Charity Number
279817
Letton Hall Trust
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
The trustees, present their report and accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023 . The accounts comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the trust deed, Financial Reporting Standard 102 and follow the recommendations in 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).
Reference and Administrative Information
Charity Name Letton Hall Trust Charity Number 279817 Charity Trustees Mrs Ann Rayner (Chair) Mr Steve Rayner Mrs Sarah Hobday Mr Tim Hobday Mrs Alison Barnard (Resigned 06/02/2024) Mr Andrew Barnard (Resigned 06/02/2024) Centre Managers Jon Horrox Registered Office and Principal Address Letton Hall Shipdham Thetford Norfolk IP25 7SA Bankers National Westminster Bank plc Independent Examiner Adam James MAAT Eric Southwick & Co Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS
Solicitors Lloyd Jones & Co 8 – 10 Southbourne Grove Westcliffe on Sea Essex SS0 9UR
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Structure and Organisation
Organisation
The organisation is an unincorporated trust, constituted under a trust deed dated 17[th] March 1980 and registered as a charity on 21[st] March 1980. The Trust is managed by the trustees who meet regularly to consider the progress of the Charity and to consider its future direction and activities. The day-to-day operation of the Trust is delegated to the Centre Managers who reports to the Chair of Trustees and is supported by the other members of staff.
Trustee Appointments
The Trust is governed by trustees who are selected from members of the Christian Community, with their wide base of Christian leadership, business and secular experience. The Trust aims to recruit trustees who have the requisite business and sector specific experience to be able to direct and manage the affairs of the Charity.
All trustees are inducted into the policies and procedures of the charity to ensure they are well equipped to fulfil their duties and in particular receive copies of: The Trust Deed of the charity The latest accounts of the charity
And are encouraged to read Charity Commission guidance notes CC3 –“The Essential Trustee – What you need to know”.
Risk Management
The Trustees are aware of the recommendations to examine the major strategic, business and operational risks which the Trust faces. Procedures are in place to comply with statutory requirements such as Health and Safety legislation, for business continuity events and for the effective management of our staff and buildings.
Objectives and Activities
Charitable Objects
The objects of the Trust are:
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i) The advancement of the Christian faith either in the United Kingdom or overseas ii) The furtherance of religious or secular education
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iii) The encouragement of missionary activities designed for the spread of Christian faith
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iv) The relief of the poor and needy
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v) The help and comfort of the sick and aged
The objectives of the Trust are achieved by way of a Christian Conference Centre, where young and old can come together and meet with Jesus Christ. The trust offers economically priced “catered for” and “self-catering” accommodation.
The Trustees are grateful for the continued efforts, assistance and support of our growing volunteer team which contributes to the success of Letton Hall Trust.
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
The Trustees believe that the Trust’s objectives were set with the advancement of religion for public benefit in mind, and are actually achieved through the careful management of Letton Hall as a Christian Activity and Conference Centre. Specific public benefits include:-
Employment of local people and the involvement of local people on a voluntary basis in the maintenance of the property and the activities and ministry of Letton Hall. This includes youth teams gaining experience in Go-karting, archery, orienteering as team building activities in a safe residential environment.
The maintenance and beneficial utilisation of a previously poorly maintained and underutilised Grade II listed building.
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Achievements and Performance
Review of the Period
Towards the end of this reporting period the Hall hosted a number of Wakes (Farewell Gatherings) which were well received. We have continued to develop Afternoon Teas and Quiz Night events, and these remain popular with our local community. As a proof of concept for the demand, locally for a cafe, Letton Hall opened a pop-up cafe at several times in the year. This proved that there is a demand for this sort of venue in our area and we intend to explore this income stream further.
The Trust has continued to raise funds to repair the first floor bathroom roof. We have raised just over half the amount needed to complete this project. Letton Hall is very grateful for the support we have received so far.
We have started on the refurbishment of the front lobby areas of the Main Hall. This has included the installation of a coffee bar area with a commercial Espresso machine. This enhances the offering to guests, particularly afternoon teas and wakes. We will offer this as an addition to weekend guest groups.
As last year, this year has seen costs rise, not least the cost of our borrowing. Our operating income has been healthy but operational costs have outstripped this by some way.
Financial Review
The deficit of £28,889 (2022 deficit £103,352) was after taking into account another year of significant one-off maintenance projects which included further windows renovation work. Donations included some grants towards facility improvements. The trustees recognise that future projects are dependent upon additional funding.
At 31[st] December 2023 the Trust had funds totaling £606,064 (2022: 634,953), of which £606,064 are unrestricted funds (2022: 634,953). £360,270 (2022: £396,093) has been raised during the year and £360,270 (2022: £499,445) has been expended as detailed in the notes to the accounts.
Reserves Policy
It is the policy of the Trustees to:
Retain sufficient free reserves to support the costs of running Letton Hall including governance for a three-month period.
