REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023.
FOR
QUR'ANI MURKUZ TRUST
aab Accountants Limited 72 South View Drive London E18 1NS.
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QUR'ANI MURKUZ TRUST
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023.
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 2 to7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 10 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 11 |
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QUR'ANI MURKUZ TRUST
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023.
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ending 5 April 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 10 to 11 of the financial statements and comply with the Qur'ani Murkuz Trust’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) applicable in the UK (FRS 102)" (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).
Objective and Activities
The objects of the Charity as set out in the Trust Deed dated 24 February 2000 (as amended) are as follows:
a) The advancement of religion in accordance with the tenets and doctrine of Islam by the provision of Mosques, publications of Islamic literature and religious education;
b) To advance the education of the general public in the teachings, culture, traditions and practices of the Islamic faith;
c) To benefit the public in such a manner as may be charitable by promotion of good relations between people of different nations and different faiths.
Our objects are set out to reflect our faith and community aims. Each year the Trustees review our objectives and activities to ensure they continue to reflect our aims. In carrying out this review the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit in particular, and its supplementary public guidance on the advancement of religion for public benefit.
Significant Activities
During the year, the following significant activities were carried out to achieve the Charity’s aims and objectives:
- The redevelopment continued to be challenging for the contractor and Trustees due to supply issues caused by Covid which had resulted in prices for materials and labour rising dramatically during the period. Inflation was at a record high and there had been political turmoil which resulted in an increase in interest rates and so further increased costs. The Trustees had to deal with many such issues. As a result of this the contractor was suffering unexpected high cost increases which put pressure on him and there was a material risk of default by him. The trustees consulted with the QS and took his advice on what was happening in the industry. After careful review and advice from the QS the trustees agreed to provide extra funding to the contractor to cover his increase in costs rather than risk him defaulting and getting a new contractor - which would have resulted in greater costs and uncertainty - which was not in the best interest of the project, the congregation or the Trust.
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Although much work still needed to be done for completion of the redevelopment, the new Masjid opened on 2 April 2022 and successfully provided facilities for all five daily prayers, Friday prayers, Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan 2022 and 2023, Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha prayers 2022.
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Covid 19 safety was still being recommended and so various members of the congregation donated and the Trustees purchased PPE for all staff and the congregation, such as masks and hand sanitizers. The safety guidelines were relaxed during the period.
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Religious educational evening and weekend classes for young children in our Young Muslims Academy. When the old Masjid closed for the redevelopment and Covid lockdown, the Board of Trustees arranged online classes for the students. This was welcomed by the teachers, students and parents. This continued until July 2022 when the online school closed.
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The school reopened in late September 2022 (delayed due to the late Queens death) but was outsourced to Iqraa Arabic School Limited who will run and operate the new school under the names “SWIC – Iqraa School”. The syllabus was agreed with Iqraa, who will have day to day running of the school etc. The Trustees agreed to provide screens, AV system etc. to ensure that the school operated in a modern environment. This resulted in material expenditure which was for the benefit of the students. Iqraa pays rentals for use of the space provided in the Masjid/Centre to the SWIC – Iqraa School.
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Classes for adults in English held regularly to enhance reading and understanding of the Qur’an and the teachings of the prophet Mohammed (may peace by upon him) were resumed in October 2022.
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Lectures on religious, social and cultural topics held by invited scholars were arranged.
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Solemnizing Muslim marriages were carried out by Dr Fahim, (Chair) in the Masjid and at other places. Fees paid to him are donated by him to the Charity.
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As the old building had been demolished, the Trust was legally required to apply for and registered the new building for solemnizing marriages under the Marriages Act 1949 (as amended) as a place of worship under the Places of Religious Worship Registration Act 1855.
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Provision of marriage guidance counselling services and general counselling to Muslim individuals and families on various Islamic matters and where possible these were carried out by Dr Fahim (Chair) online or by telephone. A group of doctors also offered counseling and such services started a trial run in February 2023.
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Chaplain visits to hospitals and prisons to provide pastoral care for Muslims.
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Organised and attended local events to promote interfaith dialogue, co-hosted with other institutions of different faiths.
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Police chaplaincy work offering independent welfare and spiritual care to officers and staff.
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School chaplaincy work involving lectures at local schools, counselling students and teachers and delivering religious services.
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Hikes and cycling club events organised for Sunday mornings. Table tennis on Saturday and other activities were organized by the volunteers.
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A careers day was organised to provide guidance to parents and students. This volunteers included doctors, lawyers, teachers, businesspeople and other professionals.
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Lectures to both public and private institutions to increase understanding of Islam and Muslims, including Social Services, Rotary Clubs.
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Toddler Group, Senior Ladies Club, Table Tennis, Amal Café after Jumma and other regulatory activities were started at various times.
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An Islamic storytelling event was organised for children over 4. An external speaker came.
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A Matrimonial introduction service was organised by Dr Fahim with the help of others. The service was well received and chaperoned. Several such events were held in the Masjid/Centre.
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Queen Elizabeth II died on Thursday 8 September 2022. The Trustees sent condolences and prayers to the royal family. The Chair sent a personal message to the new King and received an acknowledgement.
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In February 2023, the Masjid/Centre hosted NHS/Redbridge initiative to encourage people to get their flu and Covid booster jab. Space was made availed in the Masjid/Centre for doctors and other practitioners to provide the vaccines.
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The Charity is a member of FORMO, an organisation of Redbridge Muslim organisations, attended their online meetings.
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An active member of Redbridge Three Faith Forum, online meetings were attended.
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First Aid course was organized and successfully run by Muslim Doctors Association.
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The Trustees and volunteers organised and successful raised substantial funds for the following:
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a. In May 2022 – Bangladesh floods appeal where about £5,000 was raised; b. June 2022 – Afghanistan Earthquake appeal where about £10,000 was raised; c. July 2022 – Pakistan floods appeal where about £15,000 was raised. d. February 2023 - Turkey/Syria earthquake appeal where about £10,000 was raised.
Monies raised were distributed to UK register charities who had operations in the affected countries.
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The four flats were completed by early December 2022. The trustees met with various local agents and chose one to fully manage the letting of the flats. Necessary expenditure was incurred in fitting out the flats such as washing machines, fridge/freezer and blinds. The flats were all let by end of January 2023 and provide rental income.
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The congregation was very generous with its donations despite the Masjid being closed until 2 April 2022 and Covid. As a result of this the Trustees did not need to take any qard e hasna (interest free loans) from anyone, although many offers were received.
Rebranding as “South Woodford Islamic Centre”
The Trustees decided that on the reopening of the new Masjid/Centre it would be a good time to introduce a new name by which it can be known (and which is already used by others) in order to make it easier for people identify the Masjid/Centre. Accordingly, it was decided that Qur’ani Murkuz Trust, should be also known as “South Woodford Islamic Centre” or “SWIC”. This name will be used
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in all new materials and events. It would be made clear that South Woodford Islamic Centre is managed and operated by Qur’ani Murkuz Trust and give its charity number.
Volunteers
The Charity is very grateful for the unstinting work of its volunteers who are involved in the provision of services and fundraising activities. The Trustees and volunteers give their time freely and do not receive remuneration or other financial benefits for doing so.
Achievement and Performance
The Trustees and volunteers successfully raised substantial funds to undertake the redevelopment without the need of any external assistance or qard e hasna. Most of the funds were raised at Jumma prayers and during the holy month of Ramadan. This resulted in the project running smoothly without lost periods as the contractor was paid on time.
The Charity was at the forefront of fundraising activities. The Charity uses funds raised to help the poor and needy around the world especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Charity is an active and continuous supporter and member of the East London Three Faiths Forum. Dr. Fahim (the Chair of the Charity) and many Trustees regularly participated (in person or online) and contributed to various sessions of the Three Faiths Forum.
The Charity provides the opportunity to collect the obligatory annual alms offering (Zakat), on behalf of members of the congregation and arranges to send these funds to reputable charities to be used for qualifying purposes. The Centre does not make any charge for this nor does it receive any payment for it.
The Charity also extended help to other charitable institutions during the year and especially those affected by calamities such as flood victims, communities displaced by wars, earthquakes etc.
The Charity regularly helps the local homeless shelter, Redbridge Mayor's Charity, the children's hospice - Haven House, and local League of Friends at Whipps Cross Hospital and King George Hospital.
Financial review
Reserves Policy
Restricted funds are those specified for specific purposes such as Disaster/calamity fund raising, Masjid/Centre developments, specific religious donations (Fitr and Zakah) given by the Donors. The restricted fund balance as at 5 April 2023 stands at £3,817,433 (2022 - £3,222,793).
Risk Management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed and in particular those relating to the operations and finances of the Charity. They are satisfied that appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Insurance cover is in place and the finances of the Charity are regularly reviewed. Appropriate DBS checks, supported by policies, are made for all those who work with children or other vulnerable groups.
