New Accounts Commission members appointed

Four new members of the Accounts Commission have been appointed by Joe FitzPatrick, Minister for Local Government, Empowerment and Planning. The new members are: Carol Evans, Angela Leitch, Mike Neilson and Derek Yule.

These appointments provide the Accounts Commission with wide-ranging experience of local and central government, and the private and third sectors.

In addition, the Minister for Local Government, Empowerment and Planning confirmed the term of the Commission’s Interim Chair, Ronnie Hinds, has been extended until 31 December 2023.

Mr Hinds said:

I’m delighted to welcome our four new members.

The substantial skills and experience they bring to the Commission will complement those we already have and further strengthen our scrutiny of local government bodies in Scotland.

The Accounts Commission provides an independent view on the performance of councils, alongside financial assurance. Our collective focus is on value for taxpayers’ money and supporting improvement in public services. The collective skills and experience of Commission members make a vital contribution to public audit in Scotland. This is more urgent than ever, given the pressures and challenges seen in councils across the UK.