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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 235784

Company registration number 00806342 (England and Wales)

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Ms S Eardley-Stiff
Mrs DM Pearsall (Treasurer)
Ms P Robinson
Mr P Jones
Charity number 235784
Company number 00806342
Registered office 28 Festing Road
Southsea
Hampshire
Portsmouth
PO4 0NQ
Independent examiner Carpenter Box Jones Avens
53 Kent Road
Southsea
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO5 3HU
Solicitors Quality Solicitors Large and Gibson
Kent House
49 Kent Road
Southsea
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO5 3EJ
Investment advisors Investment Solutions Wealth Management Limited
Grafton House
26 Grafton Road
Worthing
West Sussex
BN11 1QT

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 14

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the trust's Articles and Memorandum of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016).

Objectives and activities

Charitable object

The Trust's objects are to provide living accommodation for aged poor or needful persons with power for that purpose to provide services and benefits at reduced charges, together with pecuniary and other assistance.

Objectives and Aims of charity

The Trust's objectives are to provide living accommodation for the relief of poverty, need and financial hardship to the elderly by the provision of subsidised accommodation. The Trust also offers assistance to the elderly by social interaction at its premises and through social events within the community.

The trust runs a complex of adjoining properties which have been converted to flats available to rent at reduced charges by the old and impoverished.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the trust should undertake. The charity is a public benefit entity.

Activities

The John A. Thompson Memorial Trust is a registered charitable company, owning five adjoining properties, in common grounds, in an attractive area of Southsea near Canoe Lake and the seashore. The Trust has been in Southsea since 1967, but its origins go back to 1932, to a mission founded by the Reverend John Thompson in Battersea.

The Trust’s houses comprise 38 self-contained flats, providing 1- or 2-bedroom accommodation, as well as a communal sun-lounge, the Trust’s offices, and catering and laundry facilities. The flats are let as independent living tenancies, with a small number of assisted-living tenants receiving support from the staff with cleaning and catering.

The Trust Manager’s post remains vacant, but the Trustees currently prefer the temporary appointment of a business specialist, contracted for perhaps 1-2 days per week, to produce a business plan (with a particular focus on costs and revenue). In keeping with this approach, the Trust has invited an external HR consultancy to carry out an independent review of the Trust’s staff structure and the individual roles within it, and to assist in identifying the policies and practices that an organisation like the Trust should be adopting.

The Trust has also commissioned and received a Property Condition Report from an independent building surveyor, to form the basis of a maintenance plan and schedule.

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Closure of the Trust’s Barclays Bank Account

On Friday 10th November 2023 the Trust’s on-line banking facilities became inaccessible. A call to the helpline confirmed that the account had been closed and that the decision would not be reversed because there was no error on the Barclays’ part. The Bank’s ‘know your customer’ team implied that the account had been closed because of a discrepancy with the name of one of the Trustees (P Jones).

As a result, the Trust had no access to its funds for purchases, payment of bills, and payments of staff wages. Standing orders and direct debits ceased to be paid, and rents from tenants could no longer be received. After some weeks the Trust’s funds were retrieved, with difficulty, but the Trust no longer had a bank account to pay them into. As an emergency measure, the funds were paid into the private bank account of one of the Trustees (P Jones), and the Trust’s business was operated from this account until a new account was eventually set up with the Co-operative Bank.

Tenants were asked, as a strictly temporary measure, to pay their rents into the bank account of one of the trustees (P Jones). Arrangements were made with Trust’s accountants (Carpenter Box Jones Avens) to continue payments to staff and HMRC, via transfers to their client account.

Records of transactions from/to P Jones’ account were kept throughout. The Trust’s accounts administrator and the accountants had access to P Jones’ bank and credit card statements in full, and reconciliation has since been completed.

The Charity Commission was told of the interim arrangements by email on 21 November 2023, and a Serious Incident Report has since been filed (Reference 685204) and accepted.

The Trust challenged the assertion that there was no error on the Bank’s part. In an email to the Bank in May 2023 the Trust informed them of a discrepancy with the name and identified this as an error solely on the Bank’s part. The Bank’s response in June 2023 gave the Trust reason to understand that the matter was resolved. A follow-up letter to the Bank in May 2023 gave full details of the account signatories. In closing the account, the Bank apparently failed to recognise the clarification supplied earlier.

