The Regulator may by order require a community interest company to allow the annual accounts of the company to be audited by a qualified auditor appointed by the Regulator.

A person is a qualified auditor if he is eligible for appointment as a company auditor under section 25 of the Companies Act 1989 (c. 40) (eligibility for appointment as auditor).

Sections 389A and 389B of the Companies Act 1985 (c. 6) (auditor’s rights to information) apply in relation to an auditor appointed under this section as in relation to an auditor appointed under Chapter 5 of Part 11 of that Act.

On completion of the audit the auditor must make a report to the Regulator on such matters and in such form as the Regulator specifies.

The expenses of the audit, including the remuneration of the auditor, are to be paid by the Regulator.

An audit under this section is in addition to, and does not affect, any audit required by or by virtue of any other enactment.