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

Finance Officer - 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Tutor

Essex County Council
Up to £30377.00 per annum + Pension
TutorPermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum full time equivalent Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Highway Engineer – Highway Condition Specialist

W.D.M. Limited
£65,000 - £80,000 based on experience
We are looking for a driven and experienced Professional Civil Engineer with a strong background in highways engineering to join our team. Bristol
Recuriter: W.D.M. Limited

Deputy Head of Pensions

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£48,873 - £62,451 dependents on experience
The Pensions Finance team has a variety of work shared in a small team giving the opportunity to get involved in every area. The team provides financial and investment support to Wandsworth Council’s £3bn pension fund, the Southwest Middlesex Cremato Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Adults Social Worker - Forensic Mental Health

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working
This position is open to Newly Qualified Social Worker's (NQSW) with relevant experience in Mental Health. The starting salary for NQSW's is £34,902 England, Essex, Wickford
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner