Mark Whitehead 31 January 2019

Council underestimates value of housing stock by £86m

Northampton Borough Council underestimated the value of its housing stock by more than £86m, according to a delayed audit report.

The council's auditors KPMG said the issue had 'significantly delayed' its report which ended up more than a year late.

However, the council said the error in its 2016-17 accounts had not affected its financial stability.

KPMG said the wrong social housing discount factor, which adjusts figures to take into account the lower commercial value of social properties, had been used by the accounting team.

The audit was completed more than a year late and its cost rose from an initial prediction of £80,000 to between £300,000 and £400,000.

At the same time police are investigating a £10.25m loan made by the council to Northampton Town Football Club to redevelop its stadium in 2013.

Council cabinet member for finance, Brandon Eldred, said he was pleased the authority had reached the end of the 'protracted' audit process.

'It is important for the residents and businesses to know that this delay in finalising our accounts is around technical accounting and presentation issues, not the financial stability of, or financial controls within the council.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Assistant EHC Caseworker

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434
North Yorkshire Council have a national reputation for excellence, and we are looking for a SEND Assistant EHC Caseworkers. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Assistant EHC Caseworker

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434
North Yorkshire Council have a national reputation for excellence, and we are looking for a SEND Assistant EHC Caseworkers. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Lead for Education & Adult Social Care Transport Services

Essex County Council
£59792 - £70343 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held across W/C 25th May 2026.The OpportunityThis is an exciting opportunity to lead a number of Essex County Council's (ECC) most England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vehicle and Plant Mechanic x 3

Wakefield Council
Grade 7 - Grade 8, Career Grade, 37 hours, Permanent
An exciting opportunity exists in the Council’s Transport Services Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Visitor Experience Assistant with Catering (Casual)

Wakefield Council
£13.47 - £13.69 per hour, Grade 4, Casual
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner