Charity number: 1157663
THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 - 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 15 |
THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Trustees
S L Eason, Chair
M Jones, Vice Chair
A E Leroy
J H Calderwood
S Roberts
R Fountain
F L Smethers Rev N Edwards (resigned 4 December 2024)
R Lawrence H Cordingley
Charity registered number
1157663
Principal office
28 School Lane, Harpole, Northamptonshire, NN7 4DR
Accountants
MHA, Century House, The Lakes, Northampton, NN4 7HD
Solicitors
Hewitsons, Elgin House, Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5AU
Page 1
THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Trustees confirm that the Annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
Constitution
The Combined Harpole Charitable Trust (CHCT), a Charitable Organisation, was formed in 2014 to encompass the purposes, assets and activities of The Harpole Charities and The Harpole Free School Foundation (the Original Charities). The purposes, assets and activities of each of the Original Charities are under the management of separate boards of Trustees, all of whom are Trustees of the CHCT.
Activities for achieving objectives
The activity of the CHCT has been in connection with the agricultural lands held in trust by the two Original Charities which are now held under the protection of the CHCT. These lands form approximately 21.9% of the site of a proposed housing development. It is envisaged that the whole development will include approximately 2,200 dwellings although the exact number is not yet fixed.
There has been lengthy negotiation with the developer, Bloor Homes, and the other landowners which include Althorp Estates and members of the Rogers family. Professional advice has been sought from the CHCT’s solicitors and land agent throughout the negotiations. A Collaboration Agreement between the various landowners has been signed.
The Trustees signed an Option and Promotion Agreement in respect of the lands in exchange for the sum of £68,553 in 2016 and £56,565 in 2018. A proportion of the land was sold in Phase 1 of the development and CHCT received at total of £5.7m. This has been invested in a mix of investment funds and term deposits to provide sufficient income for the Trust’s current spending plans.
Main activities undertaken to further the Charity's purposes for the public benefit
The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s requirement in respect of Public Benefit. In their view the Charity meets, in full, the criteria to satisfy the test. In particular, in planning future activities of the organisation, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Achievements and performance
Review of activities
The Trustees continued to review grant applications throughout the year, making grants in line with the charity’s objectives and total expenditure was broadly in line with the income generated from the Trust’s assets.
Financial review
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Reserves policy
The finances of the charity remain sound. Trustees set a reserves policy annually, and the current policy remains that we will hold a minimum of three months’ running costs plus liabilities. This is to allow any potential winding up of the organisation to go ahead, and is in line with recommendations from the Charities Commission. The charity has total unrestricted funds at the year end of £10,550,769 of which £6,712,572 are general funds and £3,838,197 are revaluation reserve. Within the overall funds, are £2,493,643 of net current assets.
Principal funding
During the year the principal funding related to interest and dividend income from investments and savings together with rental income from properties.
Structure, governance and management
Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
Trustees are recruited with a view to their experience and skills. Potential Trustees are encouraged to attend a meeting of the Board of Trustees and to be initially co opted to the Board if they are interested. A new Trustees' induction session is offered to all newly elected Trustees. Training is provided as necessary to all Trustees.
Trustees have a range of qualifications and skills, as well as a range of experience in the voluntary, statutory and private sectors.
Organisational structure and decision making
The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is responsible to the membership for its effective management and future development.
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Structure. governance and management (continued) • Risk management The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. • Future developments Whilst the charty is continuing with its normal actiwty as usual, the Trustees are putting in place plans to help ensure effective management of the charity and the ability to achieve the purpose of the charity on an ongoing basis. One of the key developments has been putting in place a Communications Plan to ensure all stakeholders are updated on the activities of the charity and the funding opportunities that may be available. The Trust now has a website where grant application details and forms are available for download. The Trustees will consider a medium term plan once the phasing of the receipt of funds from the sale of land has been confinned. Statement of Trustees. responsibilitres The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees. report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure. for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently" observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102)" make judgments and accounting estimates thal are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards {FRS 102) have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial slatements; prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume Ihal the Charity wll continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure Ihat the financial stalements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularilies. Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by.. S L Eason Chair Date.. é" ALL5 i
THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Combined Harpole Charitable Trust ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do 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 accounts to be reached.
