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2023-12-31-accounts

BETH-EZRA TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Company Number 1600026 (England and Wales) Charity No. 326000

BETH-EZRA TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Contents

Pages

Trustees’ Annual Report 3 - 8 Independent Auditor’s Report 9 - 11 Statement of Financial Activities 12 Balance Sheet 13 Notes to the Financial Statements 14-20

Legal & Administrative Information

Directors and Trustees:

T Dench S Lambert B R Morse-Glover B E Neate (appointed 24/02/2024) P Southgate (retired 25/02/2024) C Tomkins (appointed 24/02/2024) P H Verzhbitskaya G Whiting M Winfield (retired 25/02/2024)

Company Secretary Treasurer Home Manager Registered Office: Company number Charity number Main Bankers: Auditors:

P H Verzhbitskaya

P H Verzhbitskaya

L Akeh 52 Smitham Bottom Lane Purley Surrey CR8 3DB 1600026 326000

Barclays Bank Plc

Collards Chartered Accountants 5-9 Eden Street Kingston-upon-Thames Surrey KT1 1BQ

Solicitors:

Knights plc Cedar House 78 Portsmouth Road Cobham Surrey KT11 1AN

2

BETH-EZRA TRUST TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees present their annual directors’ report and the audited financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. The Trustees confirm that the audited financial statements comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, and Financial Reporting Standard 102.

Objectives of the Charity, principal activities and organisation of our work

The Charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee and is therefore governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The objectives of the Charity are to promote and provide care primarily for the elderly and infirm members of the Dawn Christadelphian Fellowship together with other persons if rooms are not filled. It does this through its principal activity, the running of Beth Ezra, a Care Home situated at 52 Smitham Bottom Lane, Purley, Surrey.

Our mission statement is: “To provide a quality care home for Christadelphians and others in a Christian setting that supports the spiritual, mental and physical needs of the residents in pleasant, peaceful and secure surroundings” .

The Charity strives to provide the highest quality of care within Beth-Ezra coupled with a loving and spiritual environment. Its policy is to exceed, wherever practicable, standards that are laid down by the relevant authorities for the running of care homes.

In undertaking its activities, the Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that the Charity confers a public benefit.

How our activities deliver public benefit

All of our charitable activities focus on providing care for the elderly and are undertaken to further our charitable aims for the public benefit. Our main activities and who we help are:

The beneficiaries

Beth Ezra’s activities are mainly for the benefit of aged, infirm or sick members of the Dawn Christadelphian Fellowship. Dawn Christadelphians are active in promoting their beliefs in the hope that other men and women will be persuaded of the truth of the Gospel and thereby join our community. Therefore, although there are conditions of membership, these conditions are only based on a shared conviction of God’s purpose in Jesus Christ, and not on any limitation imposed by geography, race, gender, or wealth.

All who qualify as members of the worldwide Dawn Christadelphian Fellowship and whose needs are assessed according to accepted Care Standards as being suitable for the care home are happily accepted as residents, subject to a suitable room being available. By providing a home for these members of the Dawn Christadelphian Fellowship, they are enabled to spend their final years together with like-minded members sharing the same religious beliefs and lifestyle. That so many members choose to come to Beth Ezra even if it is not the closest care home to where they have been living, nor necessarily close to family members, is indicative of the value that they place on this choice and the subsequent benefit they derive from it.

3

BETH-EZRA TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Beth Ezra provides benefits to other people if there are vacant rooms and if, at the time, there is no call on that vacancy from a Dawn Christadelphian. In such cases, the Trustees will consider making the room available to a person who is not a Dawn Christadelphian, but particular care is taken to ensure that the potential resident would be sympathetic to the faith-based ethos of the home.

Development, activities, achievements and financial review this year

Beth Ezra continues to provide excellent care in an environment that provides for the spiritual, the practical and the emotional, prioritising the needs of each resident and accommodating their wishes. Key in 2023, as in previous years, has been our programme of spiritual events including Sunday morning worship, led daily bible readings and the ability to connect to streamed events at Dawn Christadelphian ecclesias. Other regular activities include several craft sessions each week, seated dance classes and musical performances from professionals and amateurs. We were also able to hold two Cream Tea events, a highlight of the summer for residents, families and friends.

