Charity registration number 275454 (England and Wales)
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees M Spitz A Low R Weiss Charity number (England and Wales) 275454 Auditor Glazers 843 Finchley Road London NW11 8NA
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Statement of trustees' responsibilities | 3 |
| Independent auditor's report | 4 - 7 |
| Statement of financial activities | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Statement of cash flows | 12 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 14 - 24 |
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 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)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The objects of the trust are for general charitable purposes and in particular for the relief of poverty and the advancement of religion and religious education.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidelines contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objects and in planning future activities and setting the grant making policies for the year.
This charity was established for general charitable purposes and in particular for the relief of poverty and the advancement of the Jewish religion, especially in the field of education. Donations are made to organisations providing a sound religious education in accordance with the doctrines and principles of traditional Judaism and to institutions set up to provide aid to the Jewish needy, with a view to achieving the objects of the charity and in doing so the charity has complied with its duty to act for the public benefit in accordance with Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011.
Under the Trust Deed, the charity has the power to make any investment which the trustees see fit provided that funds so utilised are not immediately required for use in connection with any of its objects. The trustees regularly review the charity's position and needs in respect of the investment policy.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Grants are made to charitable institutions and organisations which conform to the objects of the charity after the trustees have satisfied themselves as to the bona fides of the recipients. Applications for grants are made in writing to the charity or in person to the Trustees by voluntary and community organisations. All donations above £3,000 require approval of all the Trustees and after making the necessary checks, proportional to the level of funding involved, donations are provided
Achievements and performance
During the period under review £1,114,501 (2023: £2,094,610) was distributed in furtherance of the charity's objectives. The analysis of grants can be found in note 7 to the financial statements.
Financial review
The charity is dependent for its income on the commercial activities of its subsidiary and voluntary donations from companies connected with the trustees. The parent charity also receives a small amount of rental income from its sole investment property. The subsidiary undertaking, Lota Estates Limited, has a portfolio of investment properties and the group’s performance can be seen in the financial statements set out below.
The parent charity's investment property produced income of £27,500, with the subsidiary having £976,813 of rental income. The charity also received donation income amounting to £10,000.
It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the charity, at a level which the trustees think appropriate after considering the future commitments of the charity and the likely administrative costs of the charity for the next year.
At the year end, £ 10,206,534 (2023: £10,457,237) was held as unrestricted funds, of which £1,081,801 (2023: £1,332,48478) were free reserves.
- 1 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees have identified and reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finance of the charity and its subsidiary and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate those risks.
The principal risks to which the charity is exposed are:
-
Liabilities arising from property investment activity
-
Tenant defaults
-
Damage to the property from flood, fire or terrorist action
-
The availability of liquid funds to make grants and donations
-
The general economic cycle
The trustees seek to manage or mitigate such risks wherever possible through such measures as insurance, tenant screening and monitoring, rigorous reviews of acquisition and investment opportunities, external expert advice, monitoring cash and regular monitoring of the economic outlook. It is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed.
Plans for future periods
The charity plans continuing the activities outlined above in the coming years subject to incoming resources being maintained at a satisfactory level.
Structure, governance and management
The trust was set up by way of a Deed of Trust on 9 February 1978.
The trust's principal office is at 21 Warwick Grove, London E5 9HX
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Mrs M Spitz Mr A Low Mrs R Weiss
The statutory power of appointing new trustees or a new trustee shall be exercisable by the trustees during their joint lives and thereafter by the survivor of them.
It is not currently the intention of the trustees of the charity to appoint new trustees. Should the situation change in the future, the trustees will apply suitable recruitment and training procedures.
The Trustees of the charity hold on trust for the charity, the share capital of the subsidiary undertaking, Lota Estates Limited.
The company, registered in England, is engaged in property investment and its results are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements.
.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
..............................
M Spitz
Trustee
Date: .............................................
- 2 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report 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 requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.
- 3 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Melow Charitable Trust (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, parent charity statement of financial activities, consolidated statement of financial position, parent charity balance sheet, consolidated statement of cash flows and the related notes, 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 FRS 102 The
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity and its subsidiary's affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards 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
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the 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 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.
- 4 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees' report; or
-
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, 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 cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
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.
- 5 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:
1) Enquiries of management concerning the charity's policies and procedures relating to:
-
identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance
-
detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; and
-
the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;
2) The company's remuneration policies, and
3) Discussions among the engagement team regarding how and when fraud might occur in the financial statements and any potential indicators of fraud.
In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.
We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included the UK Companies Act and IFRS as issued by the IASB and adopted by the EU, 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) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the charity's ability to operate or avoid a material penalty.
As a result of performing the above, we did not identify any key audit matters related to the potential risk of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations.
In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:
-
Reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements;
-
Enquiring of management concerning actual and potential litigation and claims;
-
Performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud;
-
In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, testing the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessing whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.
We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members, and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.
We note that our audit is not primarily designed to detect non-compliance with laws and regulations and the Trustees and other management are responsible for such internal control as the Trustees and other management of the Charity determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to errors or fraud, including compliance with laws and regulations. Additionally, owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
- 6 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
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.
Other matters
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (as amended) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
This has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with current Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 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.
Philippe Herszaft ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Glazers, Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants 843 Finchley Road London NW11 8NA Date: .........................
Glazers is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
- 7 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Investments 4 Total income Expenditure on: Investment management 5 Charitable activities 7 Total expenditure Net expenditure for the year/ Net movement in funds Fund balances at 1 January 2024 Fund balances at 31 December 2024 |
2024 £ 10,000 1,004,313 1,014,313 136,846 1,128,170 1,265,016 (250,703) 10,457,237 10,206,534 |
2023 £ 22,500 1,086,008 1,108,508 135,124 2,109,318 2,244,442 (1,135,934) 11,593,171 10,457,237 |
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
- 8 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Investments 4 Total income Expenditure on: Investment management 5 Charitable activities 7 Total resources expended Net gains on investments 13 Net expenditure for the year/ Net movement in funds Fund balances at 1 January 2024 Fund balances at 31 December 2024 |
2024 £ 1,010,000 27,500 1,037,500 2,887 1,124,041 1,126,928 161,275 (250,703) 10,457,237 10,206,534 |
2023 £ 2,012,500 55,000 2,067,500 (894) 2,104,152 2,103,258 (1,100,177) (1,135,934) 11,593,171 10,457,237 |
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
- 9 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 Investment property 15 Current assets Debtors 16 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Provisions for liabilities Net assets Income funds Unrestricted funds |
2024 £ £ 179 10,781,975 10,782,154 302,913 940,164 1,243,077 (161,276) 1,081,801 11,863,955 (1,657,421) 10,206,534 10,206,534 10,206,534 |
2023 £ £ 199 10,781,975 10,782,174 423,883 1,047,370 1,471,253 (138,769) 1,332,484 12,114,658 (1,657,421) 10,457,237 10,457,237 10,457,237 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................
| .............................. | .............................. |
|---|---|
| M Spitz | A Low |
| Trustee | Trustee |
- 10 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 2024 Notes £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 179 Investment properties 15 650,000 Investments 11,051,219 11,701,398 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 5,603 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 (1,500,467) Net current liabilities (1,494,864) Total assets less current liabilities 10,206,534 Income funds Unrestricted funds 10,206,534 10,206,534 The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on ......................... .............................. .............................. M Spitz A Low Chair of Trustees Trustee |
2023 £ £ 199 650,000 11,212,495 11,862,694 112,991 (1,518,448) (1,405,457) 10,457,237 10,457,237 10,457,237 |
|---|---|
- 11 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash absorbed by operations 22 Investing activities Investment income received Net cash generated from investing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
2024 £ £ (1,111,519) 1,004,313 1,004,313 - (107,206) 1,047,370 940,164 |
2023 £ £ (304,662) 1,086,008 1,086,008 - 781,346 266,024 1,047,370 |
|---|---|---|
- 12 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations 22 Investing activities Investment income received Net cash generated from investing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
2024 £ £ (134,888) 27,500 27,500 - (107,388) 112,991 5,603 |
2023 £ 55,000 |
£ 42,077 55,000 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 97,077 15,914 |
|||
| 112,991 |
- 13 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The Melow Charitable Trust is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is 21 Warwick Road, London E5 9HX.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Notwithstanding the net current liabilities in the parent charity, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis given the continued support of the charity's main creditors, which are all related parties.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
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.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity 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 charity 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 charity 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.
- 14 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
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:
Fixtures and fittings (charity)
25% 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.
1.7 Investment property
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in profit or loss.
[Property rented to a group entity is accounted for as tangible fixed assets.]
1.8 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity 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 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.
1.10 Financial instruments
The charity 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 charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
- 15 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
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. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.11 Taxation
The Charity is not liable to direct taxation (Income Tax) on its income which falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities. As a result, no Deferred Tax is provided on timing differences. The Charity is not registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) and is therefore unable to reclaim any input tax it suffers on its purchase. Expenditure in the accounts is therefore shown inclusive of VAT where appropriate
The taxation expense represents the aggregate amount of current and deferred tax recognised in the reporting period for the subsidiary.
Current tax is recognised on taxable income or expenditure for the current and past periods. Current tax is measured at the amounts of tax expected to pay or recover using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences at the reporting date. Unrelieved tax losses and other deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits. Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date that are expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference.
1.12 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.13 Group financial statements
These financial statements consolidate the results of the charity and its subsidiary, Lota Estates Limited, on a line by line basis.
- 16 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
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 where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Group | £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 10,000 | 22,500 | |
| Charity | |||
| Donations and gifts | 1,010,000 | 2,012,500 | |
| 4 | Investments | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Group | |||
| Rental income | 1,004,313 | 1,039,019 | |
| Other investment income | - | (238) | |
| Interest receivable | - | 47,227 | |
| 1,004,313 | 1,086,008 | ||
| Charity | |||
| Rental income | 27,500 | 55,000 | |
| 5 | Raising funds | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Group | £ |
- 17 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 5 6 7 |
Raising funds (Continued) Investment management 136,846 135,124 136,846 135,124 Charity Investment management 2,887 (894) 2,887 (894) Net movement in funds 2024 2023 £ £ The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements 9,480 9,480 Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 20 22 Charitable activities Charitable expenditure Charitable expenditure 2024 2023 Group £ £ Depreciation and impairment 20 22 Grant funding of activities (see note 9) 1,114,501 2,094,610 Share of support costs (see note 10) 4,169 5,206 Share of governance costs (see note 10) 9,480 9,480 1,128,170 2,109,318 Charity Depreciation 20 22 Grant funding of activities (see note 9) 1,114,501 2,094,610 Share of support costs 40 40 Share of governance costs (see note 10) 9,480 9,480 1,124,041 2,104,152 |
|---|---|
8 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
- 18 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
9 Grants payable
| Charitable | Charitable | |
|---|---|---|
| expenditure | expenditure | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Grants to institutions: | ||
| Achisomoch Aid | 25,000 | 169,400 |
| Amud Hatzdokoh Trust | 15,500 | 35,800 |
| Bait Limud Vchesed | 35,450 | - |
| Chasdei Aharon Limited | 120,500 | 310,000 |
| Chasdei Sholom Trust | 68,000 | 75,000 |
| Chevras Mo'ov Ladol | 45,600 | - |
| College for Higher Rabbinical Studies | 48,800 | 78,000 |
| Congregation Sharei Shalom Tchabe Limited | 40,000 | |
| Daas Sholem Shotz | - | 37,700 |
| Fundd | 45,600 | - |
| Inspirations | - | 90,700 |
| Keren Chochmas Shloma Trust | 40,000 | - |
| Kollel Veyoul Moshe | 30,000 | - |
| Lechem Shlomo | 63,000 | - |
| Mifal Hachesed Vehatzedokoh | 32,000 | |
| Mifal Tzedokoh Vechesed | 65,000 | 30,000 |
| Nercaz Torah Vechesed | - | 50,000 |
| Revach Vehazola Trust | 38,000 | - |
| Shir Chesed Beis Yisroel | 50,000 | |
| Start Upright | 98,800 | 127,000 |
| Tchabe Kollel Limited | 63,500 | 255,500 |
| Tevini | - | 85,000 |
| The Rehabilitation Trust | - | 30,000 |
| Toldos Aharon Trust | - | 45,000 |
| United Talmudical Associates | 4,600 | 210,000 |
| Yad Vochessed Association Limited | - | 30,000 |
| Zoreya Tzedokos | - | 50,000 |
| Other under £30,000 | 225,151 | 345,510 |
| 1,114,501 | 2,094,610 |
All grants paid were for the alleviation of poverty, education and furtherance of the Jewish religion and general charitable purposes.
-
19 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
10 Support costs
| Support costs | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support costs Audit fees Analysed between Charitable activities |
Support costs Governance costs £ £ 4,169 - - 9,480 4,169 9,480 4,169 9,480 |
2024 £ 4,169 9,480 13,649 13,649 |
Support costs Governance costs £ £ 5,206 - - 9,480 5,206 9,480 5,206 9,480 |
2023 £ 5,206 9,480 |
| 14,686 | ||||
| 14,686 |
Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £9,480 (2023- £8,580) for audit fees.
11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
12 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| Total There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. Net gains/(losses) on investments Charity Gain/(loss) on investment in group undertakings |
2024 2023 Number Number - - Total Total 2024 2023 £ £ (161,275) (1,100,177) (161,275) (1,100,177) |
2023 Number - |
|
|---|---|---|---|
13 Net gains/(losses) on investments
- 20 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 14 Tangible fixed assets Fixtures and fittings Cost At 1 January 2024 At 31 December 2024 Depreciation and impairment At 1 January 2024 Depreciation charged in the year At 31 December 2024 Carrying amount At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 15 Investment property Group Fair value At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024 Charity At 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 |
Group £ 10,362 10,362 10,163 20 10,183 179 199 |
Charity £ 10,362 |
|---|---|---|
| 10,362 | ||
| 10,163 20 |
||
| 10,183 | ||
| 179 | ||
| 199 | ||
| 2024 £ 10,781,975 |
||
| 650,000 |
The group's investment properties comprise residential and commercial portfolios. The fair value of the investment properties has been arrived at on the basis of valuation carried out at 31st December 2024 by the trustees who are considered to have the experience and expertise required to undertake such an exercise. The valuation is made on an open market value basis by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties in the same location taking account their age and condition.
The historical cost of the investment properties was £2,778,973.
| 16 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Group Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2024 £ 291,600 11,313 302,913 |
2023 £ 413,487 10,396 |
|---|---|---|
| 423,883 |
Charity
- 21 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 16 | Debtors | (Continued) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade debtors | - | - |
| 17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Group Other creditors Accruals and deferred income Charity Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 69,715 91,561 161,276 1,485,818 7,249 7,400 1,500,467 |
2023 £ 70,715 68,054 |
|---|---|---|
| 138,769 | ||
| 1,503,799 7,249 7,400 |
||
| 1,518,448 |
18 Unrestricted 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.
| At 1 January 2024 £ General funds 10,457,237 Previous year: At 1 January 2023 £ General funds 11,593,171 |
Incoming resources £ 1,014,313 Incoming resources £ 1,108,508 |
Resources expended £ (1,265,016) Resources expended £ (2,244,442) |
At 31 December 2024 £ 10,206,534 |
|---|---|---|---|
| At 31 December 2023 £ 10,457,237 |
- 22 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Provisions for liabilities Notes Deferred tax liabilities 19 |
2024 £ 1,657,421 1,657,421 |
2023 £ 1,657,421 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,657,421 |
20 Related party transactions
Group
During the year, the Charity Group received donations of £10,000 (2023 £22,500) from ALRW Investments Limited, a company with close family connections to a director.
Trade creditors includes the sum of £18,607 (2023 £13,677) due to Amingham Limited, a company with a common director
.
Charity
During the year, the Charity received all its donations (£1,010,000) from related parties, £1,000,000,from its subsidiary Lota Estates Limited and £10,000 from ALRW Investments Limited.
.
21 Analysis of changes in net funds
The charity had no material debt during the year.
- 23 -
THE MELOW CHARITABLE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 22 | Cash generated from operations | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Surplus/ (deficit) for the year | (250,703) | (1,135,934) | |
| Adjustments for: | |||
| Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities | (1,004,313) | (1,086,008) | |
| Net gain on investments | 280 | ||
| Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets | 20 | 22 | |
| Movements in working capital: | |||
| Decrease in debtors | 120,970 | 2,328,707 | |
| Increase/(decrease) in creditors | 22,507 | (411,728) | |
| Cash absorbed by operations | (1,111,519) | (304,661) |
- 24 -