Audit

Audit Scotland

62/100

Summary

Audit Scotland supports the Auditor General for Scotland (AGS) and the Accounts Commission for Scotland. The AGS is appointed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) for a single non-renewable 8-year term and can be removed only for cause on address of the Scottish Parliament. The AGS audits the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland, colleges, and bodies receiving Scottish public funds. Under the 2000 Act the AGS has statutory rights of access to documents and information. Reports are laid before the Scottish Parliament and published without prepublication review. Audit Scotland's budget is approved by the SPCB, insulating it from Scottish Government control.

Independence Scorecard

Independence Score: 62/100 (good)
62/100
Limited
Methodology v0.1
AppointmentLegislative appointment
Term length8 years
Removal standardFor cause only
Budget independenceLegislative line item
Subpoena powerNo
Compel testimonyNo
Records accessFull access
Public reports requiredYes
Pre-publication reviewNone — reports published directly

Statute

Name
Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000
Citation
2000 asp 1
Full text
Full text of law →

Jurisdiction scope

Scottish Government, NHS Scotland, local authorities, further education colleges, and other bodies that spend Scottish public funds

Secondary Sources