Hogan opted for quango on public spending

A comprehensive proposal to transform how public spending was policed was shelved in favour of a new local government quango established by Environment Minister Phil Hogan.

In September 2012, a Government review group prepared a draft report recommending an overhaul of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General in a merger with the audit service for county councils.

The move was planned to save money and improve accountability, particularly among local authorities.