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2025-03-31-accounts

Charity number: 283617

Cobtree Manor Estate

Trustee's Report and Financial Statements

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Cobtree Manor Estate

Contents

Page
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustee's report 2 - 5
Independent auditors' report on the financial statements 6 - 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Balance sheet 10
Statement of cash flows 11
Notes to the financial statements 12 - 28

Cobtree Manor Estate

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Trustee Maidstone Borough Council
There are no individual trustees. All elected members of the Maidstone Borough Council perform
duties of trustees but are not trustees in their own right. A full list of members is available on request.
Charity registered number
283617
Principal office
Maidstone Borough Council
Maidstone House
King Street
Maidstone
Kent
ME15 6JQ
Independent auditors
UHY Hacker Young
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditors
Thames House, Roman Square
Sittingbourne
Kent
ME10 4BJ
Bankers
All funds are managed by Maidstone Borough Council at:
Lloyds Bank plc, City Office
Bailey Drive
Gillingham
Kent
ME5 0LS
Solicitors
Head of Legal Partnership
Mid-Kent Legal Services
Maidstone Borough Council
Maidstone House
Maidstone
Kent
ME15 6JQ

Page 1

Cobtree Manor Estate

Trustee’s Report

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The Maidstone Borough Council acting as Corporate Trustee to the registered Charity known as “Cobtree Manor Estate” presents its annual report in relation to the financial year ending 31 March 2025

Trustees

The trustee who served during the year is shown on the information page.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Governing Object

The governing object of the Charity remains that defined in the lease of the Cobtree Estate dated 13 July 1971 between the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited (the lessor) and the Maidstone Borough Council (the lessee). The governing object is stated as:

“To hold Cobtree Manor and Cobtree Manor Estate for the benefit of the inhabitants of Maidstone and other members of the general public in one or other or all of the following ways:

Object of the Charity

The late Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake bequeathed his former estate to the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited and set down in the codicils to his Will requirements for its future use. In seeking to interpret these, sometimes conflicting, codicils the Maidstone Borough Council and Cobtree Charity Trust Limited agreed that the Estate in its entirety, and the intended charitable objects, should be leased to and governed by, the Maidstone Borough Council.

The Maidstone Borough Council, as Corporate Trustee to the Charity, has determined and regularly reviews a series of policies to guide the actions of its Members and employees in fulfilling the governing object of the Charity.

Members of the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee manage all aspects of the Charity on behalf of the Council. Informal liaison continues with the Trustees to the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited, particularly with regard to considering potential developments. Members of the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited are invited to attend the meetings of the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Organisation of the Charity

The Trustee to the Registered Charity known as the Cobtree Manor Estate remains the Corporate Body of the Maidstone Borough Council. How the functions of the Corporate Trustee are implemented is reiterated in the section above.

All individual elected Members to the Maidstone Borough Council are instructed to perform any duties and responsibilities they have in relation to the charity as though they were acting as individual trustees; albeit that they are not individual trustees in Charity Law. All elected Members and Officers of the Council are reminded of the Council’s obligations to the Charity and how these need to be considered quite separately from the normal duties of the Council acting as the Local Authority. An A to Z “aid memoir” is made available to all Members and Officers via the Council’s internal intranet site.

Under the terms of the lease upon which the Charity holds the Cobtree Manor Estate, and in the specified circumstances, the Council continues to liaise with both the freehold owner of the Estate, the Cobtree Charity Trust Limited, and the Kent County Council.

Advice to Trustees

The advice for trustees published by the Charity Commission is given to new members of the charity committee and new guidance is notified and made available to them as it is received from the Commission. Committee members have free access to all members of staff to ensure that they can be fully aware of the special considerations, activities and implications of, and for, the charity.

Page 2

Cobtree Manor Estate

Trustee’s Report

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Activities

The following paragraphs are included to demonstrate how the Charity is meeting its obligation to provide a public benefit. The primary activities of the Charity are to manage and maintain three facilities to which the general public have access:

Cobtree Golf Course

In the last Financial Year there were 46,520 rounds of golf played at Cobtree Golf Course; this is made up of 33% of rounds played by Members and 67% by visitors, a typical split for previous years. The annual round number is the highest recorded over the last 12 years and significantly higher than the previous operator achieved in their tenure.

The number of rounds played at the Cobtree Golf course over the past ten years has been as follows:

Year Rounds Played
2015/2016 39,927
2016/2017 40,593
2017/2018 35,972
2018/2019 36,808
2019/2020 26,006
2020/2021 27,281
2021/2022 38,500
2022/2023 30,430
2023/2024 23,315*
2024/2025 46,520

*data for August 2023 and September 2023 is missing. Copying this data from 2022 gives an annual total for 2023/2024 of 30,757, which is slightly higher than 2022/2023.

The new operator’s investment and focus has seen this upward trend in roundage continue and the increased customer numbers will translate into turnover rent returns to the Charity. The operator has started to redecorate and superficially improve the clubhouse whilst the full programme of improvement is still awaiting the outcome of dilapidations discussions with the previous tenant.

Cobtree Manor Park

The park was awarded a Green Flag Award for 2024/2025.

In 2024/25 there were 47,645 car park visits that generated £95,300 of gross income. This compares favourably with the 47,336 visits made in 2023/24 and is holding steady following the previous two years of reducing visit numbers (21/22 = 66,106; 22/23 = 54,118)

Kent Life

Kent Life continues to deliver its annual calendar of days out and events and is now an all-year-round venue. It has installed an events marquee on site which has helped increase patronage at its in-house events and has added to the wedding experience of those guests who book the site for their own events.

This year Kent Life attracted 157,583 visitors for its family orientated fun days out. In the previous financial year there were 169,148 (adjusted down from the last annual report) visitors so 24/25 saw a reduction of 7% from last year; after a post-Covid high of 178,000 visitors there has been a steady downward trend in the past 2 years but the business is holding firm.

Page 3

Cobtree Manor Estate

Trustee’s Report

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Additional Volunteer Help and Intangible Income

Cobtree Manor Park has hosted some corporate volunteering days for local companies and some volunteer days organised by our partners the Medway Valley Countryside Partnership.

Review of Public Benefit

The Trustee continues to consider and ensure that the Charity meets its requirement to comply with the test of public benefit. The Cobtree Manor Park remains freely accessible to the general public and the pay and play golf course is accessible to all those who wish to take advantage of its facilities at reasonable cost, whilst Kent Life provides a varied family day out for a reasonable fee.

Related Party Disclosure

The Maidstone Borough Council is the Corporate Trustee of the Charity. In addition the Council itself owns part of the land upon which the Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course is built. The accounting arrangements between the Council and the Charity are that the Council is responsible for all receipts and payments for both the golf course and the Cobtree Manor Park. At the end of each financial year the total net operating surplus or deficit of the Manor Park is transferred to the Charity accounts. For the golf course 7/9ths of the total net operating surplus or deficit is transferred to the Charity accounts, reflecting the split of land ownership. The remaining 2/9ths are shown in the accounts of the Council.

The Council also employs a Manager who jointly manages Mote Park and the Manor Park. A park ranger employed by the council is assigned to the Manor Park also. These posts exist as part of a service level agreement for parks and open spaces management of Cobtree Manor Park, the total cost of which is shown in the Charity accounts under the arrangements specified above. When required, additional labour for covering ranger holiday and some weekends in the summer season is also paid for by the Charity.

Other officers of the Council are engaged from time to time in duties specifically related to the operation and management of the Estate. They are not part of the aforementioned service level agreement, and their time and associated costs are apportioned accordingly to the Cobtree accounts.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial Review and Investment Policy

Total income for the year amounted to £528k compared to £456k in the previous year.

Within total income there were the following notable movements:

Charitable costs rose slightly to £488k (2024: £486k) with the main costs once again running cost in relation to the estate (£134k - parks and open spaces) and depreciation (£126k)

Before gains reported on investments this meant the result for the year was a surplus of £39k (2024: deficit of £30k). The £35k gain on investments (2024: loss of £15k) brings net expenditure for the year per the SoFA to £74k (2024: net expenditure of £45k). The gain on investments represents the movement in the year on the charity’ listed investment securities, as shown in note 16.

The final movement in funds for the year relates to fixed asset revaluations as detailed in note 12, a gain of £347k (2024: loss of £43k). This year the carrying value of the investment properties has increased by £294k to reflect the latest valuations and tangible fixed asset leasehold properties have been revalued upwards by £53k.

