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

Senior Highways Inspection Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£39,526 - £43,613 per annum.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Co-ordination Support Officer

Wakefield Council
Grade 5 SCP 8 £26,824 - SCP 11 £28,142
Do you have excellent business administration skills with an interest in working in Adults Social Care? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Engineering Team Manager (Transportation)

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Special A Grade, SCP 42-45, £53,460 - £56,732 per annum
Lead the way. Shape Calderdale’s transport future. Calderdale, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Social Worker Care Co-ordinator

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression) pro rata pa
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Social Worker who places young people at the centre of their practice. This is an exciting opportunity to make Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Accommodation Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699
Are you passionate about preventing homelessness and making a real difference in people’s lives? As an Accommodation Officer in our Independent Livin Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner