Charity registration number 224048 (England and Wales)
THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Statement of Trustees' responsibilities | 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 14 |
THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 26 April 2026.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".
Objectives and activities
The charity’s objective is the provision of Grade II Listed, two-bedroom, Almshouse Accommodation in Wilshaw to benefit low-income tenants.
Monthly maintenance contributions were first introduced in 2014 to help fund the cost of all internal and external repairs. This charge increased on 1[st] July 2025 from £460 to £525 per month nearer the equivalent fair rent rate. The Trustees have communicated to residents that the maintenance charge will remain at £525 per month until July 2027.
The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and when planning their activities. The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
The charity successfully collected all maintenance charges during the year and continue to maintain all properties to a good standard. No major work was carried out within the year.
Financial review
During the year maintenance charges of £37,020 were received, along with interest income of £283 generated from a new fixed deposit account opened in May 2024. Total resources of £20,848 were expended resulting in a net profit of £16,455. Main expenditure in the year was repairs and maintenance required for upkeep of the properties.
At the balance sheet date the total value of investments was £155,368. A further £14,000 was invested during the year and the overall gain was £27,674. The investment is still considered to be the most appropriate strategy to generate capital return for the charity.
At the year end the charity's total net assets were £1,299,063.
Plans for future periods
No.1 is becoming vacant and will require refurbishment before it can be let out. In addition there will be general maintenance work carried out as and when required to continually improve the properties.
The charity is currently in the process of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) subject to approval for the Charity Commission.
Structure, governance and management
The charity’s governing document is the will dated 12 November 1880 as amended by resolution dated 20 March 2016. The charity is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charities Commission on 9 September 1963 under registration number 224048.
The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: D J Bamforth H M Livingstone J M Abel K Phillips C Sinclair
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The appointment of Trustees is under the control of the Trustees already appointed. No Trustee received any remuneration.
The charity is administered by a management committee consisting of all the trustees, which make all policy and executive decisions relating to the charity. A minimum of two ordinary meetings of the trustees are held per year.
Risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate the exposure to major risks.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
D J Bamforth
23 June 2026
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom 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 state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that year.
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 operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient 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 Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Eleanor Hirst Trust (the Charity) for the year ended 26 April 2026.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
D Eastham FCCA Wheawill & Sudworth Limited 35 Westgate Huddersfield HD1 1PA
23 June 2026
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
| Unrestricted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds 2026 2026 2026 Notes £ £ £ Income from: Charitable activities 3 37,020 - - Investments 4 283 - - Total income 37,303 - - Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 20,848 - - Total expenditure 20,848 - - Net gains on investments 9 - 27,674 - Net income and movement in funds 16,455 27,674 - Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 27 April 2025 74,239 580,695 600,000 Fund balances at 26 April 2026 90,694 608,369 600,000 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds 2026 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ £ 37,020 32,700 - - 283 288 - - 37,303 32,988 - - 20,848 14,134 - - 20,848 14,134 - - 27,674 - 3,458 - 44,129 18,854 3,458 - 1,254,934 55,385 577,237 600,000 1,299,063 74,239 580,695 600,000 |
Total 2025 £ 32,700 288 |
|---|---|---|
| 32,988 14,134 |
||
| 14,134 | ||
| 3,458 | ||
| 22,312 1,232,622 |
||
| 1,254,934 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 26 APRIL 2026
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Investments 12 Current assets Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities The funds of the Charity Endowment funds 15 Restricted income funds 16 Unrestricted funds 17 |
2026 £ 1,086 32,212 33,298 (1,603) |
£ 1,112,000 155,368 1,267,368 31,695 1,299,063 600,000 608,369 90,694 1,299,063 |
2025 £ 1,020 28,220 29,240 - |
£ 1,112,000 113,694 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,225,694 29,240 |
||||
| 1,254,934 | ||||
| 600,000 580,695 74,239 |
||||
| 1,254,934 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 23 June 2026
D J Bamforth
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The charity’s governing document is the will dated 12 November 1880 as amended by resolution dated 20 March 2016. The charity is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charities Commission on 9 September 1963 under registration number 224048.
The charity’s principal office address is 35 Westgate, Huddersfield, HD1 1PA to 26 April 2026.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements 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 Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, ,modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value,. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the Charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Income represents maintenance charges received together with any interest accrued and is recognised over the period to which it relates.
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is accounted for inclusive of irrecoverable VAT on an accrual basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets , which comprise the housing properties and artefacts, are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Freehold buildings and improvements 2% straight line basis Artefacts / Artwork 2% straight line basis
Freehold land and assets in the course of construction are not depreciated.