Page 4

Cobtree Manor Estate

Trustee’s Report

For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The overall movement in funds was therefore an increase of £421k (2024: decrease of £88k).

The net surplus generated as per the Statement of Financial Accounts continued to be used to complete the repayment of debt due to the Maidstone Borough Council.

Interest due to the Charity in respect of the permanent endowment held on the Charity’s behalf by the Borough Council is included as part of the unrestricted income.

The Balance sheet shows net assets at 31 March 2025 of £4.60m, up from £4.18m at the end of the prior year. Much of this value is related to the charity’s tangible fixed assets and other investments held in endowment funds, which comprise £4.01m of the total. The remaining funds sit as unrestricted free reserves of £484k and restricted funds of £107k.

Reserves Policy

Restricted reserves are maintained in respect of the permanent endowment funds.

Risk Management

The Trustee continues to review the business and operational risks which the Charity faces, and identifies where appropriate steps to minimise the impact of any identified risks. All contractors working on the Estate are also required to undertake risk assessments appropriate to their activities.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Plans are being developed to replace the existing play area and carry out other improvements in the Manor Park over the next few years.

TRUSTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustee is responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and the United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustee to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing these statements the Trustee is required to:

The Trustee has overall responsibility for ensuring that the Charity has appropriate systems of controls, financial and otherwise. It is also 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. It is 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.

This report was approved by the Trustee and signed on its behalf by

Councillor Simon Wales Chairman of the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee

Date:

Page 5

Cobtree Manor Estate

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Cobtree Manor Estate

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Cobtree Manor Estate (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including 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:

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 Trustee's 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 Trustee with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The Trustee 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.

Page 6

Cobtree Manor Estate

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Cobtree Manor Estate (continued)

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:

Responsibilities of the trustee

As explained more fully in the Trustee's Responsibilities Statement, the Trustee is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustee 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 Trustee 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 Trustee either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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.

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:

How the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s accounts to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

Page 7

Cobtree Manor Estate

Independent Auditors' Report to the Members of Cobtree Manor Estate (continued)

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. As a result 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.

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.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's Trustee 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 Trustee 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 Trustee, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

UHY Hacker Young

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors Thames House, Roman Square Sittingbourne Kent ME10 4BJ

Date: 29 January 2026

UHY Hacker Young are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 8

Cobtree Manor Estate

Statement of financial activities For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Note
Income and endowments
from:
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Other trading activities
6
Investments
7
Total income and
endowments
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
before net gains/(losses) on
investments
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
16
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
20
Net movement in funds
before other recognised
gains/(losses)
Other recognised
gains/(losses):
Gains/(losses) on
revaluation of fixed assets
12
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried
forward
20
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
168,412
154,289
110,414
60,972
494,087
336,463
336,463
157,624
-
157,624
(138,865)
18,759
-
18,759
465,206
18,759
483,965
Restricted funds
2025
£
33,211
-
-
-
33,211
75,149
75,149
(41,938)
-
(41,938)
102,442
60,504
-
60,504
46,327
60,504
106,831
Endowment
funds
2025
£
-
-
-
-
-
76,547
76,547
(76,547)
34,879
(41,668)
36,423
(5,245)
347,077
341,832
3,671,754
341,832
4,013,586
Total
funds
2025
£
201,623
154,289
110,414
60,972
527,298
488,159
488,159
39,139
34,879
74,018
-
74,018
347,077
421,095
4,183,287
421,095
4,604,382
As restated
Total
funds
2024
£
32,754
274,310
87,010
62,144
456,218
486,207
486,207
(29,989)
(15,186)
(45,175)
-
(45,175)
(42,500)
(87,675)
4,270,962
(87,675)
4,183,287

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 12 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

Cobtree Manor Estate

Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investments
16
Investment property
15
Current assets
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
18
Net current assets
Total net assets
Charity funds
Endowment funds
20
Restricted funds
20
Unrestricted funds
20
Total funds
206,694
584,255
790,949
(306,984)
2025
£
2,049,898
851,119
1,219,400
4,120,417
483,965
4,604,382
4,013,586
106,831
483,965
4,604,382
238,488
339,298
577,786
(189,739)
2024
£
2,054,000
816,240
925,000
3,795,240
388,047
4,183,287
3,671,754
46,327
465,206
4,183,287

