OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2025-03-30-accounts

CHARITY NUMBER 1195990

COMPANY NUMBER CE026797

The Blatchington Court Trust

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Blatchington Court Trust INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Page
1 Legal and Administrative Information
2 - 5 Report of the Trustees
6 Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
7 - 9 Report of the Independent Auditors
10 Statement of Financial Activities
11 Balance Sheet
12 Statement of Cash Flows
13 – 23 Notes to the Financial Statements

The Blatchington Court Trust LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER 1195990 COMPANY NUMBER CE026797

TRUSTEES

Alison Acason Shelley Boden Andy Dalby-Welsh Alan Harris Richard J Martin, F.R.I.C.S. Steve Pavey Jonathan Wilson (Retired 5 March 2025) Funke Bayo-Awonaike

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Bernadette Dawes PRINCIPAL OFFICE 6a Hove Park Villas Hove East Sussex BN3 6HW

AUDITORS Sumer Audit Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 2 St Andrews Place Southover Road Lewes East Sussex BN7 1UP

SOLICITORS

Dean Wilson Ridgeland House 165 Dyke Road Brighton BN3 1TL

INVESTMENT MANAGERS

Charles Stanley and Co Limited 14 Hyde Gardens Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 4PR

BANKERS

HSBC Bank Plc CAF Bank Ltd 125 Church Road 25 Kings Hill Avenue Hove Kings Hill East Sussex West Malling BN3 2AN Kent ME19 4JQ

Page 1

The Blatchington Court Trust TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees present their report together with the audited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland 2019.

SCHEME

The Blatchington Court Trust is registered as a charity (Charity registration number 1195990) and registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Company number CE026797). It is the successor charity to Blatchington Court Trust which was

re-established by a Scheme sealed by the Charity Commissioners on 14 April 1993. Its registered number was 306350.

OBJECTS AND PUBLIC BENEFIT

The object of the charity is the promotion of education (including social and physical training) of blind and partially sighted persons under the age of 30 years.

The Trustees have had due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Commission in accordance with section 17 of the Charities Act 2011. Providing aid to the education and development of hundreds of the young visually impaired clearly evidences the public benefit of the trust and its work. Moreover, as parents regularly state, the benefit extends to the families in terms of the reduced stress arising from access to the advice and services of the trust.

Further, the schools in Sussex benefit from both the trust’s work with their pupils, and their professional interaction with the trust.

TRUSTEES

Details of the Trustees who served during the year and are still serving are given on page 1.

The charity’s constitution states that the body of Trustees shall consist of not less than five or more than eleven competent persons. The constitution also states that every future Trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity Trustees.

The composition of the Board is kept under regular review to ensure balances of expertise and interest. When the Board identifies a need for a new Trustee they are recruited through personal searches by individual Trustees and staff, normally from amongst people who have demonstrated interest in work relevant to the objects of the trust. New Trustees are appointed by the full Board and are inducted by the chairman.

All Trustees are trained in their areas of expertise prior to appointment either as professionals (legal, financial, property etc) or as teachers or others specialising in the field of visual impairment.

They are inducted into the structure and role of the trust by the chairman and the Chief Executive, or through the receipt of appropriate documentation.

ORGANISATION

The Trustees conduct their business in the Board, normally at quarterly meetings, and have established a Finance and General-Purpose Committee. The day-to-day management of the trust is the responsibility of the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chair, and within staff job descriptions agreed by the Board. Formal delegation of Board responsibility is governed by financial regulations agreed by the Board. The Scheme of Delegation allows the Chief Executive to approve all contracts and expenditure with an annual commitment up to £35,000 budgeted and up to £15,000 unbudgeted.

Page 2

The Blatchington Court Trust TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

STRATEGY

The charity focuses continuously on increasing its support from endowment income (both directly and through partner bodies) to 510 (approx.) vision impaired young people in Sussex who constitute its primary client base.

Trustees also utilise funds to facilitate the development of projects, in partnership with statutory and/or voluntary bodies with a proven track record in the charity’s field, to benefit vision impaired young people across the country.

A new CEO was appointed in July 2024, with a remit to develop and implement a new strategy and modernise the organisation.

