**Annual Report and Financial Statements**
**Year ended 31st March 2025**
1
## **Patrons, trustees and advisors**
**Patrons** Bishop of Manchester—The Rt Reverend Dr David Walker Susie Briscoe David Cade Ian Hay Davison CBE William Guthrie The Rt Revd Michael Turnbull CBE The Ven David Woodhouse
**Trustee directors** Andrew Deutsch (Chair) Christopher Daws (Treasurer) Ven Simon Baker Richard Boardman Trevor Morris Sally Nichols David Robinson Elizabeth Wilson Miriam Morris **Executive director and company secretary** Queen Mary’s Hostel **Registered and principal office** 28 Greencoat Place London SW1P 1DX 02453957 (England and Wales) **Company registration** 802801 (England and Wales) **Charity registration** Buzzacott Audit LLP **Independent examiner** 130 Wood Street London, EC2V 6DL Barclays Bank plc **Principal bankers** PO Box 294 Peterborough, PE1 1EZ
2
## **Introduction**
I am Andy Deutsch, the new chair of Church Homeless Charity (CHC), and I would like to thank you for your interest in supporting homeless people.
CHC is one of the few organisations that gives personal grants to homeless people to help with whatever they need to get off the streets and establish themselves in a home of their own.
I saw the impact that CHC grants make when I was on the board of Riverside Care and Support, England’s largest provider of services for homeless people. And this is why I wanted to get involved.
So many people are stuck on the street or in a hostel because they simply do not have the funds to buy ID, work clothes, a train ticket or a rent deposit. CHC’s timely and bespoke grants enable people to progress in their journey from homelessness to a settled, independent home.
Although our grants are small, they make a massive difference to the lives of the people who receive them, as is demonstrated through the extracts from grant applications which are spread throughout this report.
This past year has been uncertain and tough for the people we help, and also for our supporters. Although we have not raised as much money as we hoped, we have remained committed to providing grants to as many people as we can.
In the coming year we are focusing on developing our website, building our social media profile and improving the newsletter we send out to our supporters. We hope that more people will get involved with our mission and become regular donors. It is only thanks to the generosity of our supporters that we are able to continue helping people to rebuild their lives after the trauma of being homeless.
On behalf of the trustees and staff team, I would like to express our enormous gratitude to Liz Wilson, who has led the board of trustees over the past eight years, and wish her the very best for her ‘retirement’.
Andrew Deutsch, chair of trustees
## **Contents**
- 4 Our past, present and future
- 14 Independent examiner’s report
- 6 Our grants
- 15 Financial statements
- 8 Our partners
- 18 Principal accounting policies
- 9 The people we help
- 21 Notes to financial statements
- 10 Governance
- 30 The schemes we work with
- 13 Financial review
- 31 Our supporters
3
## **Our past, present and future**
## **Our history**
Our roots go back to 1882 when the Rev’d Wilson Carlile began to provide shelter for homeless people on the Thames Embankment.
## **Church Army Housing (1924 – 1977)**
Carlisle set up Church Army Housing in 1924 to formalise and expand the accommodation provided by the Church Army. During World War II, Church Army Housing provided shelter for 300,000 people.
## **Church Housing Association (1977 – 1985)**
Housing provision was separated from the other work of the Church Army and the Church Housing Association was set up in 1977.
## **English Churches Housing Group (ECHG) (1985 – 2006)**
Wilson Carlile, _1847—1942_
_Wilson Carlile had been a successful businessman but lost his money in the 1873 depression. He suffered a mental and physical collapse, and while confined to bedrest he experienced the overwhelming love of God and felt called to serve the poor and excluded._
_He became an ordained priest in the Church of England and trained an ‘army’ of volunteers to reach out to ordinary working people; particularly those who were struggling with poverty, unemployment, ill-health, and alcohol-dependence._
_In 1882 Carlile set up the Church Army to provide accommodation and job opportunities to homeless people as part of its wider mission._
ECHG was created through the merger of Church Housing Association and the Baptist Housing Association in 1985. It merged with Riverside Housing Group in 2006, and this is the basis of our continuing partnership with Riverside.
## **Church Housing Trust (1989 – 2018)**
We were incorporated as a separate charity from ECHG in 1989 to make it easier to raise voluntary donations.
## **Church Homeless Trust (2018 -2023)**
In 2018 we changed our name from ‘Housing’ to ‘Homeless’ to make what we do clear.
## **Church Homeless Charity (2023 onwards)**
In 2023 we changed our name from ‘Trust’ to ‘Charity’ to show that we are an independent charity without any source of income except the generosity of our supporters.
## **Our purpose**
Although our name and circumstances have changed over the past century, our purpose has not. Indeed we still support people in hostels which were built by Wilson Carlile. And we are now based in a hostel in Westminster that he set up a hundred years ago.
We give personal grants to people who are homeless to help them to rebuild their lives, regardless of their faith, background, identity or circumstances. We believe in the unconditional love of God for all people, and the unique contribution every individual has to make, no matter how difficult their current circumstances may be.
We know the names and circumstances of every person we give a grant to. We have included extracts from some of the applications we have approved in the past year, throughout this report. (We have changed their names to protect anonymity.)
4
## **Current trends**
For the past five years we have highlighted the effects of the pandemic and then the cost-of-living crisis on the people we help. Now it seems that the struggle to make ends meet has become permanent for many people. This is being exacerbated by the lack of social housing, and wellmeaning changes to the private rental sector that have had the unintended consequence of increasing evictions and reducing the amount of housing available.
We have seen an increase in applications from people who would never have imagined becoming homeless a few years ago, many due to being evicted and unable to afford, or even to find, alternative rented accommodation. The record number of families in temporary accommodation threatens to bankrupt some Local Authorities. It also takes a great toll on the mental health and opportunities for the families and in particular the 160,000 children, who are homeless.
We have been supporting schemes that provide decent temporary accommodation and support for homeless families, and this was the theme of our Christmas campaign.
We have continued to provide sustained support for homeless veterans. In spite of the many government and charitable initiatives for veterans, they still find it difficult to get funding when they need it. Through our efficient on-line processes we can give homeless veterans grants within a week of an application. And where necessary we will pay landlords directly and immediately to ensure that the veteran is able to secure a home. We give grants at every stage in their journey to a home of their own, meaningful work and a place in civilian life.
## Lin, a mother of two:
I became homeless due to the domestic abuse I suffered from my ex-partner and fled to a women's refuge with my two young children.
I was over the moon to have received the grant, it helped me to begin a fresh start for my two very young children. I was able to purchase curtains and blinds for our new house and begin to make a comfortable home for the future.
**We gave Lin £175 for carpets and blinds**
All the schemes that we work with are struggling to make ends meet. Many have had their government funding cut, and are no longer able to provide training, social or therapeutic activities for their residents. Support workers describe our grants as ‘game changing’ because our funding enables them to work more effectively with the homeless people they support, giving them hope and opportunities.
In spite of our lower income this year, we have maintained our grant giving as we believe that it is our mission to help as many homeless people as we can.
## **The year ahead**
We are a small team, just five of us, the equivalent of four full-time employees. We have had illness and then vacancies within the team for a while, but we have now recruited two new team members. They have already made a big difference to our online and offline communications, and we hope to see an increase in our income as a result.
We are all working from home now, which saves on office costs, and has enabled us to widen our geographic recruitment area outside the South East.
5
## **Our grants**
**We are now one of very few charities that give personal support grants to people who are homeless, and the need is greater than ever. Very often people stay stuck on the street or in a hostel because they simply don’t have the money for ID papers, or a rent deposit. Our grants make a real difference to the lives of people who are homeless.**
**Through our online application process, we can approve and disburse all grants within a week, meaning that people get the money they so desperately need quickly.**
**Social and therapeutic activities** .— These grants are for group activities within the schemes we support which at the most basic level give residents - something to do during the day, and in some cases help them resist going on to the street to beg and buy drugs. These activities also help to build confidence, social skills and relationships.
They include breakfast clubs, gardening projects, music therapy, trips to the seaside, film clubs, book clubs, hiking, creative writing, etc.
## **Health and wellbeing**
## **Personal grants**
These grants are for any health related needs, from trips to the dentist to gym membership, from boxing lessons to one-to one counselling.
These are the most flexible of our grants, to be used for whatever an individual needs to help them to rebuild their lives.
When first coming off the street this may be clothing, toiletries and some form of photo ID.
Later on in their journey they may need money towards training, education, or volunteering opportunities.
We provide grants for people to pursue their hobbies; funding art materials, musical instruments, cameras, etc. to help build self-esteem and purpose.
We also provide grants to connect people with estranged family members. And sadly quite often we fund clothing and transport to attend the funeral of a parent.
6
## **Digital inclusion**
Nowadays it is impossible to function without access to the internet. But the cost of a smartphone, and the ongoing data costs, are beyond the reach of many of the people we help. This cuts them off from family and friends, benefits, health care, training and work opportunities.
We give grants for basic smartphones and laptops, and we distribute free SIM cards from Vodafone.
## **A suitable and secure home**
The ultimate goal for most of the people we help is to live independently in a home of their own. Others need ongoing support, and move on to permanent supported or retirement accommodation.
We give grants for rent deposits, rent in advance, utilities and removal costs, so that people are able to afford to move on. And grants for furniture, furnishings, white goods, etc and for decorating.
These figures differ from the accounts as they include all grants approved in the financial year, some of which may not have been spent before the financial year end.
7
## **Our partners**
We distribute our grants through our partnerships with 133 schemes throughout England. This means that we are sure that our grants are going to people who really need our help, and that the money will be spent correctly.
This also means that we know that our beneficiaries are receiving the other support that they need to rebuild their lives.
8
## **The people we help**
Anybody can end up homeless as a result of a job loss, addiction, relationship breakdown, domestic abuse, criminal conviction, bereavement or health crisis.
Some people start life without a safe and secure home, and are brought up in the care system.
We help all sorts of people who are homeless for all sorts of reasons:
**Veterans** - some find it hard to adjust when they leave the Armed Forces, with some veterans suffering from physical injury or PTSD. We support the residents in three specialist schemes for homeless veterans.
**Survivors of domestic abuse** - often have to leave behind their home and belongings, and flee to a shelter in a place where they have no support network. We support residents in seven schemes for women and children fleeing abuse.
**Young people and care leavers -** children brought up in care often become homeless at the age of 18 as they have no family to rely on. And an increasing number of young people are becoming homeless due to family breakdown and overcrowding. We support residents in 12 schemes which provide accommodation and support for young people.
**Prison leavers -** often people lose their homes, jobs, possessions and families while in prison. We support two initiatives helping people to rebuild their lives when they leave prison.
**Asylum seekers -** cannot work or receive benefits while their claim is being considered, and ironically often become homeless as soon as they receive refugee status. We support three specialist services for asylum seekers, and many of the schemes we work with support refugees.
**Young families** - teenagers who become pregnant are often asked to leave the family home. We support people in six schemes providing accommodation and support for young families.
**Mental and physical health problems** - can lead to job loss, relationship breakdown, addiction, poverty and eventually homelessness. Most of the people we help have some sort of health problem, as a cause or a result of being homeless.
**LGBTQ+ people -** often experience discrimination. Some are asked to leave the family home, others are threatened and forced to leave their homes. We support LGBTQ+ people in two specialist schemes.
**Cost-of-living crisis** - an increasing number of people are becoming homeless simply because they cannot pay their mortgage, or their rent. These are often families where one or both parents are in work.
**Entrenched rough sleepers -** can be the hardest to help. After years on the streets it is hard to come indoors and live in a hostel with others. We support shelters that help rough sleepers through the winter.
**For a full list of the schemes we support see page 30.**
Toby, a young adult:
When I was 17, conflict with my family forced me to leave home. Since then, I've lived in a few hostels, and now I'm eager to move into a private rental.
Persistent gut issues, however, made it difficult for me to hold down a job and caused me a lot of pain and discomfort. A food intolerance test, funded by the Church Homeless Charity, helped identify the cause of the issues. Now, I can start looking to the future once more.
**We gave Toby £140 for a food intolerance test.**
9
## **Governance**
## **Trustee Directors**
The trustees are directors of the charitable company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006. New trustees are appointed by those trustees who are already in office at the time with up to one-third being nominated by Riverside Care and Support. At any one time there must be a minimum of three trustees and a maximum of 15. No trustee had any beneficial interest in any contract with Church Homeless Charity during the year.
The trustees from 1 April 2024 up to the date of this report were as follows:
**Elizabeth Wilson (chair until May 2025)** leads Liz Wilson Consultancy: a coaching and leadership development organisation whose aim is to build purposeful leaders and outstanding teams in organisations who want to make a difference. She also works with young people, helping them build resilience and achieve strong positive mental health and has been a school governor and Prince’s Trust mentor. She is also on the Board of Mae and Mitchell, a not for profit organisation providing bespoke social care in the community.
Sarah, a military veteran:
During my time in the military, I developed PTSD, anxiety, and depression. These difficulties sadly impacted my relationships, and following a breakup, I found myself facing significant debts, resulting in me becoming homeless.
While in supported accommodation, I applied for council housing closer to my family. However, my application was suspended due to my debt. That's where Church Homeless Charity's support came in. They stepped in to cover my arrears, giving me a lifeline to move forward and rebuild my life.
**We gave Sarah £ 1,197.95 to pay off debt, enabling her to get a home.**
**Andrew Deutsch (chair from May 2025)** has had a successful career in the food industry having had leading roles with food manufacturers including Northern Foods, Hain Daniels and Bernard Matthews. He has extensive experience of both operations and relationship management. He was also a committee member of Riverside Care and Support from 2016 until 2022 and is a member of The Chorus Educational Trust.
**Ven Simon Baker** was ordained as a priest in the Church of England in the early 1980’s Since then he has served in a number of parishes across England and held teaching and training posts. His most recent appointment was as Archdeacon of Lichfield and Rector of St Michael Lichfield and St John Wall. Simon is now retired and lives in Somerset.
**Richard Boardman (joined February 2025)** served in the Armed Forces for 16 years and has since retrained as a financial planner. He is a keen supporter of the charity Adaptive Grandslam that supports injured veterans alongside members of the disabled community and is an active contributor to Forces MoneyPlan.
**Christopher Daws** is a chartered accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and the Association of Corporate Treasurers. He was the Financial and Deputy Secretary of the Church Commissioners for England until his retirement at the end of 2006. He has been a trustee of Action for Children, Chairman of the Action for Children Pension Fund, a member of the Board for Actuarial Standards and the independent member of the audit committee of the Charity Commission. He is a trustee of The Share Foundation, Friends of Malmesbury Abbey, and Malmesbury Abbey Music Society.
**Trevor Morris** is a former Area Manager at Riverside Care and Support who retired in May 2018. Prior to working at Riverside he served in the Armed Forces. Trevor is passionate about helping homeless veterans with their housing needs. While at Riverside he co-founded the Single Persons Accommodation Centre for the Ex Services (SPACES). Trevor became central in the development of a further five services for homeless veterans across the country and, at the time of his retirement, these services had helped 16,000 veterans.
**Sally Nichols** Head of Operations Riverside, Sally has worked in care and supported housing services for 25 years, having extensive experience of managing a range of varied services and working with a diverse range of customers. Sally also has a specialism around developing Extra Care housing, and is the nominated lead for Care Quality Commission for the Riverside Group.
**David Robinson (joined June 2024)** has worked in care and support services for 15 years. Starting out as a support worker for St Mungo’s, he has worked on innovative projects such as No Second Night Out and the European Ending Homelessness Campaign. As Assistant Director of Operations Dave is responsible for all Riverside’s supported housing, floating support and retirement living services. He has been a trustee for a learning disabilities charity and sits on the Board of Whitehaven Foyer.
10
## **Statement of trustees’ responsibilities**
The trustees (who are also directors of Church Homeless Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.
Company law 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 charitable company and of the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102);
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. So far as each of the trustees is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware and each trustee has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable company’s auditor is aware of that information.
This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of S418 of the Companies Act 2006.
## **Structure and management reporting**
The overall responsibility for the charity lies with the trustees who have delegated the day to day management of the charity to the executive director. The trustees meet four times a year to review progress, discuss policy issues and agree strategy. The chair meets with the executive director every week to discuss strategic and operational matters.
A group of trustees undertakes an annual appraisal of the Executive Director, and sets targets for the coming year. The remuneration committee consisting of three trustees recommends the pay for all members of staff to the trustees.
The finance and audit committee meets quarterly to discuss the management accounts and oversee the independent examination and financial statements.
## **Key management personnel**
The key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day to day basis comprise the trustees and the executive director of the charity.
## **Management**
The executive director, Miriam Morris, is also company secretary. Miriam is supported by a marketing manager, a marketing assistant, a finance and data manager and a part-time management accountant.
Church Homeless Charity is an equal opportunities employer and applies objective criteria to assess merit. We employ the people we consider to be best for the job regardless of age, race, colour, nationality, religion, sexual orientation and disability.
## Zahra, a young woman:
I became homeless due to a relationship breakdown. My husband asked me to leave the property we were living in. Finding other accommodation was difficult for me because my English is quite limited, and I have limited financial resources.
Being able to secure a room so quickly, thanks to the Church Homeless Charity, has been lifechanging for me. I'm now in a safe environment and can move on with my life.
**We gave Zahra £150 for moving costs.**
11
## **Fundraising and data protection policies**
Church Homeless Charity takes great care over its communications with supporters, making sure that the frequency and tone of our communications do not put pressure on supporters, but at the same time keep them informed and engaged. We ensure that supporters can change the way we communicate with them at any time.
We are registered with the Fundraising Regulator and adhere to the Code of Fundraising Practice. We manage our own fundraising activities and do not employ the services of any third-party ‘professional fundraisers’. We have processes for responding to complaints regarding our fundraising activities. Over the past year we have received no such complaints.
We apply best practice to protect supporters’ data. We never sell data or swap data with other organisations. We regularly monitor and update our data protection policy to ensure that we are compliant with regulations.
## **Risk management**
Church Homeless Charity has a comprehensive register of risks and mitigating actions, which we review at each board meeting.
The main risk facing us, as with most organisations, is the current cost-of-living crisis which is being experienced by the people we help, many of our supporters, and indeed our team.
Below is an abbreviated version of our risk matrix, outlining the mitigating actions we have taken:
Farid, single young man:
I'm experiencing PTSD from the trauma I lived with for many years. I only had two sets of clothes that I brought with me, and I have never been able to afford new clothes. After receiving my grant from Church Homeless Charity, my selfesteem and confidence have soared. I love my new clothes and feel like I fit in now. I'm now confident enough to go out to groups and mix with other people, something I couldn't do before.
|**Risks**|**Mitigations**|
|---|---|
|The continuing economic uncertainty
makes it harder for our supporters to
make donations|Broadening our supporter base
Encourage more people to become
regular donors even if for smaller
amounts|
|We have very loyal supporters, some
have been giving to us for decades,
but they tend to be quite elderly|Online and in-person campaigns to
recruit new younger donors|
|There are a lot of charities competing
for funds in the same pool of people,
many of whom have more resources|Imaginative campaigns which reach
new people
Best use of content for search engine
optimisation|
|We are a very small team, and there-
fore stretched quite thinly|We are familiar with each others’ tasks
and share the workload
We have automated some of our
processes.|
**We gave Farid £175 for new clothes.**
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and believe that they have established effective systems to mitigate those risks.
12
## **Financial review**
## **Results for the year**
Total income for the year amounted to £420,837 compared with the previous year’s income of £621,120.
Unrestricted income decreased from £544,779 in 2024 to £383,670 in 2025.
Our restricted income decreased from £76,341 in 2024 to £37,167 in 2025.
Total expenditure for the year amounted to £554,464 (£560,625 in 2024). During the year, we spent £474,426 on charitable activities (2024: £438,650) and £80,041 on raising funds (2024: £121,975).
After taking account of investment gains and losses and actuarial gains and losses the charity’s funds overall decreased by £166,515 (2024: increased by £86,824).
## **Reserves policy and financial position**
The trustees believe that the charity is a going concern, due to our level of reserves and the continuing generosity of our supporters, in particular our regular givers.
