## **BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRUST** 

## **NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING** 

**THE FORTY SIXTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRUST WILL BE HELD IN THE GREAT HALL OF THE TOWN HALL ON THURSDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2025 AT 8.00 P.M. FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:** 

## **1 Presentation of the Trustees report and accounts for the year ended 31 July 2025** 

## **2 Discussion on the administration of the Trust** 

## **3 Election of six Trustees** 

All inhabitants of the Town of Berkhamsted and the Parish of Northchurch who have attained the age of eighteen may attend the meeting and are eligible to vote. 

Nomination forms for elected Trustees are available from the Trust Office in the Town Hall. Nominations must be received at the Trust Office not later than 12.00 noon on Friday 21 November 2025. 

**Trust Office By order of the Trustees 196 High Street Berkhamsted Ian Hall Herts Secretary to the Trust HP4 3AP Tel: 01442 862288 www.berkhamstedtownhall.co.uk** 

**Registered Charity no 278248** 

**11 September 2025** 

**The Meeting will be preceded at 7.30 p.m. by the Annual General Meeting of the Market Fund and followed at approximately 9.00 p.m. by a meeting of the Trustees to elect officers and to appoint committees and professional advisers.** 



**BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRUST REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025** 

## **CONTENTS** 

|**REPORT**|**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Legal and administrative information**||
|Report|2|
|Formation|2|
|Trustees<br>|2|
|Charitable object and policies|3|
|Organisation and administration|3|
|Appointment of Trustees|3|
|Trustee induction and training|3|
|Public benefit statement|3|
|Professional advisers and bankers|4|
|Associated organisations|4|
|**Development, activities and achievements**||
|Financial|4|
|Buildings|4|
|Ground Floor Tenancy|4|
|Community facilities|5|
|The Market Fund|5|
|‘The Friends’|5|
|People|6|
|Burns Night 2025|6|
|**Financial review**|6|
|**Other matters**||
|Assets and obligations|7|
|Investments|7|
|Risk management|7|
|Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to||
|the financial statements|8|
|**Summarised financial statement**||
|Summarised statement of financial activities|9|
|Summarised balance sheet|10|
|Balance sheet|11|
|Statement of financial activities|12|



**Detailed financial statements** 13 to 21 

## **PATRONS** 

Richard Mabey MA Tim Bentinck, 12th Earl of Portland MBE Esther Rantzen DBE David Sherratt 

Page 1 



## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025** 

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charity’s Trust Deed, 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) published on 16 July 2014. 

## **FORMATION OF THE TRUST** 

The Trust was established in 1979 by a Scheme of Trust under Interim Trustees. This was in succession to earlier schemes for the Town Hall, which had latterly been administered by the Berkhamsted Town Council. In 1981 a new Scheme of Trust, approved by the Charity Commissioners, stated that the buildings were to be used as a community centre for the people of Berkhamsted and Northchurch. It also provided for the annual election of six Trustees and the appointment of other Trustees by certain local authorities and organisations who nominate their own representative. 

## **TRUSTEES DURING THE YEAR TO 31 JULY 2025** 

**Elected** 

Christine Cowie# Peter Elsworth# (Chairman) Iain Lang# Jeannie Stirrup# 

## **Appointed** 

Richard Case# Berkhamsted Town Council Giles Clark# (Vice Chairman) Berkhamsted Arts Trust & Friends of the Town Hall John Gerry# Berkhamsted & District Chamber of Commerce Ian Reay# Hertfordshire County Council Representative Councillor Sally Symington # Dacorum Borough Council Christopher Talbot-Ponsonby# (Hon. Treasurer) Berkhamsted Citizens Association 

**Co-opted** Jim Jukes# 

# Served as all year 

**No 278248 Registered Charity Trust Office 196 High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 3AP** 

Page 2 



## **CHARITABLE OBJECT AND POLICIES** 

## **Object** 

The Trust’s object is to provide community facilities in the Town Hall. 