The new strategic objectives are:

The Trustees regard the above strategy as appropriate to ensure the proper utilisation of the charity’s income both present and accumulated.

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES

During the year, the Trust provided a range of services as follows:

STAFF AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The Chair and the Chief Executive oversee the administration of the Trust. The Chief Executive has a professional team specialising in the needs of the clients. The roles include Service Manager; Administrator; Finance Officer; Technical Services Manager; Education Advocacy Officer; Family Support Co-ordinator; and Young People’s Support Co-ordinator – current vacant.

The posts of Administrator, Family Support Co-ordinator; and Young People’s Support Co-ordinator are new positions that have been created within the period of this report.

SUMMARY

The new strategic direction, under the control of a stable and experienced Board, the team delivered much needed services to young vision impaired people in a focussed and economical manner.

FINANCE AND INVESTMENT POLICY AND PERFORMANCE

Page 3

The Blatchington Court Trust TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

The charity’s investment powers with regard to the endowment fund were governed by the Trustee Investment Act 1961 with which the Trustees in their best endeavours complied. The Trustee Act 2000 confers upon Trustees the general power of investment enabling them to invest in such stock, shares, investments and property in the UK as they see fit. The Trustees have engaged Charles Stanley and Company Limited as discretionary fund managers within an investment policy agreed by the Board (which makes no reference to ethical investments). The policy is to adopt a medium risk investment strategy based on maximising income. Performance against this policy was satisfactory.

The income generated by the endowment fund during the year was sufficient to maintain professional services, and a number of grants from the income fund were made.

The Trustees consider that the results of the past year are satisfactory and that the resources are adequate to maintain the charity’s existing services and to meet any reasonable demand upon it during the ensuing year.

CUSTODIAN TRUSTEES AND INVESTMENTS

During the year the charity’s custodian Trustees were:

GRANT MAKING POLICY

Details of all grants awarded are disclosed to the Charity Commission as outlined in the accompanying financial statements.

The principal and most substantial grant is allocated to Look UK, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals through mentoring.

In alignment with its charitable objectives and the criteria established by its Trustees, the charity is committed to funding or contributing towards the cost of essential resources that facilitate the academic, vocational, or entrepreneurial development of young people with visual impairments.

While the charity’s scheme does not allow for direct application of income to offset rates, taxes, or other public charges, it does permit the use of funds to supplement existing public assistance or relief.

RESERVES POLICY

At 31 March 2025 the charity had total unrestricted reserves of £2,811,180 of which £860,526 represents the balance on the designated fund which was originally set up to offset the future known shortfall in income in the long term. The unrestricted reserves of the charity are represented by the balance of £1,950,654 (see Note 14). The endowment funds are all represented by fixed assets in the form of investments. The Trustees are satisfied that the reserves are at the minimum level necessary to cover unexpected fluctuations in results.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the principal risks to which the charity is exposed, with particular attention to those affecting its operational and financial activities. They are satisfied that appropriate systems and controls are in place to mitigate exposure to these key risks. A formal risk register is reviewed and approved by the Board on a quarterly basis to ensure ongoing oversight and responsiveness.

Strategically, the Trust does not currently face any significant threats, with the exception of a potential global economic downturn. The organisation benefits from a secure endowment fund that generates sufficient income to meet client needs, alongside a sustained and growing demand for its services. The primary operational risks identified include:

Page 4

The Blatchington Court Trust TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

These risks are subject to regular review, and mitigation strategies are maintained to ensure the Trust’s resilience and continuity.

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 are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. A risk register is considered and approved by the Board on a quarterly basis.

Apart from global economic collapse, the Trust faces no major strategic risks, it has a secure endowment fund, providing sufficient income to meet client needs, and a growing demand for its services.

The principal operational risks are cyber security; Trustee Board continuity should current Trustees wish to retire; and the loss or long-term absence of key staff. These have mitigation plans against them and kept under close review.

Approved by the Trustees on 17 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by

A Dalby-Welsh Trustee

Page 5

The Blatchington Court Trust STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES for the year ended 31 March 2025

The Trustees have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of the principal risks to which the charity is exposed, with particular attention to those affecting its operational and financial activities. They are satisfied that appropriate systems and controls are in place to mitigate exposure to these key risks. A formal risk register is reviewed and approved by the Board on a quarterly basis to ensure ongoing oversight and responsiveness.

Strategically, the Trust does not currently face any significant threats, except for a potential global economic downturn. The organisation benefits from a secure endowment fund that generates sufficient income to meet client needs, alongside a sustained and growing demand for its services.

The primary operational risks identified include:

These risks are subject to regular review, and mitigation strategies are maintained to ensure the Trust’s resilience and continuity.

Page 6

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BLATCHINGTON COURT TRUST

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Blatchington Court Trust (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion

We have been appointed as auditors under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the [group and parent charity/charity] in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Report and Financial Statements other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Page 7

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BLATCHINGTON COURT TRUST

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities set out on page 5, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations are set out below.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at http://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements from irregularities, whether due to fraud or error, and discussed these between our audit team members. We then designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework within which the charity operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102). We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the charity’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charity for fraud. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were General Data Protection Regulation and Health and Safety legislation.

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence if any.

We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be within the timing of recognition of income and the override of controls by management. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management and the Board about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, sample testing on the posting of journals, reviewing accounting estimates for biases, reviewing regulatory correspondence and reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities. as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional

Page 8

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BLATCHINGTON COURT TRUST

omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing noncompliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s Trustees as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Sumer Audit

Sumer Audit Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 2 St Andrews Place Southover Road Lewes East Sussex BN7 1UP

Date: 22 September 2025

Sumer Audit is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 9

The Blatchington Court Trust STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 March 2025

Notes Unrestricted Designated Endowment Total Total
Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations 1,291 - - 1,291 2,666
Grants 4,419 - - 4,419 12,911
Investment income 2 613,041 - - 613,041 633,650
────── ────── ────── ───── ─────
TOTAL 618,751 - - 618,751 649,227
────── ────── ────── ───── ─────
EXPENDITURE ON
Costs of Raising funds
Investment management costs 3 - - 42,350 42,350 40,963
Expenditure on charitable
activities 4 523,398 - - 523,398 522,268
─────── ────── ────── ────── ──────
TOTAL 523,398 - 42,350 565,748 563,231
─────── ────── ────── ────── ─────
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
BEFORE GAINS AND LOSSES 95,353 - (42,350) 53,003 85,996
Net gains/(losses) on investments 10 - (8,651) (197,103) (205,754) 200,080
─────── ────── ────── ────── ──────
NET INCOME /(EXPENDITURE)
BEFORE TRANSFERS 95,353 (8,651) (239,453) (152,751) 286,076
Gross transfer between funds - - - - -
─────── ────── ────── ────── ──────
NET MOVEMENT IN
FUNDS 95,353 (8,651) (239,453) (152,751) 286,076
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Balance brought forward at
1 April 2024 1,855,301 869,177 11,907,700 14,632,178 14,346,102
─────── ────── ────── ────── ──────
Balance carried forward at 1,950,654 860,526 11,668,247 14,479,427 14,632,178
31 March 2025 ═══════ ══════ ══════ ══════ ══════

The detailed 2024 comparative statement of financial activities is reported in note 1.

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 10

The Blatchington Court Trust COMPANY NUMBER CE0267979 BALANCE SHEET as at 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Note £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 9 1,435,988 1,458,710
Investments 10 12,220,106 12,516,507
────── ──────
13,656,094 13,975,217
────── ──────
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 11 45,063 41,928
Monies held on deposit 159,842 94,622
Cash at bank and in hand 703,146 566,450
────── ──────
908,051 703,000
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 12 (84,718) (46,039)
Net current assets 823,333 656,961
────── ──────
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 14,479,427 14,632,178
────── ──────
NET ASSETS 14,479,427 14,632,178
══════ ══════
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY:
Endowment funds 14 11,668,247 11,907,700
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Designated fund for maintaining income 14 860,526 869,177
General funds 14 1,950,654 1,855,301
────── ──────
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 14,479,427 14,632,178
══════ ══════

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on 17 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

