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2023-12-31-accounts

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Registered Charity No. 226936

Page
Reference and administrative information 2
Report of the directors of the corporate trustee 3-8
Independent auditor's report 9-11
Statement of financial activities 122
Balance sheet 13
Statement of cash flows 14
Notes to the accounts 15-27

Westminster Almshouses Foundation REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Corporate Trustee
Directors of the
Corporate Trustee
Clerk
Charity Number
Address
Website
Auditor
Solicitors
Investment Advisors
Bankers		 Westminster Almshouses Corporate Trustee
Rev Graham Buckle
Ms Sally Fish
Ms Susan Ford (Chair)
Cllr James Glen
Lady Joanna Knatchbull
Mr Charles Lillis
Dr Robert Linton, MBE (Resigned 1 Sept 2023)
Miss Suzanne Procter
Lady Robathan (Appointed 26 July 2023)
Cllr Selina Short
Ms Lucy Slater
Mr Xavier Villers
Ms Naomi Roper (to 13 December 2023)
Mr Des Scott (From 13 December 2023)
226936
42 Rochester Row
London SW1P 1BU
Telephone 020 7828 3131
clerk@westminsteralmshouses.com
www.westminsteralmshouses.com
Buzzacott LLP
130 Wood Street
London EC2V 6DL
BDB Pitmans
1 Bartholomew Close
London EC1A 7BL
Sarasin & Partners LLP
London EC4M 8BU
CafBank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
West Malling ME19 4JQ

2

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The directors of the corporate trustee of Westminster Almshouses Foundation (herein referred to as purposes of Section 162 of the Charities Act 2011 together with the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 which have been prepared in accordance with the 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Westminster Almshouses Foundation is regulated by a Scheme of the Charity Commissioners of 21 December 2007, which became operative on 1 January 2008. This scheme brought together seven independent charities which had previously been operating under the common management of the United Westminster Almshouses charity. The other charities were The Forrest and Grinsell Foundation, The Sarah Duchess of Somerset Charity, The Edward Dickinson Charity, The Bengough Charity, Vachers Endowment, and the United Westminster Almshouses Common Investment Fund.

Trustees / Directors

Since 2016 the trustee board has been incorporated. This was done to simplify transactions, and to make trusteeship more attractive by limiting trustee liability.

The directors of the corporate trustee comprise one ex-officio director who is the incumbent of the parish of St Stephen with St John, Westminster, up to three nominated directors appointed by the London Borough of the City of Westminster and up to eight co-opted directors. All directors serve for a term of four years and may be re-elected. The Chair of the charity and the Chairs of its sub committees are subject to annual election. During the year Westminster City Council made the decision they no longer wished to nominate councillors to the Westminster Almshouse Foundation board. The board are in the process of altering the scheme document to reflect these changes.

New directors may be sought by advertisement or through open dialogue with the many organisations or individuals with whom the charity is in regular contact.

The induction process for any newly appointed director comprises an initial meeting with the Chair and Clerk to explain the operation of the charity and its committees. The appointee receives a copy of the regulating scheme, recent minutes and a copy of the latest report and accounts. The appointee is also The Essential Trustee and is advised of the Charity C confirming they have read Sections 178-180 of the Charities Act (2011) and are not disqualified from acting as a trustee.

The directors of the corporate trustee act as the trustees of the charity. During the year the directors of the corporate trustee were as follows:

Rev Graham Buckle Ms Sally Fish Ms Susan Ford Cllr James Glen Lady Joanna Knatchbull Mr Charles Lillis Dr Robert Linton, MBE (resigned 1 September 2023) Miss Suzanne Procter Lady Robathan (appointed 26 July 2023) Cllr Selina Short Ms Lucy Slater Mr Xavier Villers

3

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

Governance and organisational structure

The directors meet at least once a quarter in plenary session. There are three sub-committees which meet between the main meetings and report to them. One committee is responsible for Finance and Investments; this committee is chaired by Mr. Charles Lillis and has people with finance and investment experience among its membership. The Grants Committee is chaired by Lady Joanna Knatchbull, overseeing both the individual and organisational grant making streams for the Foundation. The matters, was chaired by Dr Robert Linton until the end of August 2023 and then by Miss Susan Procter. Day-to-day administration of the charity is delegated to the Clerk and his staff.

