OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-09-29-accounts

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE

FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MICHAELMAS 2023

(29 SEPTEMBER 2023)

Registered charity number: 227620

ARMSTRONG WATSON Chartered Accountants Newcastle upon Tyne

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

CONTENTS

Page

1
 Reference and administrative details
2 to 5
 Report of the Committee of Stewards
6 to 8
 Independent auditors' report
9
 Statement of financial activities
10
 Balance sheet
11
 Statement of cash flows
12 to 19 Notes to the financial statements

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED MICHAELMAS 2023

Charity registered number: 227620
Chairman: H D Wilson
Vice Chairman: N B Atkinson
Stewards Committee: P Anderson
H Alder (appointed 9 October 2023)
C G Atkinson
N B Atkinson
A R Bainbridge
K Hall (resigned 9 October 2023)
J Johnson
B Nesbitt
S W D Walker (appointed 10 October 2022)
H D Wilson
P Powell
P Summerhill (appointed 10 October 2022)
D G Waugh FCA
Hon Treasurer: D G Waugh FCA
Principal Office: Moor Bank Lodge
Claremont Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4NL
Auditors: Armstrong Watson Audit Limited
One Strawberry Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4BX
Bankers: Lloyds Bank Plc
Grey Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 1SL
Investment Managers: CCLA Investment Management Limited
One Angel Lane
London
EC4R 3AB

1

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF STEWARDS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED MICHAELMAS 2023

The Stewards Committee are pleased to present their report, together with the audited financial statements of the Charity for the year ended Michaelmas 2023.

Reference and administrative details set out on page 1 form part of this report. The financial statements comply with the accounting policies set out in note 2, the Charities Act 2011, the Charity’s governing document and the Statement of Recommended Practice 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).

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The Charity is registered with the Charity Commission as The Town Moor Charity, Registration Number 227620. The Stewards Committee of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne manages the affairs of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne in accordance with the governing documents; the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988 and the Rules and Orders of the Stewards of the Incorporated Companies of the Freemen of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Recruitment and appointment of Stewards Committee

The Stewards Committee is the body of trustees appointed by annual election each Michaelmas Guild. Any Steward of a Company of Freemen is eligible to stand for election. There are 28 active Companies of Freemen with 82 Company Stewards, who represent 1,880 Freemen.

At the Michaelmas Guild, the Stewards Committee consisting of not less than 9 and not more than 12 Stewards shall be elected under the authority of Section 6 of the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988. Each Steward elected to the Stewards Committee shall remain a member of the Committee until the next Michaelmas Guild or until earlier resignation, even should he cease to be a Steward in the interim period. Should a member of the Stewards Committee die or resign from the Committee then the Committee has the power to co-opt any Steward to fill any casual vacancy until the Michaelmas Guild next following such vacancy.

Induction and support for trustees in exercising duties

The induction and training of trustees is dealt with according to individual need and supported by an Information Pack outlining the role and responsibilities of being a trustee as well as information parochial to the affairs and good management of the Charity.

Organisation

The Stewards Committee acts as an executive body and is accountable to the overall body of Freemen to whom they report on matters of operational and strategic significance in relation to the Town Moor three times a year at the Corpus Christi, Michaelmas and Lent Guilds. The Stewards Committee hold a full committee meeting each month, with other meetings being held as and when required. The Town Moor Superintendent is appointed by the Stewards Committee to effectively co-ordinate the day to day operational affairs of the organisation in direct working liaison with designated trustees.

Related parties

1. Town Moor Money Charity (linked charity)

2

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF STEWARDS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED MICHAELMAS 2023

Related parties (continued)

2. St Mary Magdalene and Holy Jesus Trust

Risk management

The trustees actively review the major risks which the Charity faces on a regular basis and believe that by maintaining reserves combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems, will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

Objectives and activities

The Stewards Committee adopts schemes and policies with regard to ensuring the effective maintenance of the Newcastle Town Moor, overseeing investments and income generated to fund the daily management and improvement of the Town Moor, all of which is aimed at securing the wellbeing for grazing for future generations of Freemen and safeguarding the open space for the citizens of Newcastle to enjoy traditional rights of ‘air and exercise’, in accordance with the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988.

In essence, the strategic direction of the Charity focuses on the Stewards Committee maintaining and successfully managing the Town Moor for grazing, albeit in an urban environment, whilst also looking to the confidence of the general public in this major environmental asset. Under the Act, the Town Moor is safeguarded from encroachment and risk of development by the continuation of grazing therefore land management issues centre around sustaining proper standards of agricultural cultivation and maintenance of boundaries whilst trying to balance bio-diversity. The overriding aim is to maintain the required standard within budget and which is dependent upon the income in any fiscal year.

In planning and carrying out the Charity’s activities for the year, the trustees have considered the guidance produced by the Charities Commission on public benefit, including the guidance ‘public benefit: running a charity (PB2)’.

Achievements and performance

Financial review

Net income, after net losses on investments, was £258,019 (2022: net expenditure after net losses on investments was £10,337) as disclosed in the statement of financial activities on page 9. The total funds at Michaelmas 2023 amounted to £5,117,181 (2022: £4,859,162).

The principal sources of income comprise rents, wayleaves, lettings and investment income and in accordance with the provisions of the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988, the Stewards Committee applies the income to the improvement and management of the Newcastle Town Moor.

3

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF STEWARDS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED MICHAELMAS 2023

Investment policy

The Charity’s investment policy is to have a diverse base to spread risk whilst simultaneously aiming for capital appreciation at least equivalent to inflation and an income return sufficient to meet future capital expenditure needs and ongoing and cyclical operational costs not recovered from income from operations.

The investments held by the Charity are quoted investments from which income of £150,614 (2022: £122,238) was received during the year. The quoted investments are mainly professionally managed by CCLA Investment Management Limited (Charities Official Investment Funds). The fair value of the investments was £4,093,875 (2022: £4,185,967). The trustees consider the investment return to be in line with the investment objectives set.

Reserves policy

The trustees have examined the requirement for free reserves which are those unrestricted funds not invested in fixed assets, designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed. The trustees consider that the reserves held are sufficient to generate income to meet the costs of the maintenance, reinstatement and management if there was a drop in rental or other income from the Town Moor. The free reserves not invested in fixed assets, designated and restricted funds at Michaelmas 2023 were £585,609 (2022: £581,706).

The restricted capital reserve of the Charity amounted to £1,496,583 (2022: £1,529,037) and is held specifically under the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988 to be used to finance improvements to the Town Moor.

The total restricted funds of the linked charity at Michaelmas 2023 were £79,708 (Michaelmas 2022: £50,008).

Plans for future period

Funding provision is being set aside for capital and revenue schemes including:

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Committee of Stewards 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 & 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 income and application of resources of the Charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

4

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF STEWARDS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED MICHAELMAS 2023

Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements (continued)

The trustees 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 financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the governing documents. 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.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

On behalf of the Stewards Committee

H D Wilson Chairman 3 April 2024

5

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE OF STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Stewards of the Incorporated Companies of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne (The Town Moor Charity), the Charity, for the year ended Michaelmas 2023 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

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 are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that our audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Report of the Committee of Stewards other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Report of the Committee of Stewards. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. 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.

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 (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

6

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE OF STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on pages 4 and 5, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes 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 the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

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:

Based on our understanding of the Charity, discussions with trustees who are those charged with governance, we considered that the most significant laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial statements are FRS 102, the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988 and UK taxation legislation.

As part of the engagement team discussion about the susceptibility of the Charity’s financial statements to material misstatement due to fraud, we did not identify any areas with an increased risk.

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to identified risks, including non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud, which may have a material effect on the financial statements. Our audit procedures included but were not limited to:

7

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE OF STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements of the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the ISAs (UK).

The potential effects of inherent limitations are particularly significant in the case of misstatement resulting from fraud because fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of internal controls.

The primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities including fraud rests with those charged with governance.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of the audit report

This report is made solely to the Charity’s trustees as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an independent auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and Charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Armstrong Watson Audit Limited Statutory Auditor One Strawberry Lane Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4BX

Date: 24 April 2024

Armstrong Watson Audit Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the Charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor under Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

8

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

Notes
Income from :
Grants and donations
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
6
Other
7
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net income
Net losses on investments
Net income (expenditure) and movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
18		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
2022
funds
funds
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
-
845
845
1,604
560,392
52,160
612,552
460,140
15,395
-
15,395
7,862
150,422
192
150,614
122,238
25,492
-
25,492
103,722
751,701
53,197
804,898
695,566
431,290
23,497
454,787
539,400
431,290
23,497
454,787
539,400
320,411
29,700
350,111
156,166
(59,638)
(32,454)
(92,092)
(166,503)
260,773
(2,754)
258,019
(10,337)
3,280,117
1,579,045
4,859,162
4,869,499
3,540,890
1,576,291
5,117,181
4,859,162

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements

9

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

(THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT MICHAELMAS 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Inalienable and heritage assets
13
Investments
14
Current assets
Biological assets
15
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors:
Amounts falling due within one year
17
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds:
Unrestricted
18a
Restricted
18b
Total funds
18		 2023
2022
£
£
55,669
28,977
-
-
4,093,875
4,185,967
4,149,544
4,214,944
17,510
11,798
325,049
99,213
2,278,430
1,871,097
2,620,989
1,982,108
(1,653,352)
(1,337,890)
967,637
644,218
5,117,181
4,859,162
3,540,890
3,280,117
1,576,291
1,579,045
5,117,181
4,859,162

The financial statements were approved by the Stewards Committee on 3 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

H D Wilson

The notes on pages 12 to 19 form part of these financial statements

10

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

(THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

2023
£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities
(a)
287,702
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends and interest from investments
150,614
Purchase of plant and equipment
(43,233)
Proceeds from sale of plant and equipment
12,250
119,631
Change in cash in the year ended Michaemas 2023
407,333
Cash at Michaelmas 2022
1,871,097
Cash at Michaelmas 2023
2,278,430
Cash at bank
2,212,413
Cash at bank - linked charity
66,017
2,278,430
2023
£
a)
Reconciliation of net income (expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities
Net movement in funds for the year ended Michaelmas 2023 (as per
the statement of financial activities)
258,019
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
12,455
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
(8,164)
Losses on investments
92,092
Dividends and interest from investments
(150,614)
Increase in biological assets (livestock)
(5,712)
(Increase) decrease in debtors
(225,836)
Increase in creditors
315,462
Net cash provided by operating activities
287,702		 2022
£
184,614
122,238
(17,468)
-
104,770
289,384
1,581,713
1,871,097
1,828,164
42,933
1,871,097
2022
£
(10,337)
10,318
-
166,503
(122,238)
(2,428)
51,463
91,333
184,614

11

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

(THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

1. General information

The Stewards of the Incorporated Companies of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne (The Town Moor Charity) is a registered charity, number 227260. The Charity is unincorporated and its registered office is Moor Bank Lodge, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4NL.

2. Accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost unless otherwise stated. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) , the Financial Reporting Standard

applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.

The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and 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 Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 1 January 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity.

(b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The Charity has reviewed its cash flow forecasts and there is a reasonable expectation that it has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least the next twelve months and on this basis the Charity trustees consider to be a going concern.

(c) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds

The income and expenditure fund is credited with income arising from the Charity's activities and is charged with the costs involved in the maintenance of the Town Moor and the Charity's governance costs.

Designated funds

i) General reserve

The general reserve represents funds that are invested to provide income to meet the costs of the Charity.

ii) Town Moor Fund

The Town Moor Fund represents funds received to be used to finance the Charity's proportion of agreed improvements to be undertaken with the City of Newcastle upon Tyne and the Freemen.

Restricted funds

The capital reserve represents funds received under the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988 which are to be used to finance improvements to the Town Moor.

12

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

(THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

Restricted funds (continued)

ii) Town Moor Money Charity (linked charity)

The Town Moor Money Charity was established in accordance with The Charities (Town Moor Money Charity, Newcastle upon Tyne) Order 1970 and permission has been granted by the Charities Commission to treat it as a linked charity for registration and accounting purposes.

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity has entitlement to the income, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income has been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: Gifts in kind are included at valuation where material. Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis. To the extent that it relates to future periods, rental income is deferred and included within creditors in the balance sheet.

(e) Expenditure recognition Expenditure is recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.

Charitable expenditure comprises all costs of activities in furtherance of the objects of the Charity. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the Charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs are allocated on the basis of staff time spent on each activity and are shown in note 8 to the financial statements.

(f) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £1,000 (plant and equipment) and £100 (office equipment and fixtures and fittings) are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost over their estimated useful lives as follows: Plant and machinery 5 years straight line Office equipment 3 years straight line Fixtures and fittings 15% reducing balance Motor vehicles 5 years straight line

(g) Inalienable and heritage assets

As explained in note 13, inalienable and heritage assets have not been capitalised or depreciated.

(h) Investments

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at cost and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the bid price. Gains or losses arising on revaluation or disposal are recognised in the statement of financial activities in the funds in which the investments are held.

Biological assets consisting of livestock are valued at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

13

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

(j) Cash at bank

Cash at bank includes current and deposit instant access accounts, and a notice account.

(k) Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount.

(l)

Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial instruments and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially measured at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

(m) Pensions

The Charity makes contributions to a NEST scheme for all qualifying employees. Employees are automatically enrolled on the pension scheme unless the Charity is notified by the employee that they wish to opt out. The cost of these contributions is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities when payable.

3. Net income (expenditure)

3. Net income (expenditure)
Net income (expenditure) for the year is stated after charging:
Auditors' remuneration:
For audit services
For accountancy and other services
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
(Profit) on disposal of fixed assets
4
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Rents, intakes, wayleaves and lettings
Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988
129
-
Lettings
77,752
-
Rents and wayleaves
431,622
-
Rents - linked charity intakes
-
52,160
Town Moor herd
Sales of livestock
47,844
-
Agricultural grants
3,045
-
560,392
52,160
5
Income from other trading activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Administration fee (stint tickets)
5,929
-
Miscellaneous
9,466
-
15,395
-		 2023
2022
£
£
5,720
3,560
3,820
4,662
12,455
10,318
(8,164)
-


2023
2022

£
£
129
129
77,752
82,698
431,622
310,527
52,160
18,502
47,844
42,615
3,045
5,669
612,552
460,140


2023
2022

£
£
5,929
4,215
9,466
3,647
15,395
7,862

14

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

6
Income from investments
Investments
Bank interest
Bank interest - linked charity
7
Other income
Contribution towards Town Moor Fund projects
8
Total expenditure
a) Charity
Direct costs
Staff costs, fees and expenses
Town Moor maintenance and reinstatement
Livestock costs
Freemen events
Raceweek Festival costs
Property repairs and refurbishment
General office costs
Interest due to City of Newcastle
Depreciation
Profit on disposal of fixed assets
Legal and professional fees
Audit and accountancy fees
Guild event and expenses
Contribution to Incorporated Company expenses
Allocated support costs
Staff costs
b) Linked charity
Direct costs
Grants to individuals(Note 9)
Legal and professional fees
Cathedral hire
General office costs
9
Linked charity - grants to individuals
December 2021
85 beneficiaries
June 2023
76 beneficiaries
Special grants
2 beneficiaries		 Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
122,328
-
28,094
-
-
192
150,422
192
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
25,492
-
Charitable
Governance
activities
costs
£
£
127,051
10,200
90,479
-
46,152
-
19,854
-
8,488
-
3,015
-
44,932
45
20,534
-
12,455
-
(8,164)
-
10,191
-
3,180
5,720
-
6,638
2,400
-
2,086
26,034
382,653
48,637
23,150
-
-
-
312
-
35
-
23,497
-
406,150
48,637

2023
2022

£
£
122,328
121,095
28,094
1,134
192
9
150,614
122,238


2023
2022

£
£
25,492
103,722


2023
2022

£
£
137,251
115,291
90,479
232,571
46,152
42,388
19,854
-
8,488
7,483
3,015
9,666
44,977
47,628
20,534
898
12,455
10,318
(8,164)
-
10,191
11,191
8,900
7,620
6,638
5,119
2,400
2,700
28,120
21,048
431,290
513,921
23,150
21,100
-
4,139
312
200
35
40
23,497
25,479
454,787
539,400
2023
2022
£
£
11,475
10,975
11,400
10,125
275
-
23,150
21,100

15

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

(THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

10 Staff costs
Salaries
Social security costs
Pension contributions
The average number of employees, analysed by function was:
Town Moor maintenance and reinstatement
Administrative staff		 2023
2022
£
£
142,518
117,815
9,246
5,944
3,185
2,430
154,949
126,189
3
3
1
1
4
4

There are no employees with emoluments above £60,000 per annum (2022: - None).

11 a) Trustees' remuneration and expenses and key management personnel

The Honorary Treasurer received £4,200 (2022: £4,162) for his duties from the Charity. £0 (2022: £1,604) of this amount was donated to the linked charity.

The trustees receive allowances to cover expenses incurred in performance of their duties. All trustees received such allowances during the year. This is specifically allowed in accordance with

the Rules and Orders of the Stewards of the Incorporated Companies of Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne. The total amount paid was £6,000 to 12 trustees (2022: £5,500 to 11 trustees). The Charity considers its key management personnel comprise the trustees.

Other than the above, the trustees received no remuneration from the Charity (2022 : None).

b) Related party transactions

Company Stewards attending relevant meetings receive an expense allowance of £20. This is specifically allowed in accordance with the Rules and Orders of the Stewards of the Incorporated Companies of Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne. The total amount paid was £3,600 (2022 : £3,300).

There were no other related party transactions requiring disclosure.

12 Tangible assets
Cost
At Michaelmas 2022
Additions
Disposals
At Michaelmas 2023
Depreciation
At Michaelmas 2022
Charge for year
On disposals
At Michaelmas 2023
Net book value
At Michaelmas 2023
At Michaelmas 2022		 Plant and
Office
Fixtures
Motor
Total
machinery
equipment
and fittings
vehicles
£
£
£
173,275
26,871
1,110
14,750
216,006
36,810
400
-
6,023
43,233
(33,740)
-
-
-
(33,740)
176,345
27,271
1,110
20,773
225,499
161,821
22,939
794
1,475
187,029
6,660
1,995
47
3,753
12,455
(29,654)
-
-
-
(29,654)
138,827
24,934
841
5,228
169,830
37,518
2,337
269
15,545
55,669
11,454
3,932
316
13,275
28,977

16

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

(THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

13 Inalienable and heritage assets

Under the terms of the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988, the Charity is entitled to half of the rental, other income and capital receipts arising from the Town Moor, to be applied for the maintenance and improvement of the Town Moor, and in defraying the general expenses of the Stewards Committee. Income from grants of intake leases are wholly receivable by the Charity. The Charity is also entitled under the Act to half of any capital monies arising, to be used to finance improvements to the Town Moor or to be invested until required.

Under the terms of the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1988 the linked charity is entitled to rents from the intakes which have been designated by the Stewards of the Incorporated Companies of the Freemen of Newcastle upon Tyne (The Town Moor Charity).

The trustees have not attributed a value in the financial statements to the above rights as significant costs would be involved which would not provide any useful benefit to the users of the financial statements.

The Charity also owns a Chairman's Chain of Office and a Vice Chairman's Medallion. These are irreplaceable originals to which no reliable cost or value can be attributed. A ring commemorating a victory acknowledging the rights of the Freemen, thus securing the future of the Town Moor at the instigation of the Newcastle upon Tyne Town Moor Act 1774, was acquired in 2003 at a cost of £3,411 and was written off during that year. In 2013, the Newcastle upon Tyne Lord Mayor's coach was purchased from Newcastle City Council jointly by the Charity and Shepherd Offshore for a cost of £25,000 each and was treated as an expense during that year. The objectives of the purchase were to retain this historic artefact within the City.

14 Investments
Investments at fair value comprised :
Listed investments
At Michaelmas 2022
Purchase of investments
Disposals
Net losses on investments
At Michaelmas 2023
Historical cost at Michaelmas 2023 and 2022		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
2,686,857
1,499,110
4,185,967
4,352,470
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(59,638)
(32,454)
(92,092)
(166,503)
2,627,219
1,466,656
4,093,875
4,185,967
1,854,486
811,642
2,666,128
2,666,128

All investments are carried at their fair value. Investment in fixed interest and investment fund securities are all traded in quoted public markets. The basis of fair value for quoted investments is equivalent to the market value using the bid price.

15 Biological assets
Reconciliation of carrying amount:
At Michaelmas 2022
Purchases of livestock
Sales of livestock
At Michaelmas 2023		 2023
£
11,798
48,760
(43,048)
17,510

17

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

(THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

16 Debtors
Rental and letting income
Rental and letting income - linked charity
Other debtors and prepayments
17 Creditors : amounts falling due within one year
Creditors and accruals
Deferred income
Deferred income - owed by linked charity
18 Analysis of net assets between total funds
Unrestricted funds
Income and expenditure
Designated funds
Town Moor Fund
General reserve
Restricted funds
Capital reserve
Linked charity
Analysis of net assets between total funds - previous year
Unrestricted funds
Income and expenditure
Designated funds
Town Moor Fund
General reserve
Restricted funds
Capital reserve
Linked charity		 Fixed
assets
Investments
£
£
55,669
304,158
-
850,543
-
1,472,518
-
1,466,656
-
-
55,669
4,093,875
Fixed
assets
Investments
£
£
28,977
304,158
-
850,543
-
1,532,156
-
1,499,110
-
-
28,977
4,185,967		 2023
2022
£
£
290,373
74,919
10,078
8,463
24,598
15,831
325,049
99,213
2023
2022
£
£
1,584,728
1,280,826
61,978
55,660
6,646
1,404
1,653,352
1,337,890
Net current
Total
assets/(liabilities)
Funds
2023

£
£
281,451
641,278
576,551
1,427,094
-
1,472,518
29,927
1,496,583
79,708
79,708
967,637
5,117,181
Net current
Total

assets
Funds
2022

£
£
277,548
610,683
286,735
1,137,278
-
1,532,156
29,927
1,529,037
50,008
50,008
644,218
4,859,162

18

STEWARDS OF THE INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF THE FREEMEN OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE (THE TOWN MOOR CHARITY)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR TO MICHAELMAS 2023

**18a ** Unrestricted funds : movements in the year Income and Town Moor General
expenditure Fund reserve Total
£ £ £ £
Balance at Michaelmas 2022 610,683 1,137,278 1,532,156 3,280,117
Income 403,390 348,311 - 751,701
Expenditure (370,184) (61,106) - (431,290)
Net losses on investments - - (59,638) (59,638)
Transfer (2,611) 2,611 - -
Balance at Michaelmas 2023 641,278 1,427,094 1,472,518 3,540,890
Unrestricted funds : movements in the year - previous year
Balance at Michaelmas 2021
Income
Expenditure
Net losses on investments
Transfer		 Income and
expenditure
£
466,880
381,729
(297,774)
-
59,848		 Town Moor
Fund
£
1,119,551
293,722
(216,147)
-
(59,848)		 General
reserve
£
1,639,243
-
-
(107,087)
-		 Total
£
3,225,674
675,451
(513,921)
(107,087)
-
Balance at Michaelmas 2022 610,683 1,137,278 1,532,156 3,280,117
**18b ** Restricted funds : movements in the year
Balance at Michaelmas 2022
Income
Expenditure
Net losses on investments		 Linked
charity
£
50,008
53,197
(23,497)
-		 Capital
reserve
£
1,529,037
-
-
(32,454)		 Total
£
1,579,045
53,197
(23,497)
(32,454)
Balance at Michaelmas 2023 79,708 1,496,583 1,576,291
Restricted funds : movements in the year - previous year
Balance at Michaelmas 2021
Income
Expenditure
Net losses on investments		 Linked
charity
£
55,372
20,115
(25,479)
-		 Capital
reserve
£
1,588,453
-
-
(59,416)		 Total
£
1,643,825
20,115
(25,479)
(59,416)
Balance at Michaelmas 2022 50,008 1,529,037 1,579,045

Capital Reserve

Under the terms of the Town Moor Act capital sums received are to be used to finance improvements to the Town Moor or invested until required for that purpose.

Linked charity

The funds of the linked charity are separately identified as restricted funds. At Michaelmas 2023, the charity had net assets of £79,708 (Michaelmas 2022 £50,008).

19 Commitments

At the balance sheet date the Charity was committed to replacement of fencing, road and site reinstatement and engagement videos at a total cost of £48,860. No amount has been charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year to Michaelmas 2023.

19