Auditors give RBC best possible audit rating for a fifth year running
Last updated: 12/6/2026
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) has received the best possible audit rating for their risk management, control and governance processes for 2025/26 and complimented for its efforts to be a high performing local authority.
An internal audit report from auditors BDO praised the Council’s financial arrangements as ‘good’ for a fifth year running – the top of four possible ratings - and is exceptional to receive this high rating compared to the large number of other council clients BDO audit.
The report stated: “There have been no material changes to the Council’s risk management, controls and governance arrangements. This is demonstrated by the Council’s continued efforts to be a high performing local authority.
“Significant structural changes to local authorities have been announced by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government through local government organisation.
“However, despite this landscape, the Council have continued to design and operate controls effectively across the areas reviewed during the year.
“The controls in the areas which we examined were found to be suitably designed and operating effectively to achieve the specific risk management, control and governance arrangements.
“There has been positive engagement by Council staff and members throughout the year, including from senior officers. Management responses have been provided promptly and, on the whole, our recommendations have been accepted, demonstrating a positive culture for improvement.”
The Council also continues to significantly invest in services and assets with over £24m planned on capital spending over the next five years to provide excellent services to its residents.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Transformation and Governance Cllr Davinder Virdi said: “We are extremely pleased the Council has once again achieved the highest ‘Good’ assurance rating within the Internal Audit Annual Report.
“This reflects the strength of the Council’s governance, financial stewardship and internal control environment, together with the professionalism and commitment shown by both officers and Members across the organisation.
“Whilst this is a significant achievement and one we should be proud of, strong governance is never something we can take for granted.
“Maintaining high standards, continuing to focus on the basics and ensuring accountability remains embedded throughout the organisation will continue to be essential as we move forward.
“To remain one of the few Councils nationally to be debt free and manage its finances so diligently takes exceptional dedication and hard work from officers and councillors.
“This all means taxpayers’ money goes rightfully towards investments in services and not debt repayment. It means we can for example develop enhancement plans in Radcliffe on Trent, Ruddington, West Bridgford, Keyworth and East Leake whilst still freezing council tax for RBC’s element of the bill.
“We are heading into a period of uncertainty with Local Government Reorganisation but we aim to continue to deliver excellent services and enhance facilities for residents and crucially maintain high standards of governance which underpin excellent service delivery.”