IPSAS 38 brings together the disclosures previously included in IPSASs 6–8. It also introduces new disclosure requirements, including those related to structured entities that are not consolidated and controlling interests acquired with the intention of disposal.
IPSAS 37 establishes requirements for classifying joint arrangements and accounting for those different types of joint arrangements. Joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures. In a joint operation, the parties to the arrangement have rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating to the arrangement. In a joint venture, the parties to the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the arrangement.
IPSAS 36 explains the application of the equity method of accounting, which is used to account for investments in associates and joint ventures. The requirements are very similar to the current guidance in IPSAS 7, Investment in Associates. Because equity accounting must now be used when accounting for joint ventures, the title of the standard now also refers to joint ventures.
In contrast with IPSAS 7, IPSAS 36 does not permit a different accounting treatment for temporary investments.
The requirements for separate financial statements in IPSAS 34 are very similar to the current requirements for separate financial statements in IPSAS 6, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements.
IPSAS 35 supersedes the requirements in IPSAS 6 regarding consolidated financial statements. This standard still requires that control be assessed having regard to benefits and power, but the definition of control has changed and the standard now provides considerably more guidance on assessing control. The definition of control focuses on an entity’s ability to influence the nature and amount of benefits through its power over another entity. This new definition of control may impact previous assessments of control, and therefore whether certain entities should be consolidated.
The International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB) has published the following five International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSASs):