The labour market has remained tight and use of agency staff remains higher than ideal but this has continued to improve over the year and the home has a good base of dedicated staff. Once again, wage increases have been key and all staff received a bonus payment in December.

During the year, under God’s good hand, we have provided residential care for a total of 20 permanent residents and 2 short-term stays. We have made a number of improvements to the home as detailed under the section headed “Tangible fixed assets and impairment review” .

The Trust generated net income for the year of £32,577 (2022 net income £37,546). Ignoring bequests, donations, financial assistance and gains on investments, the operating deficit was £24,069 (2022 income of £65,863), which highlights the need to maintain a substantial cash reserve. Occupancy levels and subsequent financial performance can vary significantly year on year, and the Trustees have a reserves policy so that reserves can be maintained at a level sufficient to meet the challenges the Charity faces in the medium term. This reserves policy is reviewed annually to reflect the changing operating circumstances and general business climate.

The financial position at the end of the year is sound with cash balances of £518,080 (2022 £556,935) and net current assets of £1,198,087 (2022 £1,120,216).

We have updated our formal business plan that projects three years into the future. This provides an invaluable planning and budgeting tool and assists in maintaining appropriate financial controls. Beth-Ezra continues to be dependent on major bequests, and promotional activities continue to encourage the members of our community to remember the Charity both in regular donations and in their Will. The Trust continues to offer assistance to residents who have need to call upon state funding during their stay at Beth Ezra, and financial assistance in the sum of £10,903 was given in 2023 (2022 £10,982). The Trustees are grateful to those who have made donations to the funds during the year.

The Trustees are very aware of the need to maintain a high room utilisation, both to better fulfil our charitable purpose, but also to reduce operating losses to a manageable level. Occupancy is one of the criteria used to assess success and Beth Ezra achieved an average resident occupancy of 94% during 2023 and also 99% when room occupancy is used.

Our independent Quality Assurance Review which seeks the views about current service provision from residents, relatives, advocates and visitors was undertaken in September 2023. The results have been shared with stakeholders. The findings were very positive and improvement had been recognised in many areas compared to the 2022 survey. Residents and relatives appeared largely content with all extremely happy with the quality of care provided. Recommendations were made regarding a welcoming culture to all visitors, to continue to facilitate opportunities for management to communicate daily with residents, and to ensure relatives can easily access management when required. There were also suggestions on activities.

4

BETH-EZRA TRUST TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

As in previous years, a separate staff survey was carried out and points for improvement have been actioned.

Remuneration of the management team is set by the Managing Trustees within the annual budget agreed by the Board of Trustees and is subject to annual review with reference to similar local positions in the care industry. We would like to warmly thank all who have helped in the management team and their staff for their loyalty and hard work and all those who have contributed in any way to this work for the Lord.

Future Developments

High inflation continued to be a challenge in 2023 with factors largely outside the control of the charity, and the fee increase in April 2023 reflected this. As inflation has stabilised in most sectors, it has been possible to keep the annual fee increase below 5% in April 2024.

The care sector in the UK continues to be challenged by the apparent contradiction between the cost of providing good care and complying with the requirements of the Care Quality Commission who regulate the industry and the limitations of state funding which has, in the past, fallen considerably short of the full cost of providing such care and is variably applied to residents in different care home environments. We continue to receive state funding for some residents and have been very blessed to have received support from other sources, personal and charitable, that partially covers the deficit where state funding is not at the level required to meet our costs.

Although the Trustees are conscious of the overruling hand of God, they are also very aware of the need for sound management practice and prudent financial controls. There are sufficient reserves for at least the next twelve months, assuming no significant legislative changes or amendments to state funding of care places, and the Home continues to operate on a sound financial footing. The Trustees are confident that Beth Ezra will continue to provide a high standard of care for its residents for the foreseeable future.