A Dalby-Welsh – Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 11

The Blatchington Court Trust STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the year ended 31 March 2025

2025
Note
£
Cashflows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities
a
(492,198)
Cashflows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
613,041
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
-
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
(9,574)
Proceeds from the sale of investments
1,296,116
Purchase of investments
(1,205,469)
(Increase)/decrease in cash held by investment managers
(68,543)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
625,571
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
133,373
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period
b
569,772
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period
b
703,145
a Reconciliation of net income /(expenditure) to net cashflow from operating activities
Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as
per the statement of financial activities)
(152,751)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
32,296
Losses/(gains) on investments
205,754
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
(613,041)
(Increase) in debtors
(3,135)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
38,679
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(492,198)
b Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
53,055
Notice deposits (less than 3 months)
650,090
Total cash and cash equivalents
703,145		 2024
£
(527,075)
633,650
2,896
(58,372)
1,540,919
(1,541,866)
20,334
597,561
70,486
499,286
**569,772 **
286,076
31,017
(200,080)
(633,650)
(7,744)
(2,694)
(527,075)
21,933
547,839
569,772

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 12

The Blatchington Court Trust ACCOUNTING POLICIES for the year ended 31 March 2025

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities SORP (FRS 10) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

The Trustees have reviewed the charity’s forecasts and projections covering a period of at least 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements and based upon the level of existing cash and estimated levels of income & expenditure, the Trustees are satisfied that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future.

FUND ACCOUNTING

The charity’s funds consist of permanent endowment funds, designated income funds and unrestricted income funds.

Funds held by the charity are:

Permanent endowment funds - these funds must be held on trust permanently as capital funds and cannot normally be spent as if they were income. Expenses incurred in the administration or protection of the funds, such as investment management charges are charged to the funds.

The endowment funds arose from the sale of land at Seaford, East Sussex and are invested for the purposes of the charity. Income on the endowment funds has been allocated to unrestricted funds in accordance with the scheme deed.

Designated funds – Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been put aside at the discretion of the Trustees for a particular purpose. At the yearend it comprises a fund for maintaining income in the future to offset a known significant fall in income in the long term.

Unrestricted income funds – these funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees.

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. Income is deferred only when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.

Income derived from investments in the form of dividends is credited to the SOFA when receivable by the charity.

Gross rental income is included in the financial statements on an accrual’s basis.

Interest income is accrued on a time apportioned basis by reference to the principal outstanding at the effective interest rate.

Activities for generating funds relate to contributions to office costs for the use of office space by external parties. This income is included in the financial statements on an accrual’s basis.

Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receivable.

Page 13

The Blatchington Court Trust ACCOUNTING POLICIES ( continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

EXPENDITURE

Expenditure is included on an accrual’s basis. Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual’s basis. All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings (see below).

Costs of raising funds

Costs of raising funds comprise those costs directly attributable to managing the investment portfolio and raising investment income.

Grants

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year-end are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Where grants are given by way of computer equipment the full cost is charged in the year of the expense although the charity retains ownership of the equipment and may recall and reissue it. The reissue of this equipment is not reflected in the financial statements.

The exemption of disclosing the names of grant recipients has been taken under Charity Law.

Support costs

Support costs relate to the general running of the charity and include rent and services costs. Costs are allocated specifically where appropriate and practical, and proportionate to use where resources are shared.

Governance Costs

Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to statutory audit and legal fees.

TAXATION

The charity is a registered charity, and therefore is not liable for income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.

INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

Investment properties are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at fair value whilst a reliable measure of fair value is available without undue costs or effort.

The Trustees consider that, because investment properties are not held for consumption, but for their investment potential, to depreciate them would not give a true and fair view.

INVESTMENTS

Investments are included at closing mid-market value at the balance sheet date with revaluation surpluses or deficits being credited or charged as unrealised gains or losses to the appropriate fund.

TANGIBLE ASSETS

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition.

Tangible assets other than freehold land are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less the estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Office equipment - 25% of cost per annum Freehold property - 50 years straight line basis

Page 14

The Blatchington Court Trust ACCOUNTING POLICIES ( continued) For the year ended 31 March 2025

PENSIONS

The charity operates defined contribution pension schemes whereby the assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds. Contributions are charged against income as they are incurred.

