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2025-03-31-accounts

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES

Charity No 236308

TOGETHER WITH

HITCHIN APPRENTICING FOUNDATION

Charity No 312143

POLLARD COTTAGES

Charity No 211545

FARMER TRUST Charity No 312144

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31ST MARCH 2025

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES

YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

CONTENTS

Pages

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Name Hitchin United Charities
Number 236308
Address Shilcock House, 99 Bancroft, Hitchin SGS 1NQ
Trustees Co-opted trustees Appointed
Mrs Joan Kirby Chairman 12 March 2011
Mr David Walmsley Vice-Chairman 12 March 2011
Rev. Christopher Bunce 4 November 2019
Mrs Joan Joe 17 June 2019
Mrs Jane Marland 13 June 2022
Mr Michael Bradly-Russell 1 January 2002
Mr Brent Smith 12 March 2011
Nominated trustees
North Hertfordshire District Council nominated trustees
Cllr Ian Albert 6 April 2016
Cllr Val Bryant 1 April 2024
Cllr Keith Hoskins 1 April 2024
Cllr Claire Strong 1 May 2021
Cllr Dave Winstanley 1 April 2024
Hertfordshire County Council nominated trustee
Mr Derrick Ashley 12 March 2011
Preston Parish Council nominated trustee
None
Clerk Mr Mark Seaman-Hill (Provided by John Shilcock Ltd)
Independent
examiner		 Mr Philip Dean FCA
Hicks and Company
First Floor, 99 Bancroft Hitchin SGS lNQ
Barclays Bank PLC
Bankers 5/6 High Street
Hitchin SGS 1BJ
Mr Neil Johnson
Solicitors Gisby Harrison Solicitors
Geoffs Oak House, Geoffs Lane, Geoffs Oak, Cheshunt EN7 5HG

1

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

The trustees present their annual report together with financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025.

The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their Financial Statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1st January 2019).

Objectives and Activities

Objectives and aims

The objectives of the charity are to provide and maintain almshouses in Hitchin and district and to provide for the general charitable needs of local people In accordance with the governing scheme.

Significant activities

The charity’s objectives are achieved by collecting an occupational charge from the residents who occupy the almshouses in Hitchin and district that are under the control of the trustees, together with returns from investments that are also under the control of the trustees.

The income is used as governed by the scheme in maintaining, repairing and refurbishing as necessary the almshouses, expended on necessary support costs for the functioning of the charity and providing grants appropriately applied for and approved.

Public Benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s Public Benefit Guidance and complied with section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 in exercising their powers and duties, and have sought to demonstrate that the charity continues to provide benefits to suitable persons who relate directly to its objectives. The benefits are publicly available to all who qualify. All applications are subject to due process and consideration without discrimination.

Achievements and Performance

Charitable activities

The trustees have continued to make available the almshouses under their control. The continued demand reflects the continued need for almshouses: the charity provides a valuable resource to the local community.

2

The almshouses controlled by the trustees continued to be maintained, repaired and refurbished in order that the existing and new residents are properly catered for. Donations and grants are made after due consideration by the trustees.

Financial Review

Financial position

The financial results for the year as shown on pages 7 and 8 reflect the occupational charges collected from residents, investment income received in the year, the costs incurred in collecting the income, maintaining the properties and support costs and the financial state of affairs of the charity at 31st March 2025. Overall the net movement in funds for the year was a surplus of £304 (2024: deficit £3,813). The current assets of the charity as at 31st March 2025 were £364,785 (2024: £355,475).

Principal sources of income

The major sources of income are:

There was a decrease in occupational charges of £5,421 from £110,100 to £104,679 and an increase in investment returns of £1,566 from £7,493 to £9,059. This resulted in an overall decrease in income of £3,855 (2024: increase of £6,212).

Principal items of expenditure

The trustees continue to monitor and control costs that are incurred after due consideration. The main item of expenditure incurred continued to be the maintenance, repair and refurbishment of the properties under the control of the trustees.

