THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY A Charitable incorporated Organisation
REGISTERED CHARITY No. 1206457 THE ALMSHOUSE ASSOCIATION No. M1964
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
___________ Charity No. 1206457 The Almshouse Association No. M1964 Trustees Mr W M Simpson (Chair) Mr S M Gravett (Treasurer) Mrs D Aaron Mr E Cufflin Mr C S M Mitchell Mrs D Taylor Registered office and principal address Charity Link 20A Millstone Lane Leicester LE1 5JN Investment Advisers Charles Stanley & Co Limited Mercury Place St George’s Street Leicester LE1 1QG Independent Examiner Mr A J Munton
The properties are vested in the Official Custodian for Charities in accordance with the Charity’s Scheme document.
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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ANNUAL REPORT 12 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
___________
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the 12 months ended 31 December 2024. This report is prepared in accordance with the charity scheme and the recommendations of the Statement of Recommended Practice — Accounting and Reporting by Charities and complies with applicable law.
Objects
The principal object of the Charity is to provide benefits to residents of almshouses and other qualifying persons being widows or spinsters of 45 years or over (or if unable to give effect to that provision for poor female divorcees of 45 years of age or over), preferably, but not necessarily, at Aylestone or Kirby Muxloe in the County of Leicestershire, by making grants to such persons.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Fund is regulated by a scheme of the Charity Commissioners dated 21 April 1982 and as amended by the Charity Commissioners schemes dated 20 November 2008 and 9 December 2019. During the year, the assets of the George Townsend charity for widows and spinsters were transferred to The George Townsend charity.
The Charity is a member of the the Almshouse Association which provided operational and governance support.
The management of the Charity’s properties is undertaken by David Sturgis of Sturgis Snow & Astill, Chartered Surveyors of 98 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA.
The Charity’s investments are managed on a discretionary managed basis by Andrew Baker of Charles Stanley & Co, Stockbrokers of 4[th] Floor Mercury Place, St Georges Street, Leicester LE1 1QG.
Trustees
Details of the Trustees who have served during the period can be found on page 1.
Appointment of Trustees
The scheme’s regulations provide that the body of trustees when complete shall consist of eight competent persons. Where there is a requirement for new trustees, these would be identified and appointed by the remaining trustees. The chair of trustees is responsible for the induction of any new trustee which involves awareness of a trustee’s responsibilities, the governing document, administrative procedures, the history and philosophical approach of the Charity.
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives, and in planning future activities.
Administration and Meetings
The Fund engages the services of a Clerk to the Trustees to look after the day to day functions and arrange meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees held three meetings during the period and received regular reports on the management of the properties held by the Charity and on the performance of the investments held by the Charity.
Risk Management
The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the Charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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ANNUAL REPORT 12 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
___________
Activities, Achievements and Plans for the future
During the year, five residents have enjoyed a modest discount on commercial rental rates for their accommodation.
A grant of £5,000 was also made to Charity Link to assist poor widows, spinsters or female divorcees of 45 years of age or over with housing costs.
The properties have been maintained in good order for the residents. Surplus funds have been invested with a view to possible acquisition of a further property for use in accordance with the objects of the Charity in due course.
The trustees applied to the Charity Commission to convert the Charity into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and it has operated as a CIO from 4[th] January 2024.
Investment Powers
The trustees have a general power to invest the funds as if they were absolutely entitled to the trust fund conferred upon them by the Trustee Act 2000.
At the end of the financial period, the market value of the investment portfolio was £225,655, excluding uninvested cash, compared with £218,675 transferred from the charity to the CIO at 31 March 2024.
Investment Selection Policy
In managing the investments and making or varying the investments, the Investment Managers must have regard to the following criteria.
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The suitability of the Charity investments of the same kind as any particular investment proposed to be made;
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The suitability of that particular investment as an investment of that kind, and
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The need for diversification of the investments of the Charity so far as is appropriate to the circumstances of the Charity.
It is the aim of the Trustees to provide a steady income to contribute to overheads. Our investment policy is to provide for long term capital growth with moderate risk to obtain the steady income described above.
Financial Review
The statement of financial activities on page 6 shows net incoming resources for the period of £16,597 compared with net incomings of £17,674 for the previous year in the charity. Income in the period decreased from £41,638 to £27,598 and total resources expended decreased from £26,694 to £17,894. Unrestricted and designated funds (comprising the emergency repair fund), were transferred to the CIO at 31[st] March 2024. It is the trustees’ intention to review the amount held in the Emergency Repair Fund in the coming year.
