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2021-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 296226

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

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for
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Link House Trust
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George Hay Partnership LLP Chartered Accountants St George's House, George Street Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 3GH

Link House Trust

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 4
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities 5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9 to 14
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 15 to 16

Link House Trust

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).

Background and Activities

International post-graduate students arriving in the UK for the first time often experience problems adjusting to an unfamiliar environment and culture without the physical presence of family and friends to support them.

Established in December 1986 by a Trust Deed declaration, Link House is a local Christian response to the needs of overseas students of any faith or none. We provide affordable furnished accommodation in a caring Christian environment with a friendly and supportive family atmosphere. Two guest rooms is also available at a nominal fee so that residents can host visiting family or friends.

In doing this, Link House aims to help build bridges of understanding between people of different faiths and cultures (including many from developing countries) who will be returning home in due course to take up positions of influence in their governments, in universities and professions as well as in industry and commerce. A friendly and warm welcome to the UK promotes the global reputation of the UK as a non-discriminatory and welcoming society founded on Christian values.

Societal benefits are also derived from our work whilst they are here, given that positive home environments have a positive effect on the wider community.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The primary Objectives of Link House Trust are as follows:

a) To provide accommodation within a caring Christian environment for post-graduate students, in particular students from overseas, who are following an approved course of study in Cambridge. b) The relief of need, hardship and distress amongst such students. c) The advancement of the Christian Faith.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

The Residents and Activities

Social events for residents included a Pub-quiz in June, another a "Mexican Fiesta" meet-and-greet evening in October for new arrivals. The wardens have as usual hosted particular events for residents remaining in Cambridge at both Easter and Christmas times.

Occupancy levels for rooms have continued to remain high. In March 2022 there were 32 residents from 22 different countries (March 2021 - 29 residents/19 countries). The balance from different regions remains largely unchanged, but the ratio of "arts" to "science" subjects for PhDs has dropped from about 1/3rd to 1/4.

Page 1

Link House Trust

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

Those 2021 Accounts along with this Trustees' Annual Report are to be filed with the Charity Commission. The total income in 2021 was £150,281, of which £147,911 relates to rental income and the remainder was from donations, legacies, bank interest and gifts.

The total resources expended of £125,337 (£10,445 per month on average) was lower than income for 2021 by £24,258 thus creating a net surplus. This expenditure was incurred in achieving the objectives of the charity including wages, administration, property maintenance and improvements, insurance and bank charges. Due to revaluation uplift of £8,475 in respect of investments, there is an overall surplus in 2021 of £33,419.

Restricted funds

The charity holds £11,836 of restricted funds. This Bursary Fund is for the following purpose, as defined by the donor of these funds:

"To be used at the discretion of a majority of the Link House Trustees for potential hardship situations for international residents when unable to pay for their Link House accommodation, tuition fees, flights or general living expenses and who may require limited assistance."

Unrestricted funds

The charity held unrestricted surplus funds totalling £377,970 (excluding properties) as of 31 December 2021 [£356,387 : 2020]. Some of this surplus will be employed to continue to upgrade the condition of the property and gardens.

The rest of the surplus is held in case a suitable property might be identified for purchase in the future, for the purposes of expanding the accommodation offered by the charity. Various possibilities for investing some of these surplus funds in the short to medium term are being explored by the Trustees. Also, the possibility of a modification to the property, to house and employ an additional deputy warden is currently being explored.

Reserves policy

As of the end of 2021, the charity holds £240,828 of free funds. [312,577 ; 2020] This is sufficient to cover over 6 months' running expenses should an unforeseen catastrophe occur, for example an event causing the properties to become uninhabitable.

£153,835 is being held in a Natwest Reserve account, funds can be released by majority vote of the Trustees. This vote can occur at the regular quarterly meeting, or via email correspondence (which must be copied to all), or by way of an extraordinary meeting.

Investment Policy

After seeking financial advice, the Trustees concluded that it would be sensible to invest a portion of the excess reserves that the Trust is holding. An amount of £100,000 was invested in December 2020 and so far has shown strong growth. This decision was taken as the bank is granting a very low return on funds and also as a way of diversifying our reserves.

Page 2

Link House Trust

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

Link House Trust was established by Trust Deed on 29th December 1986, supplemented by a Deed of Variation on 20 January 2006 which increased the maximum number of Trustees from 6 to 8 and details the procedure to be followed should the Trustees resolve to dissolve the Trust.

Trustees and Patrons

Trustees and Patrons are as listed at the foot of this report.

The only change in Trustees over the past year was the retiring of Richard Mackie as Treasurer, and replaced by Dr Sooter Nomhwange.

Regarding changes to our Patrons, Dr Chris Gaston - a former chair of the Trustees - has replaced Reverend Canon Doctor John Polkinghorne who passed away earlier in 2021

Meetings and Management

Gary and Anne Boswell completed their 5th full year as Link House Wardens in Jan-2022. Mil and Bil Saviki, who had been volunteer assistant wardens (VAWs) at East Hertford Street since 2015, moved out in early 2022 to their own home in Cambridge. Jack Harding has continued as a VAW in The Lodge. Phyllis Shaw continues in a part-time office management role, although she is due to retire in December 2022.