There was a decrease in repair costs to properties of £40,291 from £68,504 to £28,213 (2024: decrease of £2,727). All the properties required continual maintenance. Costs for 2025 included electrical and plumbing repairs, and general maintenance.

This resulted in a decrease in total expenditure of £30,422 (2024: £327). Overall in the year there was net expenditure before gains and losses of £143 (2024: £26,710).

3

Freehold properties

Properties have been included at their 31st March 2001 values as an approximation of their cost or market value when first bequeathed to the charity, see note 8.

Investment policy

Consideration is given to the requirement to incur costs as required and provide charitable resources as requested. Having considered the options available, the trustees have decided to retain excess funds in recognised charity investment funds that are fairly easily accessible.

Reserves policy

The policies adopted by the trustees are such that invested monies are carefully managed with a low risk, to ensure sufficient funds from the investments and contributions from residents are available to meet the main objectives of the charity.

Reserves are required for:

Regular meetings of the trustees means that all aspects of administering the charity are fully reviewed and monitored. The resources are monitored between the various designated funds. The trustees consider the present level of occupational charges from residents, the car park rental and investment income together with reserves is sufficient to ensure the present charitable activities can be maintained for a twelve month period. The present level of necessary resources is in the region of £150,000 but this is kept under review.

Risk management

The trustees continue to assess and monitor the major risks to which the charity is exposed in particular in relation to insurance, operations and finance.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing document

Hitchin United Charities is governed by a scheme dated 5th April 1963 and registered with the Charity Commissioners on 26th October 1964 (charity number 236308). The occupational address of the charity is Shilcock House, 99 Bancroft, Hitchin SG5 lNQ.

Organisational structure

The scheme provides for a Board of thirteen Trustees, seven nominated and six coopted. The nominated trustees are appointed as follows:

4

The six co-opted trustees shall be persons residing or carrying on business in or near the North Hertfordshire District Council boundaries. The nominated trustees serve for a term of four years; the coopted trustees for a term of five years. Any competent trustee may be re-appointed at the end of his term in office. At present there are thirteen trustees that meet three times a year. The trustees are from a variety of backgrounds representing the community, all of whom contribute to the working of the charity.

The trustees are supported by a clerk provided by John Shilcock Ltd, professional property advisers, who is responsible for:

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The trustees seek to ensure that the necessary skills and experience are sustained in recruiting new trustees. New trustees are appointed through the various bodies listed. When vacancies occur the existing trustees are in a position to make recommendations to the nominative bodies on the appointment of trustees.

Trustees induction and training

All trustees are familiar with the work of the charity and are encouraged to be involved in the activities on a regular basis. New trustees receive briefings of the charities achievements, its future plans and their responsibilities. All existing trustees and proposed trustees are issued with a copy of the Charity Commissioners’ Guidance “The Essential Trustee”, copy of the scheme and copies of the last Financial Statements to enhance their understanding of their statutory responsibilities.

Plans for Future Periods

The charity operates four sets of almshouses. This year, the trustees reflected on their portfolio and decided that two of the principal properties were no longer fit for purpose and could not be proportionately adapted for continued use as almshouses due to their age and historical character. Next year, the trustees propose to dispose of at least one of these properties with a view to releasing capital funds for the construction in the longer term of new almshouses. It is likely that the trustees will need to seek the permission of the Charity Commission for such a plan.

The clerk to the trustees, Mark Seaman-Hill, has indicated his desire to retire. Mr Seaman-Hill’s service has been exceptional in length, quality and character.

5

Trustees

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires the trustees to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the charity and of the incoming resources and applications are resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period.

In preparing these Financial Statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. 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.

