THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
HEPWORTH GRIFFITHS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
CONTENTS
Pages
| 1 | Information |
|---|---|
| 2 | Board of Trustees Report |
| 3 | Statement of the Board’s Responsibilities |
| 4 | Independent Examiner’s Report |
| 5 | Statement of Comprehensive Income |
| 6 | Statement of Financial Position |
| 7 | Statement of Cash Flow |
| 8 | Statement of Change in Reserves |
| 9-14 | Notes to the Financial Statements |
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY INFORMATION
Establishment of Registered Social Landlord
The charity is registered under the Housing Act 1996 (Registration number A4153) and the Charities Act 2011 (Registration number 223340).
The Cooke Almshouse Charity was established by Brian Cooke Esq. under a Will dated 5 January 1661. The charity is regulated by a scheme of the Charity Commission.
| Trustees | Bruce Lowis | Chair |
|---|---|---|
| Mr Tony Sockett | Secretary | |
| Mrs Joan Simpson | ||
| Mrs Brenda Topham | ||
| Clr. Charlie Hogarth | ||
| Mrs Jackie Dusi | ||
| Mrs Kate Ford | ||
| Registered Address | 3 Rich Farm Close | |
| Arksey | ||
| Doncaster | ||
| South Yorkshire | ||
| DN5 0SE | ||
| Solicitors | Taylor Bracewell | |
| 17-23 Thorne Road | ||
| Doncaster | ||
| South Yorkshire | ||
| DN1 2RP | ||
| Accountants | Hepworth Griffiths | |
| Chartered Accountants | ||
| 47/49 Grove Street | ||
| Retford | ||
| Nottinghamshire | ||
| DN22 6LA |
1
COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY Registered Charity Number 223340
Almshouse Association Membership Number 1149 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2024
It is pleasing to convey a number of positive outcomes for the Cooke Almshouse Charity in 2024 in terms of appointing new residents and enhancing some of the properties. The original interlinked cottages were 12 in number and constructed in the 17[th] century when there was no electricity, gas or running water. With the advent of Local Authority bungalow construction in local communities the Almshouses became unusable. Thanks to the enterprise of local volunteers some 25 plus years ago and the support from Sir David Cooke, the 12[th] Baronet, funding was obtained to renovate the cottages. The original 12 cottages were enhanced through a programme of combining adjacent properties to provide six units, each with lounge, kitchen, bedroom and shower/ toilet facilities.
The Cooke Almshouse Trustees represent the interests of the village of Arksey and greater Bentley and play a significant role in ensuring that properties are maintained to a good standard. The Trustees are also responsible for advertising any vacancies, selecting residents from the local area and ensuring that the Charity meets the requirements of the Charity Commission and the National Almshouse Association. The Trustees schedule meetings every two months in the Arksey Communal Hall.
2024 has been a very progressive year with the appointment of new residents in three of the properties and continuing the responsibility of funding major improvements in two of the homes. Sadly, the oldest Almshouse resident passed away and our longest serving resident was no longer able to live independently and is now living in a 24/7 residential home. The third vacancy was a result of the resident choosing to move into a house in the village. Two of our new Almshouse residents are single and have taken up accommodation in the smaller cottages. A married couple moved from rented accommodation in Bentley into one of the two larger cottages in the latter part of 2024.
To meet the requirements of the new residents, the Charity has funded substantial improvements in the double property with a total kitchen replacement of furniture and fittings and upgrading of the toilet / shower area. In one of the single properties, kitchen improvements and new radiators have been installed, the second only requiring minor cosmetic improvements. The condition of the all the units continues to be monitored on a “rolling” schedule.
The Almshouse site has allotments to the rear of the residential properties and a number of Arksey residents have use of a plot. When a vacancy occurred in 2024, two of our new residents accepted an invitation to share the area. The Charity Trustees made a successful application to Doncaster Council for an Earth Day grant and were awarded £500.00 which, together with an uplift from the Charity funds, was used to provide paved footpaths and additional security.
Maintaining the external appearance of the cottages and ensuring the upkeep of the tiled roof is the financial responsibility of the Trustees. In the latter part of the year high winds removed some tiles and did slight damage to the apex of the roof. Difficulties were experienced in obtaining a roofing contractor due to the nature of a listed building but the efforts of the Trustees succeeded in a positive result. Other responsibilities associated with the site involve the Trustees in paying for the lawn maintenance, utilities updates and contracting a Pest Control Officer. The latter visits every six weeks to assess and treat problems associated with rodents, to prevent accessing both our and neighbouring properties. The adjacent allotment site is also inspected.
Central heating boilers for each property are located in the roof areas. For several years access into the attic areas was via a portable ladder. To comply with Government regulations, the Trustees organised the installation of a loft ladder in each of the six properties in order to facilitate safe access. Residents are not permitted to use the loft areas for storage.
2024 was a busy and challenging year but the positive outcomes for residents, fellow Trustees and Officers and allotment users leaves me to end the Annual Report with a thank you. They have all contributed to ensure the continuing presence of the Cooke Almshouses as a pleasant and viable location in the historic part of the village of Arksey. As a thankyou to the residents the Trustees ended the year by gifting a voucher for £25.00 to each household.
Bruce E Lowis ………………………………………………… (Chair of the Cooke Almshouse Charity) Dated ……8/05/2025……..
2
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY STATEMENT OF THE BOARD’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Registered Social Housing legislation requires the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Private Registered Provider (RP) of Social Housing and of the surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Board is required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
follow applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards and The Accounting Direction for Private Registered Providers of Social Housing 2012; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the RP will continue in business.
The Board is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the RP and to enable it to ensure that the financial statements comply with The Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 and The Accounting Direction for Private Registered Providers of Social Housing 2012. It has general responsibility for taking reasonable steps to safeguard the assets of the RP and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
Trustee ……………………………………………
3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
We report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 5-14.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner
The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under both section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
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 the management committee concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008; or
-
to prepare accounts which accord with these accounting records 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.
John A Hepworth ACA Hepworth Griffiths. Chartered Accountants 47/49 Grove Street Retford, Notts. DN22 6LA Date: 8 May 2025
4
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note TURNOVER 23,537 OPERATING EXPENDITURE Services 13 5,763 Management 14 4,844 Day to day maintenance 15 2,325 Cyclical maintenance 15 1,402 Empty property expenses 2,620 Refurbishment - Depreciation 8 10,822 27,776 - OTHER INCOME Amortisation of Government Grants 5,023 OPERATING SURPLUS 6 784 Interest Receivable and Similar Income 5 5,558 Other income 1,278 SURPLUS BEFORE TAX 7,620 Taxation 7 - SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR 7,620 Unrealised (Deficit)/Surplus on Revaluation of Fixed Asset Investments - TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 7,620 2024 |
Note TURNOVER 23,537 OPERATING EXPENDITURE Services 13 5,763 Management 14 4,844 Day to day maintenance 15 2,325 Cyclical maintenance 15 1,402 Empty property expenses 2,620 Refurbishment - Depreciation 8 10,822 27,776 - OTHER INCOME Amortisation of Government Grants 5,023 OPERATING SURPLUS 6 784 Interest Receivable and Similar Income 5 5,558 Other income 1,278 SURPLUS BEFORE TAX 7,620 Taxation 7 - SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR 7,620 Unrealised (Deficit)/Surplus on Revaluation of Fixed Asset Investments - TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 7,620 2024 |
24,875 4,943 4,077 6,039 1,474 559 - 10,872 27,964 - 5,023 1,934 4,802 827 7,563 - 7,563 - 7,563 2023 |
24,875 4,943 4,077 6,039 1,474 559 - 10,872 27,964 - 5,023 1,934 4,802 827 7,563 - 7,563 - 7,563 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 784 5,558 1,278 |
1,934 4,802 827 |
||
| 7,620 - |
7,563 - |
||
| 7,620 | 7,563 | ||
| - | - | ||
| 7,620 | 7,563 |
The results relate wholly to housing activities, all of which are continuing.
The financial statements on page 5 to 14 were approved by the Board of Trustees on 8 May 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
| ….................................................. | Trustee |
|---|---|
| ….................................................. | Trustee |
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements
5
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible Fixed Assets 8 Investments 9 CURRENT ASSETS Trade and Other Debtors 10 Cash and Cash Equivalents CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 11 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 12 TOTAL NET ASSETS RESERVES Income and Expenditure Reserve Page 8 Designated Reserves Page 8 Revaluation Reserve Page 8 TOTAL RESERVES |
2024 270,907 10,028 280,935 1,317 - 100,686 99,369 13,384 - 85,985 366,920 120,539 - 246,381 216,600 9,781 20,000 246,381 |
2023 262,929 9,501 |
2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 272,430 2,119 - 110,437 |
|||
| 108,318 16,425 - |
|||
| 91,893 | |||
| 364,323 125,562 - |
|||
| 238,761 | |||
| 208,980 9,781 20,000 |
|||
| 238,761 |
The accounts were approved by the board and signed on its behalf on 8 May 2025
- ….................................................. Trustee ….................................................. Trustee
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements
6
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| NET CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchase of Investments Proceeds from Sale of Investments Purchase of Equipment Interest Receivable and Similar Income NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR NET CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Surplus for the Year Adjustments for Non-Cash Items: Amortisation of Government Grants Gain/(Loss) on Disposal of Fixed Asset Investments Amounts Written Off/(Back to) Tangible Fixed Assets Decrease/(Increase) in Trade and Other Debtors Increase/(Decrease) in Trade and Other Creditors Adjustments for Investing or Financing Activities: Interest Receivable and Similar Income Interest Payable |
2024 4,018 527 - - 18,800 - 5,558 13,769 - 9,751 - 110,437 100,686 - 7,620 5,023 - - 10,822 802 - 3,041 - 5,558 - - 4,018 |
2023 14,372 490 - - 1,634 - 4,802 |
2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,678 | |||
| 17,050 93,387 |
|||
| 110,437 | |||
| 7,563 5,023 - - 10,872 295 - 6,057 4,802 - - |
|||
| 14,372 |
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements
7
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN RESERVES
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Balance at 1 January 2024 As previously reported Surplus from Statement of Comprehensive Income Deficit in Year Balance at 31 December 2024 |
Income and Expenditure Designated Revaluation Reserve Reserve Reserve Total 208,980 9,781 20,000 238,761 7,620 - - 7,620 |
|---|---|
| 216,600 9,781 20,000 246,381 |
This income and expenditure account is an unrestricted fund which the trustees are free to use in accordance with charitable objects.
The designated reserves fund consists of Cyclical repairs and maintenance (£4,351), Extra ordinary repairs (£2,180) and Other reserve (£3,250) which can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity.
The revaluation reserve relates solely to Freehold Agricultural Land.
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements
8
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Principle Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards in the United Kingdom including Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102). They are based on the Statement of Recommended Practice for Registered Social Housing Providers 2014 and 2018 update and comply with The Accounting Direction for Private Registered Providers of Social Housing 2015.
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost basis.
1a Turnover
Turnover represents maintenance contributions receivable.
1b Housing Association Grant and Other Grants
Housing association grant (HAG) is paid by the Housing Corporation to reduce the cost of development, together with grants from other bodies. Grants received are recognised in income on a systematic basis over the expected useful life of the asset to which they relate using the accrual model. HAG is repayable under certain circumstances, primarily following the sale of a property but will normally be restricted to net proceeds of sale.
1c Depreciation
Housing properties:
There is no record of the original cost of the properties and no value is attributed thereto. The housing properties cost relates to improvements carried out in 1999 and includes capitalised interest accrued during development. Housing properties are depreciated over their estimated lives of 50 years.
Land:
Agricultural land is included at Trustees valuation and is not depreciated.
Other fixed assets:
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of the fixed assets on a reducing balance basis over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned. The principal annual rate used for the purpose which is consistent with that of the previous years is:
Equipment
15% per annum
9
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1d Cyclical repairs and maintenance
The Cooke Almshouse Charity has established a regular programme of cyclical repairs and maintenance. Costs are charged to the Revenue Account in the year in which they are incurred.
1e Extraordinary repairs
Costs of extraordinary repairs, unless representing improvement to the properties, are charged to the revenue account in the year in which they are incurred.
1f Cyclical repairs and maintenance reserve
This reserve represents amounts set aside for cyclical maintenance to meet costs in excess of budgeted expenditure for any year.
1g Extraordinary repairs reserve
This revenue reserve represents amounts set aside to carry out major repairs on housing properties.
1h Capital equipment reserve
This reserve represents amounts set aside to replace major capital items.
1i Value Added Tax
The Cooke Almshouse Charity is not registered for Value Added Tax. In these financial statements, where applicable, expenditure is shown inclusive of VAT.
2 Trustees
The Trustees are:
Mr Bruce Lowis Chair Mr Tony Sockett Secretary Mrs Joan Simpson Mrs Brenda Topham Clr. Charlie Hogarth Mrs Jackie Dusi Mrs Kate Ford
3 Employees
There were no employees at 31 December 2024 (2023, nil).
10
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4 Payments to committee members
There were no payments to committee members during the year (2023, nil)
| 5 Interest receivable and similar income Bank interest Income from listed investments 6 Operating surplus Operating surplus is stated after charging: Accountancy Fees Depreciation of tangible fixed assets And after crediting: Government Grant Amortisation Field rent, wayleaves and donations |
2024 5,031 527 5,558 2024 2,940 10,822 5,023 777 |
2023 4,312 490 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,802 | ||
| 2023 2,760 10,872 5,023 827 |
7 Taxation and registration
The Trust is a registered charity and is exempt from direct taxation The charity is registered under the following acts:
Charities Act 2011 Registration number 223340 Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 Registration number A4153
11
8
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9
| Fixed Assets At 1 January 2024 Additions/Disposal At 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Charge for the year At 31 December 2024 Net Book Value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 Investments |
Housing Freehold Properties 443,710 - 443,710 212,919 8,874 221,793 221,917 230,791 |
Non Housing | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freehold Agricultural Land Equipment 20,000 31,865 - 18,800 20,000 50,665 - 19,727 - 1,948 - 21,675 20,000 28,990 20,000 12,138 |
Total 495,575 18,800 |
||
| 514,375 | |||
| 232,646 10,822 |
|||
| 243,468 | |||
| 270,907 | |||
| 262,929 | |||
Listed Investments
National Association of Almshouses Common Investment Fund
| Cost At 1 January 2024 Additions in the year At 31 December 2024 Net Book Amounts At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 Market Value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Accumulation Shares 9,501 527 |
|---|---|
| 10,028 | |
| 10,028 | |
| 9,501 | |
| 13,862 | |
| 12,833 |
12
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 10 Debtors Arrears of WMC Prepayments 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Government grant Accruals and creditors 12 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year Government Grant Deferred income 13 Services Central control Light and heat Accountancy Stationery and office supplies Telephone Travel expenses Sundry expenses 14 Management Management expenses Insurance Subscriptions |
2024 1,971 - 654 1,317 - 2024 5,023 8,361 13,384 2024 120,539 120,539 2024 599 464 2,940 51 264 135 1,310 5,763 2024 2,407 1,449 988 4,844 |
2023 2,760 - 641 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,119 - |
||
| 2023 5,023 11,402 |
||
| 16,425 | ||
| 2023 125,562 |
||
| 125,562 | ||
| 2023 599 631 2,760 50 432 211 260 |
||
| 4,943 | ||
| 2023 2,350 1,216 511 |
||
| 4,077 |
13
THE COOKE ALMSHOUSE CHARITY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 15 Day to day repairs and maintenance 2024 Repairs and renewals 2,325 Cyclical maintenance 1,402 3,727 16 Capital commitments 2024 Contracted less certified Nil Authorised not contracted Nil 17 Contingent Liability There were no contingent liabilities at 31 December 2024 (2023, nil) 18 Average weekly maintenance contributions 2024 Average for the year 82 19 Payments to Creditors 2023 Average number of days between receipt and payment of purchase invoices 7 20 Public Benefit Entity |
2023 6,039 1,474 |
|---|---|
| 7,513 | |
| 2023 Nil Nil |
|
| 2023 82 |
|
| 2023 7 |
|
The charity is a public benefit entitity as defined in paragraph PBE 3.3A of FRS 102.
14