Audit and reporting requirements increase

摘要

As a government body, Network Rail will now be required to have its annual report and accounts audited by the Comptroller ft Auditor General. Once the audit has been issued to NR, the National Audit Office 'may share' with DfT 'relevant audit planning reports, interim progress reports and audit completion reports', together with 'any other relevant outputs'. NAO will also be able to carry out value for money studies under the National Audit Act 1983, 'examining the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which Network Rail has used its resources in discharging its functions'. In effect, this represents a back-check on ORR monitoring of efficient expenditure. RBI notes that this could require ORR to provide NAO with information gathered by its Independent Reporters who moni- tor NR's activities.