Charity registration number: 201084
Bridport Charities
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
Bridport Charities
Contents (continued)
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 14 |
Bridport Charities
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees Mr L Gatehouse, Chairman Mr K Bodycombe Mrs L Hedworth Mrs C Murless Mr R Harris Miss E England Miss S Brown Mr A Wheatley Mr I Bark Mr N Amor Mrs A Rickard Mrs S Carney Reverend C Burch Senior Management / Leadership Mrs J Seogultze, Clerk to the Trustees Team Mrs S Waters, Treasurer Charity Registration Number 201084 Principal Office 10 South Street Bridport Dorset DT6 3NJ Independent Examiner Simon Dorrington-Ward FCA Chartered Accountant 10 South Street Bridport Dorset DT6 3NJ
Page 1
Bridport Charities
Trustees' Report
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The object of the charity is the provision of housing for the elderly of Bridport and the surrounding area.
The Trustees aim to provide such satisfactory and safe housing at reasonable cost.
Public benefit
Providing housing for the elderly of Bridport
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Financial review
For the financial year ending 31 December 2025, the charity generated a total income of £63.385 (2024 £66,140) and incurred total expenditure of £106,123 (2024 £52.083) together with other recognised gains of £28,289 (2024 £16,170), resulting in a net defitit of £14,449 (2024 surplus £30.227).
Policy on reserves
The Trustees policy is to hold sufficient reserves to cover anticipated future repair and enhancements to both of the properties.
Principal funding sources
Our principal source of funding during the year was income from our charitable activities. these resources were applied directly to maintaing our core services.
Investment policy and objectives
The Trustees operate a low risk approach to investments, with investments being held in a portfolio of a managed discretionary funds.
Going concern
The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existance for the forseeable future.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
The Charity is governed by its Trust Deed and is registered with the Charity Commissioners (No 201084) and is a member of the National Association of Almshouses and the Independent Housing Ombudsman Scheme.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The Trustees manage the activity of the Charity and seek to follow good practice as recommended by the Charity Commission. New Trustees are appointed, with due consideration to the mix of skills required to provide the effective governance for the Charity by the existing Trustees.
Induction and training of trustees
The Trustees are actively seeking suitable new Trustees. The Trustees have developed an induction plan for all new Trustees to cover all aspects of their responsibilities.
Arrangements for setting key management personnel remuneration
No Trustee received any remuneration The Secretary and Treasurer receive remuneration as set by the Trustees.
Page 2
Bridport Charities
Trustees' Report (continued)
Organisational structure
The Charity address for correspondence purposes is: The Clerk to The Trustees, Delta, Allngton Park, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 5DD.
The Trustees have met regularly in the year to carry out their responsibilities for the management of the Charity's aims.
Major risks and management of those risks
General risks to the Charity
The Trustees consider risks at their regular meetings and take appropriate action to manage emerging risks. The Trustees consider variability of investment values to constitute the Charity's major financial risk. this is mitigated by retaining a large proportion of the investments with expert managers with a risk level set at 'upper moderately low/lower moderate' while the balance is held in cash based accounts. No other significant risks have been identified.
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity 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; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees 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 irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 16 June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... Mr L Gatehouse Trustee
Page 3
Bridport Charities
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Bridport Charities
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bridport Charities for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of Bridport Charities you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Bridport Charities's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of Bridport Charities as required by section 130 of the 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 accounting 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.
...................................... Simon Dorrington-Ward FCA Chartered Accountant M W Burrough & Co
10 South Street Bridport Dorset DT6 3NJ
16 June 2026
Page 4
Bridport Charities
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
| Note Income and Endowments from: Investment income 2 Other income 3 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 Total expenditure Other recognised gains and losses Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 13 Note Income and Endowments from: Investment income 2 Other income 3 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Gains/losses on investment assets Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 13 |
Unrestricted £ 7,654 54,594 62,248 (104,373) (104,373) 24,337 (17,788) 342,796 325,008 Unrestricted £ 7,538 56,312 63,850 (50,083) (50,083) 9,950 23,717 319,080 342,797 |
Restricted £ 1,137 - 1,137 (1,750) (1,750) 3,952 3,339 163,714 167,053 Restricted £ 2,290 - 2,290 (2,000) (2,000) 6,220 6,510 157,204 163,714 |
Total 2025 £ 8,791 54,594 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63,385 | |||
| (106,123) | |||
| (106,123) | |||
| 28,289 | |||
| (14,449) 506,510 |
|||
| 492,061 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 9,828 56,312 |
|||
| 66,140 | |||
| (52,083) | |||
| (52,083) | |||
| 16,170 | |||
| 30,227 476,284 |
|||
| 506,511 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods.
The notes on pages 7 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 5
Bridport Charities
(Registration number: 201084) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 Investments 9 Current assets Investments 10 Cash at bank and in hand 11 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 12 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity: Restricted income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total funds 13 |
2025 £ 72,453 335,790 408,243 33,152 55,243 88,395 (4,577) 83,818 492,061 167,053 325,008 492,061 |
2024 £ 74,751 353,467 |
|---|---|---|
| 428,218 | ||
| 27,542 55,158 |
||
| 82,700 (4,407) |
||
| 78,293 | ||
| 506,511 | ||
| 163,714 342,797 |
||
| 506,511 |
The financial statements on pages 5 to 14 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 16 June 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
......................................... Mr L Gatehouse Trustee
......................................... Mr R Harris Trustee
The notes on pages 7 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6
Bridport Charities
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
1 Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Bridport Charities meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.
Income and endowments
Investment income
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Grant provisions
Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Page 7
Bridport Charities
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £1000.00 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class Freehold property improvements
Depreciation method and rate over 50years
Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments, other than programme related investments, are included at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their market value at the start of the year, or their subsequent cost, and are charged or credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period of disposal.
Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the Statement of Financial Activities based on the market value at the year end.
Current asset investments
Current asset investments are included at the lower of cost and net realisable value / market value.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Trade creditors
are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Page 8
Bridport Charities
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
2 Investment income
| Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits Other income from fixed asset investments Other investment income Total for 2025 Total for 2024 3 Other income Rental income Rental income Total for 2025 Total for 2024 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 119 7,535 - 7,654 7,538 Unrestricted funds General £ 54,594 |
Restricted funds £ 2 837 298 1,137 2,290 Total 2025 £ 54,594 Unrestricted funds General £ 54,594 54,594 56,312 |
Total funds £ 121 8,372 298 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,791 | |||
| 9,828 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 56,312 |
|||
| Total funds £ 54,594 |
|||
| 54,594 | |||
| 56,312 |
Page 9
Bridport Charities
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
4 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Note General Grant funding of activities Governance costs 5 Total for 2025 Total for 2024 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 88,942 - 15,431 104,373 50,083 |
Restricted funds £ - 1,750 - 1,750 2,000 |
Total funds £ 88,942 1,750 15,431 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 106,123 | |||
| 52,083 |
5 Analysis of governance and support costs
Governance costs
| Independent examiner fees Examination of the financial statements Other governance costs Total for 2025 Total for 2024 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 1,580 13,851 15,431 13,486 |
Total funds £ 1,580 13,851 |
|---|---|---|
| 15,431 | ||
| 13,486 |
6 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year.
7 Independent examiner's remuneration
| Examination of the financial statements | 2025 £ 1,580 |
2024 £ 1,540 |
|---|---|---|
Page 10
Bridport Charities
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
8 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 January 2025 At 31 December 2025 Depreciation At 1 January 2025 Charge for the year At 31 December 2025 Net book value At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 |
Land and buildings £ 128,325 128,325 53,574 2,298 55,872 72,453 74,751 |
Total £ 128,325 |
|---|---|---|
| 128,325 | ||
| 53,574 2,298 |
||
| 55,872 | ||
| 72,453 | ||
| 74,751 |
9 Fixed asset investments
Other investments
| Cost or Valuation At 1 January 2025 Revaluation Additions Disposals At 31 December 2025 Net book value At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 |
Listed investments £ 353,467 24,882 5,471 (48,030) 335,790 335,790 353,467 |
Total £ 353,467 24,882 5,471 (48,030) |
|---|---|---|
| 335,790 | ||
| 335,790 | ||
| 353,467 |
Page 11
Bridport Charities
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
10 Current asset investments
| 10 Current asset investments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Listed other shares 11 Cash and cash equivalents Cash on hand Cash at bank Short-term deposits Other cash and cash equivalents 12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals |
2025 £ 33,152 2025 £ 44 46,069 130 9,000 55,243 2025 £ 3,027 1,550 4,577 |
2024 £ 27,542 |
| 2024 £ 121 45,909 128 9,000 |
||
| 55,158 | ||
| 2024 £ 2,907 1,500 |
||
| 4,407 |
Page 12
Bridport Charities
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
13 Funds
| Unrestricted funds General General Funds Restricted funds 8 Acre and Malt House Relief In Sickness Relief In Need Drill Hall Total funds Unrestricted funds General General Funds Restricted funds 8 Acre and Malt House Relief In Sickness Relief In Need Drill Hall Total funds |
Balance at 1 January 2025 £ 342,796 147,779 2,276 1,583 12,076 163,714 506,510 Balance at 1 January 2024 £ 319,080 141,438 2,674 1,489 11,603 157,204 476,284 |
Incoming resources £ 62,248 648 59 54 376 1,137 63,385 Incoming resources £ 63,850 1,814 42 38 396 2,290 66,140 |
Resources expended £ (104,373) (1,250) (500) - - (1,750) (106,123) Resources expended £ (50,083) (1,500) (500) - - (2,000) (52,083) |
Other recognised gains/(losses) £ 24,337 3,417 167 152 216 3,952 28,289 Other recognised gains/(losses) £ 9,950 6,027 60 55 78 6,220 16,170 |
Balance at 31 December 2025 £ 325,008 150,594 2,002 1,789 12,668 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 167,053 | |||||
| 492,061 | |||||
| Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 342,797 147,779 2,276 1,582 12,077 |
|||||
| 163,714 | |||||
| 506,511 |
Page 13
Bridport Charities
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 (continued)
14 Analysis of net assets between funds
| 14 Analysis of net assets between funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ 72,453 210,118 47,013 (4,577) 325,007 Unrestricted funds General £ 74,751 231,961 40,492 (4,407) 342,797 |
Restricted funds £ - 125,672 41,382 - 167,054 Restricted funds £ - 121,506 42,208 - 163,714 |
Total funds at 31 December 2025 £ 72,453 335,790 88,395 (4,577) |
| 492,061 | |||
| Total funds at 31 December 2024 £ 74,751 353,467 82,700 (4,407) |
|||
| 506,511 |
15 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the year.
Page 14