Investment properties are revalued annually and any surplus or deficit is dealt with through the profit and loss account.
No depreciation is provided in respect of investment properties.
2.10. Investments
Unlisted investments (except those held as subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures) are recognised initially at fair value less attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, any changes in fair value are recognised in profit and loss.
2.11. Leased assets
Where the company enters into a lease which entails taking substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of an asset, the lease is treated as a finance lease.
Leases which do not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the Company are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are initially recognised as assets of the Company at their fair value at the inception of the lease or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet date as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance expenses and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance expenses are recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalised in accordance with the Company's policy on borrowing costs (see the accounting policy above).
Assets held under finance leases are depreciated in the same way as owned assets.
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
In the event that lease incentives are received to enter into operating leases, such incentives are recognised as a liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognised as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis.
2.12. Provisions
Provisions are made where an event has taken place that gives the Company a legal or constructive obligation that probably requires settlement by a transfer of economic benefit, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
Provisions are charged as an expense to the profit and loss account in the year that the Company becomes aware of the obligation, and are measured at the best estimate at balance sheet date of the expenditure required to settle the obligation, taking into account relevant risks and uncertainties.
When payments are eventually made, they are charged to the provision carried in the balance sheet.