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2023-09-30-accounts

Charity Registered Number: 302925

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

CONTENTS
Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers 1
Trustees' Report 2 - 11
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities 12
Independent Auditor's Report on the Financial Statements 13 -15
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities 16
Consolidated Balance Sheet 17
Charity Balance Sheet 18
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 19
Notes to the Financial Statements 20 - 42

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Trustees The Hon William Cadogan
Colin Ainger
Jamie Dalrymple
Dennis Hone CBE (resigned 31stDecember 2023)
Sally Hopper
Henrietta Martin-Fisher
Neil Greenwood MBE (appointed 1stJanuary 2024)
Lucy McCrickard
Anthony Ratcliffe
George Ryan (appointed 14thJune 2023)
Andy Sutch
Cara Turtington (resigned 14thJune 2023)
Andrew Webb
Charity registered
number 302925
Principal address and 58 Bloomsbury Street
Registered Office London
WC1B 3QT
PatronHonorary HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
Patron
The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of the City of London
Chief Executive Alex Welsh
Independent auditor MHA
Statutory Auditor
6th Floor
2 London Wall Place
London, United Kingdom
EC2Y 5AU
Bankers Bank of Scotland
33 Old Broad Street
London
BX2 1LB
Solicitors BDB Pitmans LLP
One Bartholomew
London
EC1A 7BL
Investment advisors Cazenove Capital Management
12 Moorgate
London
EC2R 6DA

Page 1

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

The Council Members, being the Trustees of The London Playing Fields Society, present their report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Society’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (‘Charities SORP’).

Structure, governance and management

The London Playing Fields Society was founded in 1890 and was constituted by Royal Charter on 31st October 1925, last amended 11 February 1998. The Society is a registered Charity, and it operates under the name of London Playing Fields Foundation (‘LPFF’).

The Trustees, who are also Council Members (and referred to as such), delegate day to day responsibility and administration to the Chief Executive who is supported by five head office staff and a team of grounds staff.

The Trustees and the Chief Executive comprise the Key Management Personnel of the Charity. The Council Members who served during the year were:

The Hon William Cadogan Colin Ainger Jamie Dalrymple Dennis Hone CBE (resigned 31[st] December 2023) Sally Hopper Henrietta Martin-Fisher Lucy McCrickard Anthony Ratcliffe George Ryan (appointed 14[th] June 2023) Andy Sutch Cara Turtington (resigned 14[th] June 2023) Andrew Webb

Neil Greenwood MBE was appointed to serve as a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer from 1[st] January 2024.

Appointment of Council Members is governed by the Charter of the Charity. The Committee of Council Members (The Council) is authorised to appoint new Council Members, who are suitably qualified, to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death of an existing Council Member. On appointment, Council Members undertake an induction process in which they are briefed on the Society’s activities and its operational framework and they meet quarterly during the year to monitor activities and to establish policies. The Council members have a huge amount of experience, both in business and Charity matters, and continuously seek to improve performance and efficiency, and to learn new and better ways of delivering the Society’s objectives. Council Members with relevant skills and experience are appointed to the key committees, the Finance and General Purposes Committee, the Communities, Communication and Engagement Committee and the Remuneration Committee. The Society keeps Trustees informed on topical issues and provides ongoing training where necessary.

Remuneration policy

The Remuneration Committee meets annually to review staff pay, including that of the Chief Executive, Key Management Personnel and senior staff. A formal remuneration policy has been adopted by the Charity such that an annual staffing audit is produced for information and discussion at this meeting which includes consideration of industry comparisons, the National Living Wage and the London Living Wage and the Institute of Groundsmen recommended salary scales and benchmarks/parameters for the Chief Executive salary. Trustees are not remunerated.

Page 2

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Objectives and activities

In setting the objectives and planning the activities of the Society, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit. The Society’s main objective is the protection, provision and promotion of playing fields in Greater London to encourage more people to take part in sport and physical activity. It caters particularly for the young, old, disabled and disadvantaged. It also provides resources and coaching facilities for students at schools, universities and colleges.

Our vision is to create a happier, healthier and more cohesive London by providing places to play sport forever.

We have four main beneficiary groups

  1. Schools, where a love for sport begins

  2. Clubs, colleges and universities where this love continues and flourishes

  3. Disadvantaged and underrepresented groups who for various reasons are unable to gain access to mainstream sporting opportunities

  4. The inactive who constitute half of the adult London population

The Council has paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Society should undertake and, in reviewing this year’s activities, we have continued to remain faithful to our original objects, namely “to provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time activities in the interests of social welfare at places within or adjoining that area which formerly came within the administrative area of the Greater London Council including the provision of facilities for outdoor games and athletics for persons who by reasons of youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances, may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy them.”

In this last year, we have continued to demonstrate:

We remain indebted to our founders who, back in 1890, foresaw the dangers of the rampant urbanisation of the capital and appreciated the need to protect its open spaces so that the growing population had somewhere to enjoy its sport. There are approximately 1,500 playing fields sites in London and with 85% of playing fields in London owned by a local authority or local education authority, the Society is the “go to” organisation that local community groups turn to when faced with the loss of a local playing field. Since 2008 the Society has been maintaining a Fields at Risk Register and over the last year has continued to assist in the protection of fields considered to be vulnerable to building development.

The Society owns the following grounds:

Given that income generated from the playing fields does not fully cover operational expenditure, the Society continues to seek additional sources of finance to fund its charitable objectives.

Page 3

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

The LPFF quiz, which took place on 11th May, was a huge success in terms of monies raised on the night, the quality of the quiz and the atmosphere created by the peerless Martin Bayfield as MC. Having not increased the ticket price from £100 per person despite rising costs, it was anticipated that the “going into the room” position would be one of a £3,500-4,000 deficit, so the Committee set itself the target of raising £26,000 on the night from the four fundraising activities. With income generated from ticket sales amounting to £24,500, this placed huge pressure on the four fundraising activities. However, they exceeded expectations raising a record £28,505 which beat the previous best total achieved in 2021 by £5,761. This meant that this year’s LPFF quiz surplus was £24,760.

With increasing financial pressure caused by the cost of living crisis and the huge increase in energy costs, the Society took the decision to add a third fundraising event in the form of a Golf Day which took place on 14th September at the Royal Mid-Surrey course. Whilst the intention was to make a surplus on the day, the main focus of this first ever Golf Day was to learn how to successfully repeat the event in future years. The day proved a great learning curve and made make a surplus of £6,967.

On 15th May the Miller Stone Room was officially opened at Douglas Eyre Sports Centre by Alison Miller, Jack Miller’s widow. The classroom was named in honour of former Trustees Evan Stone and Jack Miller who had left generous legacies, part of which was used to fund 80 new showers and replacement LED lighting in the classroom.

Achievements and performance

Widening and increasing participation

The Society has always prided itself on making its grounds accessible, affordable, and attractive in pursuit of its goal of widening, increasing and sustaining sports participation. However, we were not immune to the cost of living crisis and after the pandemic years (when we froze our pitch hiring charges), we were forced to increase our fees for the 2022-23 football season and 2023 cricket season in line with the prevailing rate of inflation which was running at 10%.

The increase in hiring charges may have an impact on weekend ground utilisation rates which have historically been one of the ways in which we measure our performance. As illustrated in the table below there was a 2% drop in overall football utilisation from the previous year to 69% whereas cricket pitch usage remained at an impressive 97%.

Weekend football pitch utilisation rates 2018-2023

2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2021/22 2022/23
Boston Manor 33% 39% 50% 72% 50%
Douglas Eyre 58% 46% 50% 63% 71%
Fairlop Oak 83% 83% 81% 81% 73%
LM Redbridge 83% 92% 92% 63% 65%
LM Greenford 46% 71% 71% 79% 75%
Peter May 59% 69% 66% 69% 72%
Total 64% 67% 68% 71% 69%

Page 4

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Weekend cricket pitch utilisation rates 2018-2023


2017/18

2018/19
2019/20 2021/22 2022/23
Boston Manor 69% 70% 81% 96% 93%
Douglas Eyre 98% 95% 100% 98% 98%
Fairlop Oak 96% 96% 100% 100% 100%
LM Redbridge 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
LM Greenford 68% 68% 67% 93% 93%
Peter May 93% 93% 91% 98% 99%
Total 85% 87% 89% 97% 97%

Midweek Youth cricket

One pleasing aspect of the 2023 cricket season was the increase in the amount of colts’ cricket matches organised by the Metropolitan Essex Cricket Association at Fairlop Oak, LMPF Redbridge and Peter May Sports Centre. The three grounds hosted 10 week leagues covering Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15 age groups. With the games taking place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, over 140 matches were played on the nine pitches.

Girls’ and Women’s football development

Following the excitement and interest generated by the success of the Lionesses in Euro 2022, it was imperative that the opportunity to widen and increase grassroots participation was not lost. With this in mind, the Society convened a group of key stakeholders in north-east London (where we have four grounds), to create a coordinated and sustainable framework for girls’ and women’s football that introduces the game in schools and then links it to continued participation via the club network. At the heart of this Legacy Plan is the provision of female friendly facilities and the building of a coaching workforce that ensures that new players have the best possible experience to keep them in the game. So far it seems to be working with Leyton Orient Women returning to Douglas Eyre for their training base after a long absence and over 1,000 girls participating this season in a range of school festivals and competitions hosted at Douglas Eyre and Peter May Sports Centres.

This huge increase in girls playing the game is largely due to the efforts of Shona Gordon the School Games Organiser for Waltham Forest. The biggest reaction in terms of numbers has been with the Year 5/6 Girls activities but the take up in other age groups has been equally impressive.

Page 5

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Mini-Soccer at LMPF Greenwich

During the year our Development Officer at LMPF Greenwich Sally Dolan reached a remarkable double milestone – one was twenty years working for the LPFS and the other was twenty years as Founder and Secretary of the Selkent League, the largest youth football league in the South of England. Since 2003 Sally has coordinated two ground-breaking projects (Girls’ Mini-Soccer and Female Coach Development) and has been responsible for building a league catering for over a thousand teams from scratch. In the last year 600 youth football teams played 1,500 small-sided matches in the Selkent League at LMPF Greenwich which is a truly phenomenal achievement. Having a dedicated multi-pitch mini-soccer centre has been of huge benefit to the league. As Sally testifies:

“It has allowed us to bring clubs together and mix in a way that would not have happened had they all stayed at their own venues. LMPF Greenwich has also been a godsend for those less well-off clubs that were unable to find or afford their own facilities. The management arrangement with LPFS has enabled innovation to happen particularly around the development of the 9v9 format some time before it was formerly introduced by The FA. The specially designed classroom in the pavilion has provided a training base for the volunteer workforce with a range of courses for assistant referees, mini-soccer referees and for team managers.”

Coping Through Football

The Society’s groundbreaking project Coping Through Football entered Year Four of Phase Five (202024). The project, which is delivered in partnership with NELFT (North East London Foundation Trust) and Leyton Orient Trust, uses sport to focus on the recovery of adults and young people experiencing mental health problems with the intention of helping them to live more independently. It utilises football and the environment around it to engage with over 200 individuals per year who, due to lived experience, are often reluctant or hesitant to accept mental health services. Many participants report experiencing barriers to accessing services, and of the two hundred or so participants who attend over the course of the year we know that for many the project is the only consistent mental health support they may receive.

The project delivers six sessions across two LPFS sites in Waltham Forest and Redbridge and it accepts participants who reside in four north-east London boroughs and demonstrates the benefits of a multiagency, evidence-led, user-focused approach recovery model. Two main impacts of the project have emerged. Firstly, the project has improved the lives of some of our most vulnerable individuals and frequently those at most risk. We have achieved this by supporting participants to actively adopt more positive coping strategies and to make improved lifestyle choices and by working with agencies to establish suicide prevention initiatives. Secondly, given that roughly a third of adult attendees has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, with the project assisting in the recovery of individuals discharged from acute services to stay well living in the community, we calculate that there is a significant cost benefit to NELFT services as the financial impact of acute care is high.

Discussions have taken place with NELFT, Public Health and external sources to secure funding for Phase Six (2024-2027).

Playing field protection

The Society is the first port of call when people are concerned about the loss of a playing field. Once a playing field is lost, it is lost forever, so when it comes to protection our mantra is ‘no net loss of pitches and if they are lost to development they should be replaced’. We know that the public health and social value of playing fields to local communities is huge and that is why we are committed to opposing the current and future loss of playing fields in London.

Page 6

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

We have therefore continued to fulfil our strategic role as the leading body throughout Greater London in the protection of playing fields and their promotion as a means of creating healthier, more active local communities. Our ‘Fields at Risk Register’ provides an early warning system for fields under imminent threat of sale or development and over the last two decades has helped save over twenty grounds. In order to focus minds, we have produced a Charter for Playing Fields in London which is a call to action for the Greater London Authority, local authorities and sporting bodies to adopt a long-term view of the contribution playing fields make to improving and enriching the lives of Londoners.

Fundraising

Gala Dinner, Quiz and Golf Day

In common with other charities the sources of revenue funding on which we have relied to undertake this sports-based “social inclusion” work have been diminishing, and this is a cause for concern. The revenue grant income for our projects in 2008 accounted for a third of the Society’s annual income but over the next decade (with the exception of Coping Through Football grants) had dropped to less 10% of total income and remains around this level. As an alternative income source, we recognised that the most effective way in which we could promote the value of LPFF and persuade people to donate to our cause was to organise social events. The Gala Dinner at the Savoy (held since 2011) and the LPFF Quiz at The Oval (held since 2017) therefore emerged as the two major fundraising events organised by the Society. In 2023 a third event the LPFF Golf Day (at the Royal Mid-Surrey course) was added to seek to increase overall fundraising income.

All three events are facilitated by the Society’s staff. Neither a professional fundraiser nor a commercial participator organises these activities. The aim is to raise money via table sales, sponsorship, donations, auction items, pledges, and raffle. None of the events are bound by any voluntary scheme for regulating fundraising, but the Society does follow best practice laid down by the Institute of Fundraising. Each event has an organising committee comprising Trustees and volunteers who assist in the sale of tickets and the acquisition of auction items. The activities of each committee are overseen and monitored by the Chief Executive who ensures that accurate records are kept of monies raised and costs expended. Minutes are taken at every meeting. During the year we received no complaints related to our fundraising activities.

The Gala Dinner is pivotal to our fundraising effort and has raised well over a million pounds since 2011. The 2022 Gala Dinner which took place on 17th November, attracted 340 guests and raised £175,458 making it the third highest grossing event (after 2018 and 2019). Fundraising activities on the night included a Live Auction (£44,000), Silent Auction (£35,734) and a pledge for Coping Through Football (£32,959). Former England manager Roy Hodgson CBE was the Made in London award winner and for many guests the atmosphere created on the night was the best ever.

People

Following the retirement in May 2021 of the Society’s longstanding and highly competent LPFF Finance Officer, the Charity tried on several occasions to recruit a replacement with the requisite experience and skills. However, in keeping with many other organisations, the process proved very challenging and subsequent post holders failed to remain with the Society for more than a few months. To address the situation in April 2023, the Society engaged an external management accountancy firm, Contando, who now cover the whole financial function including the production of quarterly management accounts and the preparation of financial statements for the annual audit.

On 11th June the Society was very sad to announce the death of former Chairman Lord Cadogan who had held the post from 2001 to 2019. Via his exemplary leadership, the Society enjoyed the most successful and least turbulent period in its entire 133-year history and the Charity greatly benefitted from his big picture vision and his vast business, property and sporting expertise and experience. Having his steady and wise hand at the helm made all the difference. On retiring as LPFF Chairman in 2019, he became our Honorary Life President.

Page 7

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Three days later our much loved Vice President John Hollins OBE also died. A Chelsea FC legend, John was a big supporter of the Society’s events and a great advocate for the Charity.

The 2023 AGM marked the retirement of Trustee Cara Turtington who was standing down after ten years of dedicated service. With her vast knowledge and expertise in charity finance, she had played an invaluable role in helping to keep the Society stable especially over the last three challenging years. There is no doubt that she will be sorely missed.

The Trustees appointed Neil Greenwood MBE as a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer with effect from 1st January 2024 replacing Dennis Hone who resigned on 31st December 2023. Dennis’s arrival in 2014 was a huge coup for the charity given his vast knowledge and experience. Having his steady and reassuring hand at the helm over the past nine years has been invaluable especially in 2020 when the pandemic hit causing unprecedented uncertainty. Unfailingly helpful, professional, collaborative and forward thinking, he chaired the F&GP Committee with sound judgment and a light touch. He deserves profound thanks for his contribution to the charity.

Financial review

The net expenditure for the year before revaluation of investments amounted to £419,476 (2022 - £311,545). This takes account of total income for the year for the Group amounting to £1,682,020 (2022 - £1,552,681) including restricted grants of £144,353 (2022 - £101,333) for Coping Through Football, less total expenditure for the year amounting to £2,101,496 (2022 - £1,864,226). After adjusting for depreciation on fixed assets for the year amounting to £325,506 (2022 - £279,737), the net expenditure for the year reduces to £93,970 (2022 - £31,808) which reflects the underlying financial position of the Society in that income from usage of grounds remains insufficient to cover all necessary operational and maintenance costs.

The net movement in Group Funds for the year which reflects the net expenditure including the impact of depreciation, and the movement in the valuation of investments, was a decrease of £378,315 (2022 – a decrease of £513,638). This comprised a decrease in unrestricted funds of £373,349 (2022 – £463,941) and a decrease in restricted funds of £4,966 (2022 – £49,697).

As a result the total Group Funds at the year end amounted to £7,339,060 (2022 - £7,717,375) of which £5,985,120 (2022 - £6,358,469) was unrestricted and £1,353,940 (2022 - £1,358,906) was restricted. The total Group funds can be further analysed between tangible fixed assets (predominantly the playing fields and associated leisure facility buildings owned by the Society) and other assets being fixed asset investments and net current assets which represent those reserves designated and held for future capital investment, those held as free unrestricted general reserves, or held as restricted grant funding yet to be spent. This position can be summarized as follows:

Analysis of Total Funds
at 30 September 2023
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Net current assets
Total
Unrestricted
£
3,466,393
2,117,380
401,347
2,518,727

5,985,120
Restricted
£
1,248,370
-
105,570
105,570

1,353,940
Total
£
4,714,763
2,117,380
506,917
2,624,297
7,339,060

Capital expenditure for the year amounted to £44,500 including for a new tractor at £34,995

Page 8

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Subsidiary

The Society has a wholly owned subsidiary, Wadham Lodge Sports Centre Limited. The principal activity of the Company is the hiring out of sports facilities, the company made a profit for the year of £216,795 (2022: £233,344) and gift aided £334,118 (2022: NIL) to the Charity (see Note 16).

