English local authorities) with the Audit Commission. The intention is that this will avoid duplication of effort and reduce inspection burdens on local authorities.
383.Sections 149 and 150 and Schedule 11 make provision about the interaction between the Audit Commission and other authorities. Sections 153 to 158 and 165 amend the Commission’s powers to produce and publish studies and reports. Sections 159 to 163 update and amend several of the Commission’s powers relating to audit. Section 164 relaxes the restrictions on disclosure of information obtained by the auditor or the Audit Commission.
384.Sections 166 and 167 make provision about the Auditor General for Wales and auditors.