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

HGV Class 2 Driver

Wyre Borough Council
£13.47 - £13.68 per hour
Wyre Council is seeking a hardworking and reliable HGV Class 2 Driver Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Environmental Protection Administrative Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
Grade 3/4 £13.05 - £13.68 per hour
Are you organised, proactive, and passionate about delivering excellent customer service? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Principal Practitioner

Middlesbrough Council
£45,091 - £47,181
We have an exciting role on offer within our Access and Safeguarding service as a Principal Practitioner. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Senior Practitioner - Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Young People with Disabilities, North EssexSecondment, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Community Interventions Officer

Middlesbrough Council
£31,022 - £32,597
We have an exciting role on offer within our Access and Safeguarding service as a Community Interventions Officer. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council
Linkedin Banner