Key Management Personnel

For statutory purposes, the directors of the corporate trustee are included in the key management personnel of the Foundation given their role in the overall governance and leadership of the Foundation and in setting strategy and policy. Key management personnel also includes the Clerk (and for an interim period, the Deputy Clerk) to the directors who is responsible to the board for the implementation of board decisions and the management of the day to day operations.

Salaries for the Clerk and other charity staff are set by the directors using the annual consumer price index as a guide.

The Clerk was supported in the year by three part-time office staff and two maintenance staff.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CHARITY

Objects

The charity has three objects: almshouses, relief in need and education. Its main area of benefit is the London Borough of the City of Westminster (although it is also able to help outside this area to a limited extent).

The almshouse objects are:

The relief in need objects are the relief of persons who are:

The educational objects are the relief of persons who are:

by advancing their education and training in such ways as the trustees think fit.

Activities

The main activity of the almshouses branch is the provision of single bedroom self-contained flats in central London. Many of the current buildings date from 1882 but all have been refurbished to a high standard to provide modern amenities without disturbing the charm of the estate which is a particular bringing the total number of residents flats to 41.

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WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

Activities (continued)

The objectives of the relief in need branch are fulfilled through the provision of grants Our individual grantmaking programme is geared to offer financial support, to those who are experiencing extreme financial hardship and/or establishing their first tenancy and in need of basic household goods. The majority of these applications are referred by other charities and agencies such as Citizens Advice Bureaux, Social Services and homeless organisations, who have carried out their own due diligence, helping to ensure that our grant monies are effectively applied. We also have an organisational grant programme offering small grants to organisations supporting those in need and additionally community projects supporting local people.

The provision of education grants through the Forrest and Grinsell Exhibition scheme was reviewed in 2012 and a more wide-ranging scheme covering other types of training and education was agreed in 2014. Grants given under these criteria are outlined overleaf in the Relief in Need Branch section.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Almshouse Branch

One resident moved on to accommodation more suited to her needs. The almshouses welcomed one new resident.

In total, two almshouse flats were redecorated, and a number of others received repairs and upgrades to keep them up to high standard. Other improvements were made to the estate including the restoration and repainting of the sash windows and other areas on blocks G and the courtyard.

Two new boilers commissioned toward the end of 2022 were in use over the year and showed a significant saving in energy costs.

Relief in Need Branch

In 2023 the charity awarded grants to a total value of £236,107 (2022: £252,377).

Of this amount £152,647 was awarded to organisations as listed below. Grant values range from £1,000 to £10,000.

Adventure Play Hub Age UK Befriend A Family Cardinal Hume Centre Org Grant Caxton Youth Organisation Central London Samaritans Door-Step Library Dream Arts Encouragement Trough the Art of Talking Family Lives In Deep Community Task Force - Drop In Open Age Sport 4 Health St Andrews YC St Barnabas CE Primary & Nursery School St Marylebone School St Peter's Eaton Square Primary School St Vincent's Family Project

5

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Relief in Need Branch (continued)

The Avenues Project The Caedman Company The Kids Network University Of Westminster - School Science Volta West End Community Trust

In addition to the individual grant programme, £27,000 was awarded in organisational grants to The Marylebone Project, Cardinal Hume Centre and the Single Homeless Project to be used by those charities to assist individuals. The remaining £56,460 was used to award grants to individuals.

RISK MANAGEMENT

During the year, the directors implemented an enhanced risk management procedure to supplement the internal controls already in place. The welfare of our residents is paramount and underpins all areas of staff, financial and building risks. The major risks that the charity is exposed to have been identified and assessed, and control systems have been identified and reviewed to mitigate those risks. Recognising that it is sound practice to do so, the directors monitor these risks on a regular basis, or when new activities or events (including external factors) may warrant the imposition of new controls. The directors perform an annual review of the risk management framework as well as considering any risks arising during the year at their regular meetings.