A complaint against Barclays has been lodged with the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Achievements and performance

Financial review

Rental income for the year has increased as planned when compared to 2022. This is the second increase in the last two years. There was a net incoming movement of funds for the year of £32,790 (2022 - £9,059 incoming movement). This includes an unrealised profit on listed investments of £3,255 (2022 - £7,469 unrealised loss).

There were total unrestricted funds, including designated funds, brought forward of £1,446,698. At 31 December 2023 there were equivalent funds of £1,479,488 carried forward of which £83,490 (2022 - £67,170) were free unrestricted funds.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the trust that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level at least equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the trust’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has not been maintained throughout the year.

The trustees recognise that this position needs to be addressed and are working on a business plan to ensure that the reserves are restored as quickly as possible.

Investments

The Articles and Memorandum of association grant the trustees wide powers of investment. Investments are held to generate both income and capital growth.

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Risk management

The trustees actively review the major risks faced by the trust on a regular basis. They believe that the financial risk can be managed by an annual budgetary review and maintaining reserves at current levels. The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks faced by the charity and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate risks.

Future Developments

The principal focus now needs to be on strengthening the financial position of the Trust. All options will be explored, including increasing revenue streams and wherever possible, reducing expenditure. In the meantime, the Trust will continue to provide support for the beneficiaries.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The company was incorporated on 25 May 1964 and is limited by guarantee. The company is registered as a charity. The company is governed by the articles and memorandum of association (amended 21 April 2004). The trust is governed by the board of trustees.

Trustees

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:

Ms S Eardley-Stiff Mrs DM Pearsall (Treasurer) Ms P Robinson Mr P Jones

New trustees are recruited to complement the existing board. Potential trustees are encouraged to attend the trustee meetings and other social functions in the complex. The trust manager will also give new and potential trustees a tour to familiarise them with the work carried out by the trust. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company.

All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute 5 pence (one shilling) in the event of a winding up.

There is trustee indemnity insurance in place.

The trustees meet on a monthly basis to review the trust's affairs and delegate the day to day administration of the trust to a manager. The manager is supported by an assistant.

Remuneration policy

The trust's remuneration policy aims to offer fair pay to attract and retain appropriately qualified staff to deliver the charity's aims.

Asset cover for funds

There are adequate and available assets of each fund sufficient to meet all liabilities and obligations.

The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

..............................

Mr P Jones

Trustee Dated: .........................

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of John A Thompson Memorial Trust (the trust) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the trust (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the trust are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the trust’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the trust’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Carpenter Box Jones Avens

53 Kent Road Southsea Portsmouth Hampshire PO5 3HU

Dated: .........................

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general designated
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
23,773
-
Charitable activities
3
363,278
-
Total income
387,051
-
Expenditure on:
Provision of sheltered
hosuing for the elderly
in need
4
357,516
-
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
8
3,255
-
Net income
29,535
-
Transfers between
funds
(16,470)
16,470
Net movement in
funds
13,065
16,470
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January
2023
67,170
1,379,528
Fund balances at 31
December 2023
83,490
1,395,998
Total
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general designated
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
23,773
27,194
-
363,278
325,361
-
387,051
352,555
-
357,516
336,027
-
3,255
(7,469)
-
29,535
16,528
-
-
(870)
870
29,535
15,658
870
1,446,698
58,981
1,378,658
1,479,488
67,170
1,379,528
Total
2022
£
27,194
325,361
352,555
336,027
(7,469)
16,528
-
16,528
1,437,639
1,446,698

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

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
Investments
11
Current assets
Stocks
12
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
14
Net current liabilities
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the trust
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - designated
16
2023
£
£
1,395,998
96,285
1,492,283
909
58,435
797
60,141
72,936
(12,795)
1,479,488
83,490
1,395,998
1,479,488
2022
£
£
1,379,528
94,156
1,473,684
982
6,867
19,929
27,778
54,764
(26,986)
1,446,698
67,170
1,379,528
1,446,698

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................

..............................

Mr P Jones Trustee

Company registration number 00806342 (England and Wales)

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

John A Thompson Memorial Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 28 Festing Road, Southsea, Hampshire, Portsmouth, PO4 0NQ.

1.1 Accounting convention

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the trust's Articles and Memorandum of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The trust has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the trust. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

The trustees believe the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

For these reasons the company will continue to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of its Financial Statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the trust is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the trust has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the trust has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised once 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. Irrecoverable Vat is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings no depreciation Plant and machinery 20% of the reducing balance Fixtures, fittings & equipment 20% of the reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

No depreciation has been provided on the freehold buildings as in the opinion of the trustees the lives of the buildings are of such length and the residual values so high that any depreciation would be immaterial.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the trust reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.11 Financial instruments

The trust has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the trust's balance sheet when the trust becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are imeasured at transaction price including transaction costs.

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are recognised at transaction price.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. Trade creditors are recognised at transaction price.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the trust’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.12 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

1.13 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Donations and legacies

2023 2022
£ £
Donations and gifts 23,773 27,194

3 Charitable activities

Rents receivable
Other income and services
2023
£
333,098
30,180
363,278
2022
£
306,229
19,132
325,361

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4 Provision of sheltered housing for the elderly in need

Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Rates and water rates
Light and heat
Insurance
Repairs and maintenance
Other property costs
Cleaning and laundry
Food
Telephone
Printing, postage and stationery
Investment portfolio fees
Sundry expenses
Share of governance costs (see note 5)
2023
£
193,016
12,174
9,679
42,589
13,333
58,300
666
1,791
9,017
3,195
590
1,125
1,865
347,340
10,176
357,516
2022
£
190,664
8,056
10,557
39,963
11,755
50,580
472
1,857
7,258
1,496
853
1,802
2,098
327,411
8,616
336,027

5 Support costs

Independent examination
Accountancy
Legal and professional
Analysed between
Charitable activities
Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
-
1,200
-
8,226
-
750
-
10,176
-
10,176
2023
£
1,200
8,226
750
10,176
10,176
2022 Basis of allocation
£
1,200 Governance
6,276 Governance
1,140 Governance
8,616
8,616

6 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the trust during the year.

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
2023
Number
15
2023
£
186,280
5,114
1,622
193,016
2022
Number
15
2022
£
184,377
4,932
1,355
190,664

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

8 Net gains/(losses) on investments

2023 2022
£ £
Revaluation of investments 3,255 (7,469)

9 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10 Tangible fixed assets

Freehold
land and
buildings
Plant and
machinery
Fixtures,
fittings &
equipment
Total
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2023
1,347,304
237,978
18,259
Additions
-
184
28,461
At 31 December 2023
1,347,304
238,162
46,720
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
-
212,968
11,046
Depreciation charged in the year
-
5,039
7,135
At 31 December 2023
-
218,007
18,181
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
1,347,304
20,155
28,539
At 31 December 2022
1,347,304
25,011
7,213
11
Fixed asset investments
£
1,603,541
28,645
1,632,186
224,014
12,174
236,188
1,395,998
1,379,528
Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023 94,156
Valuation changes 2,129
At 31 December 2023 96,285
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023 96,285
At 31 December 2022 94,156

Fixed asset investments revalued

The investments are valued at market value.

12 Stocks

2023 2022
£ £
Finished goods and goods for resale 909 982

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

13 Debtors

Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Bank closure monies
Prepayments
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Deferred income
15
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
2023
£
50,531
7,904
58,435
2023
£
23,915
23,633
25,388
72,936
2022
£
-
6,867
6,867
2022
£
25,069
21,612
8,083
54,764

14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other creditors includes £20,533 deposits held (2022: £19,035) on behalf of tenants. The deposits are registered under the Deposit protection service.

15 Deferred income

Other deferred income
Deferred income represents rents received in advance.
Unrestricted funds -
At
Previous year:
At
1 January
2023
£
1,379,528
1 January
2022
£
1,378,658
2023
2022
£
£
23,915
25,069
Transfers
At 31
December
2023
£
£
16,470
1,395,998
Transfers
At 31
December
2022
£
£
870
1,379,528
2022
£
25,069

16 Unrestricted funds -

JOHN A THOMPSON MEMORIAL TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17 Designated funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

The fixed asset fund is an amount equivalent to the net book value of fixed assets at the balance sheet date, excluding assets represented by restricted fund balances, if any.

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Fund balances at 31
December 2023 are
represented by:
Tangible assets
1,395,998
Investments
96,285
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
(12,795)
-
83,490
1,395,998
Total
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
1,395,998
1,379,528
-
96,285
94,156
-
(12,795)
(26,986)
-
1,479,488
1,446,698
-
Total
2022
£
1,379,528
94,156
(26,986)
1,446,698