Reserves Policy
It is the aim of the Trustees to keep cash reserves to a minimum whilst ensuring that the Charity always has sufficient funds to meet the day to day running costs for the period of one year, should investment income fall significantly.
The total funds transferred to the CIO at 31 March 2024 was £570,770.
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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ANNUAL REPORT 12 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Trust and of the incoming resources and application of resources for the Trust for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities’ SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Trust will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable law, regulations and the Trust Deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Advisers
The Trustees wish to record their thanks to all of their professional advisers for their help and advice throughout the accounting period.
On behalf of the board of Trustees
Mr W M Simpson Chair 17[th] October 2025
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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ANNUAL REPORT 12 MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The George Townsend Charity
I report on the accounts of the charity for the 12 months ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
- 2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
A J Munton 52 Westbury Road
Nuneaton
Warwickshire CV10 8HG
17[th] October 2025
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 12 MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted | Designated | CIO | Charity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Fund | Total | Total | |||
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | |||
| Note | £ | £ | ||||
| Incoming and endowments from | ||||||
| Charitable activities | ||||||
| Rents received | 19,050 | - | 19,050 | 29,790 | ||
| Investment income | ||||||
| Dividends received | 7,320 | - | 7,320 | 10,756 | ||
| Deposit interest | 1,228 | - | 1,228 | 1,092 | ||
| Total income and endowments | 27,598 | - | 27,598 | 41,638 | ||
| Expenditure on: | ||||||
| Charitable activities | 3 | 17,894 | - | 17,894 | 26,694 | |
| Total resources expended | 17,894 | - | 17,894 | 26,694 | ||
| Gains/(losses) on investments | 6,893 | - | 6,893 | 2,730 | ||
| Net incoming/(outging) resources | 16,597 | - | 16,597 | 17,674 | ||
| Other recognised gains/(losses) | ||||||
| Gain/(losses) on revaluation of investment property | - | - | - | - | ||
| Net movement in funds | 16,597 | - | 16,597 | 17,674 | ||
| Reconciliation of funds: | ||||||
| Fund balances transferred from Charity | 553,096 | |||||
| as at 1st April 2024 | 550,770 | 20,000 | 570,770 | |||
| Funds transferred to CIO | - | (570,770) | ||||
| Fund balances carried forward | ||||||
| at 31st December 2024 | £567,367 | £20,000 | £587,367 | - |
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| _______ Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 5 Investment property 6 Investments 7 Current assets Debtors 8 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 9 Net current assets Net assets Reserves 10 Designated funds (emergency repair fund) Revaluation reserve Unrestricted funds Total charity funds |
_____ £ 937 47,091 |
_____ December 2024 £ - 315,000 225,655 |
_____ £ - 37,670 |
___ Charity 2024 £ - - - |
| 540,655 46,712 |
- - |
|||
| 48,028 1,316 |
37,670 37,670 |
|||
| £587,367 | - | |||
| 20,000 201,374 365,993 |
- - - |
|||
| £587,367 | - |
Approved by the Trustees on 17 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Mr W M Simpson
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12 MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. Basis of preparation
The George Townsend Charity is an incorporated charitable organisation registered in England and Wales. The address of the charity is given in the charity information on page 1 of these financial statements.
The financial statements of the charity have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) '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)' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements have been prepared to be 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 the 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 issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2015 which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.
The charity has applied Update Bulletin 1 as published on 2nd February 2016 and does not included a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is applying FRS 102 Section 1A.
The Trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
Accounting policies
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all periods presented unless otherwise stated.
1.1 Income
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the charity's right to receive payment is established.
1.2 Expenditure
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 a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of the resources.
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12 MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2024
1.2 Expenditure (Cont.)
Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objects. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grants. Where grants are conditional relating to performance then the grant is only accrued when any unfulfilled conditions are outside the control of the charity.
- 1.3
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted general funds are 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.
- 1.4 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Investment Property for which fair value can be measured reliably without undue cost or effort are measured at fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognised in net gains/(losses) on investment in the SoFA. Fixtures and fittings are depreciated on a straight line basis over 10 years.
- 1.5 Investments
Investments are recognised initially at fair value which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value with changes recognised in net gains/(losses) on investment in the SoFA if the shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably.
- 1.6 Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
- 1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and cash on deposit.
- 1.8 Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
- 1.6
Grants payable
Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where grants are offered, the full amount is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grant.