This report was approved by order of the board of trustees on 18 July 2025 and signed on its behalf by

Mrs Joan Kirby Trustee

6

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

I report to the Charity’s trustees on my examination of the Financial Statements of Hitchin United Charities (the Charity) for the year ended 31st March 2025, which are set out on pages 7 to 14.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the Financial Statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the Financial Statements of the charity are not required to be audited and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s Financial Statements as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

  2. the Financial Statements did not accord with the accounting records; or

  3. the Financial Statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the Financial Statements give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

  4. the Financial Statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

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.

Philip Dean FCA Hicks and Company Chartered Accountants 18 July 2025

7

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Note
Income
4
Income from charitable activities:
Occupational charges from residents
Investment income:
Dividend income
Bank interest
Other interest
Rental income
Other income:
Insurance claim
Total income
Expenditure
5
Cost of raising funds:
Cost of collecting occupational charges
Investment management costs
Expenditure on charitable activities:
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net expenditure before gains and losses
Other recognised gains and losses
Gain/(loss) on revaluations of properties
Gain on revaluation of investments
Realised gain on sale of investments
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
12/13		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
2025
£
£
£
104,679
-
104,679
7,808
-
7,808
1,251
-
1,251
-
-
-
10,250
-
10,250
-
-
-
123,988
-
123,988
6,953
-
6,953
2,102
-
2,102
115,076
-
115,076
124,131
-
124,131
(143)
-
(143)
-
-
-
447
-
447
-
-
-
304
-
304
2,864,923
-
2,864,923
2,865,227
-
2,865,227		 2024
£
110,100
6,526
967
-
10,250
-
127,843
7,003
2,149
145,401
154,553
(26,710)
-
22,897
-
(3,813)
2,868,736
2,864,923

The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these Financial Statements.

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There are no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above.

8

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES BALANCE SHEET

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Properties
8
Investments
9
Total fixed assets
Current assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank
Total current assets
Current liabilities
Creditors:
Amounts falling due within one year
11
Net current assets
Net assets
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds
12/13		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
2025
£
£
£
2,203,750
-
2,203,750
332,368
-
332,368
2,536,118
-
2,536,118
11,779
-
11,779
353,006
-
353,006
364,785
-
364,785
35,676
-
35,676
329,109
-
329,109
2,865,227
-
2,865,227
2,865,227
-
2,865,227		 2024
£
2,203,750
331,920
2,535,670
11,460
344,015
355,475
26,222
329,253
2,864,923
2,864,923

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these Financial Statements.

The Financial Statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 18th July 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

_______ Mrs. J. Kirby Trustee

----- Start of picture text -----
_______
----- End of picture text -----

Mr. D. Walmsley Trustee

9

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

1. Objective

To provide Almshouses in Hitchin and District and to provide for the general charitable needs of local people.

2. Status and Basis of Accounting

Status

The charity being a registered charity is not liable for taxation on any of its investment income, nor any other gains derived from carrying out its charitable activities.

Basis of accounting

The Financial Statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1st January 2019)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ and the Charities Act 2011. The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention modified to include properties and investments at valuation.

3. Accounting Policies

Income

Expenditure

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Properties have been included at their 31st March 2001 values as an approximation of their cost or market value when first bequeathed to the charity, see note 8.

No depreciation is charged as the trustees believe that the residual value of the freehold property is in excess of the carrying value in the Financial Statements.

Fixed asset investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are included at market values at the balance sheet date.

Fund accounting

All funds held by the charity are considered unrestricted designated funds and are available to be used in accordance with the charitable objectives of each fund at the discretion of the trustees.

10

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

4.
5.		 Income
Income from charitable activities:
Occupational charges from residents
Investment income:
Dividend income
Bank interest
Other interest
Rental income
Other income:
Insurance claim
Total income
Analysis of expenditure
Cost of raising funds:
Cost of collecting occupational charges
Investment management costs:
Clerk's salary and expenses
Investment transaction costs
Expenditure on charitable activities:
Managing agents fees
Gardening and cleaning
General rates
Water rates
Electricity
Gas
Insurance
Repairs to properties
Fire and emergency lighting maintenance
Alarm control
Clerk's salary and expenses
Legal and professional fees
Advertising
Sundry expenses
Grants
Independent examiners fee
Trustees' insurance
Total expenditure		 2025
£
104,679
7,808
1,251
-
10,250
-
123,988
2025
£
6,953
1,832
270
2,102
6,953
4,551
1,202
3,395
2,960
18,525
12,219
28,213
4,879
240
7,331
16,128
177
1,156
-
6,552
595
115,076
124,131		 2024
£
110,100
6,526
967
-
10,250
-
127,843
2024
£
7,003
1,858
291
2,149
7,003
7,094
1,649
2,542
2,537
20,034
10,463
68,504
5,840
431
6,868
4,410
169
936
-
6,426
495
145,401
154,553

The charity paid £9,412 (2024: £14,006) to John Shilcock Ltd a company in which Mr. M.W. Seaman-Hill is a director, in respect of costs of collecting occupational charges and managing agents fees.

The charity paid £9,163 (2024: £8,726) to John Shilcock Ltd a company in which Mr. M.W. Seaman-Hill is a director, in respect of clerks salary and expenses.

The charity paid £nil (2024: £4,410) to John Shilcock Ltd a company in which Mr M. W. Seaman-Hill is a director, in respect of professional fees.

11

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

6. Comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities

Income
Income from charitable activities:
Occupational charges from residents
Investment income:
Dividend income
Bank interest
Other interest
Rental income
Other income:
Insurance claim
Total income
Expenditure
Cost of raising funds:
Cost of collecting occupational charges
Investment management costs
Expenditure on charitable activities:
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net expenditure before losses
Other recognised gains and losses
Gain/(loss) on revaluations of properties
Gain on revaluation of investments
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
110,100
-
6,526
-
967
-
-
-
10,250
-
-
-
127,843
-
7,003
-
2,149
-
145,401
-
154,553
-
(26,710)
-
-
-
22,897
-
(3,813)
-
2,868,736
-
2,864,923
-		 2024
£
110,100
6,526
967
-
10,250
-
127,843
7,003
2,149
145,401
154,553
(26,710)
-
22,897
(3,813)
2,868,736
2,864,923

7. Trustees' remuneration and benefits

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st March 2025 nor for the year ended 31st March 2024.

12

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

8. Tangible Fixed Assets
Properties
Historic valuation:
At 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025		 The
Skynner's
Warner's
Biggin
Almshouses
Almshouses
Pollard's
Hitchin
Hitchin
Hitchin
Cottage
Pirton
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
£
£
£
£
1,025,000
666,250
410,000
102,500		 Total
£
2,203,750

(i), (ii) and (iii) are either listed buildings or located within the Hitchin Conservation Area. The trustees believe that the residual value of the freehold properties (ii), (iii) and (iv) is together in excess of the carrying value in the Financial Statements. The value attributed to the Biggin reflects its historic yield based on full occupancy by almspeople paying a contribution of around £400pcm. This is no longer being achieved and a number of units are empty. All of the units require significant investment to make them readily marketable. That investment is complicated by the listed status of the building.

In previous years, the trustees have revalued the properties to the value used for insurance purposes. The original cost or market value when the properties were first bequeathed to the charity is not known. Given the restrictions outlined above, the trustees no longer believe it is appropriate to use the insurance value as the carrying value in the Financial Statements. A value was first placed on the four properties in the charity's Financial Statements on 31st March 2001. Accordingly, the trustees have reduced the carrying value of the four properties to the 31st March 2001 values as an approximation of their cost or market value when first bequeathed to the charity.

9.
**10. **		 Fixed Asset Investments
Quoted Investments
Market values at 1st April
Additions
Equalisation
Gain/(loss) on revaluation of investments
Market values at 31st March
Historic cost at 1st April
Equalisation payment
Historic cost at 31st March
Debtors
Rent in arrears after provisions
Prepayments		 COIF
Barclays
Charity
M&G
Investment
Fund
Investments Management
£
£
£
94,859
60,111
176,951
-
-
-
-
-
-
(4,420)
1,435
3,432		 Total
2025
£
331,921
-
-
447
332,368
194,047
-
194,047
2025
£
2,112
9,667
11,779		 Total
2024
£
309,024
-
-
22,896
90,439
61,546
180,383		 331,920
49,703
40,003
104,341
-
-
-		 194,047
-
49,703
40,003
104,341		 194,047
2024
£
1,420
10,040
11,460

13

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
Creditors
Rent in advance
Clerk's salary and expenses
Other creditors - key deposits
Accruals		 2025
£
8,129
3,596
9,163
100
14,688
35,676		 2024
£
809
3,535
8,727
100
13,051
26,222

11. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

12. Funds

Almshouses/Pollards Cottage

To manage the properties by administering contributions from residents to ensure that the properties are fully insured, maintained and looked after.

Pension Charities

To provide alms to persons fitting the requirement.

Eleemosynary

To provide ecclesiastical funds, funds, allowances, gifts, grants and assistance for the benefit of the poor in the designated area, and if appropriate in augmenting the income of the Almshouses.

Apprenticeships

To provide grants and donations to suitable local people undergoing appropriate apprenticeship schemes.

Unrestricted Funds:
Almshouses Account
Pension Charities
Eleemosynary Account
Apprenticeships
Pollards Cottage, Pirton
Unrestricted Funds:
Almshouses Account
Pension Charities
Eleemosynary Account
Apprenticeships
Pollards Cottage, Pirton		 Balances
Revaluations
1st April
of
Investment
2024
Incoming
Outgoing
properties
revaluation
£
£
£
£
£
2,527,542
115,019
(120,284)
-
3,824
15,412
235
-
-
126
80,963
1,118
-
-
593
154,576
2,529
-
-
(4,006)
86,430
5,087
(3,847)
-
(90)
2,864,923
123,988
(124,131)
-
447
Balances
Revaluations
1st April
of
Investment
2023
Incoming
Outgoing
properties
revaluation
£
£
£
£
£
2,544,072
119,103
(150,595)
-
14,962
15,092
227
-
-
93
79,439
1,078
-
-
446
144,898
2,444
-
-
7,234
85,235
4,991
(3,958)
-
162
2,868,736
127,843
(154,553)
-
22,897		 Balances
31st March
2025
£
2,526,101
15,773
82,674
153,099
87,580
2,865,227
Balances
31st March
2024
£
2,527,542
15,412
80,963
154,576
86,430
2,864,923

14

HITCHIN UNITED CHARITIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025

13. Analysis of Assets and Liabilities to Funds

Unrestricted Funds:
Almshouses Account
Pension Charities
Eleemosynary Account
Apprenticeships
Pollards Cottage, Pirton
Unrestricted Funds:
Almshouses Account
Pension Charities
Eleemosynary Account
Apprenticeships
Pollards Cottage, Pirton		 Current
Current
Properties
Investments
Bank
assets
liabilities
£
£
£
£
£
2,101,250
217,408
230,126
11,319
(34,002)
-
5,417
10,356
-
-
-
25,727
56,947
-
-
-
81,985
71,114
-
-
102,500
1,831
(15,537)
460
(1,674)
2,203,750
332,368
353,006
11,779
(35,676)
Current
Current
Properties
Investments
Bank
assets
liabilities
£
£
£
£
£
2,101,250
213,584
226,506
10,986
(24,784)
-
5,291
10,121
-
-
-
25,134
55,829
-
-
-
85,991
68,585
-
-
102,500
1,920
(17,026)
474
(1,438)
2,203,750
331,920
344,015
11,460
(26,222)
Fixed assets:
Fixed assets:		 Net assets
31st March
2025
£
2,526,101
15,773
82,674
153,099
87,580
2,865,227
Net assets
31st March
2024
£
2,527,542
15,412
80,963
154,576
86,430
2,864,923

15