"Local Council Finance" is a comprehensive source of information on the more important aspects of business, finance and accounting in parish, town and community councils. This useful reference book has now been updated to a second edition, compiled once again by training provider for local councils and accountant Chris Richards, and incorporates a plethora of important changes affecting the sector since the previous edition was published. In addition to its comprehensive coverage of all traditional aspects of local council finance, from payrolls, budgets and external audits to cash books and insurance, this edition introduces such developments as the changes to accounting requirements for local councils since the Local Government Act 2003 and the Audit Regulations 2003 came into force. Procedures altered by this new legislation include: increased income and expenditure thresholds for councils; direct responsibility being given to councils for their own financial management and internal controls; and the requirement that a responsible finance officer is appointed to ensure an adequate and effective system of internal audit. Council clerks and finance officers will find this an invaluable ready-reference guide when dealing with any kind of council business. It is also intended for use by members of parish, town and community councils and students of local council finance and administration.