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1.7 Creditors Creditors are recognised on the accruals basis at settlement amounts.
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1.8 Financial instruments
The charity applies the provisions of Sections 11 and 12 of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the financial statements when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12 MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2024
1.9 Investments
Investments are recognised initially at cost and subequently at fair value (their market value) at the year-end, with any changes in value recognised in 'Net gains/(losses) on investments' in the statement of financial activities if the shares are publicly traded or their value can otherwise be measured reliably.
1.10 Debtors
Debtors are recognised at settlement amount after any amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
1.11 Current asset investments
Investments held for resale or pending their sale and cash and cash equivalents are treated as current asset investments. These include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity date of less than one year held for investment purposes rather than to meet short term cash commitments as they fall due. They are valued at fair value except where they qualify as basic financial instruments.
2. Taxation
The Trust is a registered charity and accordingly is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they are applied for charitable purposes.
3. Charitable expenditure
| Charitable expenditure Insurance Property repairs & maintenance Depreciation Agents commission Christmas gifts and other Independent examination and accounts Grants paid and payable (Note 4) Management fees & charges Fees re CIO Services of clerk Subscriptions |
2024 £ 495 2,510 - 2,286 502 1,256 5,000 1,671 - 3,974 200 |
|---|---|
| £17,894 |
4. Grants payable to institutions
The charity pays grants through Charity Link, a Leicester based charity that helps individuals in need. Charity Link assesses applications for help and allocates grants from the Fund which meet with its charitable objects.
| Grants paid: Charity Link |
2024 £ 5,000 |
|---|---|
| £5,000 |
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12 MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2024
5. Tangible assets
6.
7.
| Tangible assets | |
|---|---|
| Fixtures | |
| & Fittings | |
| £ | |
| Cost and valuation | |
| B/fwd | 20,821 |
| C/fwd | £20,821 |
| Depreciation | |
| B/fwd | 20,821 |
| Charge for the year | - |
| C/fwd | £20,821 |
| NBV | |
| C/fwd | - |
| B/fwd | - |
| Investment property | |
| Investment | |
| Property | |
| £ | |
| Cost and valuation | |
| B/fwd | - |
| Additions | - |
| Transferred from Charity | 315,000 |
| Revaluation | - |
| C/fwd | £315,000 |
| NBV | |
| C/fwd | £315,000 |
| B/fwd | £315,000 |
| The Investment Property was valued as at 31 December 2022 by Sturgis Snow & Astill | |
| Chartered Surveyors. The cost value of the property was £113,766. | |
| Investments | |
| £ | |
| Transferred from Charity | 218,675 |
| Additions at cost | 7,877 |
| Proceeds of disposals | (7,790) |
| Realised gains/(losses) on investments | 2 |
| Unrealised gains/(losses) on investments | 6,891 |
| £225,655 | |
| Investments comprise: | £ |
| UK listed investments | 141,769 |
| Overseas listed investments | 83,886 |
| £225,655 |
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
12
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12 MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 8. Debtors Prepayments 9. Creditors Trade creditors Accountancy Management & administration charges Amount due to CIO Grants payable 10. Movement in funds Designated funds (emergency repair fund) Revaluation reserve Unrestricted funds Net movement in funds, included in the above are Revaluation reserve Unrestricted funds |
as follows: Incoming resources - 27,598 |
2024 £ 937 £937 2024 £ - 774 542 - - £1,316 Net movement At 04.01.2024 in funds At 31.12.24 £ £ £ - 20,000 20,000 - 201,374 201,374 - 365,993 365,993 |
|---|---|---|
| - £587,367 £587,367 |
||
| Resources Gains & Movement expended losses in funds - 201,374 201,374 (17,894) 6,893 16,597 |
||
| £27,598 | £(17,894) £6,893 £16,597 |
THE GEORGE TOWNSEND CHARITY
13
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
12 MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2024
11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
There was no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the 12 months ended 31 December 2024
Trustees' expenses
There was no trustees' expenses paid for the 12 months ended 31 December 2024
12. Independent examination
The total fee paid to the independent examiner was £140 for the independent examination. An additional amount was paid to Leicester Charity organisation society for preparation of the acocounts for the year
13. Related party transactions
The charity's investments are managed on a discretionary managed basis for the trustees by Mr Andrew Baker of Charles Stanley & Co Limited. Mr Edward Cufflin a trustee of the charity is also an employee of Charles Stanley & Co Limited.