Important improvements in central government operations

The Swedish National Audit Office publishes an annual Follow-up Report on the outcome of previous years’ audits. The 2026 report shows that the Government and agencies are largely taking measures in line with the Swedish National Audit Office’s recommendations.

The report also highlights the fact that many problems are complex and take time to remedy, and that in many cases, further work or additional actions are required to achieve real and lasting improvements.

Performance audits bear fruit

Performance audits examine the effectiveness and efficiency of central government activities. The Swedish National Audit Office has followed up 31 performance audits from 2021–2022, containing 158 recommendations for the Government and agencies.

The follow-up shows that the Government and agencies have taken measures in line with the Swedish National Audit Office’s recommendations in almost eight out of ten cases. These include:

• better cost control in major infrastructure projects
• swifter reinforcement of army combat forces
• heightened national access to medicines for rare diseases and diagnoses
• more effective work to combat organised economic crime
• better information for crime victims
• improved implementation of the PISA survey
• more effective work on sick leave prevention
• sound progress in funding crisis preparedness
• measures to combat wage guarantee abuse.

“Our performance audits contribute significantly to tangible improvements that enhance efficiency and effectiveness in our central government – often in interaction with other factors,” says Auditor General Christina Gellerbrant Hagberg.

Financial audits lead to actions

The Swedish National Audit Office’s tasks include financial auditing – that is, examining whether central government agencies’ annual reports present truly and fairly an agency’s financial performance, financing and financial position.

For the 2024 fiscal year, 26 out of 226 audited agencies received a modified auditor’s report – that is, criticism for material deficiencies. The Swedish National Audit Office also submitted 10 audit reports with a total of 27 recommendations.

The Follow-up Report shows that all government agencies that were issued with a modified auditor’s report for the 2024 fiscal year took action within one year. They have, for example:

• developed or updated plans to address surpluses and deficits in fee-financed activities
• reviewed and improved processes and procedures for awarding grants
• strengthened their procedures for quality assurance of the annual report and fulfilling reporting requirements.

In addition, the Government has taken measures, or engaged in dialogue with agencies, to address underlying causes of the problems.

“Financial audits provide the Riksdag and the Government with a comprehensive and independent assessment of whether the agencies’ annual reports meet the set requirements. It feels reassuring to be able to conclude that there this area is generally in good order,” says Auditor General Christina Gellerbrant Hagberg.