Stowmarket Relief Trust
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 802572
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Unaudited Financial Statements
30 September 2025
March Consulting Ltd.
Accounting & taxation services Friday Lane Cottage, Church Lane Hitcham, IP7 7NN
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Financial Statements Year ended 30 September 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ annual report | 1 |
| Independent examiner’s report to the trustees | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8-14 |
Stowmarket Relief Trust Trustees’ Annual Report
Year ended 30 September 2025
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the
year ended 30 September 2025.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name Stowmarket Relief Trust Charity Registration number 802572 Principal office c/o Milton House Milton Road South Stowmarket Suffolk IP14 1EZ
The trustees
H Slater K Scarff M Gray D Blackburn
D Nicholson D Palk
V Taylor-Hart C Whyte S Goodchild
Accountants
March Consulting Ltd. Accounting & taxation services Friday Lane Cottage, Church Lane, Hitcham, IP7 7NN
Page 1
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Trustees’ Annual Report ( continued) Year ended 30 September 2025
Structure, governance, and management
GOVERNING DOCUMENT
rd
A scheme made by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, dated the 16 May 1986, as amended on the 23 January 2025.
ADMINISTRATION
The Charity is administered by a body of 10 Trustees, comprising:
One Ex-Officio Trustee
The Vicar, for the time being, of the Ecclesiastical Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Mary, Stowmarket (position currently vacant).
Four Nominative Trustees
Two appointed by Stowmarket Town Council.
Two appointed by the Parochial Church Council for the Ecclesiastical Parish of St. Peter and St. Mary, Stowmarket.
Five Co-optative Trustees
Appointed by the existing Trustees.
Four meetings of the Trustees were held during the financial year.
Urgent applications for financial assistance received between meetings were submitted to, and determined by, a sub-committee comprising a minimum of two trustees for grants up to and including £1,000 and three trustees for grants up to and including £1,500, appointed for that purpose and reports of its decisions were presented to the next ordinary meeting of the trustees.
The day-to-day work of the Charity was carried out, on a part-time basis by its Clerk, appointed by the trustees, namely Mr. N G Gowrley, care of Stowmarket Town Council, Milton House, Milton Road South, Stowmarket Suffolk IP14 1EZ. Email clerk.relieftrust@gmail.com. Telephone 07838 196655.
Objectives and activities
OBJECTS
Relieving either generally or individually persons resident in the town of Stowmarket and resident in the parishes adjourning the said town and in the parish of Old Newton and Dagworth who are in conditions of need, hardship, or distress.
Page2
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Trustees’ Annual Report ( continued)
Year ended 30 September 2025
Achievements and performance
GRANTS AND DONATIONS
The sum expended on grants amounted to £22,736 compared with £23,869 last year. The number of recipients was 33 compared to 58 last year.
The purpose for which funds were provided included the following: Grants to pay the court fees for individuals going into bankruptcy. The purchase and repair of white goods. Provision of specialist counselling. The purchase and fitting of carpets and floor coverings. The purchase of beds, bedding, and household furniture. The payment of living/household expenses. The purchase of clothing/footwear.
Financial review
INVESTMENTS
The total value of managed investments at the 30 September 2025 was £1,501,674 of which £84,015 related to the unrestricted fund and £1,417,659 related to the original investment. The £1,501,674 represents an increase of £1,179,447 or 366% of the original investment of £322,227, made by the Trust’s investment managers, on their appointment in 1998. It should be noted that there was an input of £322,227 into the fund following the sale of the property. Dividends received on investments managed by the investment managers were £44,627, compared with £35,446 last year.
RESERVES POLICY
A review of the reserves policy was completed in April 2025. The Trustees general policy is to spend all its annual income over a 24 month period, and that the minimum level of general reserves it shall hold at any given point in time shall not be less than 50% of Annual Salary Costs together with the commitment of grant expenditure for the forthcoming 6 months, or £20,000 whichever is the greater. No designated reserves are required with the selling of the investment property in 2024.
Plans for future periods.
As the charity relies on agencies, such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Social Services etc. sending applications to us on behalf of the needy, we have no plans to change in the immediate future, although this will be kept under constant review.
