Please note that this page is for reference purposes only
Local authorities in the United Kingdom are required to keep their accounts in accordance with ‘proper practices’. This is defined, for the purposes of local government legislation, as meaning compliance with the terms of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom.
The Code specifies the principles and practices of accounting required to prepare a Statement of Accounts that gives a true and fair view of the financial position and transactions of a local authority.
The Code is reviewed continually and is normally updated annually. The 2017/18 Code has been developed by the CIPFA/LASAAC Local Authority Code Board and has effect for financial years commencing on or after 1 April 2017.
Following a consultation in July to October 2016, CIPFA/LASAAC issued the 2017/18 Code.
Purchase the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2017/18
2017/18 Code – Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom
CIPFA/LASAAC has also issued a feedback statement on the amendments to the Code following the consultation process. Please note that this feedback statement does not form any part of the 2017/18 Code.
2018/19 Code - Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom
Following a consultation in July to October 2017, CIPFA/LASAAC issued the 2018/19 Code.
Purchase the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2018/19
CIPFA/LASAAC has also issued a feedback statement on the amendments to the Code following the consultation process in the summer of 2017. Please note that this feedback statement does not form any part of the 2018/19 Code.
Governance framework to the Code
Under its governance framework, CIPFA/LASAAC remains the accounting standard setter for local authorities. The Code also continues to be the authoritative source of accounting guidance for local authorities across the UK.
Download the CIPFA/LASAAC Constitution for the Board's terms of reference. The Financial Reporting Advisory Board (FRAB) and the Memorandum of Understanding between FRAB bodies can be found on the gov.uk website.