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

Executive Director of Place

Hounslow London Borough Council
£159,840 - £186,282
We are now seeking a new Executive Director of Inclusive Growth & Place to lead this bold agenda Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Revenue Services Support Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£28377 - 36969 per annum
We have a vacancy in our Rent Collection Service and are looking for a capable and ambitious individual to join Richmond and Wandsworth Council’s Better Service Partnership. You will be a team player, articulate and organised and help play a central rol Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Benefits Assessment Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£34203 - £37067
Join West Northamptonshire Council and help make our community a great place to live, work, and thrive. As a Benefit Assessment Officer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting residents by ensuring Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction claims are pr Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Facilities Management

Redbridge London Borough Council
£89,037 - £92,538
Our borough is beginning a huge transformation. With ambitious regeneration plans, a need for new infrastructure, Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Community Protection, Licensing and Regulatory Services

Redbridge London Borough Council
£competitive
This is your chance to be part of a new management team with a mandate for change and a shared sense of purpose. Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council
Linkedin Banner