The Trustees consider that the residual value of both the freehold property and artefacts owned by the charity is at least equal to cost, as a result no depreciation has been provided during the year.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
1.8 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.9 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.10 Financial instruments
The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet 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.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.11 Taxation
As a recognised charity, the Eleanor Hirst Trust is exempt from taxation on its surpluses so far as they relate to its charitable objectives. It is not, however, exempt from VAT, and irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The Trustees have judged that there are no estimates or assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities.
3 Income from charitable activities
| Income | Income | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Maintenance charges | 37,020 | 32,700 |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 37,020 | 32,700 |
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
4 Income from investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Interest receivable | 283 | 288 | |
| Interest income was generated from a fixed term deposit account set up in May 2024. | |||
| 5 | Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| Expenses | Expenses | ||
| 2026 | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct costs | |||
| Insurance | 1,681 | 1,428 | |
| Repairs and maintenance | 10,150 | 6,913 | |
| Legal and professional | 6,469 | 4,057 | |
| IT Software and equipment | 907 | 311 | |
| General | 1,184 | 1,425 | |
| Advertising and marketing | 457 | - | |
| 20,848 | 14,134 | ||
| Analysis by fund | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 20,848 | 14,134 | |
| 6 | Net movement in funds | 2026 | 2025 |
| £ | £ | ||
| The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||
| Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements | 1,000 | - |
7 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.
8 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2026 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
8 Employees
(Continued)
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
9 Gains and losses on investments
| Restricted | Restricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2026 | 2025 | |
| Gains/(losses) arising on: | £ | £ |
| Revaluation of investments | 27,674 | 3,458 |
10 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
11 Tangible fixed assets
| Tangible fixed assets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Freehold buildings and improvements £ Cost At 27 April 2025 1,097,000 At 26 April 2026 1,097,000 Carrying amount At 26 April 2026 1,097,000 At 26 April 2025 1,097,000 |
Artefacts / Artwork £ 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 |
Total £ 1,112,000 |
| 1,112,000 | ||
| 1,112,000 | ||
| 1,112,000 |
Tangible fixed assets, which comprise the permanently endowed housing properties and artwork, are measured at the fair value as at 26 April 2026.
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
12 Fixed asset investments
| Cost or valuation At 27 April 2025 Additions Valuation changes At 26 April 2026 Carrying amount At 26 April 2026 At 26 April 2025 13 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Prepayments and accrued income 14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
Listed investments £ 113,694 14,000 27,674 155,368 155,368 113,694 2026 2025 £ £ 1,086 1,020 2026 2025 £ £ 403 - 1,200 - 1,603 - |
Listed investments £ 113,694 14,000 27,674 155,368 155,368 113,694 2026 2025 £ £ 1,086 1,020 2026 2025 £ £ 403 - 1,200 - 1,603 - |
|---|---|---|
| 155,368 | ||
| 155,368 | ||
| 113,694 | ||
| 2025 £ 1,020 |
||
| 2025 £ - - |
||
| - |
15 Endowment funds
Endowment funds represent assets which must be held permanently by the Charity. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the Charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the assets form part of the fund.
| At | 27 April | At 26 April | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2026 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Permanent endowments | |||
| 600,000 | 600,000 |
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
| 15 | Endowment funds | (Continued) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous year: | At 27 April | At 26 April | |
| 2024 | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Permanent endowments | |||
| 600,000 | 600,000 |
16 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| At Previous year: At |
27 April 2025 Gains and losses At £ £ 580,695 27,674 27 April 2024 Gains and losses At £ £ 577,237 3,458 |
26 April 2026 £ 608,369 |
|---|---|---|
| 26 April 2025 £ 580,695 |
17 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At General funds Previous year: At General funds |
27 April 2025 Incoming resources Resources expended At £ £ £ 74,239 37,303 (20,848) 27 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At £ £ £ 55,385 32,988 (14,134) |
26 April 2026 £ 90,694 |
|---|---|---|
| 26 April 2025 £ 74,239 |
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THE ELEANOR HIRST TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 26 APRIL 2026
18 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds 2026 2026 2026 £ £ £ At 26 April 2026: Tangible assets - 512,000 600,000 Investments 58,999 96,369 - Current assets/(liabilities) 31,695 - - 90,694 608,369 600,000 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ At 26 April 2025: Tangible assets - 512,000 600,000 Investments 44,999 68,695 - Current assets/(liabilities) 29,240 - - 74,239 580,695 600,000 |
Total 2026 £ 1,112,000 155,368 31,695 |
|---|---|
| 1,299,063 | |
| Total 2025 £ 1,112,000 113,694 29,240 |
|
| 1,254,934 |
19 Related party transactions
During the year, the Charity received recharges for expenses and time incurred of maintenance and support staff amounting to £360 from Towndoor Limited, a company owned by a Trustee.
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