## **Policies** 

At the time the Trust was formed the Town Hall was almost derelict. In order to bring the building back into use the Trustees decided to lease the ground floor to commercial firms. The leasehold income together with grants, fund raising activities and loans raised on the security of future commercial income have enabled the rest of the building to be restored. The Trustees allow the community facilities to be hired out for other purposes to subsidise the running costs. Some ground floor locations, which are unsuitable for commercial letting, are now used for community purposes. The Trust’s policy on reserves has not yet been defined by the Trustees, because there have not yet been any reserves available after meeting planned commitments and other planned expenditure. There have been no changes in these policies since the last report. 

## **ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION** 

The Trustees normally meet every three months to discuss the Trust’s affairs. The Trustees are responsible for the financial matters, general Trust administration, commercial activities, the refurbishment and maintenance of the buildings, and the community facilities. Berkhamsted Town Hall Trading Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary company, manages the bar and catering facilities and covenants its profits to the Trust. The Town Hall Manager and the Finance Manager handle the Trust’s administration. 

## **APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES** 

In 1981 a new Scheme of Trust, approved by the Charity Commissioners provided for the annual election of six Trustees and the appointment of other Trustees by certain local authorities and organisations who nominate their own representative. 

## **TRUSTEE INDUCTION AND TRAINING** 

This is undertaken by the Chairman of Trust who briefs them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes and recent financial performance of the Trust. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will add value to their role. 

## **PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT** 

The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and as a result have continued to actively encourage new regular bookings for the benefit of the community. The majority of the regular hirers provide health and well-being activities to users, from toddlers to seniors. The Hertfordshire Hearing Advisory Service (Registered Charity number 1063430) operates out of the Town Hall, free of charge, on the second Tuesday of every month. 

Page 3 



## **PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS and BANKERS during the year to 31 July 2025** 

|Bankers|Barclays Bank PLC, Hemel Hempstead|
|---|---|
||Santander UK, Reading|
|Independent Examiners|HJP, Berkhamsted|
|Insurance Brokers|Bond Insurance Services, Potters Bar|
|Pension Advisers|Delta Financial Management Ltd, Elstree|
|Property Advisers|Aitchison Raffety, Hemel Hempstead|
||Brasier Freeth, Watford|
|Solicitors|Austins Penny and Thorne, Berkhamsted|
|Surveyors|Robert Martell & Partners, Berkhamsted|



## **ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS** 

The Market Fund - c/o Town Hall Trust Office, 196 High Street, Berkhamsted, HP4 3AP The Friends of Berkhamsted Town Hall - Chairman, Giles Clark, The Bothy, Berkhamsted Place, Berkhamsted, HP4 1HQ. 

## **DEVELOPMENT, ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS** 

## **FINANCIAL** 

In this financial year, the Town Hall recorded a deficit of £19,006. 

## **BUILDINGS** 

Other than routine maintenance there was no major expenditure on the building. 

## **Ten-Year Roof Maintenance Plan** 

In this financial year, the maintenance plan was put on hold as there were no issues associated with roof leaks or slipped tiles. 

## **GROUND FLOOR TENANCY** 

Prime Steak & Grill Ltd. continue as the ground floor tenant and make quarterly rental payments of £21,875 net in advance (£87,500 net per annum). 

Page 4 



## **COMMUNITY FACILITIES** 

In order to give the Trust a more guaranteed regular income from hires, emphasis is placed on increasing the number of regular hire bookings whilst leaving the majority of Friday and Saturday evenings available for ad hoc bookings such as weddings and private functions. 

|Hiring of halls<br>**Total income from community facilities**|**Income**<br>**2025**<br>£<br>47,394<br>47,394|**2024**<br>£<br>46,198|
|---|---|---|
|||46,198|



## **THE MARKET FUND** 

The street market continues to provide a major contribution to the finances of the Trust, with a surplus of £44,837 (2024 £49,981). The Trust has an indefeasible right to the profits of the market, which is administered by a separate trust of which this Trust has the right to appoint the majority of Trustees. 

## **‘THE FRIENDS’** 

The Friends of Berkhamsted Town Hall is an independent organisation whose income is not dealt with in these accounts. All donations received from the Friends of Berkhamsted Town Hall are placed in restricted funds and are only spent on projects approved by the donor. 

