Ronnie Hinds, who has been acting as interim chair of the Accounts Commission since May 2023, is stepping down at the end of January.

Ms Armstrong brings to the role a wealth of experience from across the public, third and private sectors, and is an internationally recognised economist and finance expert. She has considerable experience as a non-executive chair and director.

Her executive career involved periods in the oil and gas and banking sectors and was a senior civil servant in the Scottish Executive/Government. She has researched and commented extensively on Scotland’s public finances which underpinned her time as budget adviser to Parliamentary Committees of the Scottish Parliament, including the Local Government Committee.

Ms Armstrong currently chairs the Wheatley Group and Hub West Scotland, giving her a clear understanding of Scotland’s financial, housing, infrastructure, and care challenges. She has extensive knowledge of economic regulation, is a member of the RSE’s Economy and Enterprise Committee and is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors

The appointment was confirmed by Joe Fitzpatrick, the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning, following a recruitment process by the Scottish Government.

The chair appointment will be for an initial period of four years from 1 February 2024, with the option to extend for a further four years. This appointment is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £352.12 per day for a time commitment of 10.5 days per month.

Ms Armstong said: “I‘m delighted to be the next chair of such an important organisation and look forward to working with my Accounts Commission colleagues, Audit Scotland staff and our strategic partners.

“As chair, my role will be to ensure the commission continues to deliver effective scrutiny, whilst helping to identify and share best practice. Given the financial challenges local government is facing, the commission has a valued role in ensuring critical services continue to be delivered.”