On 31 March 2025 we held £109,338 of restricted reserves (2024: £162,552 ). These reserves are restricted in that they arise from specific bequests and grants which have not yet been expended. We will disburse such funds in accordance with the conditions of the bequest or grant in response to demand.
We also held an unrestricted general fund of £268,609 (2024: £393,910).
The value of the defined pension scheme liability at 31 March 2025 was £107,000 (2024: £119,000 ). This liability for our share of the deficit does not fall due immediately, and the expectation is that it will be met annually from income. Therefore, the pension provision is excluded in determining our free reserves which also exclude the net book value of tangible assets and stand at a total of £265,463 (2024: £391,491 ). This equates to ten months of general fund expenditure excluding grants.
## Esme, young adult:
After a family dispute, I found myself sofa surfing and staying with my boyfriend's grandma before finally securing a flat in temporary supported accommodation.
A grant from Church Homeless Charity helped me turn my flat into a place to be proud of. I'm grateful to put down roots after so much uncertainty. With my newfound confidence, I've started a beauty course at college and a part-time job.
**We gave Esme £150 for school supplies.**
The trustees revised the charity’s reserves policy in 2016 from a target level of six months’ general fund expenditure, excluding grants, to eight months’. This is to make some provision against future pension deficit contributions. and The trustees are happy with the reserves position at 31 March 2025.
## **Investment performance**
Our aim is to maximise the total return (capital appreciation and income combined) within an acceptable level of risk while ensuring that the projected needs for cash can be met. We invest in ethical funds which are in keeping with the values of Church Homeless Charity.
Trustees’ report signed for and on behalf of the trustees:
Andrew Deutsch
Chair of trustees
Date: 2 October 2025
13
## **Independent examiner’s report**
## **to the trustees of Church Homeless Charity**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2025
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s financial statements as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with my examination giving me cause to believe:
- accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
- the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
- the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the financial statements give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
- the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the for “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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).”
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
G.Miah
Gumayel Miah, ACA
Buzzacott Audit LLP Chartered Accountants
130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL Date: 2 October 2025
14
## **Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account)** Year ended 31 March 2025
|
Notes
**Income from:**
Donations, grants and
legacies
1
Investment income and
interest receivable
2
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
3
**Charitable activities**
Assisting homeless people
and those in housing need
4
**Total expenditure**
**Net (expenditure) income be-**
**fore investment gains (losses)**
Net (losses) gains on investment
assets
12
**Net (expenditure) income**
7
**Other recognised**
**gains (losses)**
Actuarial gains (losses)
20
**Net movement in funds**
18
**Reconciliation of funds:**
Funds brought forwardat
1 April 2024
Funds carried forward at 31
March 2025
19
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
**370,985**
**12,685**
**383,670**
**80,041**
**384,045**
**464,086**
**(80,416)**
**(15,885)**
**(96,301)**
**(17,000)**
**(113,301)**
**274,910**
**161,609**
|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
**35,460**
**1,707**
**37,167**
—
**90,381**
**90,381**
**(53,214)**
—
**(53,214)**
—
**(53,214)**
**162,552**
**109,338**
|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**406,445**
**14,392**
**420,837**
**80,041**
**474,426**
**554,467**
**(133,630)**
**(15,885)**
**(149,515)**
**(17,000)**
**(166,515)**
**437,462**
**270,947**
|Unrestricted
funds
£
529,677
15,102
544,779
121,975
376,362
498,337
46,442
35,329
81,771
(9,000)
72,771
202,139
274,910
|Restricted
funds
£
76,083
258
76,341
—
62,288
62,288
14,053
—
14,053
—
14,053
148,499
162,552
|Total
2024
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||
605,760
15,360|
|||||||621,120|
|||||||
121,975
438,650|
|||||||560,625|
|||||||
60,495
35,329|
|||||||
95,824
(9,000)|
|||||||
86,824
350,638|
|||||||
437,462|
## **Continuing activities**
All the charity’s activities derived from continuing operations during the above two financial periods. There were no other recognised gains and losses beyond those recorded in the above statement of financial activities.
15
## **Balance sheet** 31 March 2025
|
Notes
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
11
Investments
12
**Current assets**
Debtors
13
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand
. Interest bearing accounts
. Other accounts and cash
**Creditors**: amounts
falling due within one
year
14
**Net current assets**
**Total assetslesscurrent**
**liabilities**
**Provision for liabilities**
15/20
**Total net assets**
**Funds and reserves**
18
**_Income funds_**
Restricted funds
16
Unrestricted funds
. General fund
. Pension reserve fund
20
|**2025**
**£**
**8,080**
**500**
**42,037**
**11,852**
**62,469**
**(20,903)**
**268,609**
**(107,000)**
|**2025**
**£**
**3,146**
**333,235**
**336,381**
**41,566**
**377,947**
**(107,000)**
**270,947**
**109,338**
**161,609**
**270,947**|2024
£
18,501
500
138,238
28,323
185,562
(57,163)
393,910
(119,000)
|2024|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||
2,419
425,644|
|||||428,063
128,399|
|||||
556,462
(119,000)|
|||||437,462|
|||||
162,552
274,910|
|||||437,462|
For the year ended 31 March 2025, the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
Approved by the trustees of Church Homeless Charity, company registration number 02453957 (England and Wales), and signed on their behalf by:
**Andrew Deutsch**
Chair of trustees
2 October 2025
16
## **Statement of cash flows** Year ended 31 March 2025
|
Notes|**2025**
**£**
|
2024
£|
|---|---|---|
|**Cash flows from operating activities**
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
A
**Cash flows from investing activities**
Investment income and interest received
Proceeds from the sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
**Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities**
**Increase (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year**
**Cash and cash equivalentsat1 April 2024**
B
**Cash and cash equivalentsat31 March 2025**
B|
**(197,866)**|
40,382|
||
**10,392**
**76,524 **
—
**(1,722)**|
15,102
—
—
—|
||**85,194**|
15,102|
||
**(112,672)**
**167,061**|
55,484
111,577|
||**54,389**|
167,061|
**Notes to the statement of cash flows for the year to 31 March 2025**
**A Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities**
|
|
**2025**
**£**
|2024
£|
|---|---|---|
|**Net movement in funds (as per the statement of financial activities)**
**Adjustments for**
Depreciation charge
Investment income and interest receivable
(Losses) gains on investments
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease) increase in creditors
(Decrease) increase in pension provision
**Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities**
|
**(166,515)**
**995**
**(14,392)**
**15,885**
**10,421**
**(32,260)**
**(12,000)**|86,824
2,180
(15,102)
(35,329)
(937)
19,746
(17,000)|
||
**(197,866)**|40,382|
**B Cash and cash equivalents**
|
Short term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand:
Interest bearing accounts
Other accounts and cash
|2024
£
500
138,238
28,323
167,061|Cash flow
£
—
(96,201)
(16,471)
(112,672)|**2025**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**500**
**42,037**
**11,852**
|
||||**54,389**|
17
## **Principal accounting policies** 31 March 2025
**The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are laid out below.**
## **Basis of preparation**
These financial statements have been prepared for the year to 31 March 2025 with comparative information provided for the year to 31 March 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes which follow.
