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2021-03-31-accounts

Agenda Item

For publication

– Bedford Borough Council Trustees of the House of Industry Estate Management Committee

Report by the Assistant Chief Executive (Finance) & Chief Finance Officer

Subject: ANNUAL REPORT 2020/2021

1. Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee with an Annual Report including a Statement of Account for 2020/2021 and to request that the Committee approve the proposed 2020/2021 Annual Report in order to meet the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

The Annual Report sets out at section 6 the Trust’s plans for future periods and the Committee is requested to consider and, if satisfied, agree the proposed plans set out in the Report.

2. Recommendations

The Committee is requested to;

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3. Reasons for Recommendations

4. Key Issues

4.1 Legal Issues

The House of Industry Estate is a charitable Trust and the Council is the sole trustee. The Council as sole trustee has delegated its decision making to the members of the General Purpose Committee who meet as the Trustees of the House of Industry Estate Committee. The members of the Committee are generally referred to as the Trustees for the purpose of convenience. The Trust is a registered charity, is subject to laws relating to charities and operates under the auspices of the Charity Commission. As such the House of Industry may, in many respects, be regarded as a separate entity from the Council. The Committee Members when required to take decisions on the activities of the Trust and the use of its funds must act in the best interest of the Trust and its beneficiaries and not those of the Council. However, the Committee is acting on behalf of the Council in its role as Trustee, and therefore should also identify any issues that the Council is required to “have regard to” in reaching its decision on any matter.

The charity is governed by a trust deed which sets out the purposes for which the income of the charity may be used (shown at Appendix D ).

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Charities, including the House of Industry, are regulated by the Charities Act 2011. Section 162 of the Act requires the trustees of a charity to prepare an annual report regarding the activities of the charity during that year. Where a charity’s income for the year exceeds £25,000 the charity is required under section 163 of the Act to submit the annual report to the Charity Commission.

4.2 Policy Issues

The Annual Report sets out the Trustee’s approach to the effective management of the Trust and includes a specific policy for financial reserves and investments.

4.3 Resource Implications

A Statement of Financial Activities for the year ending 31 March 2021 is provided at Appendix B . The statement has been prepared in accordance with the most recent Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for charity accounts. In order to avoid any delay in the submission of the Annual Report to the Charity Commission the Committee is recommended to delegate authority to the Chief Officer for Finance to make any minor amendments required by the auditors.

The 2021/2022 budget was approved by the Trustees at their meeting of 09 March 2021 and is attached at Appendix C .

The Trust Deed requires that the costs, charges and expenses of and incidental to the administration and management of the Charity and its property should be defrayed from the income of the Trust. During 2020/2021 the sum defrayed was £34,588 (2020: £40,879) including the auditors’ remuneration.

4.4 Risk Implications

A consideration of risk relating to the Trust is contained in the Annual Report at Appendix A to this report.

4.5 Environmental Implications and contribution to achieving a net zero carbon Council by 2030

There are no environmental implications arising directly from this report.

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4.6 Equality Analysis

In preparing this report, due consideration has been given to the Borough Council’s statutory Equality Duty to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations, as set out in Section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010.

A relevance test for equality has been completed. The equality test determined that the recommendations of this report have no relevance to Bedford Borough Council’s statutory equality duty to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. An equality analysis is not needed.

5. Details

6. Summary of Consultations and Outcome

The following Council Units or Officers and/or other organisations have been consulted in preparing this report:

Relevant Officers

No adverse comments have been received.

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Report Contact Officer: Jill Evans, Chief Officer for Finance e-mail: jill.evans@bedford.gov.uk File Reference: C.15(b) Previous Relevant Minutes: Trustees of the House of Industry Estate Management Committee – 09 March 2021 Background Papers: None Appendices: A: Annual Report B: Statement of Financial Activities for Year Ending 31 March 2021 C: 2021/2022 Budget D Criteria for the award of grants to organisations

E: Independent Auditor’s Report

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APPENDIX A

THE HOUSE OF INDUSTRY ESTATE

TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2021

REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 257079

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Introduction

The scheme for the administration of the House of Industry Estate was agreed with the Charity Commissioners under seal on 13 April 1988.

Under this document North Bedfordshire Borough Council was appointed the Trustee of the Charity. The management and administration of the Charity was carried out in the manner and subject to the rules prescribed by the Development Committee. In October 1992 North Bedfordshire Borough Council changed its name to Bedford Borough Council. The Trustees of the Charity were the members of the Executive Committee appointed by the Council to serve on that Committee. Under the current Council’s Constitution, the Council’s decision making as the Trustee is delegated to the members of the Council’s General Purposes Committee who act of the Trustees of the House of Industry Estate Management Committee and are, for the purpose of convenience, generally referred to as the Trustees.

The members of the House of Industry Estate Management Committee at the time of preparing this report (September 2021), who were also members during the year 2020/21, were:

Councillors’ Colleen Atkins, Michael Headley, Tim Hill, Christine McHugh (Chair), Stephen Moon and Tom Wootton.

The day to day administration of the Charity was undertaken by Officers of Bedford Borough Council as follows:

Grant applications: Lee Phanco Chief Officer for Assessment, Application & Business Support Property matters: Paul Smith Chief Officer for Commercial Services and Business Transformation Financial matters: Jill Evans Chief Officer for Finance Legal matters: Sue Lyons Chief Officer for Legal & Democratic Services

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Registered Address

Bankers

Borough Hall NatWest Bank plc Cauldwell Street 81 High Street BEDFORD BEDFORD MK42 8NZ MK40 1YN

Auditor

Ellacotts Audit Services Limited Vantage House 2700 Kettering Parkway Kettering Venture Park Kettering Northamptonshire NN15 6XR

2. Structure, Governance and Management

The Charity is believed to date back to the early 1800’s and was regulated by the Charity Commission on 13 April 1988 with the objectives of the relief of those in need, hardship and distress in the Borough of Bedford. The Charity is governed by a Trust Deed which is summarised in Appendix D .

The Charity secures its income from two main sources – rents and investment income. The Estate owns almost all of the land at the junction of Goldington Road and Kimbolton Road in Bedford, from the Rugby Club in the east to the car park at the junction and the Hospital to the north.

The Charity holds investments in Government Stocks with the Charities Investment Fund (a common investment fund for charities administered by CCLA Investment Management Limited) and M&Gs Equities Investment for Charities. Monies held for day to day management are held at the NatWest Bank or on temporary loan to Bedford Borough Council.

Bedford Borough Council is the sole Trustee and has delegated its decision making as Trustee to the current Members of the Council’s General Purposes Committee. The Committee members receive no remuneration from the Charity, usually meeting six

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times per year and for convenience are generally referred to as the “Trustees”. Meetings are scheduled in the Council’s annual calendar of meetings.

The Trustees determine applications received for grant assistance from organisations as well as dealing with property and major investment decisions. The Trust no longer considers applications for assistance directly from individuals. Instead grants are made to a number of charitable organisations, that work actively in the Borough, for the express purpose of making awards to residents of the Borough who are in need, hardship or distress.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution the Members of the Council’s General Purposes Committee are designated as the Trustees of the House of Industry Estate. Legal, financial and property advice is provided by Bedford Borough Council Officers and where there is possible conflict of interest external independent advice is obtained.

The Trust does not employ any person directly. Work is undertaken on behalf of the Trust by officers employed by Bedford Borough Council and the costs, charges and expenses of and incidental to the management of the Charity and its property are defrayed from the income of the Trust in accordance with the Trust Deed.

Risk

It is recognised to be good practice for charities to maintain sufficient financial reserves to enable their activities to be reduced in a controlled manner in the event the charity’s income unexpectedly declines. However, since the Trust does not directly employ any staff, its charitable activities are exclusively the awarding of grants, and day to day administration is provided by the Council, the level of risk in this area is considered to be very low.

The Trust’s income is predominantly derived from rents on the land that the Trust owns. The Council’s Property Services Department manages land and property issues for the Trust and provides professional expertise in this area to minimise the risk of loss or reduction in the income derived from leases.

There does remain a risk that expenditure may exceed income and to manage this risk the Trustees have agreed a reserves policy and set an annual budget each year. In making grants through the course of the year the Trustees are required to take into account the expenditure incurred against the agreed budget.

There are also risks associated with investment of the Trust’s assets and the Trustees have established a policy for investment with the Charities Investment Fund (COIF) (a common investment fund for charities administered by CCLA Investment Management Limited) and M&G’s Equities Investment Fund for Charities. The COIF investment policy is not to invest in companies or bonds

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issued by companies whose main business relates to gambling, tobacco or armaments. The COIF only invests in property after it has been subject to an environmental risk report. Some operational funds are also held by Bedford Borough Council.

The Trust’s accounts are subject to an annual audit by an independent external auditor to provide independent assurance regarding the Trust’s financial position.

The Trust awards grants to charitable organisations for the purposes of relieving hardship, need or distress and there is a small risk that grants may be used other than as intended. In order to manage this risk, recipients of grants are required to report to the Trust regularly providing details of the funds they have expended.

All decisions of the Trustees are made through the Council’s formal decision making protocol which requires consideration of risk as an integral part of the decision making process. Formal reports are prepared in accordance with the Council’s decision making protocol setting out relevant considerations including the risk associated with the decision, options where appropriate and recommendations to assist Trustees in reaching decisions.

The Council’s Monitoring Officer provides guidance to the Trustees on the exercise of their responsibilities. Where any matters for consideration arise in which the Council’s interest may conflict with the interests of the Trust, the Trustees engage an independent expert to advise them on the matter.

Insurance

The Trust is not an incorporated body and, therefore, there is the potential for any liabilities arising from its actions as the Trustee to rest with the Council. The Council maintains appropriate levels of insurance cover for its activities and the policies extend to providing insurance cover in respect of the Council’s actions as Trustee of the charitable trust.

3. Objectives and Activities for Public Benefit

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In applying the income of the Charity, the Trustees shall observe the following restrictions:

4. Achievements and Performance

The main purpose of the Trust is to award grants to those in need, hardship and distress. The Trustees currently achieve this purpose in two ways. Firstly, by providing financial support, in the form of grants, to third sector organisations that provide services to assist persons in hardship need or distress and, secondly, by providing grants to third sector organisation for the specific purpose of making awards directly to residents in hardship need or distress either as payments or in the form of essential goods.

A total of £252,141 (2020: £276,391) was committed in grants during the year.

The Trustees set an annual budget for grant awards for 2020/2021 with the intention that the budget should be fully utilised over the course of the year to assist residents in need, hardship or distress. During 2020/2021 the Trust allocated almost all of the full amount that had been budgeted to third sector organisation in furtherance of its charitable objects.

5. Financial Review

The policy adopted by the Trustees when setting their 2020/2021 budget was, as in previous years, to fund grant applications from the investment income and the rental payments received during the year, and should it be determined that additional funding was required to draw from the grant reserve. The policy of the Charity is to make long term investment and to utilise those returns to carry out its day to day activities. The Charity currently holds investments with Charities Investment Fund (COIF) (a common investment fund for charities administered by CCLA Investment Management Limited) and M&G Equities Investment Fund for Charities. Most of the land investments are let on long leases, but these are reviewed to maximise the income to the Charity; further details of the property arrangements are set out under item 6. The day to day financial administration of the Charity is undertaken by Council Officers under the direction of the Council’s Assistant Chief Executive (Finance) & Chief Finance Officer.

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Reserves Policy

The Trustees at the meeting of 9 March 2021 agreed as part of the process of setting the annual budget to continue the existing practice of releasing £91,200 from the grant reserve to supplement the funds available for the award of grants.

The policy for the use of reserves is, therefore, as follows:

  1. The Trust retains £273,362 in a General Reserve (fixed) which, in accordance with the Trust Deed, cannot be spent;

  2. The Trust retains £550,144 from the LIFT development at the North Wing Hospital site in a General Reserve. In accordance with the Trust Deed, this sum cannot currently be spent;

  3. The release, if any, of reserves to supplement the funds available for awarding grants is considered as part of the process of setting the budget each year;

  5. Any underspend from the Income and Expenditure Account is paid into the Grant Reserve;

  6. The level of annual contribution from the Earmarked Grant Reserve outlined in point 3 above, is subject to annual review when the budget is set;

  7. If extra funding for grants is required during the year the Trustees can provide funding from the Grant Reserve.

Investment Policy

The Trustees recognised the need to ensure that the Trust investment policy remains appropriate to the prevailing economic environment. Therefore, a review of the policy on investments was undertaken during 2020/2021 to ensure that investments continue to realise the best possible return for the Trust whilst properly safeguarding the Trust’s assets and maintaining the level of financial risk considered by the Trustees to be appropriate. Meetings with an independent investment advisor, Arlingclose, were held during 2020/2021 to discuss the Trust’s options for future investments.

Following those meetings, the Trustees agreed to invest in M&G UK Equities Investment Fund for Charities (ChariFund) as well spread the risk of the CCLA Fixed Investment Fund by reallocating a proportion of the holdings in CCLA’s COIF Charities Global Equities Investment Fund. The investments were completed by March 2021.

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Income

The income for the year was £227,815 (2020: £224,084) (Rents & Wayleaves, Lease and Investment Income) against the original budgeted income of £219,879 (2020: £212,606); the variance was due to accounting adjustments for Charter House following the change in accounting treatment from Investment Property to Finance Lease which was partially offset by discounts given to tenants during the year.

Grants not claimed which have therefore expired totalled £0 in 2020/2021 (2020: £9,876).

Expenditure

Expenditure is predominantly on the award of grants and expenditure in any year is dependent upon the merits of applications received, the expenditure in 2020/2021 was £286,729 (2020: £317,270)

Outturn

The overall outturn at the end of the accounting period was a shortfall of £58,915 (2020: £83,310) (before gains on revaluation of property and investments of £211,676 (2020: £65,301) and Profit on Disposal of £3,360 relating to Hamble Road (2020: £Nil).

Pay and Remuneration

The Trust does not employ any staff. The Council is the trustee and its expenses incurred as trustee were defrayed against the income from the Trust. The members of the Committee who act as Trustees and the Council Officers advising the committee or carrying out the Council’s responsibilities as trustee did not receive any payment or remuneration from the Trust.

6. Plans for Future Periods

The current process of providing grants to organisations so that they can provide direct financial assistance to individuals in need, hardship or distress, was introduced of September 2011 and is considered to be operating effectively. Therefore, the Trust will continue to distribute grants in this form during 2021/2022. The Trust will also continue to provide financial support to other charitable organisations that assist residents in need hardship, or distress in the form of grants subject to the usual application process.

It is not proposed to make any change to the Trust’s governance or administration processes, or the procedure for applying to the Trust for a grant.

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Welfare Reform

The Government’s on-going programme of welfare reform is continuing with the Universal Credit full service in Bedford implemented during May 2018 as well as other national changes. The Trustees remain aware that the welfare reform programme may affect the Trust in two ways:

  1. Continuing high levels of demand for assistance from residents experiencing need, hardship or distress arising from reductions in benefit entitlement or delays in payments;

  2. Increased pressure on other third sector organisations, such as advice agencies, that may seek funding from the Trust to supplement their resources in order to meet the demand.