Page 3
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Trustees’ Annual Report ( continued)
Year ended 30 September 2025
The trustees’ annual report was approved on 23rd April 2026 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
Mr. D Palk Chair of Trustees
Mr. N G Gowrley Clerk to the Trustees
Page 4
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Stowmarket Relief Trust
Year ended 30 September 2025
I report on the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025, which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet and the related notes.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and the examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect of the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act, and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met, or
-
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Ian Coombes Independent examiner March Consulting Ltd. Friday Lane Cottage, Church Lane, Hitcham, IP7 7NN 8th March 2026
Page 5
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Statement of Financial Activities
30 September 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Endowment | ||||
| funds | funds | Total | Total | ||
| funds | funds | ||||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income & endowments | |||||
| Investment Income | 4 | 64,741 | - | 64,741 | 89,748 |
| Total Income | 64,741 | - | 64,741 | 89,748 | |
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 5,6 | 34,228 | - | 34,228 | 38,218 |
| Other expenditure | 9 | 2,941 | - | 2,941 | 9,333 |
| Total expenditure | 37,169 | - | 37,169 | 47,551 | |
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | 10 | 3,331 | 57,717 | 61,048 | 91,416 |
| Net income/(expenditure) and net | 30,903 | 57,717 | 88,620 | 133,613 | |
| movement in funds | |||||
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 208,233 | 1,403,144 | 1,611,377 | 1,477,764 | |
| Total fund carried forward | 239,136 | 1,460,861 | 1,699,997 | 1,611,377 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on page 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements
Page 6
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Balance Sheet
30 September 2025
| Fixed assets Intangible assets Tangible fixed assets Investments Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Funds of the charity Endowment funds Unrestricted funds -General Fund -Designated Fund Total charity funds 20 15 16 17 18 |
- 198,252 198,252 2025 |
- 71 1,501,674 1,501,745 198,252 1,699,997 1,417,659 282,338 - 1,699,997 950 169,706 170,656 2024 |
- 95 1,440,626 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,440,721 170,656 |
|||
| 1,611,377 | |||
| 1,403,144 91,733 116,500 |
|||
| 1,611,377 |
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 23rd April 2026, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
Mr. D Palk Mr. N G Gowrley Chair of Trustees Clerk to the Trustees
The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements
Year ended 30 September 2025
1. General information
The charity is a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is care of: Stowmarket Town Council, Milton House, Milton Road South, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1EZ.
2. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland’, the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The charity is a public benefit entity.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain fixed assets and investments measured at market value.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties concerning the charity’s ability to continue. The day-to-day expenses of the charity are met by dividends and investment income. Following the sale of the property, the whole of the proceeds has been reinvested into unit trusts.
Fund accounting
The charity is funded by an endowment fund represented by unit trust investments and an unrestricted fund represented by assets which are available to make grants. From the investment income the charity makes grants to people in need in accordance with its objectives and constitution.
Incoming resources
Dividends are recognised when they are receivable.
Page 8
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 September 2024
3. Accounting policies ( continued)
Resources expended.
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:
-
expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, noncharitable trading activities, and the sale of donated goods.
-
Expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
-
other expenditure includes all expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.
Intangible assets
Amortisation
Amortisation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful life of that asset as follows:
Software - 20% straight line
If there is an indication that there has been a significant change in amortisation rate, useful life or residual value of an intangible asset, the amortisation is revised prospectively to reflect the new estimates.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Office equipment 25% reducing balance. Computer equipment 33% straight line
Investments
Listed investments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in profit or loss.
Page 9
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 September 2025
Accounting policies ( continued)
Defined contribution plans.
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided.
4. Investment income
| 4. Investment income | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4. Investment income | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Unrestricted | Total | Unrestricted | Total | |
| funds | funds | funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Rental and investment | 4,596 | 4,596 | 5,387 | 5,387 |
| Dividends received | 44,627 | 44,627 | 35,446 | 35,446 |
| Grants Received | 10,000 | 10,000 | 30,000 | 30,000 |
| Donations & Legacies | 1,480 | 1,480 | 16,536 | 16,536 |
| Bank interest receivable | 4,038 | 4,038 | 2,379 | 2,379 |
| 64,741 | 64,741 | 89,748 | 89,748 | |
| 5.Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| Unrestricted | Total | Unrestricted | Total | |
| funds | funds | Funds | funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Grants for relief of hardship | 22,736 | 22,736 | 23,869 | 23,869 |
| Support costs | 11,492 | 11,492 | 14,349 | 14,349 |
| 34,228 | 34,228 | 38,218 | 38,218 | |
| 6.Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type | ||||
| Grant | Support | Total funds | Total | |
| funding | costs | funds | ||
| of activities | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Grants for relief of hardship | 22,736 | 9,944 | 32,680 | 36,730 |
| Donation to SEF | - | - | - | - |
| Governance costs | - | 1,548 | 1,548 | 1,488 |
| 22,736 | 11,492 | 34,228 | 38,218 |
Governance costs relate to accountancy fees.
