The directors present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Trust's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019).
Tameside Sports Trust (the Trust) is a company limited by guarantee and governed by its Articles of Association adopted on 21 November 2018. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. Each director has a liability limited to £10 each in the event of the winding up of the charity. The Board has adopted the 2016 Code for Sports Governance produced by Sport England and Sport UK. The trustees have delegated the day to day management to the chief executive officer Reg Patel (appointed 22 May 2023).
The directors who are also the trustees for the purpose of company law and who served during the year were:
Recruitment and appointment of new Directors
The Board consists of no less than three and no more than eleven directors of which up to two can be nominated by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council. The remaining directors are appointed from within the local community by a process of advertisement, application and interview. Each director would expect to serve for three years before reselection or retirement.
New Directors are given an induction summarising the activities of the Trust, the role of the directors, an organisation chart, board meeting procedures and contact details. All new directors provide a signed declaration confirming the director understands their responsibilities and obligations as a director.
The directors meet every two months. Ad-hoc groups are organised as and when required for unique considerations. The following sub groups meet on an ad-hoc basis:
Finance and risk
Safeguarding
The Trust has a close relationship with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (The Council) for whom it manages the Borough's sports and leisure facilities to deliver their community use function. Council facilities include Active Copley, Active Medlock, Active Hyde, Active iTrain, Tameside Wellness Centre - Denton, Active Ken Ward, Active Oxford Park and Tameside Cycle Circuit.
The facilities consist of four swimming pools, one of which, Active Hyde also operates a bespoke freeform leisure pool, and five state of the art gyms and dance studios.
In addition, Active Ken Ward Sports Centre and Active Oxford Park provide a further two gyms both with dance studios, with Ken Ward also offering a main gymnastics hall with two supporting studios along with two 11 grass pitches and 2 synthetic 5 a side cages. We also have 4 - 6 a side synthetic caged pitches available at Copley and at Medlock, and in addition we have a 1km outdoor cycle track with classroom and on-site facilities at Tameside Cycle circuit. With an array of supporting services and facilities scattered throughout the estate.
There are currently two council nominated directors who are the Chair of the Board and as shown above. In addition, the Chief Executive and the Chair of the Sports Trust have regular meetings with senior Council officers.
The Trust has an agreement with the Council to operate the Council’s sports facilities and deliver sports activities, the outcomes of which are determined by a number of agreed partnership objectives.
The Trust has an agreement with Copley Academy for the provision of sports facilities at Active Copley. The Academy is part of Great Academies Education Trust (GAET). And also, an agreement with TMBC to operate the catering services at Loxley House and through Jigsaw Homes we additionally operate the catering service at Beatrix House and Beaumont Place.
Objectives, activities, achievements and performance
The Trust's objectives and principal activities, as contained in its Articles of Association are:
"To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation for the general public in connection with the Tameside Metropolitan Borough and its surrounding areas (and such other areas as the Trustees determine from time to time) in the interests of social welfare."
As an organisation we have become so much more than this to our community, morphing into a deliverer of Health, Wellbeing, and social care services, working with TMBC and key stakeholders focusing attention on the most affected in our society. This approach has received local and national accolade, and we are seen in our industry as a force for community good and change.
In the light of improving financial performance the planned in-year pay award that aimed to separate out the lower pay grades and give all staff a more than inflationary pay award, was implemented in April 2024. In addition, a further pay award for April 2025 has been agreed and budgeted for, and from April 2025 all employees (aged 21+) will be on at least the Real Living Wage, to ensure compliance with TMBC’s agency management plan.
In conclusion, the Trust ended 2024/25 in a stronger than budgeted financial position, and a balanced budget for 2025/26 has been achieved.
Risk management
The major risks to which the charity is exposed, as identified by the directors, have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks.
The description under the heading "Financial review" meets the company law requirements for the trustees to present a strategic report.
We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular the Directors consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
To supplement the provision of high-quality leisure facilities the Trust remains committed to developing a high-quality service. The Trust is working with partner organisations to introduce cost effective, fit for purpose, peer quality assurance processes.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which presumes that the Trust will continue to receive financial support from the Council by means of a management fee. The management fee from the Council including the health contribution was settled at £777,000 for 2024/25. This figure, plus inflationary increase, has been agreed for 2025/26 as the amount available to assist with the concessionary rates required and maintenance costs of operating the estate.
The Charity’s main income comes from health & fitness memberships, plus the commissioned services delivered on behalf of Tameside local authority. The Trust also delivered various programmes on behalf of local schools, which include Bikeability, swimming and football. The total income for the year ended 31 March 2025 was £14,782,813 (2024: £14,490,375) from Charitable Activities, which is an increase of 2% from the previous year as operations continue to grow.
Total expenditure for the year ended 31 March 2025 was £15,325,264 (2024: £15,927,253), a decrease of 3.8% as the Trust continued to demonstrate sound financial management, control and value for money.
The overall funds of the Trust have been restated in line with actuarial recommendations. The Trust has not recognised the pension asset position, restricting the surplus to £nil and reducing actuarial gains by the same amount.
Reserves policy
It is the aim of the Directors to build up unrestricted reserves to cover a reasonable level of future management, administration and support costs. It is a priority of the Directors to develop a reserves policy that supports the medium-term financial strategy and ensures financial stability and resilience of the Trust.
The Restricted Reserve of £188,032 represents the balance of the development funding for the Ashton, Copley & Hyde Facility refurbishment plus funding was also received for major refurbishments as Denton Wellness Centre and iTrain (Dukinfield).
