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

Specialist Teaching Assistant (or Communication Support Worker)

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £33366
About the role Together, we’re shaping children’s education for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire by providing children and young people with the best possible education. We a Deaf and Hearing Support Resource Base, New Marsto
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Education Access Specialist

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
Education Access SpecialistFixed Term, Full Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

EHCP Casework Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£44711 - £47754
About the Role We’ve transformed the way we help our communities to get the best outcomes possible for every child and family we work with. As part of this, we continue to invest in Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), with the growth of Samuelson House
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Technical Account Supervisor

North Yorkshire Council
£41,511- £45,718
Do you have experience in building surveying, project management or property management? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Education Access Specialist

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
Education Access SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner