THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES Registered Charity number: 218971
ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Dains Audit Ltd
Chartered Accountants 2 Chamberlain Square Paradise Circus Birmingham B3 3AX
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES INDEX TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| PAGE | |
|---|---|
| Annual Report | 1-3 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 7-9 |
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Reference and administrative information
| Trustees: | Mrs E Coles | Chairman |
|---|---|---|
| Mr D Briggs | Vice chairman | |
| Mrs B Astley | ||
| Mr P Conway | resigned April 2025 | |
| Mrs E Sherratt | died 14 March 2026 | |
| Mrs C Upton | ||
| Revd C Leighton | ||
| Mrs E Smith | ||
| Mrs R Jones | ||
| Clerk to the trustees: | Mrs S Brockhurst | |
| Clerk's office: | The Pines | |
| Mount Road | ||
| Rugeley | ||
| Staffordshire | ||
| WS15 2TL | ||
| Charity Number: | 218971 | |
| Regulator of Social Housing: | A4028 | |
| Independent Examiner: | Mark Gurney FCCA, DChA | |
| of Dains Audit Ltd | ||
| 2 Chamberlain Square | ||
| Paradise Circus | ||
| Birmingham | ||
| B3 3AX | ||
| Bankers: | National Westminster Bank | |
| 31 Market Square | ||
| Rugeley | ||
| WS15 2BW |
Page 1
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2026
The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charity Commission Scheme dated 23 October 2014, the Charities Act 2011 and 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 effective 1 January 2019.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Birch, Samson and Littleton United Charities was formed following the amalgamation of Birch and Samson United Charities (registered charity number 218971) and The Littleton Homes at Rugeley ( registered charity number 1153780). It is governed by a Charity Commission Scheme dated 23 October 2014.
The scheme allows for the appointment of nine managing trustees. They are appointed at a special meeting of the trustees to serve for a term of four years.
The trustees met regularly throughout the year to discuss the charity's affairs, including consideration of investment, reserves and risk management policies.
The charity keeps the skill requirements for its trustee body under review and in the event that there is a vacancy, the Board seeks nominations from people within the local community who have the necessary skills and interest. The induction process for any newly appointed trustee comprises an initial meeting with the Board of Trustees, at which a pack is provided. This includes a copy of the governing document, a copy of the latest accounts, a copy of the Charity Commission Guidance 'The Essential Trustee' and 'Charities and Public Benefit'.
Risk Review
The trustees have examined the major internal and external risks which the Charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to minimise these risks.
Objects and Activities
The charity is administered by the Clerk, who acts under instructions from the trustees.
The Birch, Samson and Littleton United Charities comprises thirteen almshouses situated in Armitage, Brereton and Rugeley.
The objects of the charity are: the relief of poverty by the provision of social housing in the form of almshouse accommodation for poor persons, with a preference for persons of 50 years of age or over; and
such charitable purposes for the benefit of the residents as the trustees decide.
Public Benefit
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. Residents shall first and foremost be in need. Preference is given to those with some connection to the area.
Page 2
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 (Continued)
Review of Progress and Achievements
The trustees are pleased to report that the almshouses have been almost fully occupied during the year. The trustees continue to maintain the almshouses to a high standard and comply with all statutory requirements.
Reserves Policy
Funds at 31 March 2026 totalled £1,596,630 comprising permanent endowment £1,090,700, a designated extraordinary repairs fund £151,924, a designated cyclical maintenance fund £26,670 and unrestricted income funds of £327,336. Free reserves are held to cover working capital requirements and future repair costs. The balance held at 31 March 2026 falls within the range agreed by the trustees.
Investment Policy
The trustees have considered the most appropriate policy for investing funds and have found that specialised unit trusts, designed for charity sector, meet their requirements. The performance of the investments is monitored by the trustees on a regular basis.
Trustees' Responsibilities in Relation to the Financial Statements
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
h select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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h observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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h make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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h state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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and
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h 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 accounting records which 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. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
E Coles Date 14 July 2026
Page 3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026 which are set out on pages 5-9.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees 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 charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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 the charity 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.
Mark Gurney FCCA, DChA of Dains Audit Ltd 2 Chamberlain Swuare Paradise Circus Birmingham B3 3AX
14 July 2026
Page 4
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 20265
| Notes Income Maintenance contributions receivable Bank interest Income from listed investments Total income Expenditure Clerk Repairs and maintenance Heat, light and water Services Insurance Trustee indemnity insurance Sundry expenses Almshouse Association subscription Independent examiners fees HCA annual subscription Tree survey Legionella testing Depreciation Total Other recognised gains/(losses) Gains/(losses) on investment assets (note 6) Net income/(expenditure) Transfer between funds (note 8) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances brought forward Fund Balances carried forward |
Unrestricted Other Total Total Income Fund Funds 2026 2025 £ £ £ £ 54,457 54,457 56,281 2,681 1,824 4,505 5,229 1,886 1,886 1,831 |
|---|---|
| 59,024 1,824 60,848 63,341 |
|
| 16,734 16,734 16,247 25,411 25,411 33,815 1,911 1,911 1,401 9,998 9,998 7,195 2,719 2,719 2,694 291 291 291 774 774 817 505 505 485 1,158 1,158 1,110 683 683 562 825 825 1,006 18,200 18,200 18,200 |
|
| 61,009 18,200 79,209 83,823 |
|
| (14,030) (9,144) (23,174) (9,455) |
|
| (16,015) (25,520) (41,535) (29,937) (16,015) (25,520) (41,535) (29,937) 343,351 1,294,814 1,638,165 1,668,102 |
|
| 327,336 1,269,294 1,596,630 1,638,165 |
Page 5
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2026
| Notes Fixed Assets Housing Properties 2b and 5 Listed Investments 2c and 6 Current Assets Debtors and Prepayments 7 Cash at Bank and in Hand Current Liabilities Creditors Net Current Assets Total Assets less Current Liabilities Net Assets Capital and Reserves Permanent Endowment 8 Designated Reserves 8 Extraordinary Repairs Fund Cyclical Maintenance Fund Unrestricted Income Fund |
2026 2025 £ £ £ £ 1,090,700 1,108,900 352,813 375,987 1,443,513 1,484,887 4,023 3,747 151,800 152,058 155,823 155,805 2,706 2,527 2,706 2,527 153,117 153,278 1,596,630 1,638,165 1,596,630 1,638,165 1,090,700 1,108,900 151,924 161,068 26,670 24,846 327,336 320,033 1,596,630 1,638,165 |
2026 2025 £ £ £ £ 1,090,700 1,108,900 352,813 375,987 1,443,513 1,484,887 4,023 3,747 151,800 152,058 155,823 155,805 2,706 2,527 2,706 2,527 153,117 153,278 1,596,630 1,638,165 1,596,630 1,638,165 1,090,700 1,108,900 151,924 161,068 26,670 24,846 327,336 320,033 1,596,630 1,638,165 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,638,165 | ||
| 1,108,900 161,068 24,846 320,033 |
||
| 1,638,165 |
These accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees on 14 July 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
E Coles
D Briggs
Page 6
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1. Establishment of Birch, Samson and Littleton United Charities
The Birch, Samson and Littleton United Charities is regulated by a Charity Commission scheme dated 23 October 2014.
It was formed following the amalgamation of Birch and Samson United Charities and the Littleton Homes at Rugeley.
2. Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of Accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective 01/01/2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The accounts have been prepared on the accruals basis.
(b) Housing Properties
Housing Properties are included at insurance value as at December 2015. Depreciation is provided on freehold property at 2% per annum on a straight line basis. No depreciation is provided in respect of the land element.
(c) Investments
Listed investments are stated at market value.
(d) Extraordinary Repairs Fund
This designated reserve represents amounts set aside to carry out major repairs on the Housing Properties.
(e) Cyclical Maintenance Fund
This designated reserve represents amounts set aside for cyclical maintenance.
(f) Permanent Endowment
The permanent endowment represents those funds which must be held permanently by the charity. Income arising on this fund is included as unrestricted income.
(g) Unrestricted Income Fund
The unrestricted income fund comprises those funds which the trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objects.
3. Trustees Remuneration, Expenses and Related Party Transactions
No remuneration directly or indirectly out of the funds of the Charity was paid or payable for the year to any Trustee or to any person or persons known to be connected with any of them. No expenses have been paid during the year (2025-nil).
4. Taxation
The Birch, Samson and Littleton United Charities is a registered Charity and is therefore exempt from liability to taxation on its income and capital gains.
Page 7
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
5. Housing Properties
| Housing properties (note 2b) Depreciation at 31 March 2025 Charge for the year Depreciation at 31 March 2026 Net book value 31 March 2026 6. Listed Investments Market value brought forward Net unrealised investment gains/(losses) Market value at 31 March 2026 Investments comprise the following: Unrestricted income fund: 3,295 COIF income units 598 COIF accumulation units Extraordinary repair fund 639 COIF accumulation units 7. Debtors Prepayments Maintenance contributions |
2026 2025 £ £ 1,300,000 1,300,000 |
|---|---|
| 191,100 172,900 18,200 18,200 |
|
| 209,300 191,100 |
|
| 1,090,700 1,108,900 |
|
| 2026 2025 £ £ 375,987 385,442 (23,174) (9,455) |
|
| 352,813 375,987 |
|
| 58,726 64,199 142,163 150,720 151,924 161,068 |
|
| 352,813 375,987 |
|
| 2026 2025 £ £ 3,838 3,747 185 |
|
| 4,023 3,747 |
Page 8
THE BIRCH, SAMSON AND LITTLETON UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
8. Other Funds
| Endowment | Endowment | Extraordinary | Cyclical | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Repair Fund | Maintenance | 2026 | |
| Fund | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Balances at 1 April 2025 | 1,108,900 | 161,068 | 24,846 | 1,294,814 |
| Bank interest | 1,824 | 1,824 | ||
| Unrealised gain/(loss) on investment revaluation | (9,144) | (9,144) | ||
| Depreciation | (18,200) | (18,200) | ||
| Transfer income account | - | |||
| Balances at 31 March 2026 | 1,090,700 | 151,924 | 26,670 | 1,269,294 |
| Endowment | Extraordinary | Cyclical | Total | |
| Fund | Repair Fund | Maintenance | 2025 | |
| Fund | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Balances at 1 April 2024 | 1,127,100 | 164,332 | 22,731 | 1,314,163 |
| Bank interest | 2,115 | 2,115 | ||
| Unrealised gain/(loss) on investment revaluation | (3,264) | (3,264) | ||
| Depreciation | (18,200) | (18,200) | ||
| Transfer income account | - | |||
| Balances at 31 March 2025 | 1,108,900 | 161,068 | 24,846 | 1,294,814 |
9. The Assets and Liabilities of the Charity are represented by the Funds as detailed below:
| Housing Properties Investments Current Assets Creditors: Due within 1 year |
Income Endowment Extraordinary Cyclical Total Fund Fund Repair Maintenance Fund Fund 2026 £ £ £ £ £ 1,090,700 1,090,700 200,889 151,924 352,813 129,153 26,670 155,823 (2,706) (2,706) |
|---|---|
| 327,336 1,090,700 151,924 26,670 1,596,630 |
The comparative information is as follows:
| Housing Properties Investments Current Assets Creditors: Due within 1 year |
Income Endowment Extraordinary Cyclical Total Fund Fund Repair Maintenance Fund Fund 2025 £ £ £ £ £ 1,108,900 1,108,900 214,919 161,068 375,987 130,959 24,846 155,805 (2,527) (2,527) |
|---|---|
| 343,351 1,108,900 161,068 24,846 1,638,165 |
Page 9