Page 5 



## **PEOPLE** 

## **Volunteers** 

The Trust continues to benefit from the services of its volunteers, principally those who constitute the Friends of the Town Hall. The Trust would also like to record our appreciation of the services of **Joan Aldous** who manages the bookstall with great success. 

## **Staff** 

The Trust is fortunate to have a loyal and enthusiastic staff, led by our Town Hall Manager, **Ian Hall** , who is endeavouring to build up an increased letting programme for the future whilst maintaining the existing high level of regular bookings. He is ably assisted by **Pat Carter** , Head Housekeeper, and by two Assistant Housekeepers, **Stephen Carter** and **Lee Remice** who joined in October 2024 as a replacement for **Abbie Smith** who had left in August 2024. 

## **Bar and catering contractors** 

**Marie Clout** continues to provide an excellent bar service. **Nic Leon** of Alida Event Catering continues to provide an excellent catering service. 

## **Independent examiners** 

The Trust has reappointed HJP of Berkhamsted as independent examiners of the Trust’s financial statements. This appointment is made by charities whose annual income and expenditure are both less than £250,000. It involves less responsibility and therefore lower fees. 

## **BURNS NIGHT 2025** 

The Trust, in conjunction with Gadebourne Lodge (lodge number 6960), held a Burns Night Supper on 25th January 2025, which was co-ordinated by Peter Elsworth the Chairman of the Trust. This highly enjoyable and successful evening raised £775 for the Trust. 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

The Statement of Financial Activities shows a decrease of 2.97% in the Trust’s income. The decrease is mainly attributable to a 10.29% decrease in revenue from the Market Fund (£5,144) and a 70.74% decrease in the catering commission received (£1,586). 

There was a small decrease in expenditure of 0.54%. This was attributable mainly to a 26.45% reduction in expenditure on general maintenance (£7,572), which in the main was offset by a 28.71% increase in heat, lighting plus power (£5,503) and a 1.4% increase in gross wages (£1,430). 

The net movement in funds is a deficit of £19,006 (2024 deficit of £14,428). 

The Trust continues to reduce its repayment mortgage with Santander UK. In 2025 the mortgage was reduced by £15,363 (2024: £15,363) to £205,663. 

A summary of the key figures in the full financial statements, which will be presented to the Annual Meeting, is shown later in this report together with the full financial statements. 

Page 6 



## **OTHER MATTERS** 

## **ASSETS AND OBLIGATIONS** 

In the opinion of the Trustees, the Trust’s assets at 31 July 2025 were adequate to meet the Trust’s obligations as they fall due. 

## **INVESTMENTS** 

The Trustees invest any permanent endowments in Gilt Edged securities. 

## **RISK MANAGEMENT** 

We confirm that the major risks to which the Trust is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. 

Page 7 



TRUSTELS, RLSPONSIBILrfILs IN RELATION TO ThE FINANc￿L STATEME
The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a ITUStees' annual re￿)rt and financial statements
in acconlance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practi¢e}.
Company law and the law applicable to charities in England and Wales requirts the charity trnstees
to prepare financial statements for each year, which give a true and fair vtew of the state of affalrs
of the charitable company and of the incoming resourccs and application of ffwurce5 for that
period. In preparing the financial statement& the tn￿ are required to:
select suitable accounting tK)licies and the apply them consistently.
observe the meth(rtJs and principles of the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102).
make judgements and estimates that are reas)nable and prudent:
slate whether applicable accounting standards have been followe4 subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the f￿ancIal statemen
prepare the financial statements on the going concern b&sis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the charity will Continue in business
The trtjstees are reS￿nsIble for keeping proper accounting records that dis¢lose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial p)sition of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the
financial ststements comply with the Companies Act 21M)6, the Charities Act 2011. the Charity
(Accounts 2nd Retrt)rts) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the tnjst dced. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity atid hence taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detrction of frdud and other irregularities.
Approv
the Trut on Ilth Septemb¢r 2025
by
ChainDall of B¢rkhamsted Town Hall Trnst
Berkhamsted Towp Hall T￿￿t
196 High Street
Berlthamsted
Herts
HP4 3AP
Regi8tered Charity No. 278248
Page 8

## **SUMMARISED FINANCIAL STATEMENT** 

The financial information on pages 9 and 10 is taken from the financial statements of the Trust for the year ended 31 July 2025. It does not contain sufficient information to allow for a full understanding of the affairs of the Trust. It excludes the assets, liabilities and cash flows of Berkhamsted Town Hall Trading Limited. The financial statements are on pages 11 to 21 and were approved by the Trust at its meeting on 11 September 2025. 

The report of the independent examiner was unqualified. 

## **SUMMARISED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025** 

|**Income**<br>Property income<br>Hire of community facilities<br>Trading Co.<br>Market Fund<br>Defibrillator Grant<br>Donations, bequests and other income<br>Total income<br>**Expenditure**<br>Community facilities<br>Trust administration<br>Property expenditure<br>Total expenditure<br>Net increase / (decrease) in resources from<br>operating activities<br>**(**<br>USE OF RESOURCES FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE<br>Net increase / (decrease)<br>**(**<br>Depreciation<br>Capital expenditure<br>**(**<br>Resources available for future spending, subject to<br>commitments to repay loans,<br>increased  / (decreased) by<br>**(**|**2025**<br>**£**<br>87,500<br>47,394<br>656<br>44,837<br>0<br>5,922<br>**186,309**<br>186,241<br>8,450<br>10,624<br>**205,315**<br>**19,006**<br>**)   (**<br>19,006<br>**)   (**<br>10,380<br>1,625<br>**)**<br>**10,251**<br>**)   (**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>87,500<br>46,198<br>2,242<br>49,981<br>500<br>5,581<br>**192,002**<br>186,377<br>8,450<br>11,603<br>**206,430**<br>**14,428 )**<br>14,428 **)**<br>10,380<br>0<br>**4,048 )**|
|---|---|---|



Page 9 



## **SUMMARISED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JULY 2025** 

|||**2025**||**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**||**£**|
|Fixed Assets|||||
|Property and equipment||683,816||692,571|
|Investments||0||0|
|**Total Fixed Assets**||**683,816**||**692,571**|
|Amounts owing to the Trust||21,179||19,772|
|Bank balances||33,487||58,399|
|Less|||||
|Amounts due by the Trust in the next year|(|41,911 )|(|39,802 )|
|**Net Current Assets / (Liabilities)**||**12,755**||**38,369**|
|Less amounts falling due in more than one year|(|190,300 )|(|205,663 )|
|**Net Assets**||**506,271**||**525,277**|
|**Funds**|||||
|Beginning of year||525,277||539,705|
|Net increases / (decreases) in resources|(|19,006 )|(|14,428 )|
|Revaluation of investment||0||0|
|**End of year**||**506,271**||**525,277**|
|The closing balances on the reserves are as follows|||||
|Permanent Endowment - Restricted||198||198|
|Development Fund - Restricted||2,989||2,989|
|Unrestricted Funds||503,084||522,090|



Page 10 



BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRUST BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JULY 2025
Total
Prior
Nrt¢
21124
Tangible Fixed A&￿e(S
Investments
683,816
683,816
692.571
Curretyt Assets
Debtors
10
21.179
21.179
19.772
Totsl C4rre]rt Ass¢ts
198
54
Cmrrellt Liabilities
CrediLOTS: arnounts f811ing within oneyear
N¢t Cwrreut Assetsl(Ll*bllltks}
41.911 )
14
198
693 J84
1989
198
696.571
730,940
LoBg Tem Liabilities
Credilor5.' anM)Jnts f￿1[￿8 due in tThTrre
than one year
iii { )
( 190.300 ) ( 205,663 )
Asyets
506
The of the Cb*Tity
Pennaneni En<k)wncrEt
Restricted Fwjds
Unrestricied Funds
198
198
2,989
503 084
198
2.989
13
13
1989
Totsl Ch*rity Fumds
52
506 271 ￿￿77
The notes at pages 12 to 21 forni part of these accounts
Approved by the T stees on I lth September 2025 and Sign￿ on their behalf by:
Peter Elsworth - Chaimian of the TnLSt
Trust OITice
196 High Street
Berkhamsted
Herts HP4 3AP
Registered Charity No. 278248
Pagell

|**BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL**|**BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL**|**BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL**|**ACTIVITIES FOR THE**|**ACTIVITIES FOR THE**|**YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 - INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**|**YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 - INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**|**YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 - INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**|**YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 - INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**|**YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 - INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**|**YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 - INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**|**YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 - INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT**||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Note||2025|2025|2025|2025||2024|2024|2024|2024||
||||**UNRESTRICT**|**RESTRICT**|**PERMANENT**|**Total**||**UNRESTRICT**|**RESTRICT**|**PERMANENT**|**Total**||
||||||**ENDOWMENT**|||||**ENDOWMENT**|||
||||£|£|£|£||£|£|£|£||
|**INCOME**|||||||||||||
|Property income|||87,500|||87,500||87,500|||87,500||
|Community facilities income|||47,394|||47,394||46,198|||46,198||
|Trading Co.|16||656|||656||2,242|||2,242||
|Market fund|2||44,837|||44,837||49,981|||49,981||
|Donations/Bequest|3||2,490|||2,490||2,435|||2,435||
|Defibrillator Donations|||0|||0||350|||350||
|Defibrillator Town Council Grant|||0|||0||500|||500||
|Burns Night income|||2,645|||2,645||1,625|||1,625||
|Interest receivable|||787|||787||1,171|||1,171||
|**TOTAL INCOME**|||**186,309**|||**186,309**||**192,002**|||**192,002**||
|**EXPENDITURE ON**|||||||||||||
|Charitable activities - hall management|4|(|186,241|)|(|186,241|) (|186,377|)|(|186,377|)|
|Other expenditure|5|(|19,074|)|(|19,074|) (|20,053|)|(|20,053|)|
|**TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED**||**(**|**205,315**|**)**|**(**|**205,315**|**) (**|**206,430**|**)**|**(**|**206,430**|**)**|
|**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**||**(**|**19,006 **|**)**|**(**|**19,006 **|**)  (**|**14,428 **|**)**|**(**|**14,428 **|**)**|
|_RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS_|||||||||||||
|Total funds brought forward|||522,090|2,989|198|525,277||536,518|2,989|198|539,705||
|**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|||**503,084**|**2,989**|**198**|**506,271**||**522,090**|**2,989**|**198**|**525,277**||
|**USE OF RESOURCES TO ACQUIRE FIXED ASSETS FOR CHARITY**||**USE**|||||||||||
|Net movement in funds||**(**|19,006|**)**|**(**|19,006|**)** (|14,428|)|(|14,428|)|
|Capital expenditure||**(**|1,625|**)**|**(**|1,625|**)**|0|||0||
|Depreciation|||10,380|||10,380||10,380|||10,380||
|Resources available for future spending, subject to|||||||||||||
|commitments to repay loans, increased by||**(**|10,251|**)**|**(**|10,251|**)** (|4,048|)|(|4,048|)|



Page 12 



## **DETAILED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

## BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRUST 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 

## 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

## 1.1 Basis of Preparation 

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

Berkhamsted Town Hall Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 

The functional currency used in preparing the accounts is GBP (British Pound). 

## 1.2 Financial Reporting Standard 102 – Reduced Disclosure Exemptions 

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by Charities SORP FRS 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’: 

The requirements of Section 7 – Statement of Cash Flows 

## 1.3 Funds Structure 

Unrestricted income funds comprise those funds, which the Trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds include designated funds where the Trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose. 

Restricted funds are funds, which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or trust deed. 

Transfer between funds, the donations by the Friends of the Town Hall are allocated to restricted funds, then any of their donations authorised to be spent on capital items are transferred to unrestricted funds. 

## 1.4 Income Recognition 

The recognition of incoming resources is based on when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, when the Trustees believe that there is sufficient certainty that receipt of the resources is considered probable and when the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. 

Property income and income derived from room hires is recognised as earned (that is, as the related services are provided). 

Donations are credited in the year in which they are received and if given for a specific purpose are included in restricted funds. 

Page 13 



## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

## 1.5 Expenditure Recognition 

Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. 

## 1.6 Irrecoverable VAT 

Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of resources expended for which it was incurred. 

## 1.7 Allocation of Overhead and Support Costs 

Staff costs are allocated on a time basis and other expenses/depreciation on an actual basis and interest on occupation area. 

The remaining costs are allocated as a lump sum between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities report. 

## 1.8 Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation 

Fixed Assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives at the following ratesBuildings 1% (100 years) Furniture and equipment 20% (5 years) 

No fixed assets write-down assessment was deemed necessary. 

## 1.9 Fixed Assets Investment 

Investments are shown at middle-market value as at the balance sheet date. 

## 1.10 Pensions 

In accordance with the Pensions Act 2008 all employees of the charity are automatically enrolled into a workplace pension scheme, which is managed by NEST (National Employment Savings Trust). The Trust’s contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 15. 

The Trust has made pension contributions of 3% to NEST in the year with a further 5% contributed by employees of the Trust. The Trust has no liability beyond its 3% contributions and paying across amounts deducted from employees in respect of their 5% contributions. 

## 1.11 Debtors and Creditors Receivable / Payable Within One Year 

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. 

## 1.12 Government Grants 

Government grants in relation to tangible fixed assets are credited to profit and loss account over the useful lives of the related assets, whereas those in relation to expenditure are credited when the expenditure is charged to profit and loss. 

## 2 MARKET FUND 

The income from this fund arises from the Berkhamsted street markets and the Trust has an indefeasible right to the excess of income over expenses of this fund. 

Page 14 



## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

## 3 GRANTS / BEQUESTS / DONATIONS 

|Defibrillator Grant Grants<br>Bequests<br>Donations -<br>Friends<br>Burns Night<br>Defibrillaror<br>Other<br>Bookstall|2025<br>£<br>0<br>0<br>150<br>775<br>0<br>250<br>1,315<br>2,490|2024<br>£<br>500<br>0<br>150<br>503<br>350<br>500<br>1,282|
|---|---|---|
|||3,285|



## 4 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 

|Hall Management|2025<br>£<br>186,241<br>186,241|2024<br>£<br>186,377|
|---|---|---|
|||186,377|



The Trustees, wherever possible, have sought in agreements to exclude themselves from personal liability and in addition, the combined commercial insurance policy covers their personal liability as Trustees. 

## 5 OTHER COSTS 

|Property<br>Trust Administration|2025<br>£<br>8,450<br>10,624<br>19,074|2024<br>£<br>8,450<br>11,603|
|---|---|---|
|||20,053|



Page 15 



NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

## 6 ALLOCATION OF GOVERNANCE AND OTHER SUPPORT COSTS 

The breakdown of support costs and how these were allocated between governance and other support costs is shown in the table below. 

|Cost Type|Total|Governance|Other|Basis of|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Allocated|Related|Support|Apportionment|
||||Costs||
||£|£|£||
|Staff Costs|103,611|5,471|98,140|Staff time|
||103,611|5,471|98,140||



Allocation of staff time is based on 15% of the manager's salary covering trustee meetings and accounting. 

|Governance Costs<br>Independent Examiner's Fees<br>Professional Fees<br>Support Costs (see above)|2025<br>£<br>4,460<br>0<br>5,471<br>9,931|2024<br>£<br>4,248<br>0<br>5,382|
|---|---|---|
|||9,630|



The total support cost attributable to charitable activities is applied to the Hall Management activity. 

Allocation of governance and other support costs 

|Hall Management|2025<br>£<br>108,071<br>108,071|2024<br>£<br>106,429|
|---|---|---|
|||106,429|



## 7 ANALYSIS OF RESOURCES USED 

|Governance<br>& Support<br>£<br>Hall Management<br>108,071<br>Administration<br>Property<br>2025<br>108,071<br>2024<br>106,429|Other<br>Depreciation<br>Interest<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>59,367<br>10,380<br>8,423<br>8,450<br>2,200<br>8,424<br>70,017<br>10,380<br>16,847<br>70,815<br>10,380<br>18,806|Total<br>£<br>186,241<br>8,450<br>10,624<br>205,315|
|---|---|---|
|||206,430|



Page 16 



NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

## 8 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS 

The Trustees own the freehold of Berkhamsted Town Hall, which comprises three separate but integrated buildings - the Town Hall, the Sessions Hall and the Market House. 

|Cost<br>New Intruder Alarm Sytem<br>Net Book Value as at<br>31 July 2025<br>Charge for year<br>At 31 July 2025<br>31 July 2024<br>At 1 August 2024<br>At 31 July 2025<br>Depreciation<br>At 1 August 2024|Freehold<br>Furniture and<br>Property<br>Equipment<br>£<br>£<br>1,038,054<br>8,800<br>0<br>1,625<br>1,038,054<br>10,425<br>345,483<br>8,800<br>10,380<br>0<br>355,863<br>8,800<br>692,571<br>0<br>682,191<br>1,625|Total<br>£<br>1,046,854<br>1,625<br>1,048,479|Total<br>£<br>1,046,854<br>1,625<br>1,048,479|
|---|---|---|---|
||||354,283<br>10,380<br>364,663|
||||692,571|
||||683,816|



## 9 INVESTMENTS 

There are currently no investments. 

## 10 DEBTORS 

Debtors are amounts owed to the charity. They are measured on the basis of their recoverable amount. 

|Rental debtors<br>Other debtors<br>Prepaid expenses|2025<br>£<br>826<br>253<br>20,100<br>21,179|2024<br>£<br>518<br>473<br>18,781|
|---|---|---|
|||19,772|



Page 17 



## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

## 11 CREDITORS – Amounts falling due within one year 

Creditors are amounts owed by the charity. They are measured at the amount that the charity expects to have to pay to settle the debt. Amounts which are owed in more than a year are shown as long-term creditors. 

|Mortgage - Santander - payments<br>Mortgage - Santander - interest<br>(<br>Mortgage - Santander (1) - amount due<br>Other creditors and accruals<br>Rent in advance|2025<br>£<br>32,210<br>16,847<br>)<br>(<br>15,363<br>4,744<br>21,804<br>41,911|2024<br>£<br>34,169<br>18,806<br>)<br>15,363<br>4,525<br>19,914<br>39,802|
|---|---|---|



|12 CREDITORS - Amounts falling due in more than one year.|||
|---|---|---|
|12.1 Santander Mortgage|||
||2025|2024|
|Mortgage - Santander (2)|£|£|
|Forecast balance remaining as of 31st July 2026|190,300|205,663|



The Town Hall freehold property and building is the subject of a charge in favour of Santander UK. The remaining term of the mortgage at 31 July 2025 was 13 years, and the rate of interest at 31 July 2025 was 3.0% base rate plus 4.217% UK SONIA rate. 

|Actual Mortgage<br>Santander UK Mortgage - Commenced on 28th August 2013<br>Mortgage - Santander total outstanding as of 31st July 2025<br>Mortgage - Santander (2)<br>Mortgage - Santander (1) [from note 11]|2025<br>£<br>15,363<br>190,300<br>205,663|2024<br>£<br>15,363<br>205,663|
|---|---|---|
|||221,026|



The Freehold Property is stated at net book value in the Balance Sheet at £682,191 per Note 8. 

The aggregate of the mortgage (£205,663) represents 30.15% of the net cost of the freehold property on which it is secured. 

Page 18 



NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

## 13 FUNDS 

## (a) The Permanent Endowment Fund 

This represents the balance of funds transferred to the Trust at its inception in 1981. 