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustee and signed on their behalf by:

Councillor Simon Wales

Chairman of the Cobtree Manor Estate Charity Committee

Date:

The notes on pages 12 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

Page 10

Cobtree Manor Estate

Statement of Cash Flows For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
22
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash provided by investing activities
Repayments of borrowing
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
23
2025
£
142,790
171,386
(69,219)
102,167
-
244,957
339,298
584,255
2024
£
7,916
149,154
-
149,154
(68,527)
88,543
250,755
339,298

The notes on pages 12 to 28 form part of these financial statements

Page 11

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. General information

Cobtree Manor Estate is an unincorporated charity with the charity number 283617.

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) (second edition) - 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.

Cobtree Manor Estate 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.

2.2 Going concern

The Trustee assesses whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charitable company to continue as a going concern.

The trustee makes this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for issue of the financial statements.

Conclusion

Prudent revised forecasts have been prepared for the coming year, taking the above into account, and using the assumption that the charity will be able to continue providing services even in the event of any future lockdown periods.

Taking the above into account the Trustee has concluded there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and that it remains appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Lease incentives granted, such as rent-free periods, are accounted for as an integral part of the lease arrangement. The total lease income is on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the rent-free period.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid when the charity has established entitlement to the donation, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be reliably measured. This typically occurs when a valid Gift Aid declaration has been obtained. If the Gift Aid claim is submitted, or the income received after the reporting date, but the entitlement existed at the reporting date, the income is accrued in the financial statements of the period in which the donation was received.

Page 12

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Expenditure is shown inclusive of any irrecoverable VAT. Any VAT irrecoverable as a result of partial exemption calculations is shown in note 8.

2.5 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.

2.6 Intangible assets and amortisation

Material intangible assets are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably. Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost net of amortisation and any provision for impairment.

Amortisation is provided on the following basis:

Website development - 25 % straight line

2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of any fixed asset may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the carrying value of fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recognised as impairments. Impairment losses are recognised in the Statement of financial activities.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Long-term leasehold property - 0 - 12.5% on cost
Motor vehicles - 20% on cost
Fixtures and fittings - 10% on cost

The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Long-term leasehold property includes Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course, Kent Life Museum and Cobtree Manor Park Visitor centre. As disclosed in note 13 these are held under a 999 year lease. No depreciation is charged on these assets on the basis that they are revalued annually.

Leasehold property also includes, at cost, improvements at the Cobtree Play Area and to the car park at Cobtree Manor Park. These assets are depreciated over their deemed useful lives.

Page 13

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.8 Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at their fair value at the Balance sheet date for investment properties and closing quoted market price for other listed investments.

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 their opening carrying value or their purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and shown in the heading ‘Gains/(losses) on investments’ in the Statement of financial activities.

Investment properties are measured at fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognised in 'gains on revaluation of fixed assets' and added to the endowment fund to which they relate.

2.9 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.10 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustee in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

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.

The charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Critical areas of judgment:

Property valuations

Long-term leasehold properties and investment properties are subject to annual revaluations. The valuations used for this year's financial statements are based on professional valuations conducted by a firm of chartered surveyors in March 2024.

Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course income

The charity reflects 7/9ths of the net operating surplus received from Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course, with the remaining 2/9ths recorded by Maidstone Borough Council, reflecting the split of land ownership.

A new operator took over the running of the Golf Course from 1 October 2023, and under this new arrangement the charity and Council will share the gross rental income using the same 7/9ths : 2/9ths split.

An initial rent-free period was granted as part of the new lease arrangement. This has been allocated on a straight-line basis over the total lease term to reflect the substance of the lease arrangement and to ensure income is recognised evenly over the period of benefit to the tenant.

Page 14

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment (continued)

The lease arrangement also contains provisions which mean future rent will vary according to turnover generated at the Golf Course, and consequently management have had to exercise judgement in how to calculate the minimum lease payments that will fall due. Since the element linked to future turnover is contingent on unknown future income this has not been included in the initial straight-line calculations.

