SAAA launches major project to digitise the AGAR process
The Smaller Authorities' Audit Appointments (SAAA) has announced a significant step forward in modernising financial reporting for parish and town councils, with work well underway to digitise the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR). The new online system aims to make the AGAR process simpler, more consistent, and more accessible for all smaller authorities.
SAAA, which appoints external auditors and oversees quality assurance across the sector, is developing the new AGAR portal, with the live trial scheduled for May and June 2026, covering AGAR submissions for the 2025/26 financial year. Parish and town councils of various sizes, including parish meetings, larger town councils, Internal Drainage Boards, harbour boards, conservation boards and charter trustees, have already been contacted to participate, with a requirement for at least 20 authorities for each of the four audit firms involved.
The new portal will allow parish and town councils to complete and submit all parts of the AGAR online. Key features will include auto selection of the correct form based on income and expenditure, calculation of variances, and highlighting potential irregularities. Once a return has been submitted, the system will, in future years, be able to pre-populate previous year figures. Councils eligible for a Certificate of Exemption will also be able to confirm this through the system.
Ahead of the trial, SAAA will run familiarisation and training sessions from 14 to 30 April 2026 to support those authorities taking part in the trial. We will support SAAA in delivering broader awareness briefings, which will take place between July and December 2026. Further training and reminders will take place from January to March 2027 to help parish and town councils prepare for full rollout.
The AGAR portal is expected to be available to all smaller authorities in spring 2027, without the need for additional software.
SAAA will be providing ongoing support throughout the transition, and parish and town councils can contact the project team at [email protected].