Redevelopment
Further to approval of the Planning Consent by the local Council in April 2019, the Trustees and volunteers engaged in fund raising for the redevelopment throughout the accounting period. During the year substantial sums were pledged and the majority paid.
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The redevelopment commenced on 14 August 2020 and continued during the accounting year subject to applicable Covid restrictions which naturally caused delays. However, the builder was good and tried to make up for lost time, where possible.
Each month a valuation of the invoice(s) submitted by the builder was undertaken by the Charity’s appointed Quantity Surveyor who certified the works done before any payment is made to the builder or any other contractor.
During the period the congregation were kept up to date with the development via the website and WhatsApp Broadcasts, this included pictures and videos of the progress. In addition the updates included the amounts spent and shortfall in funds required.
Structure, governance and management
Governing documents
Qur’ani Murkuz Trust, also known as “South Woodford Islamic Centre”, is constituted as a charitable trust registered with the Charity Commission on 29 June 2000 under charity number 1081317. It is controlled by its governing document, a Declaration of Trust dated 24 February 2000 (as amended) (“Trust Deed”) and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Pursuant to the Trust Deed, the Board is a self-appointing body. New trustees are appointed in an event of resignation, death or where the numbers fall below the minimum stipulated in the Trust Deed. In the event of an appointment the existing trustees are invited to nominate suitable candidates from among the community who are familiar with the work of the Charity and who the existing trustees feel can contribute to the Charity and agree who should be approached. If the candidate agrees then the Trustees invite him/her for an interview and then formally vote on the candidate. Induction and training of new trustees. As new trustees are chosen from among the local community, they are familiar with the work of the Charity hence there has not been, to date, a need to organize formal training sessions. However, all new trustees are given an orientation session where they are briefed on their obligations to the Charity and under the law. A number of publications from the Charity Commission are also provided including guidance on charities and public benefit and also on the advancement of religion for public benefit.
Organizational structure
The Board of Trustees meets at regular intervals and takes overall accountability for ensuring that the Charity complies with current legislation and the rules of the constitution. The Charity operates from a single office at the address above.
Related parties
Two of the Trustees and one employee are related to each other. The Trustees have taken a resolution to recognise the situation and adopted the policy that the two related Trustees will not take any part in any proceeding directly or indirectly when the personal affairs of the related employee are discussed. During the year no Trustees or other person related to the Charity had any contracts or transactions entered into by the Charity, except drawing salary by the caretaker.
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The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Trustees
Dr M. E. E. Fahim (Chairman) Mr. Qaiser Malik (Secretary) Mr. Ibrahim Salaam (Treasurer) Mr. Saleem Malik Mr. Liquat Khan Dr. Ashraf Gaber Mrs. Rukhsana Zafar Mrs. Sadia Anwar
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Q. M. Malik – Secretary and Trustee
29 January 2024.
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QUR'ANI MURKUZ TRUST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 5 APRIL 2023.
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| FIXED ASSETS | 2 | 3,513,485 | 3,070,062 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Sundry Debtors | 3 | 3,255 | 927 | ||
| Cash at Bank & in hand | 348,002 | 196,997 | |||
| --------------- | --------------- | ||||
| 351,257 | 197,924 | ||||
| CREDITORS : AMOUNTS FALLING DUE | |||||
| WITHIN ONE YEAR | 4 | 11,309 | 9,193 | ||
| --------------- | --------------- | ||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 339,948 | 188,731 | |||
| CREDITORS : AMOUNTS FALLING DUE | |||||
| OVER ONE YEAR | 4 | 0 | 0 | ||
| --------------- | --------------- | ||||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 3,853,433 | 3,258,793 | |||
| ========= | ======== | ||||
| CAPITAL & RESERVES | |||||
| Unrestricted Funds | 36,000 | 36,000 | |||
| Restricted Funds | 3,817,433 | 3,222,793 | |||
| --------------- | --------------- | ||||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 3,853,433 | 3,258,793 | |||
| ======== | ======== |
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 3 February, 2024.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees
I. Salaam
Treasurer (Trustee)
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QURA'NI MURKUZ TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 5 APRIL 2023.
