Pensions - Articles - PRAG updates Going Concern assessment for pension accounts

 Tim Sadler, Chair of the PRAG Going Concern Working Party, said: “The update to ISA (UK) 570 emphasises the requirements on auditors to evaluate the trustees’ assessment on going concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the profile of the going concern assessment and this updated guidance should be read in conjunction with the COVID-19 guidance issued jointly by PRAG, ICAS and ICAEW in May 2020.

 “For the majority of pension schemes the going concern assessment will be straightforward and the disclosure in the scheme audit report will be uncontroversial. However, there will inevitably be a small number of instances where the going concern assessment will be more challenging and disclosures will be more sensitive. We suggest early and clear communication to all interested parties about the going concern disclosure requirements.”

 Shona Harvie, Chair of the PRAG Executive, said: “Thank you very much to the members of the working party for updating this guidance. This will help trustees and auditors in developing a practical and proportionate response to Going Concern issues.”