Reserves policy

On an annual basis the Trustees review and approve the reserves policy, taking account of the key risks faced by the Society and the level of readily available reserves (i.e. the investments and net current assets, and not those funds that are not restricted or tied up as tangible fixed assets). This provided unrestricted reserves at 30 September 2023 amounting to £2,518,727 and this was allocated as follows:

Unrestricted reserves at 30 September 2023
£
General reserve 1,279,594
Designated for Legacy Fund 1,239,133
Total 2,518,727

The purpose of the General Reserve is to manage cashflow and to mitigate the risk of a significant drop in income or major unforeseen or uninsured incident, and allow the Society to continue operating whilst having sufficient time to consider and implement mitigation plans eg raising additional funds. The Trustees have approved a level of General Reserve equivalent to at least twelve month’s general fund expenditure. For the year ended 30 September 2023 the General Fund expenditure amounted to £1,700,837 with the General Reserve amounting to £1,279,594 which is a shortfall of £421,243. However, the likelihood of having to draw on these free reserves in the near future is low, and therefore the Trustees have considered this amount to be reasonable and manageable.

The purpose of the Legacy Fund which is a designated fund, is to provide funds for capital investment for major maintenance and refurbishment, and ultimately replacement of the Society’s tangible fixed assets, specifically, the playing fields and associated leisure facility buildings. In 2021 the Trustees made a total provision amounting to £1,700,000 including £800,000 for a new pavilion and artificial pitch at Boston Manor, £400,000 for replacement of major M&E plant at Douglas Eyre Sport Centre, £100,000 for reinstatement and improvements to Avenue Park stadium and £400,000 for the major refurbishment of the pavilion at Redbridge. During 2021-22, £416,367 was used for the replacement of the boilers at Douglas Eyre Sports Centre and a further £44,500 was spent in September 2023 on other assets including a tractor, resulting in a balance at 30 September 2023 of £1,239,133.

In looking forward to 2023/24, the Society has prioritised the replacement of the boilers at LMPF Redbridge which will require a further withdrawal from the Legacy Fund to cover the cost. The costs of the replacing of the twelve year old artificial pitch at Douglas Eyre Sports Centre with a new surface (due in June 2024) will be covered by the pitch sinking fund, which is held in the General Fund.

These reserves are supported by investment assets which are subject to market uncertainty and volatility and therefore could reduce significantly if there is a downturn in the global markets.

Page 9

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Investment policy

The Trustees have the power to make and hold investments using the general funds of the Society and to change investment allocations based on the advice of professional advisors. The Trustees also have the authority to appoint professional investment managers at a reasonable remuneration and have placed limited constraints on their investment managers in respect of holding investments. The investment portfolio is managed by Cazenove Capital. The main long-term objective for the portfolio is to achieve an average annual return of inflation (UK CPI) plus 3.5%. The Society has adopted an ethical investment policy. This policy ensures that the Society’s assets are invested in line with its aims.

Risk management

The Council Members review the risk register on an annual basis and actively manage the major risks which the Society faces.

The most immediate major risk is the impact and uncertainty of the recent high levels of inflation and the significant increase and volatility in energy costs. To mitigate the risk, impact on operational expenditure and provide resilience, the Council Members approved maintaining reserves at a level at least equivalent to twelve months’ general fund operating expenditure.

The other major risk is that the Society’s facility buildings fall below statutory requirements and the level of amenity for users becomes unacceptable forcing the grounds to close. The Society has therefore set aside an unrestricted designated Legacy Fund (also known as the Capital Expenditure Fund) to cover major maintenance and refurbishment of its buildings, plant and machinery. The level of this fund was set at £1,700,000 in 2021 and has been revised to reflect subsequent capital expenditure

Page 10

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Plans for the future

Against a backdrop of a challenging economic climate, the Society is determined to play a key role in creating a happier, healthier, and more cohesive London. To achieve this, it will continue to follow the 4 M’s model of playing fields operation by modernising, managing, marketing, and maintaining its facilities so that they are accessible, affordable and attractive.

In reviewing the first year of the latest Three Year Plan (2022-2025), the Society can take some satisfaction in seeing the results of taking a more pragmatic approach which focused on achieving financial stability, increasing fundraising and future proofing the grounds. Specifically, income was £18,000 better than budget whilst expenditure was £39,000 lower than forecast with light and heat being £79,000 lower than originally forecast. The future proofing drive continued with the replacement of the boiler at LMPF Greenford which should produce significant savings.

After a year of great uncertainty caused by the turbulent gas and electricity markets, the Society successfully negotiated a two year deal with providers at much more favourable terms than 2022-2023. This new deal will provide much needed cost certainty and the planned replacement of the old and inefficient boiler at LMPF Redbridge will also help to reduce operational costs even further.

With Honorary Treasurer Dennis Hone standing down at the end of 2023, Year Two of the Three Year Plan will still focus on financial sustainability but with an added concentration on succession planning and seeking income generating branding opportunities via increased social media profile.

The eight themes of the Three Year Plan cover the following inter-connected themes:

  1. Achieving financial stability

  2. Increasing fundraising

  3. Future proofing the grounds

  4. Creating more active communities

  5. Putting succession plans in place for staff and Trustees

  6. Using social media to increase the Foundation’s profile

  7. Seeking sustainable expansion opportunities

  8. Improving sustainability by working towards a net zero carbon position

A resolution to reappoint MHA as independent auditor will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.

Approved by order of the Members of the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:

…………………………

Neil Greenwood

Trustee Date: 4th March 2024

Page 11

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

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

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Charity and of their incoming resources and application of resources, including their income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the Trustees are aware:

Approved by order of the Members of the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by:

................................................