The directors recognise that their fundamental duty to act in the best interests of the charity includes the protection of the assets of the charity and their application for the objects of the charity. In order to discharge this duty, the directors have continued to ensure that adequate internal financial and

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Almshouses

Contributions from residents and private letting income for the year totalled £498,916 in comparison to £471,837 in 2022. After taking into account expenditure on this area of activities of £481,361 a small deficit of £9,523 was sustained in this area of operation. A number of flats were refurbished in this period.

Investments

The value of the investment portfolios includes both a permanent endowment fund and an expendable endowment fund. The combined value of the portfolios increased from £14,234,479 to £15,160,077 during the year. Investment income at £381,718 was higher than the previous year (2022: £326,256).

Fixed Assets

Movements in fixed assets are shown in the notes to the accounts in accordance with the accounting policies.

Relief in Need

Further details of grant expenditure in the year are provided on page 5 of these accounts.

6

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Reserves Policy (continued)

At 31 December 2023, the charity held fixed assets of £49,355,335. The greater part of this total, £34,195,258, was represented by tangible assets, mainly the almshouse buildings in Rochester Row. The balance of £15,160,077 was represented by investments, mainly invested in the stock market, and all of which could be realised at comparatively short notice. The charity also had net current assets of £52,732, including £91,785 of cash at the bank.

Of the total reserves £46,247,576 were held in endowment funds and £3,160,491 were held in unrestricted funds.

The reserves policy is to maintain significant free reserves to ensure that the charity can afford to maintain and improve the almshouse estate, which comprises grade two listed buildings, whenever the need arises. Regular investment in improvement in recent years has ensured that they remain in very good condition and therefore continue to attract interest from potential residents.

In view of continuing high demand on the charity, the current developments in the provision of accommodation and the uncertain level of investment income during a global economic downturn, the directors maintain that current levels of free reserves (unrestricted funds excluding fixed assets) as at 31 December 2023 of £2,222,484 are not excessive. Assets are adequate to fulfil the obligations of the charity and are realisable at short notice.

Grant making policy

The Grants Committee is charged with distributing approximately £250,000 per year, in accordance with the criteria set out in the governing scheme as follows: the former Forrest and Grinsell Foundation: not less than one third of income must be spent on educational objects as defined in the scheme; the former London; and the former Bengough Endowment: the remaining income may be spent on relief in need for persons living outside of the area of benefit. The Committee monitors applications and where schemes are undersubscribed (such as has been the case with the former Forrest and Grinsell Foundation) it invites applications from suitable potential beneficiaries.

In 2023, the charity awarded a total of £236,107 (2022: £252,377) towards grants, these are detailed on page 5 of this report.

Investment Policy

The directors believe that the preservation of capital is essential for the long-term benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, and in most circumstances the charity would not seek to utilise capital appreciation for current expenditure. The directors operate a Total Return Approach to investment: The principle of appreciation may be paid out and used for current expenditure, so long as it does not result in the value of the permanent endowment falling in real, inflation-adjusted terms.

Market conditions in 2023 resulted in a gain of both income and capital value.

Fundraising

The charity does not actively solicit donations and therefore is not registered with the Fundraising Regulator and does not subscribe to any fundraising codes of practice. When donations from individuals are received, the charity aims to protect personal data and never sells data or swaps data with other organisations. During 2023 £730 was received in donations. The charity received no complaints about fundraising activities.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

7

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

PUBLIC BENEFIT (continued)

Apart from widely drawn geographical limits, which were reviewed in conjunction with the Commission in 2007, there are no restrictions on who may benefit from the resources of the charity, other than a general requirement to demonstrate financial need. The bulk of our grant applicants are on means-tested benefits, or low incomes. Almshouse flats are only offered to those who meet our eligibility criteria, including those for financial and social need.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

In 2024 the charity plans to:

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITIES

The directors of the Corporate Trustee are responsible for preparing the report of the directors of the corporate trustee and accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the directors 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 income and expenditure of the charity for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Approved by the Directors and signed on their behalf by:

Chairperson

Date of approval:

Ms Susan Ford

8

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION

COPRORATE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Opinion

the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and notes to the accounts. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the accounts:

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards responsibilities for the audit of the accounts section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UK, including t accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern.

In auditing the accounts use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the accounts is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the accounts are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information the accounts does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the accounts, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the accounts, or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the accounts or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

9

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION

COPRORATE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Other information (continued)

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of directors

preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the accounts, the directors are responsibl a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the accounts as a whole are free our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these accounts.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

10

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION

COPRORATE TRUSTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(continued)

obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of noncompliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the

Use of our report

dance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and with regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Buzzacott LLP Statutory Auditor 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL

Buzzacott LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

05 June 2024

11

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted Endowment Unrestricted Endowment
Funds Funds Total Funds Funds Total
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
Notes £ £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Investment income 2 381,718 381,718 326,256 326,256
Other trading activities
(Private letting income) 80,728 80,728 82,469 82,469
Charitable activities
(Contributions from
residents) 418,188 418,188 389,368 389,368
Total income 880,634 880,634 798,093 798,093
Expenditure on:
Investment management 563 72,891 73,454 10,271 76,824 87,095
Charitable activities:
. Almshouses 3, 5 539,019 539,019 467,048 467,048
. Grants 3, 6 288,248 288,248 290,944 290,944
Total expenditure 827,830 72,891 900,721 768,263 76,824 845,087
Net (expenditure) income
before gains on
investments 52,804 (72,891) (20,087) 29,830 (76,824) (46,994)
Investment gains (losses) 10 65,968 506,648 572,616 (255,561) (1,831,437) (2,086,998)
Net income (expenditure)
for the year 118,772 433,757 552,529 (225,731) (1,908,261) (2,133,992)
Other recognised gains
and losses
Revaluation of freehold 9
property 5,070,751 5,070,751 2,386,500 2,386,500
Net movement in funds 13 118,772 5,504,508 5,623,280 (225,731) 478,239 252,508
Reconciliation of funds
Funds brought forward 1
January 3,041,719 40,743,068 43,784,787 3,267,450 40,264,829 43,532,279
Funds carried forward 31
December 14 3,160,491 46,247,576 49,408,067 3,041,719 40,743,068 43,784,787

All amounts derive from continuing operations. No other activities were initiated or discontinued during the two financial periods reported above. The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those reported in the above statement of financial activities. The notes on pages 15 to 27 form part of these accounts.

12

Westminster Almshouses Foundation BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes

FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
9
Investments
10

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
11
Cash at bank
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
12
NET CURRENT ASSETS
Net Assets
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
ENDOWMENT FUNDS
13
Almshouse branch
Relief in need branch
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
13
Almshouse branch
Relief in need branch		 31
December
2023
£
34,195,258
15,160,077

49,355,335
49,907
91,785
141,692
(88,960)
52,732
49,408,067
42,171,191
4,076,385
46,247,576
___
3,160,491
3,160,491
49,408,067		 31
December
2022
£
29,220,507
14,234,479
43,454,986
31,622
332,719
364,341
(34,540)
329,801
43,784,787
36,818,677
3,924,391
40,743,068
___
3,041,719
3,041,719
43,784,787

The accounts were approved and authorised for issue by the directors on and signed on their behalf by:

Chairman - Ms Susan Ford

The notes on pages 15 to 27 form part of these accounts.

Registered Charity No. 226936

13

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2022
Notes £ £
Cash flow from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities A (198,704) (275,239)
Cash flow from investing activities:
Dividends and interest from investments 381,718 326,256
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (257,316)
Proceeds from the disposal of investments 12,216,287 9,733,677
Purchase of investments (13,221,435) (9,623,638)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (623,430) 178,979
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year (822,134) (96,260)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 2023 1,345,272 1,441,532
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2023 B 523,138 1,345,272
Notes to the statement of cash flows for the year to 31 December 2023
A Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash used in operating activities
2023 2022
£ £
Net movement in funds (as per the statement of financial
activities) 5,623,280 252,508
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charge 96,000 92,372
Gains on revaluation of tangible fixed assets (5,070,751) (2,386,500)
(Gains) losses on investments (501,650) 2,085,677
Dividends and interest from investments (381,718) (326,256)
(Increase) decrease in debtors (18,285) 3,421
Increase in creditors 54,420 3,539
Net cash used in operating activities (198,704) (275,239)
B Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2023 2022
£ £
Cash at bank and in hand 91,785 332,719
Cash held by investment managers 431,353
 1,012,553
Total cash and cash equivalents
523,138 1,345,272

No separate reconciliation of net debt has been prepared as there is no difference between the net cash (debt) of the charity and the above cash and cash equivalents.

14

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the accounts are laid out below.

1a Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared for the year to 31 December 2023. The accounts have been prepared the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP FRS 102), 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 are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound.

1b Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Preparation of the accounts requires the directors and management to make significant judgements and estimates.

The items in the accounts where these judgements and estimates have been made include:

1c Assessment of going concern.

The directors have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. The directors have made this assessment in respect to a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these accounts.

The directors of the charity have concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern.

Given the levels of cash at bank, listed investments and free reserves as at 31 December 2023 together with the financial forecasts for 2024 and 2025, the directors are of the opinion that the charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due. The most significant areas of judgement that affect items in the accounts are detailed above. With regard to the next accounting period, the year ending 31 December 2024, the most significant areas that affect the carrying value of the assets held by the charity remain the level of investment return and the performance of the investment markets (see the investment policy and the risk rt for more information).

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WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1d Income

Income is recognised in the period in which the charity has entitlement to the income, the amount of income can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received.

Income comprises donations, investment income, other income and income from charitable activities.

In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS 102 volunteer time is not recognised.

Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

1e

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to make a payment 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 on an accruals basis.

The directors recognise a long-term and compelling moral obligation to maintain pensions once granted, wherever possible and appropriate. However, all pensions are subject to a quarterly review so there is no continuing liability. The charity makes only one-off grants and there is therefore no continuing liability.

All expenditure is stated inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

1f

Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs represent indirect charitable expenditure. In order to carry out the primary purposes of the charity it is necessary to provide support in the form of personnel development, financial procedures, provision of office services and equipment and a suitable working environment.

Overhead and support costs are allocated first between charitable activities and governance. Overhead and support costs relating to charitable activities are subsequently apportioned between the Almshouse and Relief in Need branches.

Governance costs cover the costs of compliance with the constitutional and statutory requirements and the costs of strategic planning that contribute to the future development of the charity.

1g Tangible fixed assets

No historic cost is available for the majority of the almshouse estate. As a specialist property with restrictions on its use, the directors believe it would be difficult to obtain a market valuation for the almshouse estate. Furthermore, the directors feel it would be inappropriate to devote resources to establishing a market valuation as they have no intention of selling any of the estate. The properties are instead stated at their insurance rebuild valuation, as an approximation for the replacement cost of the asset. The directors assess the valuation each year with reference to property indices, and every three to five years obtain a full valuation report. For the year ended 31 December 2020, a full valuation was undertaken by Brian Lamden, FRICS (Chartered Surveyor).

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WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1g Tangible fixed assets (continued)

believe that there has been a change in the value of the property, based on replacement cost, during the year ended 31 December 2023 and so the accounts reflected this uplift in value.

Artefacts which have been gifted to the charity are periodically revalued. They are not depreciated as their net value is not expected to fall below the carrying amount.

The directors capitalise the costs of major works on the almshouse estate. These items are included under plant and machinery in note 9 and are depreciated at 5% - 10% on a straight line basis. depreciation is charged at 25% p.a. on cost.

1h Investments

Listed investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price.

Both realised and unrealised gains are accounted for through the statement of financial activities in the year in which the sale or revaluation takes place. Gains and losses are allocated between the funds in proportion to the investments held in each fund.

1i Debtors

Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.

1j Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition.

1k Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt.

1l Pension contributions

contributions are restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 8. There were no outstanding contributions at the year end. The charity has no liability beyond making its contributions and

1m Funds structure

Endowment funds relate to monies given to the charity for retention, as capital, indefinitely. The charity has two permanent endowment funds, one representing the Almshouse branch and the second the Relief in Need branch. Unrestricted funds represent monies which may be used to meet the charitable objectives of the charity, and which may be applied at the discretion of the directors.

17

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2 INVESTMENT INCOME

Almshouse
Branch
£
Listed investment income
240,618
240,618
Almshouse
Branch
£
Listed investment income
240,008
240,008
ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
Direct
costs
(Note
5&6)
£
Almshouses
417,356
Grants
236,107
653,463
Direct
costs
(Note
5&6)
£
Almshouses
379,390
Grants
253,377
632,767		 Relief in
Need
Branch
£
141,100
141,100
Relief in
Need
Branch
£
86,248
86,248
Support
costs
(Note 4)
£
121,663
52,141
173,804
Support
costs
(Note 4)
£
87,658
37,567
125,225		 2023
Total
£
381,718
381,718
2022
Total
£
326,256
326,256
2023
Total
£
539,019
288,248
827,267
2022
Total
£
467,048
290,944
757,992

3 ANALYSIS OF CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE

18

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4 ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS AND OVERHEADS

4
ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS AND OVERHEADS
Staff costs (note 8)
Administrative expenses
Governance (note 7)
Support costs have been allocated:
Almshouses expenditure
Relief in need expenditure
5
ALMSHOUSES EXPENDITURE- DIRECT COSTS
Staff costs (note 8)
Property services
Repairs and maintenance
Professional fees
Depreciation
6
RELIEF IN NEED EXPENDITURE
Grants to individuals
Grants to organisations
Pensions		 Total
2023
£
109,810
43,527
20,467
173,804
121,663
52,141
173,804
2023
Total
£
7,177
93,017
150,495
70,667
96,000
417,356
2023
Total
£
55,060
179,647
1,400
236,107		 Total
2022
£
85,052
10,468
29,705
125,225
87,658
37,567
125,225
2022
Total
£
29,013
91,665
114,371
42,372
9,597
92,372
379,390
2022
Total
£
53,435
198,942
1,000
253,377
253,377

19

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 GOVERNANCE COSTS

Trustee indemnity insurance
Audit fees
Accountancy
Legal fees and other advisory fees
8
STAFF COSTS
Salaries and wages

Employers' national insurance
Pension contributions

Staff costs have been allocated as
follows:
Support costs (note 4)
Almshouses expenditure (note 5)		 2023
Total
£
2,352
11,250
6,092
773
_____
20,467
2023
Total
£
187,557

12,547
2,723
202,827

109,810
93,017
202,827		 2022
Total
£
2,352
14,460
749
12,144
_____
29,705
2022
Total
£
159,762
11,490
5,465
176,717
85,052
91,665
176,717

The average number of full-time employees was none (2022: none). The average number of part-time employees was six (2022: six).

No employees received remuneration in excess of £60,000 for the year (2022: none).

The key management personnel of the charity for statutory purposes are the directors of the corporate trustee who govern and lead the Foundation. They set strategy and policy together with the Clerk (and for an interim period, the Deputy Clerk) who are responsible for the day to day management of the charity and its staff.

for the Clerk and Deputy Clerk during the year was £83,553 (2022: one employee £57,542).

20

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9 TANGIBLE ASSETS FOR USE BY THE CHARITY

Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Revaluation
At 31 December 2023
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2023
Net Book Value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Artefacts
£
Freehold
Property
£
Plant &
Machinery
£
Fixtures
Fittings &
Equipment
£
Total
£
88,759
28,186,501
1,607,459
16,372
29,899,091
5,070,751
5,070,751
88,759
33,257,252
1,607,459
16,372
34,969,842
664,815
13,769
678,584
93,397
2,603
96,000
758,212
16,372
774,584
88,759
33,257,252
849,247
34,195,258
88,759
28,186,501
942,644
2,603
29,220,507

The freehold property was valued on 7 October 2020 by Brian Lamden, FRICS (Chartered Surveyor) in accordance with the fixed asset accounting policy. Based upon the latest correspondence with the change in the value of the property, based on replacement cost, during the year ended 31 December 2023 and so the accounts reflect this uplift in value.

21

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10
INVESTMENTS
Market value at 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals at book value (proceeds
£12,216,286; realised gains of £182,822
Unrealised investment gains
Market value at 31 December 2023
Cash held by investment manager
Total market value at 31 December
2023
Cost of listed investment at 31 December
2023		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
2023
£
2023
£
11,717,741
1,504,185
13,221,926
11,947,298
1,274,137
13,221,435
(11,341,356)
(763,076)
(12,104,432)
366,714
23,081
389,795		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
2023
£
2023
£
11,717,741
1,504,185
13,221,926
11,947,298
1,274,137
13,221,435
(11,341,356)
(763,076)
(12,104,432)
366,714
23,081
389,795		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
2023
£
2023
£
11,717,741
1,504,185
13,221,926
11,947,298
1,274,137
13,221,435
(11,341,356)
(763,076)
(12,104,432)
366,714
23,081
389,795		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
2023
£
2023
£
11,717,741
1,504,185
13,221,926
11,947,298
1,274,137
13,221,435
(11,341,356)
(763,076)
(12,104,432)
366,714
23,081
389,795
12,690,397
382,995
13,073,392
12,573,021		 2,038,327
48,358
2,086,685
2,073,213		 14,728,724
431,353
15,160,077
14,646,234
Market value at 1 January 2022
Additions
Disposals at book value (proceeds
£9,733,677; realised losses of £622,318)
Unrealised investment losses
Market value at 31 December 2022
Cash held by investment manager
Total market value at 31 December 2022
Cost of listed investment at 31 December
2022		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
2022
£
2022
£
13,527,911
1,889,731
15,417,642
8,453,771
1,171,188
9,623,579
(8,974,160)
(1,381,835)
(10,355,995)
(1,289,781)
(174,899)
(1,463,359)		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
2022
£
2022
£
13,527,911
1,889,731
15,417,642
8,453,771
1,171,188
9,623,579
(8,974,160)
(1,381,835)
(10,355,995)
(1,289,781)
(174,899)
(1,463,359)		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
2022
£
2022
£
13,527,911
1,889,731
15,417,642
8,453,771
1,171,188
9,623,579
(8,974,160)
(1,381,835)
(10,355,995)
(1,289,781)
(174,899)
(1,463,359)		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
2022
£
2022
£
13,527,911
1,889,731
15,417,642
8,453,771
1,171,188
9,623,579
(8,974,160)
(1,381,835)
(10,355,995)
(1,289,781)
(174,899)
(1,463,359)
11,717,741
896,652
12,614,393
12,430,530		 1,504,185
115,901
1,620,086
1,645,608		 13,221,926
1,012,553
14,234,479
14,076,138

22

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10 INVESTMENTS (continued)

Analysis of listed investments at market value:

Fixed interest
(13%)
UK equities
(16%)
Global equities
(52%)
Property
(4%)
Alternative assets
(9%)
Liquid assets
(6%)
Market value at 31 December 2023		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
1,800,470
231,615
2,032,085
1,297,707
1,178,371
2,476,078
7,851,597
7,851,597
488,647
62,695
551,342
1,251,976
161,154
1,413,130
382,995
452,850
835,845
13,073,392
2,086,685
15,160,077
Fixed interest
(11%)
UK equities
(19%)
Global equities
(50%)
Property
(4%)
Alternative assets
(8%)
Liquid assets
(7%)
Market value at 31 December 2022
Material investment holdings at 31
December 2023:
Sarasin Responsible Corporate Bond Class I
Sarasin Thematic Global Equity Class I		 Listed investments
Permanent
Endowment
Unrestricted
funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
1,370,397
176,554
1,546,951
2,430,480
310,930
2,741,410
6,357,233
820,471
7,177,704
552,778
70,914
623,692
1,006,853
125,316
1,132,169
896,652
115,901
1,012,553
12,614,393
1,620,086
14,234,479
% of combined
portfolio
10
7

23

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10 INVESTMENTS (continued)

Material investment holdings at 31 % of combined
December 2022: portfolio
Sarasin Responsible Corporate Bond Class I 11
Sarasin Thematic Global Equity Class I 25
Sarasin Thematic Global Equity Class I (Hedged) 24
11 DEBTORS
2023 2022
£ £
Sundry debtors and prepayments 21,853 20,746
Accrued investment income 28,054 10,876
49,907 31,622
12 CREDITORS
2023 2022
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Accruals 42,759 20,244
Trade and other creditors 46,201 14,178
Sundry creditors 118
88,960 34,540
13 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Balance at Balance at
1 January Movement 31
2023 in funds December
£ £ 2023
£
ALMSHOUSE BRANCH
Endowment Funds 36,818,677 5,352,514 42,171,191
Unrestricted Funds 3,041,719 118,772 3,160,491
RELIEF IN NEED BRANCH
Endowment Funds 3,924,391 151,994 4,076,385
43,784,787 5,623,280 49,408,067

24

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (continued)

Balance at Balance at Balance at Balance at
1 January Movement 31
2022 in funds December
£ £ 2022
£
ALMSHOUSE BRANCH
Endowment Funds 35,791,007 1,027,670 36,818,677
Unrestricted Funds 3,267,450 (225,731) 3,041,719
RELIEF IN NEED BRANCH
Endowment Funds 4,473,822 (549,431) 3,924,391
43,532,279 252,508 43,784,787
2023
Gains, 2023
2023 2023 lossesand 2023 Movement
Income Expenditure revaluations Transfers in funds
£ £ £ £ £
ALMSHOUSE BRANCH
Endowment Funds (72,891) 5,425,405 5,352,514
Unrestricted Funds 739,534 (539,582) 65,968 (147,148) 118,772
RELIEF IN NEED
BRANCH
Endowment Funds 151,994 151,994
Unrestricted Funds 141,100 (288,248) 147,148
880,634 (900,721) 5,643,367 5,623,280
2022
Gains, 2022
2022
2022		 losses and
2022
Movement
Income
Expenditure		 revaluations Transfers
in funds
£ £ £ £
£
ALMSHOUSE BRANCH
Endowment Funds (76,824) 1,104,494 1,027,670
Unrestricted Funds 711,845
(477,319)		 (255,561) (204,696)
(225,731)
RELIEF IN NEED
BRANCH
Endowment Funds (549,431) (549,431)
Unrestricted Funds 86,248
(290,944)		 204,696
798,093
(845,087)		 299,502 252,508

Gains and losses on investments are split in the ratio of 70:30 between the Almshouse Branch and the Relief in Need Branch. In line with the scheme which allows for additional funding to be provided from the Almshouse Branch to the Relief in Need Branch, a transfer of £204,817 (2022: £204,696) has been made from the Almshouse Branch of the unrestricted fund to the Relief in Need Branch of the same fund, to clear an in-year deficit.

25

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted
Endowment
2023
Funds Funds Total
£ £ Funds
£
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are represented by
Tangible fixed assets 938,006 33,257,252 34,195,258
Investments 2,086,685 13,073,392 15,160,077
Net current assets (liabilities) 135,800 (83,068) 52,732
Total net assets **3,160,491 ** **46,247,576 ** 49,408,067
Unrestricted
Endowment
2022
Funds Funds Total Funds
£ £ £
Fund balances at 31 December 2022 are represented by
Tangible fixed assets _1,034,006 _ _28,186,501 _ 29,220,507
Investments _1,620,085 _ _12,614,394 _ 14,234,479
Net current assets (liabilities) 387,628 (57,827) 329,801
Total net assets _3,041,719 _ _40,743,068 _ 43,784,787

The total unrealised gains as at 31 December 2023 comprise movements on revaluations as follows:

follows:
2023 2022
£ £
Reconciliation of movements in unrealised gains (losses)
Unrealised gains at 1 January (854,212) 2,406,879
Less: in respect to disposals in the year 546,908 (1,796,411)
Add: net gains (losses) arising on revaluation 389,794 (1,464,680)
Total unrealised gains/(losses) at 31 December 82,490 (854,212)

As stated in note 1g, it is not possible to ascertain the cost of the property which is held at a value based on replacement cost.

15 DIRECTORS' REMUNERATION AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES

Directors do not receive any remuneration and no director drew any expenses during the year (2022: none).

26

WESTMINSTER ALMSHOUSES FOUNDATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

16 RELATED PARTIES

Councillor Jim Glen who is a director and a member of the grants committee is also the chair of governors for St Peters school who were awarded a grant of £10,000 from the Almshouses. Councillor Glen withdrew from discussions and the decision making for this application (In 2022 there were no related party transactions).

There were no other related party transactions.

27