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

Caretaker

Durham County Council
£24,796 (Pro Rata)
Permanent Contract – Part Time - 32 Hours per week (6am – 9.15am 3pm – 5.45pm) Mon-Fri. Whole Time. Required to start 20th October 2026.   The Governo Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 – Pre-Progression (£35,412-£39,152 per annum) / Grade 11 – Post Progression (£40,777-£45,091 per annum). Pay award pending.
We are seeking to recruit two temporary (six month) full-time (37 hours per week) Social Workers, to join our Adult Social Work Team at Derwentside Lo Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Finance - Children & Young People’s Service

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
£75,585 - £80,726 (pay award pending)
This is a great place to work for people who want to make a real difference. Riverside House, Rotherham, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Head of Finance and Accountancy (Deputy S151 Officer)

Chesterfield Borough Council
£72,000 (inclusive of Market Supplement)
In this role, you will provide visible leadership and management across the Finance Service Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Recuriter: Chesterfield Borough Council

Director of Digital, HR & Customer Services

Chesterfield Borough Council
£97,017
Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Executive, you will lead a diverse directorate, with responsibility for Human Resources Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Recuriter: Chesterfield Borough Council
Linkedin Banner