Tangible fixed assets and impairment review

The Trust owns four investment properties, one residential and three commercial. The rents from these generate revenue to subsidise charitable operations. The commercial properties are let on the open market while the residential property is situated next door to the Home and is offered first to those who would like to live close to the Home but are not yet ready to become residents there. If a tenant cannot be found who meets these criteria, it is let on the open market.

The residential property was let for 11 months of 2023. One of the tenancies of the commercial properties expired in November 2022 and was re-let in August 2023. Outstanding balances owed in relation to a second commercial property have been fully provided for at year end due to continued uncertainty as to their recoverability and negotiations are in progress to sign a new lease.

The Home is in good condition as a result of an ongoing programme of planned maintenance. The Trustees consider the fabric of the building to be sound.

Changes in tangible fixed assets during the year are as set out in Note 5 to the accounts on page 17. As part of managing the assets, the fixed asset register and depreciation policy has been reviewed in the year. A programme of on-going refurbishment and equipment replacements has been prepared which includes the replacement of a number of equipment items as they reach the end of their service life. Capital expenditure on buildings in 2023 was £71,220 and on fixtures and fittings, £11,805. The main additions were:

5

BETH-EZRA TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Investment policy and returns

Under its Articles of Association, Beth-Ezra Trust has the power to make any investment which the Trustees see fit subject to any restrictions imposed by Law. These include diversified investment funds, bank deposits, bonds and investment property. The diversified investment funds do not exceed 20% of the total investment portfolio. The Trustees have also taken steps to reduce the risk of financial losses by spreading their cash reserves over a number of financial institutions.

Reserves

The Trustees have agreed a reserves policy that requires sufficient reserves to be maintained to cover at least two years budgeted operating deficit, being our financial performance ignoring any income from donations and bequests. This policy has been adopted because the Charity’s finances are largely dependent on bequests, and these cannot be anticipated or relied upon. Based on our Business Plan, the total budgeted operating deficit, excluding net investment income, in our General Fund for the next two years is £76,070, and the General Fund at the end of 2023 was £1,198,087.

At 31 December 2009, a designated fund was set up by transfer from the general fund to provide for the maintenance of the Charity’s tangible fixed assets. This Fixed Assets Fund at the end of 2023 was £1,956,147 (2022 £2,001,443).

Consequently, the Trustees believe that the present levels of the reserves are adequate to support the continuation of the Care Home for the medium term. They therefore consider the financial position of the Charity to be satisfactory and that the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate.

Directors and Trustees

All directors of the company are also Trustees of the Charity and there are no other Trustees. The Trustees meet quarterly, but also interact regularly between meetings by telephone and via e-mail exchanges (for example, through circulation of minutes from the Managing Trustee meetings). The Trustees delegate the day to day running of the home to the Home Manager and the Business Manager. The Trustees appointed by the Board as Managing Trustees are there to work closely with the management team and to act as a more effective and dynamic conduit between the management team and the main Board of Trustees. The Managing Trustees have delegated powers within which they must operate and report regularly to the board of Trustees and the Trust’s officers. During 2023, the Managing Trustees were T Dench, P Verzhbitskaya and G Whiting with T Dench stepping up in August.

The Trustees served throughout the year except as noted on page 2. The board of Trustees has the power to appoint additional Trustees as it considers fit. New Trustees are selected by existing Trustees to serve until the following AGM and, if re-appointed by the members, can serve until age 75 subject to the rules relating to rotation in accordance with clause 33 of the Articles of Association. On reaching 75 years, Trustees can be reappointed on an annual basis. The Trustees identify the available skills and experience relating to the key areas of the Trust’s activities. This is particularly important when we seek to appoint new Trustees, as it helps to maintain the appropriate mix of skills and experience.

A comprehensive induction pack is available to acquaint new Trustees with the Charity’s policy and practice, its activities, management and governance and also what is expected of them under charity law, with particular reference to Charity Commission guidance publications.