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resources received | £ | £ | ||
| Donations (Restricted: Development) | 686,407 | 917,349 | ||
| Donations (Syria Refugee Project) | 0 | 480 | ||
| Donations (Restricted: for outside QMT) | 0 | 6,537 | ||
| Grant received for employees | 0 | 12,709 | ||
| Rent Received | 37,854 | 0 | ||
| Fees received | 5,780 | 9,630 | ||
| --------------- | --------------- | |||
| Total incoming resources | 730,041 | 946,705 | ||
| Resources expended | ||||
| Donations paid | 44,050 | 16,365 | ||
| Collection machine rentals | 2,941 | 0 | ||
| Salaries and Madrassa cost | 21,037 | 34,558 | ||
| Services provided | 11,347 | 0 | ||
| Car park rent & council tax | 22,578 | 21,334 | ||
| Hall hire | 5,125 | 5,490 | ||
| Insurance | 3,997 | 1,226 | ||
| Repairs and renewals | 650 | 0 | ||
| Utilities | 5,275 | 4,294 | ||
| PPS and calendar | 1,058 | 0 | ||
| Phone, internet & website | 809 | 314 | ||
| Cleaning | 1,354 | 0 | ||
| Bank charges | 2,265 | 91 | ||
| General Expenses | 1,505 | 1,614 | ||
| Commission and other professional charges | 1,791 | 0 | ||
| Accountancy & Independent Report | 6,830 | 4,710 | ||
| Depreciation | 2,789 | 0 | ||
| --------------- | --------------- | |||
| Total Resources Expended | 135,401 | 89,996 | ||
| ---------------- | ---------------- | |||
| Net Incoming Resources | 594,640 | 856,709 | ||
| Surplus funds brought forward | 3,258,793 | 2,402,084 | ||
| ---------------- | ---------------- | |||
| Surplus funds carried forward | 3,853,433 | 3,258,793 | ||
| ======== | ======== |
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QURA'NI MURKUZ TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 5 APRIL 2023.
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
These accounts have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 on the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting and Reporting by Charities: The SORP 2005.
Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is certain that the resourcescan be measured with sufficient reliability.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on accrual basis. Overhead and other costs not directly attributable to particular functional activity categories are apportioned over the relevant categories on the basis of management estimates of the amount attributable to that activity in the year, either by reference to staff, time or space occupied, as appropriate.
The irrecoverable element of VAT is included with the item of expenses to which it relates. Governance costs comprise the cost associated with meeting the constitutional and strategic aims of the charity and the accountancy fees and costs linked to strategic management of the charity.
Fund Accounting
Restricted funds are used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Unrestricted funds are used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees.
| TAXATION : The Company by virtue of its charitable status is exempt from INVESTMENT INCOME 05.04.23 Profit on Deposits £0 |
taxation. 05.04.22 |
|---|---|
| £2 |
2. TANGIBLE ASSETS: Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
| off each asset over its estimated useful life. | ||
|---|---|---|
| As at 05.04.22 Additions Cost Freehold Properties 3,070,062 428,576 Furnitur and Fixtures - 16,200 Equipment - 1,436 --------------- --------------- 3,070,062 446,212 ======== ======== DeprFreehold Properties - - Furnitur and Fixtures - 2,430 Equipment - 359 --------------- --------------- - 2,789 ======== ======== 2022 Net Fixed Assers 3,070,062 05.04.23 3. DEBTORS : amounts due before and after 12 months 3,255 4. CREDITORS: AMOUNT DUE BEFORE & AFTER 12 MONTHS. Sundry Creditors 11,309 ======= |
Disposal - - - --------------- - ======== - - - --------------- - ======== |
As at 05.04.23 |
| 3,498,638 16,200 1,436 --------------- 3,516,274 ======== - 2,430 359 --------------- 2,789 ======== 2023 |
||
| 3,513,485 | ||
| 05.04.22 | ||
| 927 9,193 ======= |
5. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES There are no contingent liabilities at 5 April 2023.
6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Dealt with in the Trustee Report.
7. AVERAGE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 7 7
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF QURA'NI MURKUZ TRUST (CHARITY NO. 1081317) ON ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023.
The report is solely made to the trustees as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the trustees as a body, for my examination, for this report, or for the opinion I have formed.
Responsibilities and basis of report.
As the Trustees of Qurani Murkuz trust you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the Financial Statements of the charity are not required to be audited under para 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Qurani Murkuz Trust's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement.
Since the Trust's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to umdertake the examination because I am a member of Association of Accounting Technicians, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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1) the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or
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2) the financial statements did not accord with the accounting records; or
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3) the financial statements did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
SignM M Rahman MAAT FirmAAB Accountants Ltd 72 South View Drive London E18 1NS.
Date: 3rd February 2024.