Page 10
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 September 2025
| 9.Other expenditure 8.Analysis of grants and donations 7.Analysis of support costs 10.Net gains on investments Grants to individuals Total grants Staff costs Governance costs Clerk's travel expenses and computer/telephone allowance Depreciation of office equipment Amortisation of software Office & administrative Loan written off Insurance Rates and utilities Training & software Gains/(losses) on listed investments Gains/(losses) on listed properties Gains/(losses) on listed investments |
Unrestricted funds £ 24 - 1,332 950 - - 635 2,941 - 5,005 5,005 3,331 3,331 Support costs £ 9,085 1,548 859 11,492 2025 2025 £ 22,736 - 22,736 Total funds £ 24 - 1,332 950 - - 635 2,941 Unrestricted funds £ Unrestricted funds £ |
2024 Unrestricted funds £ 32 768 884 - 3,545 3,562 542 9,333 Endowment funds £ 57,717 57,717 Endowment funds £ 17,683 68,728 86,411 2024 £ 23,869 - 23,869 Total 2024 £ 12,060 1,488 801 ~~14,349~~ Total funds £ 32 768 884 - 3,545 3,562 542 9,333 Total funds 2025 £ 61,048 61,048 Total funds 2024 £ 17,683 73,733 91,416 Total 2025 £ 9,085 1,548 859 11,492 |
Total 2024 £ 12,060 1,488 801 ~~14349~~ |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~~,~~ | |||
| 2024 £ 23,869 - |
|||
| 23,869 |
Page 11
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 September 2025
11.Net income / (expenditure) Netincome/expenditureisstated after:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Amortisation of intangible assets | - | 768 |
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets | 24 | 32 |
| 12.Independent examination fees | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Independent examination of the financial statements | 1,548 | 1,488 |
| 13.Staff costs | ||
| Thetotal staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows: | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 9,085 | 12,060 |
Noemployee receivedemployeebenefits of more than £60,000 inthe year (2024:Nil)
14.Trustee remuneration and expenses
Noremuneration or otherbenefits from employment with the charity or a relatedentity were received by the trustees. No trustees expense has been incurred.
15.Intangible assets
| Charge for the year At 30 September 2025 Carrying amount At 30 September 2025 At 30 September 2024 Cost At 1st October & 30th September 2025 Amortisation At 1st October 2024 |
5,760 - 5,760 Software £ 5,760 |
|---|---|
| - - |
Page 12
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 September 2025
| 17.Investments 16.Tangible fixed assets At 30 September 2024 Charge for the year At30September 2025 At 30 September 2024 At 1 October 2024 Additions/(Disposals) Fair value movements At 30th September 2024 Cost or valuation Carrying amount At 30 September 2025 At 30th September 2025 Impairment At 1st October 2024 Carrying amount At 30th September 2025 Cost At 1st October & 30th September 2024 At 30th September 2025 Depreciation |
- - - - 1,501,674 1,440,626 Computer Equipment £ 600 600 - - Listed investments £ 1,440,626 - 61,048 1,501,674 |
71 95 974 24 998 Fixtures & fittings £ 1,069 1,069 |
Total £ 1,669 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,669 | |||
| 974 24 |
|||
| 998 | |||
| 71 | |||
| 95 | |||
| Total £ 1,440,626 - 61,048 |
|||
| 1,501,674 | |||
| - | |||
| 1,501,674 | |||
| 1,440,626 |
All investments shown above are held at valuation
Financial assets held at fair value
The fair value of investments is the listed value.
Page 13
Stowmarket Relief Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Year ended 30 September 2025
18.Debtors
| 18.Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Charitable loans (interest free) | - | 950 |
| Prepayments | - | - |
| - | 950 |
Due to the age of the debtor, the decision was taken to write off the charitable loan.
19.Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
Defined contribution plans
The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans: £0 (2024 £0)
20.Analysis of net assets between funds
With the sale of the investment property in 2024, no designated funds are required and the £116,500 held has been transferred to the general fund.
| Unrestricted | Endowment | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | 71 | - | 71 |
| Investments | 84,015 | 1,417,659 | 1,501,674 |
| Current assets | 198,252 | - | 198,252 |
| Net Assets | 282,338 | 1,417,659 | 1,699,997 |
21.Related parties
There were no related party transactions in the year
Page 14