REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 226418
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Report of the Trustees and Independently Examined Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020
Porritt Rainey Chartered Accountants
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Contents of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 11 |
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2020
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
a) The provision of housing accommodation for persons of limited financial means who reside in the area administered by Sevenoaks District Council as of 1st April 2004.
b) such charitable purpose for the benefit of the residents as the trustees decide.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission.
Significant activities
This was a most unsettled year with Covid 19 affecting our almshouse community as it did much of the world. Coffee mornings were cancelled and most other social gatherings ceased and given that most of our residents are single people the potential for loneliness was perhaps greater than typical across society. Many phone calls and offers of very practical help alleviated some of this loneliness risk and we were grateful for community support, especially from Cat Davison the Director of Service and Social Impact at Sevenoaks School.
Trustees Met as planned in February but meetings could not be held in person due to the Covid restrictions and these were replaced with written reports and updates from the Clerk and a meeting on Zoom
Our longest-standing resident (20 years) from Lambarde Cottages moved to a nursing home and sadly a resident at Sevenoaks Place died. The vacancy created at Sevenoaks Place gave an opportunity to refurbish 2 extra properties, including one for the second time since the refurbishment program started in 2007. 3 more bathrooms were converted to showers and more will be done as the need and opportunity arises.
Despite the Covid restrictions Mr Merrett oversaw the refurbishment and redecoration of all entrance halls at Sevenoaks Place - a project dogged with difficulties over several years and tthe finished results are a great improvement.
Trustees agreed to instigate an annual inspection of each property to ensure that all flats and cottages are kept to a high standard and fit for purpose. It was agreed that this should be in addition to trustee visits to each resident.
A quinquennial report for all residential units was commissioned and received and will be useful in planning maintenance and improvement spending over the coming years
Finances remained strong with the end of year total funds at £498k just £3k down on the previous year .It was accepted that it had been an expensive year with approved building work carried out at a cost of £153k. As per our policy £75k was transferred into the Long-Term Maintenance Fund.
Mrs Merilyn Canet, Mr Roger Best and Mr Alan Pople joined the Trustees and Mr Pople agreed to take over from Mr Merrett as the trustee responsible for buildings and also to oversee building works on a paid basis as had been the case with Mr Merrett. Mr Merrett was thanked for overseeing many improvements to the Charity's building. Very sadly Mr Merrett died early in 2021.
Because of Covid there was no residents' outing this year so it was agreed to give each resident a Christmas hamper.
Occupancy at Sevenoaks Place was 97% and at Lambarde Cottages 100%
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The Trustees maintain reserves for two purposes:
-
to be used for extraordinary repairs, improvements or rebuilding of the properties of the Charity,
-
to be used for regular repairs and maintenance of the properties.
A Long Term Maintenance Fund is held separately from other accounts. Annual transfers from the current account are made into this account, aiming to ensure that in future sufficient funds will be available for all major building works.
Page 1
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2020
FUTURE PLANS
Aims for 2021 include:
Use the quinquennial report to help develop plans for maintenance and improvements over the next 5 years Fully review the policy on setting Maintenance Contributions
Use the vacant property at Lambarde Cottages to refurbish as many of the 3 remaining cottages as possible and fill the vacancy Continue with the policy of changing bathrooms to showers
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Sevenoaks Almshouses were founded in 1432 from a bequest of William Sevenoaks and registered as a charity on 11th July 1877 under the Endowed Schools Acts. The Weald Almshouses were founded on 8th October 1832 and became part of the Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity under a scheme of the Charity Commissioners dated 13th July 1915. On 9th October 2006 The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity was amalgamated with the Charity of Major Herbert Laurie (Charity No. 283935).
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The Charity's governing document allows for: 1 ex officio trustee,- the Rector of St Nicholas Church Sevenoaks;
1 nominated trustee,- appointed by Sevenoaks Town Council;
2 representative trustees who shall be members of the governing body of Sevenoaks School, the Lord of the Manor of Sevenoaks and Knole and the representative School governor appointed by Sevenoaks District Council. If the Lord of the Manor is unable or unwilling to act another governor may be appointed in his place; 4 co opted trustees.
When a nominated or representative trustee vacancy occurs the appointing body is approached to appoint a replacement. When a co opted trustee vacancy occurs remaining trustees consider the skill and experience needs of the Charity and aim to appoint a replacement from known contacts.
Before appointment new Trustees are asked to complete form CSD1382 to confirm their suitability, and on appointment sign the Trustee register.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
The risk management assessment was reviewed by the board during the year.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
226418
Principal address
c/o Sevenoaks School Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HU
Trustees
Mr Michael J Bolton Reverend Angus MacLeay Mr Graham Merrett Mrs Merrill London Mr James London Mrs Felicity Broomby Miss Theresa Homewood Mr Peter Stewart Mrs Christine Brindley Mr Roger Best (appointed 27/2/2020) Mrs Jean Marilyn Canet (appointed 27/2/2020) Mr Alan Pople (appointed 10/9/2020)
Page 2
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2020
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Independent Examiner
Porritt Rainey The Crown Business Centre 10 High Street Otford Sevenoaks Kent TN14 5PQ
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 13 September 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
Michael Bolton
Mr Michael J Bolton - Trustee
Page 3
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable 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.
Alan Peal
Alan R E Peal ACA ICAEW Porritt Rainey The Crown Business Centre 10 High Street Otford Sevenoaks Kent TN14 5PQ
Date: 11 October 2021
Page 4
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2020
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies - Charitable activities Services 188,108 Investment income 2 19,788 Total 207,896 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Services 27,099 Day to Day Maintenance 17,994 Ongoing Improvements 158,537 Total 203,630 Net gains/(losses) on investments (899) NET INCOME 3,367 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 755,678 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 759,045 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - |
2020 Total funds £ - 188,108 19,788 207,896 27,099 17,994 158,537 203,630 (899) 3,367 755,678 759,045 |
2019 Total funds £ 1,200 190,421 20,584 212,205 27,202 21,801 41,335 90,338 20,533 142,400 613,278 755,678 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 5
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Balance Sheet 31 December 2020
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 6 Investments 7 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 8 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CREDITORS Amounts falling due after more than one year 9 NET ASSETS FUNDS 12 Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted funds £ 317,895 480,486 798,381 18,064 (17,507) 557 798,938 (39,893) 759,045 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - |
2020 Total funds £ 317,895 480,486 798,381 18,064 (17,507) 557 798,938 (39,893) 759,045 759,045 759,045 |
2019 Total funds £ 317,895 455,695 773,590 55,206 (16,734) 38,472 812,062 (56,384) 755,678 755,678 755,678 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 13 September 2021 and were signed on its behalf by:
Felicity Broomby
Mrs Felicity Broomby - Trustee
Michael Bolton
Mr Michael J Bolton - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Housing properties
The Sevenoaks Almshouses were constructed as follows : 16 Almshouses at High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent in the 18th century. 8 Almshouses at Glebe Road, Weald in the 1830’s.
- 3 Cottages at 1 - 3 Oak Square, Sevenoaks in the 19th century. Burlington Room in the 1990’s.
Major Laurie Flat in the 2000's
There is no complete record of the original cost and no value is attributed thereto. The Housing Properties cost relates to improvements carried out in 1986-87, which was funded by a Housing Corporation Grant, a Council Grant and from Sevenoaks Almshouse Charities own resources. As the properties are maintained in a state of repair such that their estimated residual value is not less than their improvement cost, the annual charge for depreciation would be NIL.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
Sevenoaks School (which manages the Charity’s payroll) operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Rents received Interest received |
2020 £ 19,100 688 19,788 |
2019 £ 19,100 1,484 20,584 |
|---|---|---|
Page 7
continued...
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2020
3. SUPPORT COSTS
| Management £ Services 6,706 Support costs, included in the above, are as follows: Wages - Clerk Social security Pensions Subscriptions Interest payable and similar charges Independent Examiners Fees |
Governance Finance costs Totals £ £ £ 1,795 1,686 10,187 2020 2019 Total Services activities £ £ 5,899 5,822 162 158 354 349 291 300 1,795 4,924 1,686 1,620 10,187 13,173 |
|---|---|
4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2020 nor for the year ended 31 December 2019.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2020 nor for the year ended 31 December 2019.
5. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Executive | 1 | 1 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
The Senior executive is employed by Sevenoaks School and the charity is invoiced for his services.
6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 1 January 2020 Grants At 31 December 2020 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2020 At 31 December 2019 |
Freehold property £ 659,860 (341,965) 317,895 317,895 317,895 |
|---|---|
The 16 Almshouses at High Street, Sevenoaks, 8 Almshouses at Glebe Road, Weald, and 3 cottages at 1 - 3 Oak Square, Sevenoaks, were constructed in the 18th century, 1830's and 19th century respectively, the Burlington Room in the 1990's and the Major Laurie Flat in the 2000's.
Page 8
continued...
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2020
6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - continued
The above details relate to improvements carried out in 1986-87 which were funded by Housing Corporation Grants of £327,911 and a Council Grant of £14,054, and in 1997 which
were funded by a National Lottery Board Grant of £73,700 which was offset against the cost during that period in accordance with the terms of the grant.
7. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| 7. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS |
||
|---|---|---|
| NAACIF Income Shares £ MARKET VALUE At 1 January 2020 193,362 Additions 75,000 Disposals - Unrealised Gains / (losses) (899) At 31 December 2020 267,463 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2020 267,463 At 31 December 2019 193,362 There were no investment assets outside the UK. 8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 10) Other creditors 9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR Bank loans (see note 10) 10. LOANS An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: Amounts falling due within one year: Bank loans Amounts falling due between two and five years: Bank loans - 2-5 years |
Charities Deposit Fund £ 262,333 690 (50,000) - 213,023 213,023 262,333 2020 £ 15,784 1,723 17,507 2020 £ 39,893 2020 £ 15,784 39,893 |
Totals £ 455,695 75,690 (50,000) (899) 480,486 480,486 455,695 2019 £ 15,078 1,656 16,734 2019 £ 56,384 2019 £ 15,078 56,384 |
Page 9
continued...
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2020
11. SECURED DEBTS
The following secured debts are included within creditors:
Bank loans
| 2020 £ 55,677 |
2019 £ 71,462 |
|---|---|
Barclays Bank Loan is secured by a charge on 21-24 Glebe Road, Weald,Sevenoaks,Kent. The loan is repayable by equal instalments, the final instalment falling due on 29th April 2024.
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Net movement At 1/1/20 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 610,678 3,367 Long Term Maintenance fund 145,000 - 755,678 3,367 TOTAL FUNDS 755,678 3,367 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming Resources resources expended £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 207,896 (203,630) TOTAL FUNDS 207,896 **(203,630) ** |
Transfers between At funds 31/12/20 £ £ (75,000) 539,045 75,000 220,000 - 759,045 - 759,045 Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ (899) 3,367 (899) **3,367 ** |
|---|---|
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Long Term Maintenance fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1/1/19 £ 543,278 70,000 613,278 613,278 |
Net movement in funds £ 142,400 - 142,400 142,400 |
Transfers between funds £ (75,000) 75,000 - - |
At 31/12/19 £ 610,678 145,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 755,678 | ||||
| 755,678 |
Page 10
continued...
The Sevenoaks Almshouse Charity
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 31 December 2020
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming Resources resources expended £ £ 212,205 (90,338) 212,205 (90,338) |
Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ 20,533 142,400 20,533 142,400 |
Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ 20,533 142,400 20,533 142,400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 142,400 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Long Term Maintenance fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1/1/19 £ 543,278 70,000 613,278 613,278 |
Net movement in funds £ 145,767 - 145,767 145,767 |
Transfers between funds £ (150,000) 150,000 - - |
At 31/12/20 £ 539,045 220,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 759,045 | ||||
| 759,045 |
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming Resources resources expended £ £ 420,101 (293,968) 420,101 (293,968) |
Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ 19,634 145,767 19,634 145,767 |
Gains and Movement losses in funds £ £ 19,634 145,767 19,634 145,767 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 145,767 |
13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
During the year sums amounting to £10,684 were paid to a Trustee Mr G Merrett in respect of professional fees.
Page 11