4. Income from donations and legacies

Will Trust income
Donations (including gift aid)
Analysis of 2024 total by fund
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
-
168,412
168,412
-
Restricted
funds
2025
£
33,211
-
33,211
32,754
Total
funds
2025
£
33,211
168,412
201,623
32,754
Total
funds
2024
£
32,754
-
32,754

5. Income from charitable activities

Golf club revenue
Cafe income
Car park income
Kent Life income
Other income
Analysis of 2024 total by fund
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
-
-
83,410
76,133
(5,254)
154,289
274,310
Total
funds
2025
£
-
-
83,410
76,133
(5,254)
154,289
274,310
As restated
Total
funds
2024
£
67,279
14,364
94,652
73,133
24,882
274,310

The prior year has been restated following a reclassification adjustment between income and expenditure to reduce both golf club income and expenditure by £22,275 to the 7/9ths due to the charity.

Page 15

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

6. Income from other trading activities

Income from non charitable trading activities

Rental income
Analysis of 2024 total by fund
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
110,414
87,010
Total
funds
2025
£
110,414
87,010
Total
funds
2024
£
87,010

7. Investment income

Bank interest
Investment income
Analysis of 2024 total by fund
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
10,240
50,732
60,972
62,144
Total
funds
2025
£
10,240
50,732
60,972
62,144
Total
funds
2024
£
13,935
48,209
62,144

Page 16

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Charitable activities
Analysis of 2024 total
Summary by expenditure type
Charitable activities
Analysis of 2024 total
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
336,463
335,106
Restricted
funds
2025
£
75,149
74,554
Depreciation
2025
£
125,997
122,722
Endowment
funds
2025
£
76,547
76,547
Other costs
2025
£
362,162
363,485
Total
2025
£
488,159
486,207
Total
2025
£
488,159
486,207
As restated
Total
2024
£
486,207
As restated
Total
2024
£
486,207

The prior year has been restated following a reclassification adjustment between income and expenditure to reduce both golf club income and expenditure by £22,275 to the 7/9ths due to the charity.

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Charitable activities
Analysis of 2024 total
Direct costs
2025
£
488,159
486,207
Total
funds
2025
£
488,159
486,207
As restated
Total
funds
2024
£
486,207

Page 17

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Parks & open spaces
Depreciation
Repairs and maintenance
Staff recharges
Staff costs
Grounds maintenance
Rent and rates
Heat and light
Insurance
Cleaning
Legal and professional fees
Other fees and services
Equipment hire and maintenance
Bad debt write off
Loan interest
Total
funds
2025
£
133,810
125,997
25,930
80,440
2,439
6,986
538
6,316
10,050
15,465
29,012
21,866
(2,256)
31,566
-
488,159
Total
funds
2024
£
123,393
122,722
59,982
75,759
-
4,950
307
7,761
9,360
8,560
42,579
19,147
2,552
5,993
3,142
486,207

The prior year has been restated following a reclassification adjustment between income and expenditure to reduce both golf club income and expenditure by £22,275 to the 7/9ths due to the charity.

10. Auditors' remuneration

Fees payable to the charity's auditor for the audit of the charity's annual accounts

2025 2024
£ £
6,850 6,620

Page 18

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

11. Trustee's 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) .

12. Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets

Revaluation
of
tangible
fixed
assets
(note
14)
Surplus/(deficit)
on
revaluation
of
investment
properties
(note
15)
52,677
294,400
347,077
2025
£
-
(42,500)
(42,500)
2024
£

13. Intangible assets

Cost
At
1
April
2024
At
31
March
2025
Amortisation
At
1
April
2024
At
31
March
2025
Net
book
value
At
31
March
2025
At
31
March
2024
Website
development
£
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
-
-

Page 19

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

14. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024
Additions
Revaluations
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Long-term
leasehold
property
£
2,622,512
69,219
52,677
2,744,408
576,025
118,485
694,510
2,049,898
2,046,487
Motor vehicles
£
8,323
-
-
8,323
6,657
1,666
8,323
-
1,666
Fixtures and
fittings
£
58,522
-
-
58,522
52,676
5,846
58,522
-
5,846
Total
£
2,689,357
69,219
52,677
2,811,253
635,358
125,997
761,355
2,049,898
2,053,999

The estate is held under a 999 year lease which is due to expire in 2970. The long leasehold land and buildings are used solely for direct charitable purposes and form part of the permanent endowment of the Charity.

All properties are revalued annually by a professional firm of chartered surveyors periodically, using a 'market approach'. The last valuation took place in March 2025.

The carrying amount under the cost model of the assets which have been revalued would have been £1,673,127 (2024 - £1,673,127) .

Page 20

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

15. Investment property

Valuation
At 1 April 2024
Surplus/(deficit) on revaluation
At 31 March 2025
Long term
leasehold
investment
property
£
925,000
294,400
1,219,400

The investment properties are held to generate a rental income stream for the Charity. All investment properties are revalued by a professional firm of chartered surveyors on an annual cycle (subject to existing tenancies where appropriate). A valuation took place in March 2025.

One exception to this is the Tyland Farm property which is carried at £Nil value on an EUV basis. This property is currently let, with a peppercorn rent, on a 125 year lease ending in 2117. No readily available market value was available for this property at 31 March 2024 and hence the EUV basis is deemed to be the most appropriate basis available without undue cost to the Charity.

Page 21

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

16. Fixed asset investments

Cost or valuation
At 1 April 2024
Revaluations
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Listed
investments
£
816,240
34,879
851,119
851,119
816,240

Material investments

The above listed investments are fully invested in the M&G Charifund, which qualifies as an alternative investment fund.

Risk profile

The fund invests mainly in the shares of UK listed dividend paying companies, and a portion of the fund is also invested in the shares of dividend paying companies listed overseas. It is, therefore, subject to the price volatility of the UK and overseas stock markets and the performance of individual companies. The fund may also be subject to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

The fund's focus is on good quality companies with attractive dividend growth prospects. Dividend distributions from the fund's holdings however are not guaranteed and may vary. Diversification across industries and market capitalisation is key in managing liquidity risk and reducing market risk. The fund's risks are measured and managed by M&G as an integral part of the investment process.

17. Debtors

Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
2025
£
66,320
25,715
114,659
206,694
2024
£
143,888
24,098
70,502
238,488

Page 22

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

18. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Amount owed to Maidstone Borough Council
Other creditors
2025
£
183,629
-
123,355
306,984
2024
£
14,170
68,527
107,042
189,739

A formal repayment agreement was established with Maidstone Borough Council for the charity to repay the money loaned by the Council in respect of capital expenditure in respect of the improvement to Cobtree Manor Park car park.

Repayments began from 1 April 2019 once the work was complete, and interest is payable at a rate of 3% (Public Works Loan Board rate 2% plus 1%). The balance owing to the Council in respect of the car park loan at 31 March 2025 was £0 (2024 - £68,527) .

19. Financial instruments

2025 2024
£ £
Financial assets
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure 851,119 816,240

Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure comprise listed investments.

Page 23

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

20. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year
Balance at 1
April 2024
£
Unrestricted funds
General funds
465,206
Endowment funds
Endowment capital
funds
3,671,754
Restricted funds
Will Trust
-
Cobtree Manor Park
car park
115,973
MBC car park loan
(69,646)
Container/office
-
46,327
Total of funds
4,183,287
Income
£
494,087
-
33,211
-
-
-
33,211
527,298
Expenditure
£
(336,463)
(76,547)
(33,211)
(38,658)
-
(3,280)
(75,149)
(488,159)
Transfers
in/out
£
(138,865)
36,423
-
-
69,646
32,796
102,442
-
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
381,956
-
-
-
-
-
381,956
Balance at 31
March 2025
£
483,965
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Endowment funds
Endowment capital
funds
Restricted funds
Will Trust
Cobtree Manor Park
car park
MBC car park loan
Container/office
Total of funds
4,013,586
-
77,315
-
29,516
106,831
4,604,382

Unrestricted Funds

These comprise funds that the Trustee is free to use in accordance with the charitable objects.

Restricted Funds

The Will Trust Fund, the income from which is used to maintain the rural park. The assets of this fund are held by Cobtree Charity Trust Limited, a separate entity.

Cobtree Manor Park car park and associated loan from MBC - this represents the net book value of the car park and the amount of the outstanding associated loan.

Permanent Endowment Capital Fund

The permanent endowment capital fund comprises the long-term fixed assets of the charity, being the long-leasehold land and buildings, investment properties and the portfolio of listed investments as detailed in notes 14, 15, and 16.

Page 24

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

20. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
General funds
Endowment capital
funds
Endowment capital
funds
Restricted funds
Will Trust
Cobtree Manor Park
car park
MBC car park loan
Total of funds
Balance at
1 April 2023
£
445,376
3,805,987
-
154,631
(135,032)
19,599
4,270,962
As restated
Income
£
423,464
-
32,754
-
-
32,754
456,218
As restated
Expenditure
£
(335,106)
(76,547)
(32,754)
(38,658)
(3,142)
(74,554)
(486,207)
Transfers in/out
£
(68,528)
-
-
-
68,528
68,528
-
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
(57,686)
-
-
-
-
(57,686)
Balance at
31 March 2024
£
465,206
3,671,754
-
115,973
(69,646)
46,327
4,183,287

21. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Investment property
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2025
£
-
-
-
790,949
(306,984)
483,965
Restricted
funds
2025
£
106,831
-
-
-
-
106,831
Endowment
funds
2025
£
1,943,067
851,119
1,219,400
-
-
4,013,586
Total
funds
2025
£
2,049,898
851,119
1,219,400
790,949
(306,984)
4,604,382

Page 25

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

21. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Investment property
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
7,513
-
-
577,786
(120,093)
465,206
Restricted funds
2024
£
115,973
-
-
-
(69,646)
46,327
Endowment
funds
2024
£
1,930,514
816,240
925,000
-
-
3,671,754
Total
funds
2024
£
2,054,000
816,240
925,000
577,786
(189,739)
4,183,287

22. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Gains/(losses) on investments
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash provided by operating activities
2025
£
74,018
125,997
(34,879)
(171,386)
31,794
117,246
142,790
2024
£
(45,175)
122,722
15,186
(149,154)
14,770
49,567
7,916

23. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

2025 2024
£ £
Cash in hand 584,255 339,298

Page 26

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

24. Analysis of changes in net debt

At 1 April At 31 March
2024 Cash flows 2025
£ £
£
Cash at bank and in hand 339,298 244,957 584,255

25. Related party transactions

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is the Corporate Trustee of the Charity.

MBC owns part of the land upon which the golf course is built. The accounting arrangements between MBC and the charity are that MBC is responsible for all receipts and payments for both the golf course and the Manor Park. At the end of each financial year the income and expenditure relating to Cobtree Manor Estate is shown in the Charity's accounts.

For the golf course 7/9ths of the total revenue is transferred to the Charity's accounts, reflecting the split of land ownership. The remaining 2/9ths are shown in the accounts of the Council.

The Statement of Financial Activities includes income of £110,414 (2024 - £187,043) in relation to operating the estate in accordance with this arrangement, as broken down below.

2025 2024
£ £
Golf club revenue - 67,279
Will trust income 33,211 32,754
Rental income 110,414 87,010
----------- -----------
143,625 187,043

Expenditure reflected through the Statement of Financial Activities includes operating costs in relation to income streams above.

During the year MBC provided various other services to the Charity, which have been included within direct charitable expenditure. Total recharges of £225,874 (2024 - £205,917) were made for these services. This total comprises: Parks & Open Space - £133,810; staff recharges - £80,440; legal and professional fees - £9,534 and equipment hire and maintenance - £2,090.

At 31 March 2025, the Charity owed £179,740 (2024 - £165,244) to Maidstone Borough Council.

26. Contingent asset

The legal claim initiated last year against the former operator of the golf club, seeking compensation for losses incurred in respect of unpaid dilapidations due at the cessation of the contract, continues. The claim remains in progress as at the date of signing these financial statements. While the charity is confident in the strength of its case, the outcome and amount of any potential recovery cannot be reliably estimated at this stage. Consequently, no amount has been recognised in these accounts in respect of this claim, but the Trustee will continue to monitor its progress and consider any necessary adjustments in future reporting periods.

27. Controlling party

The Charity is under the control of the Corporate Trustee, Maidstone Borough Council.

Page 27

Cobtree Manor Estate

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025

28. Taxation

Cobtree Manor Estate is a registered charity and is therefore potentially exempt from taxation on its income and gains as the charity falls within the definition of a charitable trust as defined in Part 1, Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010. No tax charge has arisen during the year.

Page 28