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 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound.
## **Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement**
Preparation of the financial statements requires the trustees and management to make significant judgements and estimates.
The items in the financial statements where these judgements and estimates have been made include:
- determining whether legacy income should be accrued for based on the probability of receipt;
- determining the basis for allocating support costs;
- estimating the liability for multi-year grant commitments;
- estimating the useful economic life of tangible fixed assets;
- the underlying assumptions used in the actuarial valuation of the pension scheme; and
- estimating future income and expenditure flows for the purpose of assessing going concern (see below).
## **Assessment of going concern**
The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these financial statements. The trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these financial statements.
The trustees of the charity have concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees are of the opinion that the charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due. The trustees therefore believe that the charity is a going concern.
In reaching this opinion they have assumed that the future pension commitments referred to in note 20 to these financial statements and for which there is a provision on the balance sheet as at 31 March 2025 will be met out of future income as contributions become payable. The most significant areas of judgement that affect items in the financial statements are detailed above.
With regard to the next accounting period, the year ending 31 March 2026, the most significant areas that affect the carrying value of the assets held by the charity remain the impact of the pandemic on economic conditions, the charity’s ability to attract donations and grants and its level of investment return (please see the investment policy section of the trustees’ report for more information).
18
## **Income recognition**
Income comprises donations and grants, legacies, investment income and interest receivable. In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS 102 volunteer time is not recognised.
Income is recognised when the charity has become entitled to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Entitlement to legacies is recognised when the charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to it and the executor is satisfied that the gift will not be required to satisfy claims on the estate
Where legacies have been notified to the charity or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, but the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
In the event that a gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy.
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
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.
## **Expenditure recognition**
Expenditure comprises the following:
- a. Raising funds includes the salaries, direct costs and overheads associated with generating voluntary income.
- b. Charitable activities comprises expenditure on the charity’s primary charitable purposes, including grants payable.
Expenditure is recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Grants payable are recognised when approved and when the intended recipient has either received the funds or been informed of the decision to make the grant and satisfied all related conditions. Grants where the beneficiary has not been informed or has to fulfil performance conditions before the grant is released are not recognised but are disclosed as financial commitments in the notes to the financial statements.
All expenditure is stated inclusive of VAT.
## **Allocation of support and governance costs**
Support costs represent indirect charitable expenditure. In order to carry out the primary purposes of the charity it is necessary to provide support in the form of personnel, provision of office services and equipment and a suitable working environment.
Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance of the charity and its assets. Support costs and governance costs are allocated as described in note 5.
## **Tangible fixed assets**
All computers costing more than £500 and all other assets costing more than £1,000 with an expected life exceeding one year are capitalised. Other assets include office equipment and website development cost.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation.
All assets are depreciated at 25% on the straight-line basis in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
19
## **Fixed asset investments**
Listed investments and units in common investment funds are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price.
The charity does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments.
Gains and losses on investment assets are calculated as the difference between disposal proceeds or the fair value at the year end and their opening carrying value or purchase value if acquired during the financial year. Investment gains (or losses) are credited (or debited) in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they arise .
## **Debtors**
Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. They are discounted to the present value of the future cash receipt where such discounting is material.
## **Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition.
Deposits for more than three months but less than one year are disclosed as short-term deposits. Cash placed on deposit for more than one year is disclosed as a fixed asset investment.
## **Creditors and provisions**
Creditors and provisions 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. Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt. They are discounted to the present value of the future cash payment where such discounting is material.
## **Fund accounting**
The general fund comprises those monies which may be used towards meeting the charitable objectives of the charity and which may be applied at the discretion of the trustees.
The pension reserve fund represents the amount set aside to represent the charity’s share of the Social Housing Pension Scheme’s deficit as calculated by the scheme actuary.
The restricted funds are monies raised for, and their use restricted to, a specific purpose, or donations subject to donor imposed conditions.
## **Leased assets**
Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.
## **Pension costs**
The charity contributes to a defined benefit pension scheme which is funded by contributions from the employer and the employee. Pension scheme assets are measured using market values. Pension scheme liabilities are measured using the projected unit actuarial method and are discounted at the current rate of return on a high quality corporate bond of equivalent term and currency to the liability. Any increase in the present value of the liabilities within the charity’s defined benefit scheme expected to arise from employee service in the period is allocated to the respective expense category within the statement of financial activities. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in the statement of financial activities as part of other recognised gains and losses for the period.
20
## **Notes to the financial statements** 31 March 2025
## **1. Donations, grants and legacies**
||**Unrestrict-**
**ed**
**funds**
**£**
**9,935**
**20,700**
**340,350**
**370,985**
|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
—
—
**35,460**
**35,460**
|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**9,935**
**20,700**
**375,810**
**406,445**
|Unrestricted
funds
£
68,271
79,110
382,296
529,677
|Restricted
funds
£
—
—
76,083
76,083|Total
2024
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Legacies
Gifts in kind
Other donations and grants
||||||
68,271
79,110
458,379|
|||||||
605,760|
## **2. Investment income and interest receivable**
||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
|
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
|Unrestricted
funds
£
|
Restricted
funds
£
|
Total
2024
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Income from investments
Bank interest
|
**9,449**
**3,236**|
**1,668**
**39**|
**11,117**
**3,275**|
11,109
3,993|
240
18|
11,349
4,011|
||**12,685**|
**1,707**|
**14,392**|
15,102|
258|
15,360|
## **3. Raising funds**
|**3. Raising funds**|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
|
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
|
**Total**
**2025**
**£**
|Unrestricted
funds
£
|
Restricted
funds
£|
Total
2024
£|
|Staff costs (note 8)
Advertising
Contractor costs
Allocated support costs (note 5)
|**17,643**
**52,696**
**—**
**9,702**|
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**|
**17,643**
**52,696**
**—**
**9,702**|53,620
47,689
5,641
15,025|
—
—
—
—|
53,620
47,689
5,641
15,025|
||**80,041**|
**—**|
**80,041**|121,975|
—|
121,975|
## **4. Assisting homeless people and those in housing need**
||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
|
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
|
**Total**
**2025**
**£**
|Unrestricted
funds
£
|
Restricted
funds
£|
Total
2024
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Grants payable
Staff costs (note 8)
Contractor costs
Publicity
Allocated support costs (note 5)
|**202,496**
**121,031**
**23,892**
**3,017**
**33,609**|
**90,381**
**—**
**—**
**—**
**—**|
**292,877**
**121,031**
**23,892**
**3,017**
**33,609**|238,712
78,501
15,159
626
43,364|
62,288
—
—
—
—|
301,000
78,501
15,159
626
43,364|
||**384,045**|
**90,381**|
**474,426**|376,362|
62,288|
438,650|
Grants payable includes the distribution of gifts in kind of £20,700 (£78,000 in 2024).
