Appendix 5: Other Evidence considered by the Committee
5.11 Public Accounts Committee: Response dated 9 November 2021 - NIAO Draft Budget 2022-25
Public Accounts Committee
Room 371 Parliament Buildings
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90521208
Email : Lucia.Wilson@niassembly.gov.uk
committee.publicaccounts@niassembly.gov.uk
From: Lucia Wilson
Clerk to the Public Accounts Committee
To: Marie Austin
Clerk to the Audit Committee
Date: 09 November 2021
Dear Marie,
NIAO Budget Plan for the 2022-2025
Thank you for your correspondence dated 29 October 2021. At its meeting on 4 November 2021, the Public Accounts Committee discussed your correspondence and the Northern Ireland Audit Office’s briefing paper regarding NIAO Budget Plan for the 2022-2025 budget period.
The Committee noted the budget proposals. They are content with your approach and request they are kept updated on the final budget outcomes and associated timelines.
Please contact me if you need to discuss.
Lucia Wilson
Audit Committee
Room 254 Parliament Buildings
Tel: 02890 520302
Committee.audit@niassembly.gov.uk
From: Marie Austin, Clerk to the Audit Committee
To: Lucia Wilson, Clerk, Public Accounts Committee Date: 29 October 2021
Subject: Draft Budget 2022-25
1. As you are aware, the Audit Committee is responsible for scrutinising and agreeing the annual estimate for the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) and, in so doing, the Committee also scrutinises the NIAO budget plan as any agreed budget will underpin the estimate for the following year. This role is performed in place of the Department of Finance in recognition of the NIAO’s independent status from Executive departments.
2. On 3 November 2021, the Audit Committee will take oral evidence from the NIAO on its budget plan for the 2022-2025 budget period. A written briefing paper has been submitted by the NIAO in advance of the oral evidence session, a copy of which is enclosed.
3. As part of its deliberations and in line with the existing protocol, the Audit Committee will have regard to the views of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the budget position of the NIAO. A follow-up oral evidence session has been scheduled for 24 November 2021. Therefore, to facilitate the Committee’s scrutiny, I would welcome views from the PAC on the NIAO’s budget plan by noon on 19 November 2021.
4. You may also wish to view the Hansard transcript of the evidence session that will take place on 3 November 2021. The transcript can be accessed at the following link when it becomes available: Minutes of Evidence (niassembly.gov.uk)
Marie Austin
Clerk to the Audit Committee Enc.
