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

Pupil and Young Person Supervisor

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC 3 £25,614 FTE
We are seeking to appoint a Pupil and Young Person Supervisor North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Bricklayer

Mansfield District Council
£29,786
We are looking for a suitably qualified tradesperson who must be competent Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Revenues and Benefits Apprentice

Mansfield District Council
National Minimum Wage rate
The Council’s Revenue and Benefits team are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and hardworking person to join us as an apprentice. Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

User-Centred Design Apprentice (Service Designer Level 6)

Essex County Council
£28003.0000 - £32944.0000 per annum + + local Gov benefits
User-Centred Design Apprentice (Service Designer Level 6 Apprenticeship)Fixed Term, Full Time£28,003 - £32,944 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£34359 - £35359 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner