Charity number: 278584
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Annual report
31 March 2025
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 4 |
| Trustees' responsibilities statement | 5 |
| Independent auditor's report to the members of The Duke of Northumberland's Charity | 6 - 9 |
| Statement of financial activities | 10 |
| Balance sheet | 11 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 12 - 22 |
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Reference and administrative details Year ended 31 March 2025
| Trustees | The Duke of Northumberland |
|---|---|
| Lord James Percy | |
| Charity registered number 278584 Registered office Estates Office Alnwick Castle Alnwick Northumberland NE66 1NQ Independent auditor UNW LLP Citygate St James' Boulevard Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JE Bankers Barclays Bank plc 29 Bondgate Within Alnwick NE66 1TF C Hoare & Co 37 Fleet Street London EC4P 4DQ Solicitors Anderson Strathern LLP 58 Morrison Street Edinburgh EH3 8BP Investment advisors Cazenove Capital Management Limited 1 London Wall Place London EC2Y 5AU United Kingdom |
Page 1
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Trustees' report Year ended 31 March 2025
The trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the charity for the 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by 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
Policies and objectives
The objects of the charity as set out in the Trust deed are to apply the income of the Trust to make donations to other charitable organisations and respond to other applications for charitable purpose.
The income of the trust is applied by making such subscriptions to charitable organisations and bodies and such other applications for charitable purposes as the Duke directs. The trustees can also (with the consent of the Duke) pay or transfer all or part of the capital to charitable organisations. The trustees confirm that they have given careful consideration to the Charity's Commission's general guidance on public benefit when carrying out these objectives.
Activities undertaken to achieve objectives
In administering the Trust, the trustees seek to provide donations to local charities in the North East of England and nationally with the aim of improving the lives of local people and their communities, as well as to conservation groups to improve natural habitats in the countryside.
Achievements and performance
Main achievements of the charity
During the year the charity has awarded grants totalling £134,023 (2024: £114,751) to 62 (2024: 82) different organisations, details of which are given in note 7. No formal objectives are set but the trustees aim to respond to as many requests as they are able to in each year, subject to the income available from investments. The trustees are satisfied with the level of activity and continue to respond to requests made to them that fit the aims and objectives as set out above.
Financial review
Investments generated income of £202,673 (2024: £189,727), including £164,916 (2024: £164,069) from listed investments. The charity has incurred expenditure of £183,249 (2024: £166,940). Gains of £428,675 (2024: £385,886) have been added to the endowment fund during the year. The trustees are satisfied with the performance of the charity during the year and continue to seek out quality projects to support.
Reserves policy
Given the nature of the charity, a formal reserve policy has not been adopted. At the year end the charity holds unrestricted free reserves of £924,836 (2024: £695,823) which represents around 8 years of future grant giving requirements. Endowment funds stand at £7,576,436 at 31 March – an increase of £219,086 on the prior year. Grants, the only substantial cost to the charity, are awarded in response to requests received, and in accordance with the aims as stated above and the trustees are satisfied with the level of reserves to meet the ongoing future needs in this uncertain economic climate.
Page 2
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Trustees' report (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
Investments
The listed investment portfolio is managed by external third party who is qualified to do so with guidance provided by Northumberland Estates Investment Committee. All ethical investments need to provide an adequate return in order for the charity to meet its objectives of supporting local charities and the performance of the investment manager is benchmarked regularly.
Structure, governance and management
Constitution
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity is a registered charity, number 278584, and is constituted under a Trust deed.
Methods of appointment or election of trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees who are appointed under the terms of the Trust deed.
Appropriate training for new trustees would be provided on a change of delegated person under the terms of the Trust deed.
Decision making policies
Authority for donations to be made rests with the trustees, with some delegated authority for smaller grants passed to senior management at Northumberland Estates. Grants can also be proposed through the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of other related entities but are then endorsed by trustees.
Related party relationships
The Trust is one of a number of related entities under the control of the family of the Duke of Northumberland. Details of any related party transactions are set out in note 17. In addition the charity owns 50% of Crowther Partnership LLP, an LLP that is a joint venture with The Trustees of the Will of 9th Duke of Northumberland.
Plans for future periods
Over the coming year the trustess will continue to respond to requests in line with the charitable objects and to award grants to projects of merit as they see fit.
Page 3
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Trustees' report (continued) Year ended 31 March 2025
Disclosure of information to auditors
Each of the persons who are trustees at the time when this trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:
-
so far as that trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and
-
that trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information.
Approved by order of the members of the board of trustees on 23 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
The Duke of Northumberland
Page 4
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Statement of trustees' responsibilities Year ended 31 March 2025
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 & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and 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.
Approved by order of the members of the board of trustees on 23 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
The Duke of Northumberland
Page 5
Independent auditor's report to the members of the Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Duke of Northumberland's Charity (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet 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 Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) 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 been withdrawn.
This has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
In our opinion the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources 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 requirements of 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 'Auditors' 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 United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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.
Page 6
Independent auditor's report to the members of the Duke of Northumberland's Charity (continued)
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditors' 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
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
the information given in the trustees' report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
-
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which 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.
Page 7
Independent auditor's report to the members of the Duke of Northumberland's Charity (continued)
Auditors' 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 auditors' 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.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Extend to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. However, it is the primary responsibility of management, with the oversight of those charged with governance, to ensure that the entity’s operations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and for the prevention and detection of fraud.
We obtain and update our understanding of the charity, its activities, its control environment, and likely future developments, including in relation to the legal and regulatory framework applicable and how the charity is complying with that framework. Based on this understanding, we identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. This includes consideration of the risk of acts by the entity that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.
Based on our understanding of the charity, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including financial reporting legislation (including related charities legislation) and UK tax legislation. In addition, the charity is subject to many other laws and regulations where the consequences of non-compliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements, for instance through the imposition of fines and litigation. We considered the extent to which non-compliance with laws and regulations might have a material effect on the financial statements and we have assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items.
We also evaluated managements’ incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks related to posting inappropriate journal entries to manipulate financial results, management bias in accounting estimates, as well as improper income recognition which includes fraudulent posting of journal entries to income.
Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
-
Inquiry of management and those charged with governance regarding actual and potential litigation or claims as well as whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;
-
Reviewing the financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
-
Reviewing material manual journals posted by management; and
Page 8
Independent auditor's report to the members of the Duke of Northumberland's Charity (continued)
- Challenging assumptions and judgments made by management in their significant accounting estimates and evaluating whether there was any evidence of bias by the trustees that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors' report.
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.
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 auditors' 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 its trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Anne Hallowell BSc FCA DChA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of UNW LLP, Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants Newcastle upon Tyne
23 September 2025
Page 9
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Statement of financial activities Year ended 31 March 2025
| Note Income and endowments from: Investments 4 Total income and endowments Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net gains on investments 11 Net income Transfers between funds 15 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 202,673 202,673 8,241 165,419 173,660 - 29,013 200,000 229,013 695,823 229,013 924,836 |
Endowment funds 2025 £ - - 9,589 - 9,589 428,675 419,086 (200,000) 219,086 7,357,350 219,086 7,576,436 |
Total funds 2025 £ 202,673 202,673 17,830 165,419 183,249 428,675 448,099 - 448,099 8,053,173 448,099 8,501,272 |
Total funds 2024 £ 189,727 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 189,727 | ||||
| 20,216 146,724 |
||||
| 166,940 | ||||
| 385,886 | ||||
| 408,673 - |
||||
| 408,673 | ||||
| 7,644,500 408,673 |
||||
| 8,053,173 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.
Page 10
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Balance sheet As at 31 March 2025
| Note Fixed assets Investments 11 Investment property 12 Current assets Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Charity funds Endowment funds 15 Unrestricted funds 15 Total funds |
600 937,130 937,730 (11,145) |
2025 £ 7,469,687 105,000 7,574,687 926,585 8,501,272 8,501,272 7,576,436 924,836 8,501,272 |
810 714,759 715,569 (13,408) |
2024 £ 7,246,012 105,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,351,012 702,161 |
||||
| 8,053,173 | ||||
| 8,053,173 | ||||
| 7,357,350 695,823 |
||||
| 8,053,173 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the trustees on 23 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
The Duke of Northumberland
The notes on pages 12 to 22 form part of these financial statements.
Page 11
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
1. General information
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity is an unincorporated charity registered in England.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and 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 Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
The financial statements are presented in pounds sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and are rounded to the nearest £1.
2.2 Going concern
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. Given the level of reserves and the minimal operating costs, the trustees are confident that the charity will be able to continue in operational existence for the forseeable future.
2.3 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 the income will be received.
All investment income is recognised when the dividend becomes payable. Likewise, rental income and other donations are accounted for in the year in which it is receivable.
2.4 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.5 Expenditure
Costs of generating funds includes direct property expenses, investment management fees, other professional fees and some sundry expenditure. Support costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and are detailed in note 6.
Grants are accounted for as soon as there is a contractive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure.
Page 12
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.5 Expenditure (continued)
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and expenses incurred on asset management of the endowed assets, such as property expenses and investment management fees.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
2.6 Investments
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
Investments in joint ventures are accounted for at fair value, being the charity's share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the company with fair value adjustments being recognised through investment gains and losses in the statement of financial activities.
All gains and losses are taken to the statement of financial activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and opening market value (or purchase date if later). Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the market value at year end and the opening market value (or purchase date if later).
2.7 Investment property
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially measured at cost and subsequently measured using the fair value model and stated at its fair value as the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.
2.8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.
Page 13
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.9 Financial instruments
Financial instruments are measured in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instruments.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade debtors, other 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 other creditors 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.
2.10 Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
The Expendable Endowment Fund contains all fixed asset investments. Investment income arising from the endowment fund is unrestricted. The endowment fund is the original gift uplifted by unrealised gains and losses, and is held for income generation but can be spent at the discretion of the trustees for charitable purposes.
3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Significant judgments in applying the entity's accounting policies
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees do not consider there to have been any other significant judgments that were required in the process of applying the company's accounting policies.
Key sources of estimation and uncertainty
Estimates included within these financial statements include the valuation of investment properties and investments in joint ventures. None of the estimates made in the preparation of these financial statements are considered to carry significant estimation uncertainty, nor to bear a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
Page 14
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
4. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Rental income 2,908 Income from listed investments 164,916 Interest income 34,849 202,673 |
Total funds 2025 £ 2,908 164,916 34,849 202,673 |
Total funds 2024 £ 2,738 164,069 22,920 |
|---|---|---|
| 189,727 |
5. Expenditure on raising funds
Costs of raising voluntary income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Property expenses 8,144 Bank charges 97 Brokers fee - 8,241 Unrestricted funds 2024 £ Property expenses 11,022 Bank charges 51 Brokers fee - 11,073 |
Endowment funds 2025 £ - - 9,589 9,589 Endowment funds 2024 £ - - 9,143 9,143 |
Total funds 2025 £ 8,144 97 9,589 |
|---|---|---|
| 17,830 | ||
| Total funds 2024 £ 11,022 51 9,143 |
||
| 20,216 |
Page 15
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Grant funding of activities (Note 7) Grant funding of activities (Note 7) |
Grant funding of activities 2025 £ 134,023 Grants payable 2024 £ 114,751 |
Support costs 2025 £ 31,396 Support costs 2024 £ 31,973 |
Total funds 2025 £ 165,419 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 146,724 |
Analysis of support costs
| Legal and professional fees Accountancy fees Other expenses |
Activities 2025 £ - 11,019 20,377 31,396 |
Total funds 2025 £ - 11,019 20,377 31,396 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,359 10,041 20,573 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31,973 |
Page 16
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
7. Grants payable
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Aln Valley Railway Trust | - | 2,500 |
Alnwick Lions |
1,200 | - |
| Alnwick Tennis Club | - | 4,488 |
| Alnwick Town Juniors | 20,000 | - |
| Alnwick Town Ladies | - | 3,500 |
| Atlantic Salmon Trust | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Brentford Boat Club Dragon Tail Theatre |
4,950 2,625 |
- - |
Duchess High School Trust |
- | 1,200 |
ESCAPE Family Support |
- | 2,250 |
Friends of Eastwoods Park |
- | 2,500 |
| Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust | 25,000 | 30,000 |
| Heritage Centre, Bellingham | 1,500 | - |
London Museum of Water and Steam Maggie's Newcastle |
- 19,717 |
1,000 - |
| My name'5 Doddie Foundation NE Youth Ltd |
- 5,000 |
5,000 5,000 |
| Netherwitton Village Hall | - | 1,000 |
Newbiggin Junior Football Club |
- | 1,000 |
Newcastle Hospitals Teenager and Adult Unit Northumberland Community Enterprise Limited |
2,000 - |
- 2,439 |
Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Oasis Community Housing |
- - |
2,340 5,000 |
People's Kitchen |
- | 10,000 |
| Plant Penguin's Football Club | 10,000 | - |
Red Squirrel Survival Trust |
2,500 | 2,500 |
| St Michael's CE First School | 4,840 | - |
| The Country Trust | 4,961 | 5,000 |
The Oswin Project |
2,150 | - |
The Skill Mill |
2,480 | - |
| Tyne Rivers Trust | 1,200 | 1,200 |
Walking With the Wounded |
2,500 | - |
What a Wonderful World Trust |
- | 1,000 |
| Wideopen & District Juniors FC | - | 1,000 |
| Donations less than £1,000 paid to 44 (2024: 60) charitable institutions Total |
11,400 134,023 |
14,834 114,751 |
Page 17
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
8. Employees
There were no employees during the year.
9. Auditors' remuneration
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the charity's auditor for the audit of the charity's annual | ||
| accounts | 8,650 | 8,250 |
10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024: £nil).
During the year ended 31 March 2025, no trustee expenses have been incurred (2024: £nil).
11. Fixed asset investments
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 Profit share distribution Disposals Revaluations At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 |
Listed investments £ 3,984,413 - (4,984) (116,626) 3,862,803 3,862,803 3,984,413 |
Investments in joint ventures £ 3,261,599 (200,000) - 545,285 3,606,884 3,606,884 3,261,599 |
Total £ 7,246,012 (200,000) (4,984) 428,659 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,469,687 | |||
| 7,469,687 | |||
| 7,246,012 |
The charity has a 50% holding in Crowther Partnership LLP, a property investment and management company incorporated in the UK.
Page 18
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
12. Investment property
| Valuation At 1 April 2024 At 31 March 2025 |
Freehold investment property £ 105,000 |
|---|---|
| 105,000 |
Investment property comprises land at Prudhoe Broomhouse, Baliffgate Museum site, the one-third share of allotment land at Park Road Syon and other land in Prudhoe. The charity engaged Bradley Hall to determine the fair value in the year ended 31 March 2022, in accordance with the RICS Appraisal and Valuation Manual, and it is deemed that this valuation still reflects the fair value at 31 March 2025.
13. Debtors
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Amounts owed by related parties | 600 | - |
| Prepayments and accrued income | - | 810 |
14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Amounts owed to related parties Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ - 100 665 10,380 11,145 |
2024 £ 453 3,694 - 9,261 |
|---|---|---|
| 13,408 |
Page 19
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
15. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at 1 April 2024 £ Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers in/out £ Unrestricted funds General 695,823 202,673 (173,660) 200,000 Endowment funds Expendable fund 7,357,350 - (9,589) (200,000) Total of funds 8,053,173 202,673 (183,249) - Transfers between the endowment and general fund reflect the profit share from Crowther Partnership LLP. Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 1 April 2023 £ Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers in/out £ Unrestricted funds General 413,893 189,727 (157,797) 250,000 Endowment funds Expendable fund 7,230,607 - (9,143) (250,000) Total of funds 7,644,500 189,727 (166,940) - |
Balance at 1 April 2024 £ Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers in/out £ Unrestricted funds General 695,823 202,673 (173,660) 200,000 Endowment funds Expendable fund 7,357,350 - (9,589) (200,000) Total of funds 8,053,173 202,673 (183,249) - Transfers between the endowment and general fund reflect the profit share from Crowther Partnership LLP. Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 1 April 2023 £ Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers in/out £ Unrestricted funds General 413,893 189,727 (157,797) 250,000 Endowment funds Expendable fund 7,230,607 - (9,143) (250,000) Total of funds 7,644,500 189,727 (166,940) - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ Balance at 31 March 2025 £ - 924,836 428,675 7,576,436 428,675 8,501,272 distribution paid in the yea Gains/ (Losses) £ Balance at 31 March 2024 £ - 695,823 385,886 7,357,350 385,886 8,053,173 |
Balance at 31 March 2025 £ 924,836 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,576,436 | |||
| 8,501,272 | |||
| Unrestricted funds General Endowment funds Expendable fund Total of funds |
Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 413,893 7,230,607 7,644,500 |
||
| 7,357,350 | |||
| 8,053,173 |
Transfers between the endowment and general fund reflect the profit share distribution paid in the year from Crowther Partnership LLP.
Page 20
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
16. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Fixed asset investments - Investment property - Current assets 935,981 Creditors due within one year (11,145) Total 924,836 |
Endowment funds 2025 £ 7,469,687 105,000 1,749 - 7,576,436 |
Total funds 2025 £ 7,469,687 105,000 937,730 (11,145) 8,501,272 |
|---|---|---|
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Fixed asset investments Investment property Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ - - 709,231 (13,408) 695,823 |
Endowment funds 2024 £ 7,246,012 105,000 6,338 - 7,357,350 |
Total funds 2024 £ 7,246,012 105,000 715,569 (13,408) 8,053,173 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 21
The Duke of Northumberland's Charity
Notes to the financial statements Year ended 31 March 2025
17. Related party transactions
Various transactions were paid on behalf of the charity by the Trustees of the Will of The 9th Duke of Northumberland. At the year end a balance of £100 was owed to the Trustees of the Will of The 9th Duke of Northumberland (2024: £3,324). Interest is not charged on this balance and the balance is paid off regularly. The Duke of Northumberland is a Trustee of the charity and of the Will of The 9th Duke of Northumberland Grandchildren’s Fund.
Various transactions were paid on behalf of the charity by The 10th Duke's 1972 Settlement Heir’s Discretionary Fund. At the year end a balance of £nil was owed to The 10th Duke's 1972 Settlement Heir’s Discretionary Fund (2024: £nil). Interest is not charged on this balance and the balance is paid off regularly. The Duke of Northumberland is a Trustee of the charity and of The 10th Duke's 1972 Settlement Heir’s Discretionary Fund.
Expenses of £2,781 (2024: £4,245) were paid on behalf of the charity by Earl Percy Northern Estates, an entity owned by Earl Percy, the son of the Duke of Northumberland. The amount outstanding at year end was £nil in both 2025 and 2024. Interest is not charged on this balance and the balance is paid off regularly.
Expenses of £4,630 (2024: £2,196) were paid on behalf of the charity by Earl Percy Southern Estates, an entity owned by Earl Percy, the son of the Duke of Northumberland. At the year end a balance of £nil (2024: £708) was owed to the Trustees of the Earl Percy Southern Estates. Interest is not charged on this balance and the balance is paid off regularly.
Expenses of £1,845 (2024: £338) were paid on behalf of Northumberland Estates Limited by the charity. At the year end £nil (2024: £338) was owed by Northumberland Estates Limited. Interest is not charged on this balance and the balance is paid off regularly.
Expenses of £6,138 (2024: £nil) were paid on behalf of Alnwick Castle Enterprises by the charity. At the year end £600 (2024: £nil) was owed by Alnwick Castle Enterprises. Interest is not charged on this balance and the balance is paid off regularly.
During the year, a profit share distribution of £200,000 (2024: £250,000) was received from Crowther Partnership LLP, a joint venture in which the charity has a 50% share in, alongside The Trustees of the Will of the 9th Duke of Northumberland.
Page 22