Risk management

The Trustees actively review the major risks which the Charity faces with a comprehensive annual review at the September Board meeting and an update in February or May, and appropriate action is taken to mitigate each risk to an acceptable level. The Trustees recognise their responsibility to identify any new and emerging risks, and a Trustee is tasked with maintaining a formal risk register.

6

BETH-EZRA TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The principle risks and strategies for mitigation are:

Trustees' responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The Trustees are required by company law to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the financial activities of the Charity and of its financial position at the end of that year. 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 enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the relevant Companies and Charities Acts (see note 1 in the notes to the Accounts). 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 can provide assurance that;

7

BETH-EZRA TRUST

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Statement of disclosure of information to auditors

The Trustees who held office at the date of approval of this annual report confirm that:

Auditors

A resolution proposing that Collards Chartered Accountants be re-appointed as auditors will be put to the members at the Annual General Meeting.

Approval

This report was prepared having taken advantage of the small companies’ exemption in the Companies Act 2006 and was approved by the Trustees on 11 May 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Simon Lambert Director/Trustee

Date: 11 May 2024

8

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BETH-EZRA TRUST

We have audited the financial statements of Beth-Ezra Trust (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, and notes to the financial statements, 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 FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 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 charitable company’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.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the trustees 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.

9

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BETH-EZRA TRUST

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report included within the trustees’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement set out on page 7, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) 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 charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

The trustees have elected for the financial statements to be audited in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 rather than the Companies Act 2006. Accordingly, we have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

10

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BETH-EZRA TRUST

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

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.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and the regulations made under section 154 of that act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members 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.

Andrew Harker Partner

For and on behalf of Collards Chartered Accountants

5-9 Eden Street Kingston-upon-Thames Surrey KT1 1BQ

Date: 11 May 2024

11

BETH-EZRA TRUST STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

BETH-EZRA TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
Notes
INCOME FROM:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities:
Residents' fees
Miscellaneous income
Grants
Investment income:
Interest
Rent
Gross income in the reporting period
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds:
Investment management costs
Charitable activities:
Property expenses
Staff costs
4
Food and consumables
Other running costs
Depreciation
Assistance given to residents
5
Other:
Governance costs
Total expenditure in the reporting period
Net income before gains on investments
Net gains/(losses) on investments
6
Net income/(expenditure) for the financial year
3
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Total
Funds
2023
£
20,437
1,034,170
3,179
-
24,147
39,115
1,121,048
27,073
117,120
786,224
60,890
57,906
44,764
10,903
1,104,880
6,556
1,111,436
9,612
22,965
32,577
3,121,659
3,154,236
Total
Fund
2022
£
19,792
1,045,953
475
10,625
8,474
64,129
1,149,448
11,363
86,175
793,686
57,903
54,255
42,679
10,982
1,057,043
9,258
1,066,301
83,147
(45,601)
37,546
3,084,113
3,121,659

All of the income relates to continuing activities of the Charity. The Charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those reported above.

All funds are unrestricted.

The notes on pages 14 to 20 form part of these financial statements.

12

BETH-EZRA TRUST BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
5
Investments
6
Current Assets
Debtors
8
Investments
6
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
9

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
10
The Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted Funds:
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS
11
2023
£
820,376
1,135,773
1,956,149
41,164
759,560
518,080
1,318,804
120,717
1,198,087
3,154,236
3,154,236
3,154,236
2022
£
782,168
1,219,275
2,001,443
53,241
649,044
556,935
1,259,220
139,004
1,120,216
3,121,659
3,121,659
3,121,659

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

For the year ending 31 December 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies but as this company is a charity, it is subject to audit under the Charities Act 2011.

Directors’ responsibilities:

Approved by the trustees on 11 May 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Simon Lambert Director/Trustee

Company number 1600026 (England and Wales)

The notes on pages 14 to 20 form part of these financial statements.

13

BETH-EZRA TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1

Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

1.1 Basis of preparation and going concern

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 (“FRS 102”), Financial Reporting Standard 102 (effective 1 January 2015) and the Companies Act 2006. Beth-Ezra Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historic cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). All amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest pound sterling.

