Editing Exchequer (section)

=== Reform and decline===
In the 19th century, a number of reforms reduced the role of the Exchequer, with some functions moved to other departments. The Exchequer became unnecessary as a revenue collecting department in 1834 with the reforms of Prime Minister [[William Pitt the Younger|William Pitt]], who also served as Chancellor of the Exchequer. The government departments collecting revenue then paid it directly to the [[Bank of England]], with all money previously paid to the Exchequer being credited to the [[Consolidated Fund]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/31-32/9/section/1|title= Exchequer Extra Receipts Act 1868|publisher=UK Government|website= legislation.gov.uk|page=Section 1|access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref>
 
In 1866, the [[Standards Department]] of the [[Board of Trade]] took over metrological responsibilities<ref>{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Standards Department |volume= 25 |short=x}}</ref> and audit functions were combined with those of the ''Commissioners for auditing the Public Accounts'' under the new post of [[Comptroller and Auditor General]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Vict/29-30/39/section/5|title=Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1866|publisher=UK Government|website= legislation.gov.uk|page=Section 5|access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref> The name continued as the ''Exchequer and Audit Department'' from 1866 until 1983 when the new [[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]] was created.<ref>“The Audit Commission” by Couchman V. in Sherer & Turley: ''Current Issues in Auditing'', Paul Chapman Publishing (1997)</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1983/44/contents |title=National Audit Act 1983 |publisher=UK Government|website= legislation.gov.uk|access-date=15 November 2016}}</ref>
 
In modern times, "Exchequer" has come to mean the [[HM Treasury|Treasury]] and, colloquially, [[pecuniary]] possessions in general; as in "the company's exchequer is low".{{citation needed | date=October 2015}}