During 2021/2022 the Trust will continue to provide funding to selected Third Sector organisations to enable them to make grants to individuals experiencing hardship, need or distress including those adversely affected by welfare reform. The amount of grants made will continue to be monitored during the course of the year so that the Trustees can evaluate the level of need and consider requests for funds as appropriate.

Impact of Austerity Measures

It is widely recognised that the Third Sector has faced challenging times over the last few years due to reductions in sources and levels of funding as a result of austerity measures, and increasing demand for their services from the public. During 2021/2022 the Trust will continue to provide grants to other Third Sector organisations in accordance with the agreed criteria and application process. It is anticipated that these will be further affected by Covid-19, and there will be an increase in demand for these services.

Grant Applications

During the forthcoming year the Trust will continue to publicise the availability of grants, and the criteria for their award, amongst local third sector organisations with the aim of providing assistance to a wider range of persons in need, hardship or distress.

Property Portfolio

The Trust derives income from leases on an estate of land that is held under a freehold. Currently, the majority of the estate is leased to third parties. Approximately 57% of current rental income is secured on risk-averse long leases with terms expiring after 2030.

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The estate is managed to maximise rental income with minimal risk. A large proportion of the estate is held under existing and dated agreements offering little scope for positive estate action. In managing the estate due regard must be made to the terms of reference of the Trust, which specify, amongst other matters that:

  1. Tenancies must not be granted for a term exceeding 25 years or for less than best rent obtainable unless the Charity Commissioners or The Courts give permission;

  2. Sale of all or part of the Charity’s estate is only permitted subject to an Order of the Charity Commissioners. The net proceeds of any sale must be invested in trust for the Charity;

  3. Trustees must defray from income the cost of maintenance of the estate (including repairs and insurances).

In addition to providing day to day management of the portfolio the Council will also consider the long term strategic asset prospects of the estate and will, within the framework of the terms of reference of the Trust:

  1. Review long term re-development prospects in light of current planning statements;

  2. Benchmark rates of return with other similar property investments having a similar risk profile;

  3. Consider new property investment avenues for existing capital and proposed capital receipts.

Review of Reserves Policy and Financial Investments

During 2018/2019, the Trust sought advice from the Charity Commission regarding whether it would be permissible under the Trust Deed to invest the accumulated surplus to generate income as an alternative to using the funds to supplement the amount available for grant distribution through annual income. The advice received indicates that the Trustees are able to invest the surplus should this be considered beneficial to the Trust. Therefore, professional investment advice has been sought to determine the ongoing investment strategy for the Trust’s funds. Given the impact of Covid-19 on investment funds, the investment strategy may have to be reconsidered in this light.

In setting the budget for 2021/2022, the Trustees agreed to the release of £91,200 from reserves to supplement the funds available for awarding grants.

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7. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are aware of their responsibilities to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its financial activities for that period. In preparing the accounts the Trustees have accepted the requirements to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate 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. They accept responsibility for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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APPENDIX B

– THE HOUSE OF INDUSTRY ESTATE Charity No 257079

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR 31 MARCH 2021

Notes
Income from:
Income from generated funds:
Grants not Claimed
2
Activities for generating funds :
Rents & Wayleaves
3
Charter House Finance Lease
4
Investment Income
5
Total income
Expenditure on:
Cost of generating funds
Other Direct Charitable Expenditure
Other Expenditure
Direct Charitable Expenditure
Grants
Admin & Audit Expenses
7
Total Expenditure
Net income/(expenditure) before
other recognised gains and losses		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2020/2021
2020/2021
2020/2021
2019/2020
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
9,876
131,874
-
131,874
140,095
14,894
-
14,894
13,759
81,046
-
81,046
70,230
227,814
-
227,814
233,960
14,648
-
14,648
20,939
-
-
-
-
252,141
-
252,141
276,391
19,940
-
19,940
19,940
286,729
-
286,729
317,270
(58,915)
-
(58,915)
(83,310)

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Notes
Net income/(expenditure) before
other recognised gains and losses (from above)
Contribution From Earmarked Grant Reserve
Contribution To Grant Reserve
Other recognised gains and losses
Profit on disposal of investment
property
6
Gain on revaluation of property and
investments
11 & 12
Net Movement in funds
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds Brought Forward
Total Funds Carried Forward		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2020/2021
2020/2021
2020/2021
2019/2020
£
£
£
£
(58,915)
-
(58,915)
(83,310)
91,200
91,200
91,200
(91,200)
-
(91,200)
(91,200)
-
3,360
3,360
-
211,676
-
211,676
_65,301 _
152,761
3,360
156,121
(18,009)
2,681,015
2,288,975
4,969,990
4,987,999
2,833,776
2,292,335
5,126,111
4,969,990

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Non-Current Assets
Investment (Properties)
Investment (Government Stock, COIF)
Investment (Equities ChariFund)
Short term deposits
Long-Term Finance Lease Debtor (Charter House)
Cash Loan
Current Assets
Debtors
Imprest Bank
Current Liabilities
Creditors
Grants Approved - not yet paid
Trade Creditors
Net Current Assets/(Liabilities)
Net Assets
Represented by:
Unrestricted Funds
Property Revaluation Reserve
Investment Revaluation Reserve
Grant Reserve
Restricted Funds
General Reserve Property (Fixed)
General Reserve Cash (Fixed)
North Wing Lease Variation (Fixed)
Property Disposals (Fixed)
Total Funds		 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021
31 March 2021
31 March 2020
Total
Total
Notes
£
£
11
1,647,200
1,612,200
12
12
2,109,705
404,664
1,937,693
-
12
313,149
757,431
4
780,313
765,419
13
-
15,000
5,255,031
5,087,743
33,306
8,641
26,743
132,715
14
(5,940)
(27,940)
14
(181,829)
(1,200)
(228,169)
(3,000)
(128,920)
(117,753)
5,126,111
4,969,990
17
1,538,625
1,503,625
17
534,896
358,221
16
760,255
819,169
2,833,776
2,681,015
18
108,575
108,575
18
273,362
273,362
18
18
550,144
1,360,254
550,144
1,356,894
2,292,335
2,288,975
5,126,111
4,969,990		 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021
31 March 2021
31 March 2020
Total
Total
Notes
£
£
11
1,647,200
1,612,200
12
12
2,109,705
404,664
1,937,693
-
12
313,149
757,431
4
780,313
765,419
13
-
15,000
5,255,031
5,087,743
33,306
8,641
26,743
132,715
14
(5,940)
(27,940)
14
(181,829)
(1,200)
(228,169)
(3,000)
(128,920)
(117,753)
5,126,111
4,969,990
17
1,538,625
1,503,625
17
534,896
358,221
16
760,255
819,169
2,833,776
2,681,015
18
108,575
108,575
18
273,362
273,362
18
18
550,144
1,360,254
550,144
1,356,894
2,292,335
2,288,975
5,126,111
4,969,990
Notes
11
12
12
12
4
13
14
14
17
17
16
18
18
18
18
5,126,111
4,969,990

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The notes on pages 6(22) to 6(32) form part of these financial statements. Approved by the Trustees of the House of Industry Estate Management Committee on and authorised for issue on 8 March 2022

And signed on its behalf by:

Trustee

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STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2021

Net (loss) / surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Transfer of assets
8
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
14
Trf to Current account from ST Deposit
12
Trf of funds to Purchase M & G Equities
12
Bedford Credit Union Loan converted to a Grant
13
Gain on revaluation of property and investments
11&12
Charter House lease
4
Investment income
5
Profits on disposal of Land
Investment income on deposits/gilts
5
Net cash provided / (used in) operating activities
Purchase of M & G Investment
Investment income
5
Profits on disposal of Land
6
Net cash provided by investing activities
Cash and cash equivalents during the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting
period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period		 2020/2021
2019/2020
156,121
(18,009)
-
-
(24,666)
(8,230)
(70,140)
20,972
45,000
-
400,000
-
15,000
-
(211,676)
(65,301)
(14,894)
(13,759)
(80,329)
(64,821)
3,360
-
(717)
(5,409)
217,059
(154,557)
(400,000)
-
80,329
64,821
(3,360)
-
(323,031)
64,821
(105,972)
(89,736)
132,715
222,451
26,743
132,715

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House of Industry Estate – Charity No 257079

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2021

1. Accounting Policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.

(a). Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the inclusion of non-current assets at market value and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and the Companies Act 2006.

House of industry Estate is a charity limited by guarantee, incorporated and England and Wales. The address of its registered office and principle place of business is disclosed in the introduction page.

The principle activities are to provide relief generally or individually to persons’ resident in Bedford Borough who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress.

The financial statements are presented in Sterling and this is the functional currency of the charity.

(b) Funding accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity

Grant Reserve Earmarked funds are funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are subject to the original restrictions that were put in place on how the funding could be utilised. Restricted funds include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investment assets at market values.

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(c) Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

(d)

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:

(e) Non-current assets

Properties and investments held as non-current assets are revalued at market value at the balance sheet date and the gain or loss taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.

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(f) Going concern

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis despite the net current liabilities position. There are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubts about the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern.

(g) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.

(h) Financial Instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are recognised on the Balance Sheet when the charity has become a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets at amortised cost are made up of debtors, balance at bank and a cash loan. Liabilities are made up of creditors and grants approved but not yet paid.

(i) Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In applying the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in determining the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. The trustees' judgements, estimates and assumptions are based on the best and most reliable evidence available at the time when the decisions are made, and are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be applicable. Due to inherent subjectivity involved in making such judgements, estimates and assumptions, the actual results and outcomes may differ.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The key area of management judgement in these financial statements is the revaluation of the investment properties. Please refer to note 11.

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2. Grants not claimed

There were no unclaimed approved grants that had expired in the two years to 2020/21 (2020: £9,876).

3. Rents and Wayleaves

Income from Rents and Wayleaves was £131,874 in 2020/2021 (2020: £140,095). This was lower than the 2019/2020 rental income due to the impact of Covid-19; this led to the Trustees extending rental discounts to tenants as a goodwill gesture in recognition of the financial strain brought on by the pandemic. There was a significant reduction in income from the Rugby Club car park due to the pandemic.

4. Long Term Finance Lease Debtor

A 125-year lease was negotiated for Charter House from September 2013. The terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the property from the Charity (the lessor) to Bedford Citizens Housing Association (the lessee), so it is accounted for as a finance lease. The asset has been written out of the Balance Sheet as a disposal. A long term debtor (finance lease) is recognised being the investment in the lease which is discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease terms.

5. Investment Income

Investment

CCLA Investment Management & M and G Charity Funds Bedford Borough Council

Total Total 2020/2021 2019/2020 £ £ 80,329 64,821 717 5,409 81,046 70,230

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6. Proceeds from disposals

The sale of land at 62 and 68 Hamble road was finalised in 2020/21 and proceeds of £3,360 were received and added to the restricted fund – “gain on property disposals”.

7. Auditor’s Remuneration

The auditor’s remuneration in 2020/2021 was £4,950 (2020: £4,950)

8. Transfer of Freemans Common

The assets of the Freemans Common charity were transferred to the Trust during 2016/2017. This comprised £61,929 cash and £200,000 property asset.

9. Analysis of Support Costs

Support Cost Main Charitable activity
2020/2021		 Basis of Allocation 2019/2020
£ £
Property 8,200 All allocated to main activity 8,000
Administration & Audit 19,940 All allocated to main activity 19,940
Total 28,140 27,940

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10. Staff costs, Trustee Remuneration and Related Party Transactions

No members of the Trustees received any remuneration during the year, no Trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year. No remuneration was paid to key management personnel during the year. There are no employees (2020: £Nil).

11. Non–Current Assets Properties

The Charity owns the following properties in Bedford, the original cost of which is not known. The properties are either let to other charitable trusts or for investment. The current valuation as at 31 March 2021 is shown below.

Value Change in Value
31/03/2020 Valuation 31/03/2021
In Year
£ £ £
Goldington Road Car Park 1,045,000 0 1,045,000
Bedford Rugby Club 316,000 (5,000) 311,000
Bedford Bowling Club 45,000 0 45,000
Bedford Hospital (North Wing) 6,200 0 6,200
Freemans Common 200,000 40,000 240,000
Total 1,524,200 35,000 1,647,200

The valuations were undertaken by appropriately qualified personnel employed by Bedford Borough Council Property Services.

The valuations have been carried out at market value. The significant assumptions within the valuation are:

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12. Non–Current Assets Investments

The Trustees hold investments with COIF (Charities Investment Fund) Fixed Interest Fund which give yields/security linked to Gilts/Eurosterling/High Grade Corporates and the COIF Equity Fund.

In February 2021 £445,000 was drawn down from deposits held with Bedford Borough Council. £400,000 was used to acquire new investments with M&Gs Equities Investment for Charities (ChariFund). The remaining £45,000 was transferred into the Charity’s Natwest bank account to ensure sufficient liquidity was available to fund grant payments.

The value of the investments is given below:

2019/2020 Investment / Change in 2020/2021
(Redemption) Valuation in
year
£ £ £ £
COIF Fixed Interest Fund 1,109,738 (578,758) (4,743) 526,237
COIF Investment Fund 827,955 - 173,343 1,001,298
COIF Equities Fund - 578,758 3,412 582,170
M & G Equities Investment Fund - 400,000 4,664 404,664
Sub-Total 1,937,693 400,000 176,676 2,514,369
Investments with Bedford Borough Council 757,431 (445,000) - 313,149
Total 2,695,124 (45,000) - 2,827,518

Investment valuations for the COIF funds are sourced from the CCLA on-line valuation tool and are at market value. M&G valuations are based on the valuation reports received monthly. Investment valuations for the investments with Bedford Borough Council are sourced from the Treasury Management Officer at Bedford Borough Council and are at market value.

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13. Assets – Loan

The loan of £15,000 that was made to Bedford Credit Loan was converted into a grant in 2020/21. This has been settled and the receivable derecognised from the charity’s statement of financial position. There was no interest payable on this loan.

14. Current Liabilities

Creditors Total Total
2020/2021 2019/2020
Trade creditors 1,200 3,000
Grants Approved Not Yet Paid 181,829 228,169
Other Creditors and Accruals 5,940 27,940
188,969 259,109

15. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds

Unrestricted Funds Restricted funds Total
£ £ £
Non-current assets 2,962,696 2,292,335 5,255,031
Current Assets 60,049 - 60,049
Current Liabilities (188,969) - (188,969)
Total 2,833,776 2,292,335 5,126,111

16. Grant Reserve

The Grant Reserve includes the accumulated surpluses of income over expenditure year on year. It has been the Trust’s practice for a number of years to release £91,200 per year from the reserve to supplement the funds available for grant awards. This practice is currently reviewed annually at the time of setting the budget for the forthcoming year.

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17. Revaluation Reserves

The Property Revaluation Reserve reflects the increased value of the Trust’s property assets over that paid to acquire them. The Investment revaluation reserve reflects the increase in value of the Trust’s investments.

18. General Reserve

The General Reserve represents the original cash held by the Estate. As such, it cannot be spent. Any surplus on a land disposal would fall into the same category and would, therefore, be added to this reserve. The monies received for the variation to the North Wing Lease forms part of this reserve.

19. Contingent Assets

A grant of £20,000 was made to BeCHaR in 1994 to assist with the purchase of 14 Prebend Street, Bedford, for the purpose of a centre for the relief of homelessness. The grant is subject to a Deed of Covenant dated 15 August 1994 which secures a charge against the property and requires the grant to be repaid in the event that the property is used for another purpose, the organisation ceases to exist or becomes insolvent, or fails to comply with the terms of the Deed. The trustees were informed at the meeting of 17 January 2017 of a proposal to transfer operation of the day centre to a different charity - SMART. The new charity indicated it had fully considered the terms associated with the grant and was willing to accept the terms of the deed. The Trustees agreed to a transfer of the grant to the new charity subject to the same terms and conditions as the existing deed.

20. Post balance sheet events

There were no post balance sheet events.

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21. Related party transactions

Cllr McHugh is a trustee of the Edward Arnold Social Club, to whom a grant of £2,000 was made in 2020/2021 (2019/2020: £Nil).

Cllr Tim Hill is a trustee of the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC), to whom no grant payment was made in 2020/2021 (£2,500 was made in 2019/2020).

Cllr Stephen Moon is a member of the board of YMCA Bedfordshire (The ReUse Centre), to whom no grant payment was made in 2020/2021 (£25,060 was made in 2019/2020).

22. Movement on funds

Fund balance
at 31 March
2020		 Net
movement
in the year		 Transfer Revaluation Fund balance at
31 March 2021
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted Funds
Property Revaluation Reserve 1,503,625 - - 35,000 1,538,625
Investment Revaluation Reserve 358,221 - - 176,676 534,897
Grant Reserve 819,169 (58,915) - - 760,254
2,681,015 - - - 2,833,776
Restricted Funds
General Reserve Property (Fixed) 108,575 - - - 108,575
General Reserve Cash (Fixed) 273,362 - - - 273,362
North Wing Lease Variation 550,144 - - - 550,144
Property Disposals (Fixed) 1,356,894 3,360 - - 1,360,254
2,288,975 - - - 2,292,335

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23. The Charity as a Lessor

The charity leases land and buildings to third parties. The future minimum lease payments receivable under those noncancellable leases (including Charter House lease) are as follows:

2020/2021 2019/2020
£ £
Not later than one year 137,672 99,565
Later than one year not later than five years 541,846 313,421
Later than five years 8,917,287 7,879,125
Total future minimum lease payments 9,596,805 8,292,111

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APPENDIX C

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

2021/2022 BUDGET

2021/2022 2021/2022
House of Industry
Estimate
£
INCOME
Rents and Wayleaves
Bedford Citizens' Housing Association-Elderly Persons Home 60,000
Bedford Borough Council-St Peters Car Park 57,000
Bedford General Hospital 309
Bedford Rugby 15,000
Bedford Rugby - Car Park Income 4,300
Bedford Borough Bowling Club 2,560
Wayleave-Eastern Electricity 593
Charter House Lease (I/50th of lease fee of £425,000) 8,500
Freemans Common 2,210
Profit on Disposal - Land
Investment Interest 68,175
Contribution from Earmarked Reserve 91,200
Total Income 309,847

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EXPENDITURE
Charitable Activities
Land, Property & Other Expenses 8,000
Grant Distribution 281,907
Cost of Administering Grants 4,000
Treasury Management Advice 0
Total Charitable Activities 293,907
Governance Cost
Administration Expenses 10,000
Audit Fees & Prof Fees 5,940
Total Governance Costs 15,940
Expired Grant (Not Claimed) 0
Total Expenditure 309,847
(Surplus) / Deficit 0

Notes

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APPENDIX D

HOUSE OF INDUSTRY ESTATE APPLICATIONS

CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD OF GRANTS WITHIN THE TRUST DEED

The Criteria upon which assistance can be awarded is detailed below:

The income of the Charity may be applied as follows:

The income shall not, however, be applied as follows:

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GUIDELINES FOR THE AWARD OF GRANTS ESTABLISHED BY THE TRUSTEES (other than grants made for the purposes of direct awards to individuals)

  1. Whilst each application for financial assistance will be considered on its own merits, provided it falls within the criteria of the Charity, generally, applications should be for one-off non-recurrent funding for specific projects or equipment and normally the Trustees would only provide grant assistance for:

  2. (a) Capital items up to £25,000 which do NOT involve works to land or property (with any larger requests only being considered by the Trustees in exceptional circumstances). Applications including expenditure on goods or services in excess of £1,000 should have three independent quotations provided for each such item of expenditure;

  3. (b) Revenue funding for one-off emergency purposes of up to £20,000 provided that, where applicants receive such assistance, they be advised that the Trustees will not normally renew revenue assistance in future years. The applicant should demonstrate that the organisation cannot otherwise meet the expenditure (for example it would reduce reserves below a reasonable level or present an imminent risk of insolvency). In determining the application, therefore, due regard would be given not only to an organisation’s projected local budget deficit but also to the organisation’s financial reserves and its reserves policy. Where such funding is granted, the Trustees may impose certain conditions, e.g. performance monitoring;

  4. (c) Revenue funding for specific projects, including additional salary costs, for up to two years from organisations wishing to provide enhanced or additional services for service users who meet the Charity’s key criterion of being in need, hardship or distress, subject to the organisation providing annual reports on the outcome to the Trustees. Such funding, where granted, may include the provision of marginal costs specific to the project (i.e. additional costs incurred directly as a result of the project) but the Charity will not normally make a contribution to the organisation’s existing general overheads or management costs through project funding;

  5. (d) The Trustees may consider applications for renewal of funding for the same project upon expiry of funding. Each application for renewal of project funding will be considered on its individual merit at the time of application and taking account of the funding available to the Trust at that time;

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TERMS

  1. Sums awarded should be spent within two years of the date of the meeting the award was made. If the organisation fails to spend the award by the deadline, the full grant or any part remaining will be returned to the Trustees for redistribution;

  2. Organizations and charities applying for funding should provide financial information and other information regarding the organisation’s activities in the local area in addition to any more general financial information. Normally it is expected that the following information should be provided by applicants;

  3. a statement of their policy on reserves

  4. the level of reserves held and an explanation of why they are held

  5. where material funds have been designated, the amount and the purpose of the designation should be explained

  6. where designated funds are set aside for future expenditure, the likely timing of that expenditure

  7. financial information at the local Bedford Borough level where national/regional accounts are being submitted

  8. the number of Bedford Borough residents assisted, or expected to be assisted, by the organisation

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  1. Bedford Borough Council’s Chief Officer for Customer Experience and Digital Services has delegated authority to decline applications from organisations not meeting the criteria and guidelines established by the Trustees for the award;

  2. Applications for retrospective funding (i.e. requests for reimbursement for capital items/services or facilities for which the organisation had already paid) will not be considered;

  3. Any award granted to an organisation is for the specific approved purpose rather than simply a cash grant and if, for whatever reason, after the actual drawing down of the award for the original purpose a balance sum remains, that the sum must be returned to the Trustees for redistribution or a requested submitted for a change of use (see below);

  4. Where an organisation is a awarded a grant by the Trustees, the amount granted will be limited to the sum requested in the final written application from the organisation;

  5. Awards are made specifically for the items requested in the original application. No changes to the items/amount agreed for purchases can be made without the express permission of the Trustees through a change of use request;

  6. Organisations are normally required to pay for goods/services and then be reimbursed by the Charity on production of suppliers’ copy invoices. The Charity is unable to make payment to an organisation on a pro forma invoice. Where the organisation has insufficient funds to pay for the goods or services prior to receipt of the grant, the Council’s Chief Officer for Customer Experience and Digital Services may approve payment subject to being satisfied that the funding will be used for the purpose for which the award was made;

  7. Organisations requesting funding/or a change of use of funding already agreed by the Charity for any purpose, may be invited to send their Chief Executive or fundraiser to the Trustees’ meeting to answer questions on both the work of the organisation and the application (if called upon to do so by the Chair of the Trustees);

  8. The awarding of initial or renewal funding for a project must not be construed as implying in any way that funding will be provided for any longer that the period specified in the award.

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GUIDELINES FOR THE AWARD OF GRANTS MADE TO ORGANISATIONS FOR THE PURPOSES OF MAKING DIRECT AWARDS TO INDIVIDUALS.

In determining the amount of grants to be awarded to organisations for this purpose the Trustees will seek to ensure that the grants are distributed in such a way that needy individuals from all parts of the community have an equal opportunity to receive assistance from the funds made available by the Trust. This may be achieved by making grants to a number of organisations, or by making grants only to those organisations which are considered to be effective in assisting persons from all parts of the community.

Whilst each application for a grant will be considered on its own merits, normally the Trustees will only provide a grant for this purpose where the following criteria are met:

Grants will normally be paid on a quarterly basis in advance.

The following list sets out examples of the goods and services that may be provided to assist individuals, but is not intended to be exhaustive:

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RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF GRANTS PROVIDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING AWARDS TO INDIVIDUALS

CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD OF GRANTS WITHIN THE TRUST DEED

The Criteria upon which assistance can be awarded is detailed below:

The income of the Charity may be applied as follows:

The income shall not, however, be applied as follows:

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APPENDIX E

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HOUSE OF INDUSTRY ESTATE

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The House of Industry Estate (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2021 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities including the Summary Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of 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 UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and Charities SORP.

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 the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

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Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, 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

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

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Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees responsibilities, set out on page 16, 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 but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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.

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also perform the following procedures:

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A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's 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 the charity’s trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

David Stevens BA FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Ellacotts Audit Services Limited Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor

Vantage House 2700 Kettering Parkway Kettering Venture Park Kettering Northamptonshire NN15 6XR

Date: 11 March 2022

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