The charity holds sufficient funds to secure its immediate future for the next year, and on this basis, the assessment of the trustees is that the charity is a going concern.

The charity has not prepared a statement of cash flows and is in compliance with FRS 102 1A Bulletin 1.

1.2

Income recognition policies

Items of income are recognised and included in the accounts when all of the following criteria are met:

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of:

Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity or the charity is aware of the granting of probate and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Residents’ fees received in advance of the provision of the service are deferred until the criteria for income recognition is met.

Government grants are recognised when there is reasonable assurance that the charity will comply with the conditions attaching to the grant and the grant will be received.

Gifts in kind are accounted for when received by the Charity.

1.3

Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity. This is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

1.4

Fund accounting

The general fund comprises income that is available to meet the general objectives of the Charity. The fixed assets fund is a designated fund for the maintenance of the Charity’s tangible fixed assets. Details of the movements on each of these funds are set out in note 11.

14

BETH-EZRA TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies (continued)

1.5

Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

1.6

Operating leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

1.7 Fixed Assets: Tangible Assets

Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows:

Additions to freehold and leasehold buildings 5-10% Fixtures and equipment 10%-25% Soft furnishings 20%

No depreciation has been charged on the original cost of freehold and leasehold land and buildings as it is the trust's policy to maintain its properties in a state of good repair and such expenditure is charged to the income and expenditure account in the period in which it is incurred. However, additions to buildings which are considered to have a finite useful life are depreciated at 5-10% on cost.

1.8 Fixed Assets: Investments

The charity holds one leasehold and three freehold properties which are valued annually: every fifth year by a professional valuer and in the intervening years by the Board with reference to current local markets.

Investments also include bonds with remaining maturity longer than one year. These are valued at transaction price including any transaction costs.

1.9 Current Assets: Investments

Investments held within Current Assets comprise:

1.10

Debtors

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

15

BETH-EZRA TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 (continued)

1 Accounting policies (continued)

1.11 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash 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.

1.12 Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

2

3

Income from donations and legacies
Donations:
Gifts
Legacies
Net incoming resources
This is stated after charging:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets owned by the Charity
Auditors' remuneration – audit
2023
£
19,937
500
£20,437
2023
£
44,764
4,942
2022
£
18,652
1,140
£19,792
2022
£
42,679
7,800

4 Employee information

The average number of staff employed during the year was 32 (2022: 31). Most of these were involved in the care of residents. Third party agencies are used to supply staff where necessary to supplement existing employees. These agency costs amounted to £48,342 in the year (2022: £69,773).

Staff costs for the year
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Employer’s contribution to defined contribution pension scheme
Agency staff
2023
£
672,585
51,656
13,642
48,341
£786,224
2022
£
658,164
53,592
12,157
69,773
£793,686

The management team received employee benefits of £2,260 (2022: £2,614) comprising employer pension benefits during the year. No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000.

16

BETH-EZRA TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 (continued)

5 Fixed Assets: Tangible Assets

Cost
As at 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
As at 31 December 2023
Accumulated depreciation
As at 1 January 2023
Depreciation on disposals
Charge for the year
As at 31 December 2023
Net book value
As at 31 December 2023
As at 31 December 2022
Freehold

Property
£
827,263
71,220
(15,490)
£882,993
122,899
(14,785)
15,568
£123,682
£759,311
£704,364
Fixtures and
Equipment
£
268,258
12,477
(44,722)
£236,013
190,454
(44,702)
29,196
£174,948
£61,065
£77,804
Total
£
1,095,521
83,697
(60,212)
£1,119,006
313,353
(59,487)
44,764
£298,630
£820,376
£782,168

Freehold property includes an amount of £534,200 (2022: £534,200) on which no depreciation has been charged (see note 1.7). The trustees consider that the properties are in good condition and the net realisable value is higher than the book value. A formal valuation has not been obtained, as in the opinion of the trustees, the cost of a professional valuation would outweigh the benefit to the users of the accounts and a valid comparison with other properties cannot be made. All fixed assets are used for charitable purposes.