LEASED ASSETS

The trust’s principal leased asset is a property held under an operating lease. The annual rentals for all operating leases are charged wholly to the statement of financial activities as they arise.

DEBTORS

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

Cash at bank and cash 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.

CREDITORS AND PROVISIONS

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method .

Page 15

The Blatchington Court Trust NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2025

1. COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted Designated Endowment Total
Funds Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations 2,666 - - 2,666
Grants 12,911 - - 12,911
Investment income 2 633,650 - - 633,650
─────── ────── ────── ──────
TOTAL 649,227 - - 649,227
─────── ────── ────── ─────
EXPENDITURE ON
Costs of Raising funds
Investment management costs 3 - - 40,963 40,963
Expenditure on charitable 4
activities 522,268 - - 522,268
─────── ────── ────── ──────
TOTAL 522,268 - 40,963 563,231
─────── ────── ────── ──────
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
BEFORE GAINS AND LOSSES 126,959 - (40,963) 85,996
Net gains/ on investments 10 - 62,054 138,026 200,080
────── ────── ────── ──────
NET INCOME BEFORE
TRANSFERS 126,959 62,054 97,063 286,076
Gross transfer between funds - - - -
─────── ────── ────── ──────
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 126,959 62,054 97,063 286,076
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Balance brought forward at 1,728,342 807,123 11,810,637 14,346,102
1 April 2023
─────── ────── ────── ──────
Balance carried forward at
31 March 2024 1,855,301 869,177 11,907,700 14,632,178
═══════ ══════ ══════ ══════

Page 16

The Blatchington Court Trust NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2025

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

2025 2024
Unrestricted funds £ £
Dividends and interest 420,648 443,614
Bank interest 14,912 13,885
Income from property 177,481 176,151
─────── ───────
613,041 633,650
═══════ ════════
£74 ,146 (2024: £74,146) of dividend income arose on overseas (2024: £74,146) of dividend income arose on overseas investments.
3. COST OF RAISING FUNDS
2025 2024
£ £
Endowment fund:
Investment management fees 42,350 40,963
─────── ───────
Total cost of raising funds 42,350 40,963
═══════ ═══════
4. ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
2025 2024
£ £
Grant making 5 18,650 29,817
Staff costs 7 307,682 296,809
Rent & services 132,399 128,233
Social Activities Programme 15,542 19,377
Governance costs 6 49,125 48,032
─────── ───────
523,398 522,268
═══════ ═══════

All charitable expenditure in both the current and the prior year relates to unrestricted funds.

. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR
This is stated after charging
Depreciation
9
Auditor’s remuneration		 2025
£
32,296
10,201		 2024
£
31,017
10,985

Page 17

The Blatchington Court Trust NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

5. GRANTS
Grants were payable as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
GRANTS TO INDIVIDUALS
Computer grants 8 (2024: 13) 7,765 21,691
Other grants 42 (2024: 35) 10,865 8,126
───── ─────
18,650 29,817
═════ ═════
6. GOVERNANCE COSTS
2025 2024
£ £
Auditor’s remuneration - Audit fee (inc. of VAT)
10,201		 10,985
Other costs 38,924 37,047
───── ─────
49,125 48,032
═════ ═════

Page 18

The Blatchington Court Trust NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

7. STAFF COSTS AND TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION

An analysis of staff costs is as follows:

n analysis of staff costs is as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
Salaries 273,637 262,846
Social security 21,084 18,603
Pension contributions 12,961 15,360
─────── ───────
Total 307,682 296,809
═══════ ═══════

The average number of employees for 2025 was 9 (2024: 9), with 1 (2024: 1) employee providing support to the governance of the Charity and the remainder providing support services to the charity.

One employee received emoluments in the band £60,001 - £65,001 in the year (2024: None). None of the Trustees received any emoluments or other payments for their services during either year. No Trustee was reimbursed expenses (2024: no Trustee). There have been no other related party transactions.