## (b) Restricted Fund 

This fund represents donations and grants received to refurbish the Town Hall less amounts expended on purchase of Fixed Assets and renovation expenditure. 

|Permanent Restricted Unrestricted<br>Endowment<br>Funds<br>Funds<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>At 1 August 2024<br>198<br>2,989<br>522,090<br>Funds received<br>Revenue income (net)<br>____<br>(<br>19,006<br>)   (<br>At 31 July 2025<br>198<br>2,989<br>503,084|Total<br>£<br>525,277<br>0<br>19,006<br>)<br>506,271|
|---|---|



## 14 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS 

|Permanent Restricted Unrestricted<br>Endowment<br>Funds<br>Funds<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>Fixed Assets<br>683,816<br>Net Current Assets / (Liabilities)<br>198<br>2,989<br>9,568<br>Long Term Liabilities<br>(<br>190,300 )   (<br>Investments<br>____<br>198<br>2,989<br>503,084|Total<br>£<br>683,816<br>12,755<br>190,300 )<br>0<br>506,271|
|---|---|



Page 19 



## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

15 ANALYSIS OF STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES, AND REMUNERATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL 

|Salaries and Wages<br>NEST Pension Scheme<br>National Insurance|2025<br>£<br>99,067<br>3,192<br>1,352<br>103,611|2024<br>£<br>98,376<br>2,749<br>1,056<br>102,181|
|---|---|---|



The average number of employees during the year was 4 (2024: 4) with all employee time involved in providing either support to the governance of the charity or support services to the charitable activity (hall management). 

The trustees were not paid by or received any other benefits from the Trust (2024: £Nil) neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2024: £Nil). No trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the Trust (2024: £Nil). 

The Trust considers that its key management personnel comprise solely of the Manager. The total employment benefits including employer pension contributions of the key management personnel were £36,474 (2024: £35,878). No employee had benefits in excess of £60,000 (2024: none). 

## 16 BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRADING LIMITED 

The company was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Trust on 7 September 1997 and commenced trading in May 1998 and receives the commission from the catering services provided. 

In the opinion of the Trustees the assets and liabilities are immaterial to the Trust's affairs and therefore group accounts have not been prepared. 

At 31 July 2025 the profit from Berkhamsted Town Hall Trading Limited was: 

||2025|2024|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Profit for year|656|2,242|



When there is a profit, it is donated under a Deed of Covenant to the Trust. 

## 17 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 

There were no related party transactions (2024: none). 

Page 20 



NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18 CAPITAL COMMITMENTS AND FUNDING 

At 31 July 2025 the capital commitments not provided for in the accounts was £ Nil (2024: £Nil). 

## 19 ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY 

The opinion of the Trustees is that the Ultimate Controlling Party of the Berkhamsted Town Hall Trust is the Trustees themselves. 

Page 21 



CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner's Report
Report to the trustees
BERKHAMSTED TOWN HALL TRUST
On accounts for tho year
ended
31 JULY 2025
Charity no
lif any)
278248
Set out on pages 1-2
l ￿port to the trustees on my examination of the a(x￿ntS of the atM)ve
chafity (Ihe Trustl for the year ended 31 Juty 2025.
Responsibilities and
basis of report
As the charity's trustees. you are res￿nsIble for the p￿paratIOn of the
accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
(Ihe Act").
I report in respeca of my examination of the Trusvs a(xounls carried out
under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I
have followed all the applicable Directions given ty the Charity Commission
under sectton 145{5){b) of the Act.
Independent I have compleled my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
examinerfs statement come to my attentk)n in (*)nneclion with the examination which gives me
cause to believe that in, any material respect..
the arLounling records were not kept in accordan￿ with sectk)n 130
of the Charities A(X", or
the accourrts did not ac￿rd with the ac£ounting records.
I have no ￿ncernS and have come across no other matters in connection
wrth the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this report in
order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Date:
Name:
ANGELA PEDEN FCA
Relevant professional
qualification{sl or body
lif any):
FCA
Address:
ALL ABOUT BUSINESS LIMITED, AUDLEY HOUSE
NORTHBRIDGE ROAD
BERKHAMSTED, HERTS. HP4 1EH
IER
Oct 2018

Section B
Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight malerial matters of concem
(see CC32, Independent examinatson of chartty accounts. direcb.ons and
guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of
any items that the
examiner wishes to
disclose.
IER
Oct 2018