6 Investments

Fixed Assets: Investments
Property
Bonds
Property: valuation
As at 1 January
Change in valuation
As at 31 December
2023
£
1,043,126
92,647
£1,135,773
2023
£
1,043,126
-
£1,043,126
2022
£
1,043,126
176,149
£1,219,275
2022
£
1,041,226
1,900
£1,043,126

17

BETH-EZRA TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 (continued)

6 Investments (continued)

Fixed Asset Investments: Property comprises one leasehold and three freehold properties which are let on a commercial basis. All leasehold properties were professionally valued for the year end with the change in valuation taken through the Fixed Asset Fund.

Current Assets: Investments
Listed investments
Accounts due between 3 and 12 months
Bonds
Listed investments
Fair value at 1 January
Additions at cost
Disposal proceeds
Net gain on change in fair value
As at 31 December
Historic cost
2023
£
425,440
78,270
255,850
£759,560
2023
£
402,815
356,990
(357,330)
22,965
£425,440
£383,364
2022
£
402,815
76,229
170,000
£649,044
2022
£
448,873
18,425
(15,004)
(49,479)
£402,815
£412,559

Current Assets: Investments: Bonds comprises three bonds with an original maturity of one year.

7 Capital commitments

There were no capital commitments at the end of 2023 (2022 - nil).

8
Debtors
Due within one year:
Prepayments and other debtors
Residents' fees
Income tax recoverable
Rents receivable
2023
£
23,457
10,953
272
6,482
£41,164
2022
£
24,255
23,287
257
5,442
£53,241

Rent receivable relates to accrued income from leasehold properties.

18

BETH-EZRA TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 (continued)

9
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade creditors
Residents fees paid in advance
Taxation and social security
Accrued expenses
Sundry creditors
Deferred income
Property rental deposits
10
Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds:
Fixed Assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total
Fixed Assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total
2023
£
16,606
9,558
20,779
57,392
-
707
15,675
£120,717
Unrestricted
Reserves
2023
£
1,956,149
1,318,804
(120,717)
£3,154,236
2022
£
2,001,443
1,259,220
(139,004)
£3,121,659
2022
£
10,263
1,817
24,571
61,816
29,572
165
10,800
£139,004
Total
Funds
2023
£
1,956,149
1,318,804
(120,717)
£3,154,236
2022
£
2,001,443
1,259,220
(139,004)
£3,121,659

19

BETH-EZRA TRUST NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 (continued)

11 Analysis of Movements on Funds:

Unrestricted
Funds
General Fund
Fixed
Assets
Fund
Total Funds
Opening
Balance at
01-01-2023
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Transfers
between
funds
Closing
Balance at
31-12-2023
£
£
£
£
£
1,120,216
1,144,013
(1,111,436)
45,294
1,198,087
2,001,443
-
-
(45,294)
1,956,149
£3,121,659
1,144,013
(1,111,436)
-
3,154,236

At 31 December 2009, a designated fund was set up by transfer from the general fund to provide for the maintenance of the Charity’s tangible fixed assets.

12 Legal entity

Beth-Ezra Trust is a private company limited by guarantee, incorporated and registered in England, and not having a share capital. Each member has a liability not exceeding £1.

The address of the registered office and its place of business is:

Beth Ezra 52 Smitham Bottom Lane Purley Surrey CR8 3DB

13 Trustees expenses and transactions with related parties

None of the Trustees were paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the Charity or a related entity.

No expenses were paid to trustees during the year for reimbursement of business costs incurred on behalf of the charity (2022 - nil). There were no transactions with related parties.

Indemnity insurance at a cost of £1,614 (2022 - £1,458) was taken up during the year to protect the charity from loss arising from neglect or default of trustees and senior management and to indemnify trustees and senior management against the consequences of any neglect or default on their part. These costs are included in governance costs (see page 12).

14 Operating leases

The Charity has entered into a non-cancellable operating lease for telephone equipment. In the year to 31 December 2023, the Charity paid £4,428 in lease payments under this contract. The future minimum lease payments as at 31 December 2023 are as follows:

20