Key management personnel

The trust considers its key management comprise the executive manager supported by a professional team including Technical Services, Advocacy, Counselling & Finance Officers. The total employee benefit including employer pension contributions of the key management personnel were £223,978 (2024: £200,571).

8. PENSIONS

The trust operates defined contribution pension schemes. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds. The pension charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the funds and amounted to £ 12,961 (2024: £15,360).

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

ANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value or valuation
As at 31 March 2025
As at 31 March 2024		 Freehold
Property
£
1,674,738
5,940
1,680,678
229,000
27,400
256,400
1,424,278
1,445,738		 Office
equipment
£
57,132
3,634
60,766
44,160
4,896
49,056
11,710
12,972		 Total
£
1,731,870
9,574
1,741,444
273,160
32,296
305,456
1,435,988
1,458,710

Page 19

The Blatchington Court Trust NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (continued)

Included within Freehold Property is Barclay House, St Peters Road, Seaford, East Sussex, which forms part of the endowment funds that have been developed by SeeAbility to provide sheltered accommodation and a day centre. The Trustees have granted a 99-year lease of the land at a nominal rent to SeeAbility. Similarly, with regard to the SeeAbility Wellington project the charity has retained a long leasehold interest in the property for which funds have been used.

The Trust has an interest in Mary House in Hastings, a property owned by the Martha Trust whereby the Trust donated £350,000 to help construct residential accommodation for visually impaired young people. The Trust has a legal charge over the property and the agreement lasts for 99 years from 2004. Under certain conditions and circumstances, Martha Trust has an obligation to repay the donation to the Trust. The Trustees consider the likelihood of the Martha Trust triggering a repayment obligation to be negligible. Consequently, Mary House is held at nil value in Freehold Property.

Included within Freehold Property, at a total cost of £1,680,678 (2024: £1,674,738), is 6a Hove Park Villas, Hove, East Sussex which is the trust’s principal place of operations.

10. INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS
Designated Endowment 2025 2024
funds funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
Market value at 1 April 2024 768,506 11,748,001 12,516,507 12,315,480
Additions at cost 335,210 870,259 1,205,469 1,541,866
Disposal proceeds (338,847) (957,269) (1,296,116) (1,540,919)
Net realised and unrealised investment
gains/(losses) (8,651) (197,103) (205,754) 200,080
────── ────── ────── ──────
Market value at 31 March 2025 756,218 11,463,888 12,220,106 12,516,507
══════ ══════ ══════ ══════
An analysis of the investments is as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
UK investments listed on a recognised stock
exchange or valued by reference to such
investments 4,202,959 4,995,126
Fixed interest securities 2,488,560 2,572,423
Overseas investments 4,528,587 3,948,958
────── ──────
11,220,106 11,516,507
UK investment property
Long leasehold 1,000,000 1,000,000
────── ──────
12,220,106 12,516,507
══════ ══════

An analysis of the investments is as follows:

In accordance with the Trustees’ valuation policy rent reviews on the property portfolio led to valuations being instigated to monitor the performance of the portfolio. The valuations are the Trustees' (named in the Trustees’ report on page 1) best estimate of market value following a review of parameters of value provided to them.

Investments representing more than 5% of the total valuation at the year-end were:

2025 2024
£ £
Leasehold of Jury’s Inn, Brighton 1,000,000 1,000,000
══════ ══════
10. INVESTMENTS (continued)

Page 20

The Blatchington Court Trust NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

The cost of the investments including investment properties was as follows:

2025 2024
£ £
Designated funds 724,267 702,820
Endowment funds 8,639,102 8,971,472
────── ──────
9,363,369 9,674,292
══════ ══════

On 1 April 2022 the Board made a resolution under section 104A (2) of the Charities Act 2011 to adopt a total return on investment approach to the permanent endowment fund. On 1 April 2022 the Board identified the value of the gifts of permanent endowment received since the fund was established to that date. This set the baseline value of the gift component of the endowment to which any subsequent gifts of endowment are added. The difference between the total of endowment funds as at 1 April 2022 and the value of the gift component represented the opening balance of unapplied total return.