Neil Greenwood Trustee Date: 4th March 2024

Page 12

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The London Playing Fields Society (the ‘Parent Charity’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year ended 30 September 2023 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Charity Balance Sheet, the Consolidated 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 Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group and parent charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s or the Parent Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 13

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY (CONTINUED)

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Auditor’s Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Group’s and Parent Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Charity company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 151 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 auditor’s 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.

Page 14

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY (CONTINUED)

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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/Our-Work/Audit/Audit-and-assurance/Standards-andguidance/Standards-and-guidance-for-auditors/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditor’s Report.

Use of this report

This report is made solely to the Group and Charity’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of Part Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Group and Charity’s Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor’s 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 charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

MHA

Statutory Auditor London, United Kingdom

Date: 20/03/2024

MHA is the trading name of MacIntyre Hudson LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC312313)

Page 15

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Other trading activities
6
Investments
7
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
Charitable activities
9
Total expenditure
Net (expenditure) before revaluation
of investments
Revaluation of investments
16
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
156,253
1,077,228
264,748
39,438
Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
144,353
-
-
Total
funds
2023
£
156,253
1,221,581
264,748
39,438
Total
funds
2022
£
172,029
1,030,159
324,176
26,317
1,552,681
132,736
1,731,490
1,864,226
(311,545)
(202,093)
(513,638)
8,231,013
(513,638)
7,717,375
1,537,667 144,353 1,682,020
187,752
1,764,425
-
149,319
187,752
1,913,744
1,952,177 149,319 2,101,496
(414,510)
41,161
(4,966)
-
(419,476)
41,161
(373,349) (4,966) (378,315)
6,358,469
(373,349)
1,358,906
(4,966)
7,717,375
(378,315)
5,985,120 1,353,940 7,339,060

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 20 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 16

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
15
Investments
16
Current assets
Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year
17
Cash at bank and in hand
22
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one
year
18
Net current assets
Total net assets
Group funds
Restricted funds
19
Unrestricted funds
19
Total funds
2023
£
348,853
764,873
2023
£
4,714,763
2,117,380
6,832,143
506,917
7,339,060
1,353,940
5,985,120
7,339,060
2022
2022
£
£
4,995,769
2,121,364
7,117,133
206,465
799,962
1,006,427
(406,185)
600,242
7,717,375
1,358,906
6,358,469
7,717,375
2022
£
4,995,769
2,121,364
1,113,726
(606,809)
7,717,375
1,358,906
6,358,469
7,717,375

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

----- Start of picture text -----
................................................
----- End of picture text -----

................................................ ................................................ The Hon William Cadogan Neil Greenwood Trustee Trustee Date: 4th March 2024 Date: 4th March 2024

The notes on pages 20 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 17

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
15
Investments
16
Current assets
Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one
year
18
Net current assets
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total funds
2023
£
405,544
586,467
2023
£
4,714,763
2,117,382
6,832,145
390,123
7,222,268
1,353,940
5,868,328
7,222,268
2022
2022
£
£
4,995,769
2,121,366
7,117,135
264,053
497,897
761,950
(395,818)
366,132
7,483,267
1,358,906
6,124,361
7,483,267
2022
£
4,995,769
2,121,366
992,011
(601,888)
7,483,267
1,358,906
6,124,361
7,483,267

The Charity's net movement in funds for the year was deficit £ 260,999 (2022 - deficit £746,982).

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

----- Start of picture text -----
................................................
----- End of picture text -----

................................................ ................................................ The Hon William Cadogan Neil Greenwood Trustee Trustee Date: Date: 4th March 2024 4th March 2024

The notes on pages 20 to 42 form part of these financial statements.

Page 18

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Cash flows provided by operating activities
Note
Net cash used in operating activities
21
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment income
7
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
15
Proceeds from sale of investments
16
Purchase of investments
16
Cash movement on investments
16
Net cash provided by investing activities
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
22
The notes on pages 20 to 42 form part of these financial statements.
2023
£
(75,172)
2022
£
34,667
39,438
(44,500)
712,680
(643,456)
(24,079)
26,317
(431,777)
1,153,282
(646,783)
(74,096)
40,083 26,943
(35,089)
799,962
61,610
738,352
764,873 799,962

Page 19

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

1. General information

The London Playing Fields Society operating under the name of the London Playing Fields Foundation is a registered Charity and is registered with the Charity Commission (Charity Registered Number: 302925).

The address of the registered office is given in the Group and Charity information on page 1 of these financial statements.

The nature of the Group and Charity's operations and principal activities are detailed within the Trustees Report.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The London Playing Fields Society meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. The financial statements have been presented in sterling, which is also the functional currency of the Group and are rounded to the nearest pound.

The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) and Consolidated Balance Sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Charity and its subsidiary undertaking. The results of the subsidiary are consolidated on a line by line basis.

Page 20

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.2 Income

Income is included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Group is legally entitled to the income, the amount can be quantified, and its receipt is probable. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers. Income is deferred where it relates to a service to be provided in a future accounting period or the grant is specified by the funder as being for a future accounting period.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.

2.3 Government grants

The Charity receives government grants. Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the Charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Group associated with attracting voluntary income, running events and managing the Group’s investments.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Group in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Expenditure which is directly attributable to specific activities has been included in these costs categories. Where costs are attributable to more than one activity, e.g. support costs, they have been apportioned across the cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of these resources. Support costs comprise principally Head Office running costs. Where Head Office staff support more than one activity their salary is apportioned on a percentage basis across the cost categories. Governance costs are included within support costs.

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Page 21

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)

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:

Freehold land - not depreciated Buildings erected on or after - 2.5% per annum, straight-line 1988

Plant and machinery - 10% per annum, straight-line Fixtures, fittings and equipment - 20% per annum, straight-line

2.6 Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Revaluation of investments’ in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities.

Following a review of the accounting policies the Trustees have chosen to adopt the mark to market basis of accounting for investments. Accordingly investments are continuously measured at their fair value and as such no realised gains or losses arise in the year.

Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.

2.7 Fund accounting

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

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Group 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.

2.8 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Page 22

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.9 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.10 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Group anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.

