Checking the robustness of the GLA’s internal audits

Local authorities are required under the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015, to “undertake an effective internal audit to evaluate the effectiveness of its risk management, control and governance processes, taking into account public sector internal auditing standards or guidance”.¹

Most local authorities have an audit committee, usually comprised of elected councillors. Each Greater London Authority Group functional body has an audit committee.

Under amendments to Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 introduced by the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, all strategic authorities – including the GLA – must have an audit committee.² The law states that there should be at least one independent member on audit committees, with further requirements expected to be confirmed in secondary legislation.

The GLA Oversight Committee will meet tomorrow to consider the extent to which the Greater London Authority (GLA) has robust audit arrangements. The Committee will also investigate the GLA’s efficiencies and savings programme.

The guests are:

Panel 1 – Audit arrangements (10am – 11am):

• Mary Harpley, Chief Officer, GLA
• Fay Hammond, Chief Finance Officer, GLA
• Michelle Wells, Head of Performance and Governance, GLA

Panel 2 – GLA savings and efficiencies (11am – 12pm):

• Mary Harpley, Chief Officer, GLA
• Dianne Tranmer, Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Business Improvement
• Kate Husselbee, Head of Human Resources, GLA

The meeting will take place in the Chamber at City Hall on Thursday 12 November 2026 at 10am.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

Follow us @LondonAssembly.