In the longer term, the Trustees aim to build up sufficient reserves to fund the cost of maintaining and developing the property, land and facilities.
At 31[st] December 2023, there were unrestricted undesignated free reserves of £49,593 after taking account of fixed assets net of loans falling due after more than one year (2022: £27,602).
Principal Funding Source
The principal funding source is from the fees charged to the groups and individuals who attend the Conference Centre.
Plans for the Future
The Trustees hope to find funding for a new Cafe to be based in the Stables. We are aware that the Go-Kart track is in need of some surface repairs. Again funding will be sought to deal with this urgent need.
The Trust will continue to research new sources of income, possibly activity based, that non residential groups may be able access.
In a difficult economic climate, the Trust is determined to work as efficiently and effectively to ensure the long term sustainability of Letton Hall.
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Independent Examiner
A resolution to reappoint Eric Southwick of Eric Southwick & Co Accountants will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.
Responsibilities of the Trustees
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period, which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its financial activities for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently:
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make judgments and estimates that are prudent and reasonable:
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in existence.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. 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.
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Signed on behalf of the trustees
Steve Rayner
Date: 9 May 2024
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Members of Letton Hall Trust
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2023, which are set out on pages 6 to 13.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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Adam James MAAT
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Adam James MAAT Eric Southwick & Co Accountants 51 The Avenue Seaham Co Durham SR7 8NS Date: 15/05/2024
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For the year ended 31[st] December 2023
| Notes Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Total Expenditure on: Raising funds 6 Charitable activities 7 Other 8 Total Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 54,035 303,369 2,866 360,270 2,520 386,639 - 389,159 (28,889) (28,889) 634,953 (606,064) |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds 2023 £ 54,035 303,369 2,866 360,270 2,520 386,639 - 389,159 (28,889) - (28,889) 634,953 (606,064) |
Total funds 2022 £ 123,417 269,765 2,911 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 396,093 | ||||
| 1,982 467,463 30,000 |
||||
| 499,445 | ||||
| (103,352) - |
||||
| (103,352) 738,305 |
||||
| 634,953 |
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.
All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.
The notes on pages 8 to 13 form part of these accounts.
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Balance Sheet As at 31[st] December 2023
| Notes £ Fixed Assets Tangible assets 11 Total fixed assets Current assets Stocks 6,140 Debtors 12 9,740 Cash at bank and in hand 99,325 Total current assets 115,205 Current Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 13 65,613 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 14 Net assets The funds of the charity Unrestricted income funds 16 Total charity funds |
2023 £ 1,233,824 1,233,824 49,593 1,283,416 (677,352) 606,064 606,064 606,064 |
£ 6,270 17,882 105,662 129,814 102,212 |
2022 £ 1,273,159 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,273,159 27,602 |
|||
| 1,300,761 (665,808) |
|||
| 634,953 | |||
| 634,953 | |||
| 634,953 |
The financial statements were approved by the trustees, authorised for issue and are signed on their behalf by:
Steve Rayner
Date: 9 May 2024
The notes on pages 8 to 13 form part of these accounts.
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Notes to the accounts
1 Accounting policies
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In preparing the accounts the following accounting policies have been complied with:
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a) The financial statements have been prepared 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) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
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b) The Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102
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c) Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note.
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d) There are no material uncertainties existing to suggest that the use of the going concern basis is inappropriate.
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e) Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Trust. Unrestricted funds include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of freehold property at market value.
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f) Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes.
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g) Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
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h) All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Trust is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
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i) Donations and legacies is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the Trust, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
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ii) Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.
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iii) Other trading income from the shop is accounted for when earned.
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iv) Income and endowments from charitable activities is accounted for when the letting or activity takes place and deposits received during the year in respect of future periods are carried forward as deferred income.
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v) Investment income is included when receivable.
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i) Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:
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i) Costs of generating funds comprise costs associated with attracting voluntary income, including costs of trading for fundraising purposes including the Trust’s shop.
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ii) Expenditure on charitable activities comprises those costs incurred by the Trust in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
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iii) All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource.
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j) All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, however, the freehold property has been revalued.
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Notes to the accounts (Continued)
1 Accounting policies(Continued)
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k) Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: Freehold property / improvements 1%, 5% and 10% straight line Equipment 20% straight line Household equipment 10% straight line
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l) Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after due provision for obsolete, defective or out of date stock.
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m) The Trust operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Trust. The annual contributions payable are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities.
2 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they are applied for charitable purposes. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of the goods or services on which it was charged.
3 Income and endowments from: Charitable activities
| Other donations and grants | Unrestricted funds Restricted funds £ £ 54,035 |
Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022 £ £ 54,035 123,417 |
|---|---|---|
4 Income and endowments from: Charitable activities
| Fees received Biomass rebate Total |
Unrestricted funds £ 284,514 18,854 303,369 |
Restricted funds £ - - - |
Total funds 2023 £ 284,514 18,854 303,369 |
Total funds 2022 £ 252,732 17,033 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 269,765 |
5 Income and endowments from: Other trading activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | Total funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Shop income | 2,866 | - | 2,866 | 2,911 |
6 Expenditure on: Raising funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | Total funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Shop costs | 2,520 | - | 2,520 | 1,982 |
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Notes to the accounts (Continued)
| 7 Expenditure on: Charitable Staff costs Housekeeping Catering Events and activities Insurance and rates Light and heat Repairs and maintenance Telephone Printing, postage and stationery Depreciation Independent Examiner's fees Professional fees Bank charges and interest Mortgage charges and interest Total 8 Expenditure on: Other Grant repaid |
activities Unrestricted funds £ 164,533 12,052 12,757 3,772 19,160 52,816 22,155 2,562 3,301 39,335 2,450 4,328 892 46,525 386,639 Unrestricted funds £ - |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Restricted funds £ |
Total funds 2023 £ 164,533 12,052 12,757 3,772 19,160 52,816 19,903 2,562 3,084 39,335 2,450 6,994 892 46,525 386,837 2023 £ - |
Total funds 2022 £ 161,453 10,309 14,332 2,027 20,886 43,853 113,401 2,566 4,325 39,688 2,450 26,148 669 25,356 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 467,463 | ||||
| 2022 £ 30,000 |
9 Employee information
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 during the year (2022: nil). Employee costs during the period were as follows:
| 2023 £ Wages and salaries 157,331 Social security costs 2,920 Other pension costs 4,283 - 164,533 The number of people employed during the period was as follows: 2023 £ Conference centre staff 26 |
2022 £ 154,451 3,387 3,615 |
|---|---|
| 161,453 | |
| 2022 £ 25 |
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Notes to the accounts (Continued)
10 Trustee information
No trustee received remuneration (2022: none) or was reimbursed expenses (2022: nil) during the year.
11 Fixed Assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 January 2023 At 31 December 2023 Depreciation At 1 January 2023 Charge for the year At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2023 At 31 December 2022 |
Freehold property at valuation £ 1,341,210 1,341,210 241,161 10,625 251,786 1,089,424 1,100,049 |
Equipment £ 381,447 381,447 214,076 27,859 241,935 139,512 167,371 |
Household equipment £ 41,337 41,337 35,597 851 36,448 4,888 5,739 |
Total £ 1,763,993 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,763,993 | ||||
| 490,834 39,335 |
||||
| 530,169 | ||||
| 1,233,824 | ||||
| 1,273,159 |
In respect of the assets stated at valuations, the comparable historical cost and depreciation values are as follows:
| Net book value of revalued tangible fixed assets Historical cost to date Accumulated depreciation to date |
2023 £ 1,089,424 1.264,729 (205,843) 1,058,886 |
2022 £ 1,100,049 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,264,729 (195,893) |
||
| 1,068,836 |
Included within freehold property is £250,000 relating to land which is not being depreciated.
Freehold property was re-valued on an open market basis by the Trustees on 28 February 2007. The Trustees considered the valuation of the freehold property in 2013. The property is subject to ongoing maintenance and therefore the Trustees consider that the current net book value is not significantly different to the open market value.
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Notes to the accounts (Continued)
12 Debtors
| 2 Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fees due Accrued income Prepayments |
2023 £ 6,257 - 3,483 9,740 |
2022 £ 9,207 - 8,675 |
| 17,882 |
All debtors are repayable within one year of the balance sheet date.
No provision has been made for Gift Aid in respect of the year, this will be included when received.
13 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Bank loans and overdrafts Trade creditors PAYE and social security VAT Deposits held Accruals 4 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year Bank loans and overdrafts |
2023 £ 25,441 1,450 - 8,442 21,483 8,798 65,613 2023 £ 677,352 677,352 |
2022 £ 63,216 9,225 1,529 797 20,047 7,398 |
|---|---|---|
| 102,212 | ||
| 2022 £ 665,808 |
||
| 665,808 |
14 Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
15 Pensions
The Trust contributes to a defined contribution stakeholder pension scheme in respect of employees. Contributions made by the Trust during the year amounted to £4,283 (2022: £3,615).
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Letton Hall Trust Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements 31[st] December 2023
Notes to the accounts (Continued)
16 Analysis of net assets between funds
| 6 Analysis of net assets between funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds Fixed assets Current assets Long term liabilities |
2023 £ 1,233,824 49,593 (677,352) 606,065 |
2022 £ 1,273,159 27,602 (665,808) |
| 634,953 |
17 Related Parties
The charity did not have any related party transactions in the current or previous years.
18 Controlling Parties The charity is controlled by the trustees
19 Other Information
The charity is an unincorporated trust with its registered office at Letton Hall, Shipdham, Thetford, Norfolk, IP25 7SA.
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