2.11 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

2.12 Going concern

The Trustees have assessed the use of going concern and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the Group and Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of the approval of these financial statements. The Trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group and Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Group and Charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. The Trustees have concluded that there are no material uncertainties in relation to going concern.

2.13 Financial instruments

The Group does not have a material holding in complex financial instruments. The Group only holds basic financial instruments. The financial assets and liabilities of the Group are as follows:

Debtors – trade and other debtors (including accrued income) are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 17. Prepayments are not financial instruments.

Cash at bank – is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.

Liabilities – trade creditors, accruals and other creditors will be classified as financial instruments and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 18. Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as in the cash settlement has already taken place and there is simply obligation to deliver charitable services rather than cash or another financial instrument.

Page 23

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.14 Taxation

The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

2.15 Employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the Group, short-term employee benefits to which employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

The Group operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

There are no material judgments or key sources of estimation uncertainty that are considered to have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities in this financial year or within the next financial year.

Page 24

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

4. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Legacies
Donations
Legacies
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
156,253
-
156,253
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
79,028
93,001
172,029
Total
funds
2023
£
156,253
-
156,253
Total
funds
2022
£
79,028
93,001
172,029

Page 25

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

5. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Hiring charges
Other ground activities
485,273
32,566
Rental income
513,106
Catering
28,841
Other income
17,442
Total 2023
1,077,228
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Hiring charges
Other ground activities
447,577
8,255
Rental income
436,321
Catering
31,948
Other income
4,725
Total 2022
928,826
Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
144,353
-
-
-
144,353
Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
101,333
-
-
-
101,333
Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
144,353
-
-
-
144,353
Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
101,333
-
-
-
101,333
Total
funds
2023
£
485,273
176,919
513,106
28,841
17,442
1,221,581
Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
101,333
-
-
-
101,333
Total funds
2022
£
447,577
109,588
436,321
31,948
4,725
1,030,159

Included within income relating to other ground activities are the following restricted government grants:

• London Borough of Waltham Forest - £60,000 (2022 - £NIL)

There are no unfulfilled conditions or other contingencies attached to the government grants above.

Page 26

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

6. Income from other trading activities

Annual Quiz
Gala Dinner
Other trading income
Total 2023
Annual Quiz
Gala Dinner
Other trading income
Total 2022
7.
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
56,147
193,601
15,000
264,748
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
65,655
220,921
37,600
324,176
Total
funds
2023
£
56,147
193,601
15,000
264,748
Total
funds
2022
£
65,655
220,921
37,600
324,176
Income from listed investments
Bank interest
Income from listed investments
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
37,963
1,475
Total
funds
2023
£
37,963
1,475
39,438
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
26,317
39,438
Total
funds
2022
£
26,317

Page 27

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

8. Expenditure on raising funds

Other raising funds
Costs of generating donations and grants
Fundraising event costs
Investment management costs
Total 2023
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
73,302
99,518
14,932
187,752
Total
funds
2023
£
73,302
99,518
14,932
187,752
Other raising funds
Costs of generating donations and grants
Fundraising event costs
Investment management costs
Total 2022
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
32,661
78,893
21,182
132,736
Total
funds
2022
£
32,661
78,893
21,182
132,736

Page 28

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

9. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities - by fund

Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2023 2023 2023
£ £ £
1,764,425 149,319 1,913,744
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
2022 2022 2022
£ £ £
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Restricted
funds
2023
£
Total
funds
2023
£
Grounds
Grounds
1,764,425
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
149,319
Restricted
funds
2022
£
1,913,744
Total
funds
2022
£
1,580,460 151,030 1,731,490

10. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities - by type

Grounds
Grounds
Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
1,466,833
Activities
undertaken
directly
2022
£
1,403,932
Support
costs
2023
£
446,911
Support
costs
2022
£
327,558
Total
funds
2023
£
1,913,744
Total
funds
2022
£
1,731,490

Page 29

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

10. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities - by type (continued) Analysis of support costs

Staff costs
Grounds expenditure
Governance costs
11.
Governance costs
Auditor's remuneration - Audit services
Auditor's remuneration - Non-Audit services
Auditor's remuneration – Under/(Over) accrual of prior year fees
Auditor's remuneration - Bookkeeping and VAT services
Auditor's remuneration - Accountancy advisory services
Professional fees
12.
Auditor's remuneration
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor for the audit of the Charity's annual
accounts
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor in respect of:
Accounts preparation
Taxation compliance services
Bookkeeping and VAT services
Accountancy advisory services
Total
funds
2023
£
221,402
197,859
27,650
Total
funds
2022
£
108,399
189,742
29,417
446,911 327,558
2023
£
15,800
1,000
8,500
2,350
-
-
2022
£
14,250
4,475
(2,480)
3,905
5,370
3,897
27,650 29,417
2023
£
15,800
-
1,000
2,350
-
2022
£
14,250
3,500
975
3,905
5,370

Page 30

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

13. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Group
2023
£
695,057
54,374
27,884
777,315
Group
2022
£
689,847
58,119
28,692
776,658
Charity
2023
£
695,057
54,374
27,884
777,315
Charity
2022
£
689,847
58,119
28,692
776,658

The average number of persons employed by the Group during the year was as follows:

Grounds staff
Management and administration
Group
2023
No.
24
5
29
Group
2022
No.
25
6
31
Charity
2023
No.
24
5
29
Charity
2022
No.
25
6
31

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

Group Group
2023 2022
No. No.
In the band £100,001 - £110,000 1 1

The total amount of employee benefits received by Key Management Personnel is £118,959 (2022 - £116,804). The Charity considers its Key Management Personnel to be the CEO and the Trustees.

Page 31

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

14. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received or waived any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL) .

During the year, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £NIL) .

15. Tangible fixed assets

Group and Charity

Cost or valuation
At 1 October 2022
Additions
At 30 September 2023
Depreciation
At 1 October 2022
Charge for the year
At 30 September 2023
Net book value
At 30 September 2023
At 30 September 2022
Land and
buildings
£
9,978,139
2,500
9,980,639
5,488,379
257,054
5,745,433
4,235,206
4,489,760
Plant and
machinery
£

1,338,789

39,660
Fixtures and
fittings
£
57,943
2,340
60,283
54,599
2,977
57,576
2,707
3,344
Total
£
11,374,871
44,500

1,378,449
11,419,371

836,124

65,475
6,379,102
325,506

901,599
6,704,608

476,850
4,714,763

502,665
4,995,769

Land and buildings include land of £428,743 (2022 - £428,743) which is not depreciated.

Land and buildings are freehold with the exception of £700,000 of buildings and £48,412 of land in respect of London Marathon Playing Field Greenford which is long leasehold.

The Society’s sports grounds and buildings are for functional use and therefore have not been re-valued.

Page 32

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

16. Fixed asset investments

Group
Cost or valuation
At 1 October 2022
Additions
Disposals at carrying value
Revaluation
Movement in cash
At 30 September 2023
Listed
investments
£
2,019,506
643,456

(712,680)
41,161

-
1,991,443
Cash held
as part of
investment
portfolio
£
101,858
-
-
-
24,079
125,937
Total
£
2,121,364
643,456
(712,680)
41,161
24,079
2,117,380
Charity
Cost or valuation
At 1 October 2022
Additions
Disposals at carrying value
Revaluation
Movement in cash
At 30 September 2023
Listed
investments
£

2,019,506
643,456

(712,680)
41,161

-


Cash held
as part of
investment
portfolio
£
101,858
-
-
-
24,079




Investment
in subsidiary
company
£
2
-
-
-
-
2
Total
£

2,121,366

643,456

(712,680)

41,161

24,079

2,117,382
1,991,443 125,937

Charity

Page 33

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

16. Fixed asset investments (continued)

Principal subsidiaries

The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Charity:

Name Company Class of Holding Included in
number shares consolidation
Wadham Lodge Sports Centre Limited 02933068 Ordinary 100% Yes
The financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:
Name Income Expenditure Profit Net assets
£ £ for the year £
£
Wadham Lodge Sports Centre Limited 239,231 (22,436) 216,795 116,795

The wholly owned trading subsidiary, Wadham Lodge Sports Centre Limited, is incorporated in England and Wales (Company Registered Number 02933068). The registered office address of Wadham Lodge Sports Centre Limited is 58 Bloomsbury Street, London, WC1B 3QT.

Wadham Lodge Sports Centre Limited undertakes the trading activities of its Parent Charity, The London Playing Fields Society (Charity Registered Number 302925) and pays all of its profits to the Parent Charity under the gift aid scheme.

In both financial years all income and expenditure was allocated to Unrestricted funds.

The transfer under gift aid of the trading profits of Wadham Lodge Sports Centre Limited as a distribution to the Charity was £334,118 (2022 - £NIL) . On consolidation a number of Group transactions have been eliminated. The amounts owed from Wadham Lodge Sports Centre Limited to the Charity at 30 September 2023 was £106,395 (2022 - £57,588) .

A summary of the financial performance of the subsidiary in isolation is above.

Page 34

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

17. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Prepayments and accrued income
VAT recoverable
18.
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
VAT payable
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income
Deferred income at 1 October
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous periods
Deferred income at 30 September
Group
2023
£
284,876
-
63,977
-
Group
2022
£
72,169
-
91,008
43,288
Charity
2023
£
235,172
106,395
63,977
-
Charity
2022
£
72,169
57,588
91,008
43,288
348,853 206,465 405,544 264,053
Group
2023
£
140,940
16,624
-
18,462
430,783
Group
2022
£
236,824
33,830
14,344
-
121,187

Charity
2023
£
139,769
16,624
-
18,462
427,033
Charity
2022
£
231,182
33,830
14,344
-
116,462
606,809 406,185 601,888 395,818
Group
2023
£
76,767
406,703
(76,767)
Group
2022
£
119,934
40,100
(83,267)
Charity
2023
£
76,767
406,703
(76,767)
Charity
2022
£
119,934
40,100
(83,267)
406,703 76,767 406,703 76,767

Deferred income at both the current and prior year-ends related to future fundraising events, multi-year grant funding, pitch hire contracts, and rent invoiced in advance.

Page 35

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

19. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Fixed Assets Fund
Legacy Fund
General funds
Unrestricted general funds
Revaluation reserve
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
The London Marathon
Charitable Trust Fund
Coping Through Football
Bernard Sunley
Charitable Foundation
The Football Foundation
Green Hearts
The Big Give
Total of funds
Balance at
1 October
2022
£
3,673,233
1,283,633
4,956,866
728,617
672,986
1,401,603
6,358,469
1,142,299
29,003
3,635
176,601
2,393
4,975
1,358,906
7,717,375
Income
£
-
-
-
1,537,667
-
1,537,667
1,537,667
-
144,353
-
-
-
-
144,353
1,682,020
Expenditure

£
(251,340)
-
(251,340)
(1,700,837)
-
(1,700,837)
(1,952,177)
(52,089)
(75,074)
-
(22,076)
(80)
-
(149,319)
(2,101,496)
Transfers
in / out
£
44,500
(44,500)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Gains /
(Losses)

£
-
-
-
-
41,161
41,161
41,161
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
41,161
Balance at
30
September
2023

£
3,466,393
1,239,133
4,705,526
565,447
714,147
1,279,594
5,985,120
1,090,210
98,282
3,635
154,525
2,313
4,975
1,353,940
7,339,060

Page 36

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

19. Statement of funds (continued)

Designated fund

The Fixed Asset Fund represents the net book value of the fixed assets owned by the Group after depreciation which do not form part of the restricted funds. In 2023 a transfer into this fund of £44,500 from The Legacy Fund represents capital additions in the year made using designated funds.

The Legacy Fund represents investments designated for major maintenance, refurbishment and eventual replacement of leisure facility buildings within the next ten years.

General fund

The Unrestricted general funds reflect funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

The Revaluation reserve represents the accumulation of net revaluation gains and losses recorded to Fixed asset investments.

Restricted funds

The London Marathon Charitable Trust Fund

The London Marathon Charitable Trust Fund comprises three sports grounds, being the London Marathon Playing Field Greenwich, the London Marathon Playing Field Redbridge and the London Marathon Playing Field Greenford, £75,000 grant funding for the artificial turf pitch (ATP) at Peter May Sports Centre and £20,000 grant funding for new gates at Avenue Park. The movement on this fund represents the depreciation charge on these three grounds and the artificial turf pitch.