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustee, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustee 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 Charity's Trustee as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed:
Dated: 10 October 2025
Rebecca Hughes BSc (Hons) FCCA
MHA
Chartered Accountants Northampton, United Kingdom
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note Income from: Other trading activities Investments 2 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 3 Other expenditure Total expenditure Net movement in funds before other recognised gains/(losses) Other recognised gains/(losses): Gains on revaluation of fixed assets Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 15,864 163,109 178,973 153,073 13,717 166,790 12,183 82,590 94,773 10,455,996 94,773 10,550,769 |
Total funds 2024 £ 15,864 163,109 178,973 153,073 13,717 166,790 12,183 82,590 94,773 10,455,996 94,773 10,550,769 |
Total funds 2023 £ 9,193 143,230 152,423 198,128 2,399 200,527 (48,104) 258,530 210,426 10,245,570 210,426 10,455,996 |
|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets Investment assets 5.278.688 2.778.438 4.516,405 2,608,625 8,057.126 7.125,030 Current assets Debtors Investments Cash at bank and in hand 3.329 2,228.420 287,309 50,979 2,269,718 1,013,199 2.519.058 3,333,896 Current liabilities Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year (25.415) (2,930) Net current assets 2.493,643 3,330,966 Total nel assets 10.550,769 10,455.996 Charlty funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 10 10 10.550,769 10,455,996 Total funds 10.550,769 10,455,996 The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by.. S L Eason (Chair) Date: Jones (Vice-chair) 6 August 2025 The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Combined Harpole Charitable Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2 Going concern
The trustees have concluded that there are no material uncertainties about the Trusts ability to continue as a going concern and that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.
1.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
1.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
1.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. Accounting policies (continued)
1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives
Freehold land - Freehold land is not depreciated
1.7 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of financial activities.
1.8 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.9 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
1.10 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
1.11 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2. Investment income
==> picture [8 x 12] intentionally omitted <==
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Investment Income | 163,109 | 163,109 | 143,230 |
3. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Unrestricted | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | Total | Total | |
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Grants for charitable causes | 151,123 | 151,123 | 196,191 |
| Governance costs - accounts fees | 1,950 | 1,950 | 1,937 |
4. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 December 2024, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2023 - £NIL).
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2024 Additions At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Freehold property £ 4,516,405 762,283 |
|---|---|
| 5,278,688 | |
| 5,278,688 | |
| 4,516,405 |
Freehold land is not depreciated.
The Trustees note that the freehold land valuation does not take into account any costs that will be incurred as part of the sale agreement. These include fees for professional services, Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy costs.
The Charity has adopted a policy of revaluation for tangible fixed assets. Had these assets been measured at historic cost, the carrying values would have been as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Freehold property | 678,208 | 678,208 |
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6. Fixed asset investments
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2024 Additions Revaluations At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 7. Debtors Due within one year Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 8. Current asset investments Short term treasury deposits |
2024 £ 3,329 - 3,329 2024 £ 2,228,420 |
Unlisted investments £ 2,608,625 87,223 82,590 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,778,438 | ||
| 2,778,438 | ||
| 2,608,625 | ||
| 2023 £ - 50,979 50,979 2023 £ 2,269,718 |
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 25,415 | 2,930 |
10. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | 31 | |||||||||
| January | Gains/ | December | ||||||||
| 2024 | Income | Expenditure | (Losses) | 2024 | ||||||
**||** |
**||** |
` | ||||||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||||||
| General Funds - all funds | 6,617,799 | 178,973 | (166,790) | 82,590 | 6,712,572 | |||||
| Revaluation reserve | 3,838,197 | - | - | - | 3,838,197 | |||||
| 10,455,996 | 178,973 | (166,790) | 82,590 | 10,550,769 | ||||||
| Statement of funds - prior | year | |||||||||
| Balance at | ||||||||||
| Balance at | 31 | |||||||||
| 1 January | Gains/ | December | ||||||||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | (Losses) | 2023 | ||||||
|| |
|| |
` | ||||||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||||||
| General Funds - all funds | 6,532,373 | 152,423 | (200,527) | 133,530 | 6,617,799 | |||||
| Revaluation reserve | 3,713,197 | - | - | 125,000 | 3,838,197 | |||||
| 10,245,570 | 152,423 | (200,527) | 258,530 | 10,455,996 | ||||||
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THE COMBINED HARPOLE CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 11. | Analysis of net assets between funds |
|---|---|
| Analysis of net assets between funds - current period |
| Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Tangible fixed assets 5,278,688 Fixed asset investments 2,778,438 Current assets 2,519,058 Creditors due within one year (25,415) Total 10,550,769 Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Tangible fixed assets 4,516,405 Fixed asset investments 2,608,625 Current assets 3,333,896 Creditors due within one year (2,930) Total 10,455,996 |
Total funds 2024 £ 5,278,688 2,778,438 2,519,058 (25,415) 10,550,769 Total funds 2023 £ 4,516,405 2,608,625 3,333,896 (2,930) 10,455,996 |
|---|---|
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