21
## **5. Support costs**
Support costs incurred during the year ended 31 March 2025 and the bases of their allocation were as follows:
||**Raising**
**funds**
**£**|
**Charitable**
**activities**
**£**
|
**Total**
**2025**
**£**|
**Basis of allocation**
Pro rata by expenditure
Pro rata by expenditure
Pro rata by expenditure
Pro rata by expenditure
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Office costs
Legal and professional fees
Bank charges and finance costs
Governance costs (note 6)
|**6,992**
**—**
**1,487**
**1,223**|**20,975**
**—**
**6,932**
**5,702**|
**27,967**
**—**
**8,419**
**6,925**||
||**9,702**|**33,609**|
**43,311**||
Support costs incurred during the year ended 31 March 2024 and the bases of their allocation were as follows:
||Raising
funds
£|
Charitable
activities
£
|Total
2024
£|
Basis of allocation
Pro rata by expenditure
Pro rata by expenditure
Pro rata by expenditure
Pro rata by expenditure
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Office costs
Legal and professional fees
Bank charges and finance costs
Governance costs (note 6)
|
9,554
—
2,579
2,892|
28,662
—
6,932
7,771|
38,216
—
9,511
10,663||
||15,025|
43,365|
58,390||
## **6. Governance costs**
|**6. Governance costs**|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Independent examiner’s fee
Independent examiner’s fee
previous year
Other professional costs
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
|
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
|
**Total**
**2025**
**£**
|Unrestricted
funds
£
4,800
4,800
1,063
10,663|Restricted
funds
£
|
Total
2024
£|
||**5,700**
**—**
**1,225**|
**—**
**—**
**—**|
**5,700**
**—**
**1,225**||—
—
—|
4,800
4,800
1,063|
||**6,925**|
**—**|
**6,925**||—|
10,663|
## **7. Net (expenditure) income**
This is stated after charging:
|
**2025**
**£**|
2024
£
132,121
4,800
4,800
2,180|
|---|---|
|Staff costs (note 8)
**138,674**
Independent examiner’s fee
**5,700**
Independent examiner’s fee previous year
**—**
Depreciation
**996**||
22
## **8. Staff costs**
|**8. Staf costs**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2025**
**£**|2024
£|
|Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Other staffing costs
|**121,252**
**11,045**
**6,377**|113,807
11,190
7,124|
||**138,674**
—|132,121
—|
||**138,674**|132,121|
Staff costs (including other related costs) by function were as follows:
|Staff costs (including other related costs) by function were as follows:|||
|---|---|---|
||**2025**
**£**|2024
£|
|Raising funds
Charitable activities
|**17,643**
**121,031**|53,620
78,501|
||**138,674**|132,121|
|The average number of employees, analysed by function, was as follows:
|
**2025**|
2024|
|Raising funds
Charitable activities
|**3**
**1**|2
1|
||**4**|3|
No employees were paid more than £60,000 during the year (including taxable benefits but excluding employer pension contributions).
The key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis comprise the trustees and the executive director of the charity.
The total remuneration (including taxable benefits and employer’s pension contributions) of the key management personnel for the year was £54,081 (2024 £53,620).
## **9. Trustees**
None of the trustees received any remuneration from the charity during the year (2024:none).
Five trustees were reimbursed travel expenses in the year £876 (2024: £756).
Total donations from trustees were £1,888 (2024: £1,280).
As of March 2025, three of the serving trustees were nominated by Riverside Care and Support, two of whom are employees of Riverside Care and Support.
## **10. Taxation**
Church Homeless Charity is a registered charity and therefore is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income or gains derived from its charitable activities, as they fall within the various exemptions available to registered charities.
23
## **11. Tangible fixed assets and website**
|**Cost**
At 1 April 2024
Additions
31 March 2025
**Depreciation**
At 1 April 2024
Charge for year
At 31 March 2025
**Net book values**
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024|**Computers**
**and equipment**
**£**
9,889
1,722
11,611
7,470
995
8,465
**3,146**
2,419|**Fixtures**
**and fittings**
**£**
4,761
—
4,761
4,761
—
4,761
—
—|**Website**
**£**
11,400
—
11,400
11,400
—
11,400
—
—|**Total**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||
26,050
1,722|
|||||27,772|
|||||
23,631
995|
|||||24,626|
|||||
**3,146**|
|||||2,419|
## **12. Fixed asset investments**
|**12. Fixed asset investments**||
|---|---|
||**Total**
**£**|
|
Market value at 1 April 2024
Additions during the year
Disposals during year
Net losses for the year
Market value at 31 March 2025
Historical cost at 31 March 2025|
425,644
—
(76,524)
(15,885)|
||**333, 235**|
||**274,048**|
At 31 March 2025 all investments comprised units in the COIF Charities Investment Fund.
## **13. Debtors**
|**13. Debtors**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2025**
**£**
**2,338**
**3,453**
—
**2,289**
**8,080**|2024
£|
|Income tax recoverable
Prepayments and accrued income
Legacies receivable and other debtors
Investment income receivable
||2,138
13,613
—
2,750|
|||18,501|
24
## **14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
|**14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2025**
**£**
**5,221**
**8,559**
**7,123**
**20,903**|2024
£|
|Expense and other creditors
Social security and other taxes
Accruals and grants in advance
||20,223
6,885
30,055|
|||57,163|
## **15. Provision for liabilities**
|**15. Provision for liabilities**||
|---|---|
|
**2025**
**£**
Provision for Social Housing Pension Scheme liabilities (note 20)
**107,000**|2024
£|
||119,000|
## **16. Restricted funds**
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust to be applied for specific purposes:
||Balanceat
1 April
2024
£
30,662
37,000
21,464
19,282
(3,315)
—
19,969
37,490
**162,552**|
Income
£
32,560
—
4,607
—
—
—
—
—
**37,167**|
Expenditure
£
(2,936)
(9,213)
(3,319)
(17,950)
—
(15,694)
(41,269)
**(90,381)**|
Transfers
£
—
(37,000)
—
—
—
37,000
—
—
**—**|
**Balance at**
**31 March**
**2025**
**£**
**60,286**
**—**
**16,858**
**15,963**
**(21,265)**
**37,000**
**4,275**
**(3,779)**
**109,338**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Support Funds (note 17)
Birmingham Townsend
Surrey funds
Sussex funds
East Yorkshire
West Midlands
North Yorkshire
Veterans’ schemes
||||||
The above restricted funds are funds held to support service users in specific schemes or regions across England.
## **17. Support funds**
Support funds are used to enhance the lives of residents in over 100 supported housing schemes throughout England by providing ‘added value’ activities and equipment for which no other funding is available. The amounts payable during the year are shown in note 4 as grants payable.
25
## **18. Movements in funds**
|**18. Movements in funds**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Funds brought forward at 1 April
2024
Net income (expenditure)
per statement of financial
activities
Defined benefit scheme
deficit contribution paid
Actuarial gains (losses)
Funds carried forward at
31 March 2025|General
fund
£
|
Pension reserve
fund
£
|
Restricted
funds
£
|
Total
£|
||393,910
(88,301)
(37,000)
—|
(119,000)
(8,000)
37,000
(17,000)|
162,552
(53,214)
—
—|
437,462
(149,515)
—
(17,000)|
||**268,609**|
**(107,000)**|
**109,338**|
**270,947**|
## **19. Analysis of net assets between funds**
||General
fund
£
|
Pension reserve
fund
£
|
Restricted
funds
£|
**Total**
**2025**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Net current assets/
(liabilities)
Provision for liabilities
Total net assets|3,146
333,235
(67,772)
—|
—
—
—
(107,000)|
—
—
109,338
—|
**3,146**
**333,235**
**41,566**
**(107,000)**|
||268,609|
(107,000)|
109,338|
**270,947**|
## **20. Pension commitments**
## **Social Housing Pension Scheme: Background and information about the Scheme**
Until 31 March 2013, the charity participated in the Defined Benefits Section of the Social Housing Pension Scheme (the Scheme). Church Homeless Charity ceased to have any active members of the defined benefit scheme on 31 March 2013.
The Scheme is a multi-employer Scheme which provides benefits to some 400 non-associated employers. The Scheme is a defined benefit scheme in the UK.
The Scheme is subject to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into force on 30 December 2005. This, together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and Technical Actuarial Standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council, sets out the framework for funding defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the UK.
The Scheme is classified as a ‘last man standing arrangement’. Therefore, the charity is potentially liable for other participating employers’ obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share of the Scheme deficit following withdrawal from the Scheme. Participating employers are legally required to meet their share of the Scheme deficit on an annuity purchase basis on withdrawal from the Scheme.
In 2020, sufficient information became available to allow the actuary to the Social Housing Pension Scheme (the Scheme) to calculate the share of the Scheme’s deficit applicable to each of the participating employers.
26
## **Present values of defined benefit obligation, fair value of assets and defined benefit assets (liability)**
||**31 March**
**2025**
**£’000**
|
31 March
2024
£’000|
|---|---|---|
|Fair value of plan assets
Present value of defined benefit obligation
Defined benefit liability to be recognised|**574**
**681**|
596
715|
||**(107)**|
(119)|
## **Reconciliation of opening and closing balances of the defined benefit obligation**
||**Year ended**
**31 March**
**2025**
**£’000**
|
Year ended
31 March
2024
£’000|
|---|---|---|
|Defined benefit obligation at start of period
Expenses
Interest expense
Actuarial (gains) losses due to scheme experience
Actuarial (gains) losses due to changes in demographic as-
sumptions
Actuarial (gains) losses due to changes in financial assump-
tions
Benefits paid and expenses
Defined benefit obligation at end of period|**715**
**3**
**33**
**_**
**29**
**(42)**
**(57)**|
736
3
35
**_**
(13)
9
(55)|
||**681**|
715|
## **Reconciliation of opening and closing balances of the fair value of plan assets**
||**Year ended**
**31 March**
**2025**
**£’000**
**596**
**28**
**(30)**
**37**
**(57)**
**574**|Year ended
31 March
2024
£’000|
|---|---|---|
|Fair value of plan assets at start of period
Interest income
Experience on plan assets (excluding amounts included in interest income) -
(losses) gains
Contribution by the employer
Benefits paid and expenses
Fair value of plan assets at end of period||600
29
(13)
35
(55)|
|||596|
The actual return on the plan assets (including any changes in share of assets) over the period from 31 March 2024 to 31 March 2025 was a loss of £22,000) compared with a gain of £16,000 in 2024.
27
## **Defined benefit costs recognised in the statement of financial activities:**
## **Included in total expenditure**
|**Included in total expenditure**|||
|---|---|---|
||**Year ended**
**31 March**
**2025**
**£’000**
|Year ended
31 March
2024
£’000|
|Expenses
Net interest expense
Defined benefit costs recognised in statement of financial activities|**3**
**5**|3
6|
||**8**|9|
## **Included in other recognised (losses) gains**
|**Included in other recognised (losses) gains**|||
|---|---|---|
||**Year ended**
**31 March**
**2025**
**£’000**
|
Year ended
31 March
2024
£’000|
|Experience (losses) on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net inter-
est costs)
Experience gains and (losses) arising on the plan liabilities
Effects of changes in the demographic assumptions underlying the present
value of the defined benefit obligation - gain (loss)
Effects of changes in the financial assumptions underlying the present value
of the defined benefit obligation - gain (loss)
Total actuarial gains (losses)
|
**(30)**
(13)
**(29)**
0
**42**
13
(9)||
||**(17)**
|
(9)|
## **Defined benefit deficit recovery plan**
Under the recovery plan, effective from 1 April 2019, the deficit contributions that are required from Church Homeless Charity are £33,410 a year until September 2026.
These payments will increase annually by 2% from 1 April 2020 and on each 1 April thereafter. The contribution in the year ended 31 March 2025 was £37,000 (2024 £35,000).
## **Estimated debt on withdrawal from the defined benefit scheme**
As a result of pension scheme legislation, there is a potential debt (section 75 liability) on the employer that could be levied by the Trustee of the Scheme. The debt is due in the event of the employer ceasing to participate in the Scheme or the Scheme winding up.
The debt for the Scheme as a whole is calculated by comparing the liabilities of the Scheme (calculated on a buyout basis i.e. the cost of securing benefits by purchasing annuity policies from an insurer, plus an allowance for expenses) with the assets of the Scheme. If the liabilities exceed assets there is a buy-out debt.
The leaving employer’s share of the buy-out debt is the proportion of the Scheme’s liability attributable to employment with the leaving employer compared to the total amount of the Scheme’s liabilities (relating to employment with all the currently participating employers). The leaving employer’s debt therefore includes a share of any unpaid liabilities in respect of previously participating defaulting employers. The amount of the debt therefore depends on many factors including total Scheme liabilities, Scheme investment performance, the liabilities in respect of current and former employees of the employer, financial conditions at the time of the cessation event and the insurance buy-out market. The amounts of debt can therefore be volatile over time.
Church Homeless Charity has been notified by the Pensions Trust of its estimated employer debt on withdrawal from the Scheme based on the financial position of the Scheme as at 30 September 2024. As of this date the estimated employer debt or Section 75 liability for Church Homeless Charity was £238,098 (30 September 2023 - £366,079).