The Coping Through Football Fund

The Coping Through Football Fund is applied in support of the Coping Through Football programme. This is being used to expand the Coping Through Football project, which helps people with mental health problems get their lives back on track and across our London boroughs. Income represents donations from The Sackler Family, Khayami Foundation and LBWF Public Health.

The Football Foundation

The Football Foundation Fund represents grant funding received from the Premier League and FA Facilities Fund for the new ATP at Peter May Sports Centre. The expenditure represents the depreciation charge on the ATP.

The Big Give

£7,000 was raised in the Big Give Christmas Challenge in prior years to fund Kick-start Coaching courses. Kick-start Coaching is a project which helps disadvantaged Londoners improve their lives by gaining sports coach qualifications. By providing free places on FA courses to our project beneficiaries we help participants build their skills and confidence and make a positive contribution in their local community.

Page 37

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

19. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Fixed Assets Fund
Legacy Fund
General funds
Unrestricted general funds
Revaluation reserve
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
The London Marathon
Charitable Trust Fund
Coping Through Football
Bernard Sunley
Charitable Foundation
The Football Foundation
Green Hearts
The Big Give
Total of funds
Balance at
1 October
2021
£
3,447,029
1,700,000
5,147,029
800,302
875,079
1,675,381
6,822,410
1,194,388
4,535
3,635
198,677
2,393
4,975
1,408,603
8,231,013
Income
£
-
-
-
1,451,348
-
1,451,348
1,451,348
-
101,333
-
-
-
-
101,333
1,552,681
Expenditure

£
(205,572)
-
(205,572)
(1,507,624)
-
(1,507,624)
(1,713,196)
(52,089)
(76,865)
-
(22,076)
-
-
(151,030)
(1,864,226)
Transfers
in / out
£
431,776
(416,367)
15,409
(15,409)
-
(15,409)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Gains /
(Losses)

£
-
-
-
-
(202,093)
(202,093)
(202,093)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(202,093)
Balance at
30
September
2022

£
3,673,233
1,283,633
4,956,866
728,617
672,986
1,401,603
6,358,469
1,142,299
29,003
3,635
176,601
2,393
4,975
1,358,906
7,717,375

Page 38

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

20. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
3,466,393
2,117,380
1,008,156
(606,809)
Restricted
funds
2023
£

1,248,370
-

105,570

-

1,353,940
Total
funds
2023
£
4,714,763
2,117,380
1,113,726
(606,809)
5,985,120 7,339,060

Total

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
3,673,234
2,121,364
970,056
(406,185)
Restricted
funds
2022
£
1,322,535
-
36,371
-
1,358,906
Total
funds
2022
£
4,995,769
2,121,364
1,006,427
(406,185)
6,358,469 7,717,375

Page 39

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

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

Net (expenditure)/income for the year (as per Statement of Financial
Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
15
Revaluation gains on investments
16
Investment income
7
(Increase)/Decrease in debtors
17
Increase in creditors
18
Net cash provided by operating activities
22.Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
23.Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1
October
2022
£
Cash at bank and in hand
799,962
799,962
Net (expenditure)/income for the year (as per Statement of Financial
Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
15
Revaluation gains on investments
16
Investment income
7
(Increase)/Decrease in debtors
17
Increase in creditors
18
Net cash provided by operating activities
22.Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
23.Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1
October
2022
£
Cash at bank and in hand
799,962
799,962
Group
2023
£
(378,315)
325,506
(41,161)
(39,438)
(142,388)
200,624
(75,172)
Group
2023
£
764,873
764,873
Cash
flows
£
(35,089)
(35,089)
Group
2022
£
(513,638)

279,737

202,093

(26,317)

4,287

88,505

34,667
Group
2022
£
799,962
799,962
At 30
September
2023
£
764,873
799,962 764,873

Page 40

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

24. Contingent liabilities

Sport England hold a second charge over London Marathon Playing Field Greenford in respect of grant monies advanced in 2011 for the refurbishment of the pavilion at that ground. The grant, which amounted to £430,296, may be repayable if the ground ceases to be used for sporting purposes within the period to 2032.

The London Marathon Charitable Trust holds a second legal charge over London Marathon Playing Field Greenwich; a first charge is held by The Secretary of State for Defence. A sum of £110,000 is repayable to the London Marathon Charitable Trust in the event of this ground being sold.

London Marathon Playing Field Redbridge is jointly owned by the Society and The London Marathon Charitable Trust as tenants in common. A sum of £401,000 is repayable to The London Marathon Charitable Trust in the event of this ground being sold.

The London Marathon Charitable Trust holds a first legal charge over London Marathon Playing Field Greenford. Half of the net sale proceeds or a sum of £700,000, whichever is greater is repayable to the London Marathon Charitable Trust in the event of the ground being sold.

Page 41

THE LONDON PLAYING FIELDS SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

25. Operating lease commitments

At 30 September 2023 the Group and the Charity had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Land and Buildings
Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
Later than 5 years
Group
2023
£
36,500
79,083
-

Group
2022
£
36,500
115,583
-

Charity
2023
£

36,500

79,083

-

Charity
2022
£

36,500

115,583

-
115,583 152,083
115,583

152,083

The following lease payments have been recognised as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities:

Operating lease rentals Group
2023
£
36,500

Group
2022
£
36,500

Charity
2023
£

36,500

Charity
2022
£

36,500
36,500 36,500
36,500

36,500

26. Related party transactions

None of the Council received any remuneration or expenses in the year (2022 - £NIL).

During the year, tables and / or tickets were purchased for the annual Gala Dinner and Golf Day, to the total of £15,000 (2022 annual Gala Dinner and pledges made - £ 11,050) , by the following Trustees or their related parties – The Honourable William Cadogan, Jamie Dalrymple and Andy Sutch (2022 - The Honourable William Cadogan and Andy Sutch). Included in unrestricted donations was £NIL received from Trustees (2022 - £75,100) .

A restricted donation of £5,000 restricted to the Fairlop Oak ground was received in the year from the Trustee Colin Ainger (2022 - £NIL) .

27. Controlling party

The Trustees do not consider that there is any single controlling party.

Page 42