THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LIThLETON UNITED CHARITIES Reglstered Charity numbgr.. 218971 ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Dains Audit Ltd Chartered Accountants St Johns Court Wiltèll Road Lichfield Staffoldshire WS14 9DS
THE BIRCH. SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES INDEX TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 PAGE Annual Report Independent Examiners Report Slalemenl of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts
THE BIRCH. SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202S Reference and administrative information Trustees.. Mrs E cOS Mr D Briggs Mrs B Astley Mr P Conway Mrs E Sherratt Mrs C Uplon Revd C Leighlon Mrs E Smith Mrs R Jones Chairman Vice chairman resigned April 2025 appointed 9 April 2024 Clerk to the trustees.. Mrs S Brockhurst Clerk's office: The Pines Mount Road Rugeley Staffoidshire WS15 2TL harity Number.. 218971 Regulator of Soclal Houslng.. A4028 Independent Examiner.. Mark Gurney FCCA, DChA of Dains Audit Ltd St Johns CoLJrt Wiltell Road Lichlield Staffordshire WS14 9DS Bankers.. National Westminster 8ank 31 Market Square Rugeley Slaffordshire WS15 2BW Page 1
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Report of the trustèès for the year ended 31 MarGh 2025 The Iru51ees prssenl their report along with the financial statements of Ihe charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prep8red in accordance with the accounting policie5 sel out In note 1 to the accounls and comply with the Charity Commission Scheme dated 23 October 2014, the Chanties Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to chaiities preparing their accoLJnls In accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republic c>f Ireland effective 1 January 2019. Structure, Governance and Management The Birch. Samson and Lrttlelon United Charities was formed following the amalgamation ol Birch and Samson United Charities Iregislered Gharity number 2189711 and The Littleton Homes at Rugeley I registered charrty number 11537801 11 is governed by a Charrty Commission Scheme dated 23 October 2014. The scheme allows for the appointment ol nine managing trustees. They are appointed al a special meeting of the trustees lo serve for a temi of four years The Irust&es met regularly throughout the year to discuss the ¢harrty's affairs, including consideration of Investment, reserves and risk management policies. The charity keeps Ihe skill requ1MentS for its trustee body under review and in the event that there Is a vacancy, the Board seeks nominations fiom people wlthin the local community who have the necessary skills and interest. The induction process lor any newly appointed Iruslee comprises an Initial meeting with the Board ol Trustees, al which a pack is provided. This Includes a copy of the goveining document, a copy ol the latest accounts, a copy ol the Charity Commission Guidance 'The Essential Trustee, and 'Ch8rities and Public Beneh't, Risk Review The trustees have exarnined the major internal and external r15ks which the Ch81ity faces and confirm Ih815yStems have been established lo minimise these risks Objects and Activities The charity is adrninistered by the Clerk. who acts under instructions from the trusiees. The Birch. Sam50n and Lillleton Unrted Charities comprises thirteen alMshou5es situated in Armilage, Brelon and Rugeley. The objects ol the charity are.. the relief of poverty by the provision of Social housing In the loim ol almshouse accommodation for poor peisons, with a preference for persons of 50 yBars ol age or over,. and SLJch charitable purpos85 for the bènefit of the residents as the Iruslees decide. Public Beneflt The trustees confirm that they have referred lo the guiijènce contained in the Charity CDmmissk)n's general guidance on public benef1t. Residents shall first and foremost be in need. Preference is given to those wth some ctsnneclion lo the area Page 2
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl Review of Progress and Achievements The Iru51ee5 are pleased to report that the almshouses have been fully o¢¢upied during the year The trustees continue to maintain the almshouses to a high standard and comply wtth 311 slatulory requirements. Reserves Policy Funds at 31 March 2025 totalled £1,638.165 comprising perm8nent endowment £1.108.900, a designated extraordinary repairs fund £161.068, a designated ¢y¢lical maintenance fund £24.846 and unrestricted Income funds of £343,351. Freè reserves are held lo cover working capital requirements and future pair costs. The balance held at 31 M8r¢h 2023 falls within the r8nge agreed by the trustees. Investment Policy The Iruslees have considered the most appropii8te policy for investing funds and have found that specialised unil trusts. designed foi charity sector. meet Iheir requirements The performance of the investments IS fllonltored by the trustees on 8 regular basis. Trustees. Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements The Iruslees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial slalemenls in accordance wilh applicable law and United Kingdom AcGounting Stanijards IUK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) The law applicable lo charities in England and W8les requires the Trustees to prep8ie financial statements for each financial year which give a true and lair view of the charity's financial acliviii'es during Ihe year and ol ils financial posrtion ai the end of the year In preparing those financial statements. the Trustees 8re required to select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the Charitie5 SORP". make judgements and eslimales that are reasonable and prudent.. state whether applicable accounting slandards and statements of recommended practice have bèen followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unles5 It 15 inappropriate lo presume that the Charity will continue in business. The Tiustees are responsible for keepin9 aecounling records which disclose with reasonable accuracy al any lime the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply wittt the Ch3rities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets ol the Charity 8nd hence for taking reasonable steps lor the prevention detection of fraud and othèr irregularities. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by.. E Coles 15July2025 Date Page 3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES I report lo the charty Iruslees on my ex8mination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 hnar¢h 2025 whi¢tt a sel out on pages 5-9. Responslbllltles and basls of report As Ihe charity's Iruslees you are responsible for the preparation ol the accounts In accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe Act'l. I report in respect of my examination ol the charrty's accoun15 carried DUI under sec110n 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Di¢11$ given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl ol the Act. Indèpendent examine$ stalement I have compFeted my examination. I confirm that no material matters have Gome to my attention in connection with the examination gNiing me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept In respecl ol the charity as required by se¢tion 130 of the Act. or 2 the accounts do not accord with those records., or 3. the accounts do not comply with the 3ccounling requirements concerning the form and content ol accounts set out in thé Charities (Accounts and Reportsl 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 lo which attention should be ¢Yrawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Mark ey FCCA. OChA ol Oains Audrt Ltd St John's Court Vvittell Road Lich*ield Staffordshire WS14 9DS 15 July 2025 Pagè 4
THE 8IRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES STA TEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Vnrestrfcted Income Fund Other Funds Totsl 2C125 Notes Total 2024 Income Maint8nance contribulicns receivable Bank inleresi Income from listed inve$iments 56.281 3 114 1.831 56,281 5,229 1.831 53.922 4.894 1,795 2.115 Total income 61.226 2.115 63.341 60,611 Expenditure Clerk Repairs and maintenance H881. light and water Services Insuran Trustee Indemnity Insuran Sunory expenses Almshouse Association subscription Independent examiner5 fe8s HCA 8nnual subscription Quinquennial Inspection Legionella testing Deptiatio Total 16,247 33.815 1.401 7.195 2.694 291 8t7 485 1.110 562 16,247 33.815 1,401 7,195 2.694 291 817 485 1.110 562 15.381 16.888 1.243 7.495 1.975 1,251 487 1.2 300 870 1.006 1.006 18,200 83.823 18,200 18.21X) 18,200 65.443 65.623 Other reco9nised galn81llosse$i Gainslllossesl on investment 8s$ets (note 61 16.191 3264 19.4551 4D.529 Net incomellexpenditurel 110,5881 119.3491 129.9371 35,697 Tran$fer betsv¢en funds (note 81 Net movement in funds 110.5881 119 3491 129.9371 35,697 R8con¢iliation ot funds.. Fund balances brought forward 353.939 1.314,163 1 668,102 1.632,405 Fund 8alanc8s carried forward 343.351 1.294.814 1,638, 165 1.668.102 Page S
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITEO CHARITIES BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 202S 2025 2024 Notes Fixed Assets Housing Properties Listed Investments 2b8nd5 2¢and6 1,108.900 375.987 1.484.887 1,127,100 385,442 1,512,542 Current Assets Oebtors and Prepaymellls Cash al Bank and in Hand 3.747 fj52.058 155.805 4.060 154.287 158,347 Current Liabilities Creditors 2,527 2.527 2,787 2,787 Nel Current Assets 153,278 155,560 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 1.838.165 1.668.102 Net Assets 1,638,165 1.668,102 Capital and Rèserves Permanent Endowment Designated Reserves Extraordinary Repairs Fund Cyclical Maintenance Fund Unreslrrted Income Fund 1.108.900 1.127.100 161,068 24,846 343,351 1.638,165 164,332 22,731 320,033 1,668,102 These accoun15 were approved by the Board of Trustees on 15 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by. E Coles D Briggs D 111d/ J Page 6
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENOEO 31 MARCH 2025 1. Establishment of Birch. Samson and Littleton United Charities The Birch, Samson and Littleton United Charilos is regulated by a Chanty Commission scheme dated 23 October 2014 It was formed following the amalgamation of Birch and Samson United Charities and the Lrtlleton Homes al Rugeley. 2. Accounting Policies lal Basis of Accounting The financial statemen15 have been prepared in accordance with AccourTrting and Reporting by by Charities." Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021 effective 01m112019, the Finenci81 Reporting Standard appli¢able in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011. The charrty constitutes a public benefit entity 35 defined by FRS 102. The 8ccoun15 have been prepared on the accruals basis. Ibl Housing Properties Housing Properties are inclu(Jed al Insurance value as al Oecember 2015 Depreciation Is provided on freehold property al 2°/ts per annum on a straight line basi5. No depreciation is provided In respect of Ihe18nd element. 1¢) Investments Listed investments are sl8led 8t market value Idl Extraordinary Repairs Fund This designated reserve represellts amounts set aside lo carry out major repairs on the Housing Properties. lel Cyclical Maintenance Fund This designated reserve represents amounts set aside for ¢y¢lic81 maintenance. If) Pem)8nenl Endowment The permanent endowment represents those funds which mLJS1 be held permanently by the charity. In¢ome arising on this fund is included as unrestricted Income. Igl Unrestricted Income Fund The unrestricted Income luncl comprises those fund5 which the trustees a free to use in a¢eoidance with Ihe ch8rrtable object5. 3. Trustees Remuneratlon, Expenses and Related Party Transactions No remuneration directly or indirectly out of the funds of the Ch8rity was paid or payable for the year lo any Tiustee or lo any person or persons known lo be connected with any ol them. No expenses have been paid during the yeai12024-nill. 4. Taxation The Birch, Samson and Litllelon United Charities is a registered Charity and is therefore exempt from liability lo taxation on its incorne and capital gains. Page 7
THE 81RCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 S. Housing Properties 2025 2024 Housing pioperties Inole 2bl 1.300,000 1.300,000 Depreciation at 31 March 2024 Charge for the year Dèpreciation al 31 March 2025 172.900 18,200 191.100 154.700 18,200 172.900 Net book value 31 March 2025 1,108.900 1.127,100 6. Listed Investm8nts 2025 2024 Market value brought forward Nel unrealised Investment gainslllossesl Market value at 31 March 2024 385.442 19.455 375.987 344,913 40,529 385,442 Investmerits comprise the following Unrestri¢ied income fund 3.295 COIF In¢ome units 598 COIF accumulation unrts Extraordinary repair fund 639 COIF accumulation unrts 64,199 150,720 67.336 153.774 161,068 375,987 164.332 385.442 7. Debtors 2025 2024 PpaYmentS Maintenance ¢ontributions 3.747 3,474 585 3,474 3.747 Page 8
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 8. Other Funds Endowmont Extraordlnary Cyclical Fund Repalr Fund Maintenance Fund Total 2025 Balances al 1 April 2024 Bank Interest Unrealised gainlllossl on investment revaluation Depreciation Transfer Income account Balance5 at 31 March 2025 1,127.100 164,332 22,731 1,314,163 2,115 2,115 13,2641 118,2001 13.2641 118.2001 1,108.900 161,068 24.846 1.294,814 Endowment Extraordinary Cyclical Fund Repair Fund Maintenance Fund Total 2024 Balances a11 April 2023 Bank interest Unrealised gainlllossl on investment revaluation Depreciation Transfer Income account Balances at 31 March 2024 1,145,300 146.321 20.751 1.312,372 1.980 1,980 18,011 118,2001 18,011 118,2001 1.127,100 164.332 22.731 1,314,163 9. The Assets and Liabilities of ihe Charity are repTesented by the Funds as detailed bèlow= Income Fund Endowment Extraordinary Fund Repair Fund Cyclical Maintenance Fund Total 2024 Housing Properties Investments Current Assets Creditors. Due within 1 year 1,108,900 1,108.900 375,987 155,805 2,527 24,846 1,638,165 214.919 130,959 12,527 343,351 161,068 24.846 1.108.900 161.068 The comparative information is as follows.. Income Fund Endowment Extraordinary Fund Repair Fund Cyclical Maintenance Fund Total 2023 Housing Properties Investments Cufrent Assets Creditors.. Due within 1 year 1,127.100 1.127.100 385,442 158.347 12,7871 22.731 1,668,102 221,110 135,616 2.787 353,939 184,332 22.731 1,127,100 164.332 10. Future Commitment Al 31 March 2025, there was a commitment to replace a boiler ai a cost of £4,198. Page 9