28
## **Assets**
The charity’s share of assets held within the Scheme at 31 March 2025 is as follows:
|The charity’s share of assets held within the Scheme at 31 March 2025 is as follows:|||
|---|---|---|
||
**31 March**
**2025**
**£’000**
|
31 March
2024
£’000|
|Global equity
Alternative asset classes
Liabilities driven investment
Net current assets
Total assets|**64**
**335**
**174**
**1**
|
59
293
243
1|
||**574**
|
596|
None of the fair values of the assets shown above include any direct investments in the employer’s own financial instruments or any property occupied by, or other assets used by, the employer.
## **Key Assumptions**
|**Key Assumptions**|||
|---|---|---|
||**31 March**
**2025**
**% per annum**
|
31 March
2024
% per annum|
|Discount Rate
Inflation (RPI)
Inflation (CPI)
Salary Growth
Allowance for commutation of pension for cash at retirement|5.54
3.18
2.70
3.70|
4.82
3.24
2.71
3.71|
||75% of maximum
allowance
|
75% of maximum
allowance|
The mortality assumptions adopted imply the following life expectancies:
|
**31 March 2025**
**Life expectancy at**
**age 65 (Years)**
Male retiring in 2025
**20.5**
Female retiring in 2025
**23.0**
Male retiring in 2045
**21.7**
Female retiring in 2045
**24.5**|31 March 2024
Life expectancy at
age 65 (Years)|
|---|---|
||20.5
23.0
21.8
24.4|
## **21. Related parties**
Riverside Care and Support has the right to nominate up to one third of the trustees of Church Homeless Charity.
During the year Church Homeless Charity awarded grants to homeless individuals referred by Riverside Care and Support, making payments which in aggregate amounted to £173,489 (2024 £141,876). These monies were for the direct benefit of individuals experiencing homelessness providing funds for purposes for which there is no government funding available.
There are no other related party transactions requiring disclosure in 2025 (2024 none).
## **22...Members’ liability**
The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee. In the event of the company being wound up, company members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
29
## **The schemes we work with:**
## **Berkshire**
Elizabeth Fry Charity
**Bristol**
**Hampshire**
Mike Jackson House
**Kent**
Lewisham Working Accommodation
Lewisham Young People
Maygrove Road
Jamaica Street
**Buckinghamshire**
Old Tea Warehouse Wycombe Homeless Connection
**Cambridgeshire**
Cambridge Youth Foyer The Springs The Victoria Project
**Cumbria**
Carlisle Foyer Eden Rural Foyer South Lakes Foyer Whitehaven Foyer
**Derbyshire** Amber Valley Projects Centenary House Derby Projects Derby Young Person’s Project
**Gloucestershire**
Claremont House Newton House
**Greater Manchester and Cheshire**
A Bed Every Night
Bolton House Brydon Court Gransmoor Women’s Shelter
Newbury House NSAP Rochdale Orchard Accommodation
Project 394 Railway Road Refugee Brokerage Service
SASH
Springboard Shepherd Court Stopover
Street Engagement Hub
The Beeches
Elizabeth Court Lily Smith House Medway Move On Regent House Simon Mead House
The Quays Towers Point
**Leicestershire**
One Roof Homes and night shelter
**London**
Acre Lane Anira House and LGBTQ+ Crisis Shelter Ark House Arlington House Artemis House Bevatone House Blackmore House C4WS Homeless Project
Camden 16/17 Chapter Street Cliff Road Engage Enfield Evolve Housing and Support Gosfield Street
Hackney Young Persons’ Service
Hilltops House Honor Lea
Hope Worldwide
Islington Young Person’s Service
King George’s Hostel Organisation
Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s
Migrant Destitution Fund (Housing Justice) Parliament Hill Pimlico Pathway Queen Mary’s Hostel Rokeby House Salvesen House
The Boundaries and Lucas Court
Tile House Westminster Transitional Housing
Westmoor House
**Merseyside**
Liverpool Dispersed Tenancy Service
Liverpool Floating Support
Liverpool Rough Sleeper Accommodation
Powerhouse
Rose Brae Hostel
Sefton Family Service
Shaw Street Wirral Dispersed Tenancies
Wirral Rough Sleeper Accommodation
## **Nottinghamshire**
Emmanuel House Winter Shelter
## **Somerset**
The Hope Centre
## **Suffolk**
Acorn House
Cangle Foyer Coupals Court
Lindsey Court
Peppercorn Lodge Selig Suffolk Trust
Wilson Carlile House
30
**Yorkshire South**
Guildford HOST
## **Surrey**
## **Yorkshire East**
Number 5 Hub
St Saviour’s Dispersed Housing
Vaughan House
**Sussex**
Accommodation for Work
ID Essence
Pass it on
The Four Streets Projects
**West Midlands**
The Shrewsbury Ark
Townsend Gardens
**Wiltshire**
Booker House
Swindon Young Parents’ Accommodation
Centre 28
Clearview
Cosford Garth and Young people’s intensive support
Keys to Succeed
New Court Next Steps Accommodation Rochdale Rough Sleeper Initiative Russell Raywell Street St Ambrose Court Terry Street Resettlement The Crossings **Yorkshire North**
Hardwick House STAGES Academy The Beacon
Homeless Families Unit
Garnham House
Open House
## **Yorkshire West**
Bracken Court Bradford Project Ladybeck House Laurel House Leeds Destitute Asylum Seekers Support
Marie House Marsh Way House Springhill Close West Yorkshire Destitute Asylum Network Young Families Service
## **We are very grateful for the support we receive from:**
## **Trusts and Foundations**
Arimathea Charitable Trust Army Benevolent Fund (South East) Bateman Family Trust Bedhampton Charitable Trust Benham Charitable Settlement Bennett Family Grantmaking Charity Bridgewater Charitable Trust Brownlee Charitable Trust Burley Weydon Trust Catterick Garrison Fund Charles & Elsie Sykes Trust Dalren Charitable Trust Fulmer Charitable Trust Guildford Poyle Charities Hyde Park Place Estate Charity
John James Bristol Foundation Joseph and Annie Cattle Trust Nathaniel Rayner Trust Fund Ogilvie Charities Paragon Trust Sir James Reckitt Charity SLG Charitable Trust Strand Parishes Trust The Charity Service The Grace Trust The Pears Trust The Veterans’ Foundation
## 7,FOUNDATIONVETERANS
## **Corporate Partners**
3i Group
Akaal Accountants
Centurion Management systems
Douthwaite Florists Sundries
Efficio Consulting
Fairoak Corporation Ltd
Le Cateau School
L’Or é al Manchester
Masonic Charitable Foundation
Reed Talent Solutions
The Rotary Club of Sittingbourne
Thor Companies
Vodafone
31
Church Homeless Charity gives personal grants to people who are homeless, to help them to rebuild their lives
www.churchhomelesscharity.org.uk Charity number 802801
32