Advertising for a single part-time paid Deputy Warden post took place in autumn of 2021. In spite of a disappointing number of applications, one interview being held in January 2022, and readvertising the job in February, no suitable candidate has yet appointed for this post.

The proposals by our appointed Architects to create a purpose built flat within the existing East Hertford Street building have been further developed. The Planning Application submitted to the authorities was finally approved after about 8 months, with cost estimates being prepared for the Sept 2022 Trustees' meeting.

The Planning Approval also includes plans for a covered cycle shed, and landscaping changes required for the front garden in Chesterton Road.

Quarterly Trustee management meetings took place via Zoom in June 2021 due to Covid-19, and then in person in September & December 2021 and February 2022. Regular reports, and issues arising about the residents have been prepared by the wardens.

Over this past year, several room renovations have taken place as and when residents have vacated rooms, in particular addressing the damp issues in two basement rooms in Chesterton House. Otherwise, room occupancy has generally been very high through the Covid restrictions.

Other improvements this year have included upgrading the Garden Room entrance and wheelchair access ramp, replacement emergency lights, and some new kitchen equipment that needed replacement.

Page 3

Link House Trust

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Charity number

296226

Principal address

17-19 Chesterton Road Cambridge CB4 3AL

Trustees

The name of the charity, its charity registration number and the address of the registered office of the charity are shown in the header of this report. The trustees at the time of writing are listed in the footer of this report. During 2021 the Trustees were as follows:

Stuart Anderson (Chair) Richard Mackie (Resigned November 2021) Dr Sooter Nomhwange (Treasurer) Andrew Keiller Angela Palmer Dr Paul Anderson Anne Jarvis Rev Dr Jonathan Holmes Patricia Johnston

New Trustees are volunteers who are appointed by unanimous agreement of the existing Trustees. All Trustees have signed a declaration confirming their agreement with the doctrinal basis of the Trust (Christian Faith).

Independent Examiner

George Hay Partnership LLP, Chartered Accountants St George's House, 14 George Street Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 3GH

PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CHARITY

The charity owns three houses. These are:

Chesterton Road House, 17-19 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3 AL The Lodge, Hertford Street, Cambridge, CB4 3AG 7 East Hertford Street, Cambridge, CB4 3AJ

Message from Stuart Anderson, Chair of Trustees

'As I moved away from Cambridge in August 2022, I gave notice of my intention to stand down as Chair of the Trustees after these accounts are approved. I have greatly enjoyed this role over the past 7 or so years and would like to express my own sincere thanks to our wardens, assistant volunteer wardens, Trustees, our supporters, our residents for their hard work and efforts to make Link House a success, and of course above all to our God who makes all things possible.'

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 24[th] October 2022 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr Stuart Anderson Chair of Trustees

Page 4

Link House Trust

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

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, 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.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Page 5

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Link House Trust

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Link House Trust

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Link House Trust (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mrs T M Hunter FCCA ACA DChA George Hay Partnership LLP, Chartered Accountants St George's House George Street Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 3GH

Date: 31[st] October 2022

Page 6

Link House Trust

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Provision of Student Accommodation
Investment income
2
Total
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Provision of Student Accommodation
Net gains/(losses) on investments and property
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
Unrestricted
fund
£
2,353
147,911
16
150,280
125,337
8,475
33,418
3,947,052
3,980,470

Restricted
fund
£
-
-
1
1
-
-
1
11,835
11,836
31.12.21

Total
funds
£
2,353
147,911
17
150,281
125,337
8,475
33,419
3,958,887
3,992,306

31.12.20
Total
funds
£
26,330
135,665
177
162,172
133,981
(497,500)
(469,309)
4,428,196
3,958,887

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

Link House Trust

Balance Sheet 31 December 2021

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
6
Investments
7
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
9
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
11
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Unrestricted
fund
£
3,631,167
108,475
3,739,642
5,165
257,569
262,734
(21,906)
240,828
3,980,470
3,980,470

Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
11,836
11,836
-
11,836
11,836
11,836
31.12.21

Total
funds
£
3,631,167
108,475
3,739,642
5,165
269,405
274,570
(21,906)
252,664
3,992,306
3,992,306
3,980,470
11,836
3,992,306

31.12.20
Total
funds
£
3,634,475
-
3,634,475
5,464
339,830
345,294
(20,882)
324,412
3,958,887
3,958,887
3,947,052
11,835
3,958,887

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24[th] October 2022 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mr Stuart Anderson Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Link House Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Income

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

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Fixtures and fittings - 20% Straight line Properties - Revalued professionally each 5 years

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Page 9

continued...

Link House Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

INVESTMENT INCOME
31.12.21 31.12.20
£ £
Deposit account interest 17 177

3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2021 nor for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2021 nor for the year ended 31 December 2020.

4. STAFF COSTS

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Wardens and administrators
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
5.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
26,330
Charitable activities
Provision of Student Accommodation
135,665
Investment income
167
Total
162,162
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Provision of Student Accommodation
133,981
Net gains/(losses) on investments
(497,500)
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(469,319)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
4,416,371
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
3,947,052
31.12.21
3


Restricted
fund
£
-
-
10
10
-
-
10
11,825
11,835
31.12.20
3

Total
funds
£
26,330
135,665
177
162,172
133,981
(497,500)
(469,309)
4,428,196
3,958,887

Page 10

continued...

Link House Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1 January 2021 and
31 December 2021
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2021
Charge for year
At 31 December 2021
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2021
At 31 December 2020
Freehold
property
£
3,602,500
-
-
-
3,602,500
3,602,500
Fixtures

and

fittings
£
147,754
115,779
3,308
119,087
28,667
31,975
Totals
£
3,750,254
115,779
3,308
119,087
3,631,167
3,634,475

The properties held were re-valued as at 31 December 2020 by Eddisons, RICS registered valuers on the basis of open market value for current use. The trustees are not aware of any significant changes since the valuation.

The properties are not held purely for investment and there is no intention for them to be disposed of in the foreseeable future therefore, when considering economic benefit, a policy of 5-year valuations is considered to be appropriate.

7. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Unlisted
investments
£
MARKET VALUE
Additions 100,000
Revaluations 8,475
At 31 December 2021 108,475
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2021 108,475
At 31 December 2020 -
There were no investment assets outside the UK.
Cost or valuation at 31 December 2021 is represented by:
Unlisted
investments
£
Valuation in 2021 8,475
Cost 100,000
108,475

Page 11

continued...

Link House Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

8.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Gift aid debtor
Prepayments and accrued income
9.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 10)
Trade creditors
Other creditors
10.
LOANS
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
Amounts falling due within one year on demand:
Bank overdrafts
11.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1.1.21
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
3,947,052
Restricted funds
Bursary Account
11,835
TOTAL FUNDS
3,958,887
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
150,280
(125,337)
Restricted funds
Bursary Account
1
-
TOTAL FUNDS
150,281
(125,337)
31.12.21
£
4,414
751
5,165
31.12.21
£
1
2,481
19,424
21,906
31.12.21
£
1
Net
movement
in funds
£
33,418
1
33,419
Gains and
losses
£
8,475
-
8,475

31.12.20
£
3,728
1,736
5,464

31.12.20
£
-
1,581
19,301
20,882

31.12.20
£
-

At

31.12.21
£
3,980,470
11,836
3,992,306

Movement
in funds
£
33,418
1
33,419

Page 12

continued...

Link House Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

At 1.1.20
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
4,416,371
Restricted funds
Bursary Account
11,825
TOTAL FUNDS
4,428,196
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
resources
expended
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
162,162
(133,981)
Restricted funds
Bursary Account
10
-
TOTAL FUNDS
162,172
(133,981)
Net
movement
in funds
£
(469,319)
10
(469,309)

Gains and
losses
£
(497,500)
-
(497,500)

At

31.12.20
£
3,947,052
11,835
3,958,887

Movement
in funds
£
(469,319)
10
(469,309)

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Bursary Account
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1.1.20
£
4,416,371
11,825
4,428,196
Net
movement

in funds
£
(435,901)
11
(435,890)

At

31.12.21
£
3,980,470
11,836
3,992,306

Page 13

continued...

Link House Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2021

11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Bursary Account
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
312,442
11
312,453
Resources
expended
£
(259,318)
-
(259,318)
Gains and
Movement
losses
in funds
£
£
(489,025)
(435,901)
-
11
(489,025)
(435,890)

12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Page 14

Link House Trust

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 December 2021
31.12.21 31.12.20
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations 1,667 25,330
Gift aid 686 1,000
2,353 26,330
Investment income
Deposit account interest 17 177
Charitable activities
Income from students 147,911 135,665
Total incoming resources 150,281 162,172
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Wages 42,054 40,383
Pensions 4,130 3,988
Rates and water 6,049 7,417
Insurance 9,139 8,591
Light and heat 12,687 13,645
Sundries 10,024 14,070
Repairs and maintenance 18,536 14,643
In house entertainment 2,503 1,793
Renewal of furniture 4,461 3,781
Travel 308 260
Depreciation of fixtures and equipment 3,308 19,937
Direct student support 1,357 -
114,556 128,508
Support costs
Management
Telephone 3,575 2,827
Postage and stationery 421 449
Professional fees 4,300 -
8,296 3,276
Finance
Bank charges 325 457
Governance costs
Accountancy and Examiner's fees 2,160 1,740
Total resources expended 125,337 133,981
Net income before gains and losses 24,944 28,191

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 15

Link House Trust

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 December 2021
31.12.21 31.12.20
£ £
Realised recognised gains and losses
Realised gains/(losses) on fixed asset
investments 8,475 -
Realised gains/(losses) on investment
property - (497,500)
Net income/(expenditure) 33,419 (469,309)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 16