The power of total return permits the Trustees to invest permanently endowed funds to maximise total return and to apply an appropriate portion of the unapplied total return to income each year. Until the power is exercised to transfer a portion of unapplied total return to income the unapplied total return remains invested as part of the permanent endowment. The Trustees have decided not to make a transfer from unapplied total return to unrestricted income funds in the year to 31 March 2025.

Gift component of the permanent endowment
at 1 April 2024
Unapplied total return at 1 April 2024
Total
Movements in reporting period:
Investment return: realised and unrealised
gains and (losses)
Less: Investment management costs
Net movements in reporting period
Gift component of the permanent endowment
at 31 March 2025
Unapplied total return at 31 March 2025
Total
11.
DEBTORS
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
Trust for
investment
Unapplied
total return
Total
Endowment
£
£
£
12,365,190
-
12,365,190
-
(457,204)
(457,204)
──────
──────
──────
12,365,190
(457,204)
11,907,986
-
(197,103)
(197,103)
-
(42,350)
(42,350)
──────
──────
──────
-
(239,453)
(239,453)
12,365,190
-
12,365,190
-
(696,657)
(696,657)
──────
──────
──────
12,365,190
(696,657)
11,668,533
══════
══════
══════
2025
£
2024
£
45,063
41,928
──────
──────
45,063
41,928
══════
═══════

Page 21

The Blatchington Court Trust NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

12. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2025 2024
£ £
Other tax and social security 5,310 5,124
Accruals and deferred income 79,408 40,915
────── ──────
84,718 46,039
══════ ══════

13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

At the balance sheet date, the charity held financial assets at amortised cost comprising cash and shortterm deposits, other debtors and accrued income of £908,051 (2024 £703,000) and financial liabilities at amortised cost comprising accruals and deferred income of £84,718 (2024: £46,039).

Total income received in respect of financial assets held at amortised cost totalled £14,912 (2024: £13,885).

The charity held assets at fair value of £12,220,106 (2024: £12,516,507). Movements in the year through the statement of financial activities comprised losses of £205,754 (2024: gains of £200,080) and income from the investment portfolio of £420,648 (2024: £443,614).

14. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

2025 Unrestricted
Designated
Designated		 Endowment 2025
funds funds funds Total
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,435,988 - - 1,435,988
Investments - 756,218 11,463,888 12,220,106
Net current
assets/(liabilities) 514,666 104,308 204,359 823,333
─────── ────── ─────── ───────
Total funds 1,950,654 860,526 11,668,247 14,479,427
═══════ ══════ ═══════ ═══════
2025 Balance Gains/ Balance
b/fwd Income
Expenses
losses		 c/fwd
£ £ £
£		 £
Unrestricted funds 1,855,301 618,751 (523,398)
-		 1,950,654
Designated funds 869,177 - -
(8,651)		 860,526
Endowment funds 11,907,700 - (42,350)
(197,103)		 11,668,247
──────
──────		 ──────
──────		 ──────
Total 14,632,178 618,750 (565,748)
(205,754)		 14,479,427
══════ ═════ ══════
═══════		 ══════

Page 22

The Blatchington Court Trust NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2025

14. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS (continued)

2024 Unrestricted
Designated
Designated		 Endowment 2024
funds funds funds Total
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 1,458,710 - - 1,458,710
Investments - 768,504 11,748,003 12,516,507
Net current
assets/(liabilities) 396,591 100,673 159,697 656,961
─────── ────── ─────── ───────
Total funds 1,855,301 869,177 11,907,700 14,632,178
═══════ ══════ ═══════ ═══════
2024 Balance Gains/ Balance
b/fwd Income
Expenses
losses		 c/fwd
£ £ £
£		 £
Unrestricted funds 1,728,342 649,227 (522,268)
-		 1,855,301
Designated funds 807,123 - -
62,054		 869,177
Endowment funds 11,810,637 - (40,963)
138,026		 11,907,700
────── ───── ──────
──────		 ──────
Total 14,346,102 649,227 (563,231)
200,080		 14,632,178
══════ ═════ ══════
═══════		 ══════

15. TRUSTEES’ INDEMNITY INSURANCE

The premium paid for Trustees’ indemnity insurance during the year was £475 (2024: £475).

Page 23