Investment policy
The Trust does not at this stage in its development consider it necessary to have a formal investment policy. Since its formation all surplus monies have been invested on our behalf through the Trust's bankers who have provided us with access to an interest bearing Reserve Account.
Tameside Sports Trust operates an all-inclusive equal opportunities and diversity policy in relation to employment applications.
The Trust is striving to be an effective Equal Opportunities Employer. The purpose of this policy is to provide opportunities to all in employment irrespective of gender, race, ethnic origin, disabilities, age, nationality, national origin, sexuality, religion, marital status and social class. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.
The Trust is committed to the ongoing development and training of all its employees who it considers to be its most valuable asset. As such an employee who becomes disabled will be provided with any necessary training to ensure their continued employment within the Trust. The Trust has a comprehensive staff review procedure which ensures that the training requirements and the career development of all its employees.
The Trust plans to reintroduce a bimonthly newsletter which is distributed to every member of staff which includes information relating to the performance of the organisation and also any information and "news" items that may be considered relevant to the staff. The Senior Leadership Teams also hold regular meetings with site and service staff to ensure they are updated on all key activity.
Future Developments
The application to Sport England for capital investment funding (via the council) that was successful in 2024 has resulted in the planned installation (April 2025) of a solar panel scheme at Tameside Wellness Centre – Denton, which will reduce the site’s electricity consumption in the forthcoming years.
The company will manage the facilities reduction plan as a priority for the forthcoming year of 2025/26 and will consider options for growth where a strong, robust business model can offer assurances that profit will be created in the appropriate timeframe.
A consultation programme, commissioned by the Council, is underway during 2025/26. The purpose of the programme is to secure an extension of the current contract for a further 15 years (from April 2028). It is anticipated that the priorities for the Council will be to ensure that the services and leisure provision offered by the Trust are fully aligned to the strategic objectives of the local authority.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Trust continues to receive funding from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council by way of a management charge. TMBC is also the biggest single creditor excluding the Local Government Pension Scheme.
The directors have reviewed budgets and cash flow forecasts for the periods to 31 March 2026. They believe the Trust has sufficient financial headroom coupled with energy efficiency savings and robust income streams to have sufficient confidence in the organisation's financial resilience. The directors have considered the budgets, forecasts, the proposed savings and future income and consider them to be reasonable.
After making enquiries and considering the issues described above, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For these reasons they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements.
A resolution proposing that Chadwick & Company (Manchester) Limited be reappointed as auditors will be put to the members.
On behalf of the board of Directors
The trustees, who are also the directors of Tameside Sports Trust for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law requires trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the trust and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
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 the Charities SORP;
- 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; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that
the trust will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the trust and enable them to ensure that financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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 the trust and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
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 the Charities SORP;
- 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; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the the trust
will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the the trust 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 the trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Tameside Sports Trust (‘the trust’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the accounts section of our report.
We are independent of the trust in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the the trust’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the trustees' report, which includes the directors’ report and the strategic report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report included within the trustees' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the trust and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report included within the trustees' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of
the trust for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the trust’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
We considered and updated our knowledge of the company's specific industry and its regulatory environment, and reviewed the company's documentation surrounding the policies and procedures relating to fraud and compliance with laws and regulations. We also enquired of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities. Based on this understanding, we identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements and designed and performed audit procedures in response to those risks.
We identified the key laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, the most significant of these is the UK Companies Act 2006 but also includes the Charities Act, Health & Safety Act, Food Hygiene Act and regulations on Chemical and Substances Harmful to Health (COSHH) . We also gained knowledge of the legal and regulatory frameworks which do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the company's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.
The audit engagement team were made aware of the potential opportunities and incentives that may exist within the company for fraudulent activity and how and where fraud might occur or be concealed within the financial statements.
In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override of controls. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other manual adjustments; assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business.
In addition to the above, we designed procedures which included:
enquiring of management and those charged with governance concerning actual and potential litigation and claims and any known instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations;
reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
assessing the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations considered to have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company through enquiry or inspection;
reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
performing detailed audit work on areas identified as being susceptible to management bias and override of controls, such as provisions, estimates and journal entries, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for indicators of bias;
performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual relationships that may indicate a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Charitable activities
Investments
Charitable activities
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Tameside Sports Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Ken Ward Sports Centre, Hattersley Road East, Hattersley, Hyde, Cheshire, SK14 3NL. The Trust is registered with the Charities Commission with reference number 1074808 and also uses the name Active Tameside.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019)". The the trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the the trust. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The Trust has net current liabilities of £611,420 (2024 - £2,036,954) at 31 March 2025 but a defined benefit pension surplus of £13,674,000 (2024 - £8,903,000) which would leave an overall net assets of the trust at £9,679,185 (2024 - £4,577,636). However as the Trust is not recognising the pension surplus the balance sheet shows net liabilities of £3,994,815 (2024 - £4,325,364).
The directors have reviewed budgets and cash flow forecasts for the periods to 31 March 2026. They believe the Trust has sufficient financial headroom coupled with energy efficiency savings and robust income streams to have sufficient confidence in the organisation's financial resilience. The directors have considered the budgets, forecasts, the proposed savings and future income and consider them to be reasonable.
After making enquiries and considering the issues described above, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For these reasons they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements.
Company status
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding-up is limited to £10.
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the directors.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objectives of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Designated funds are set aside by the directors out of unrestricted general funds for specific purposes or projects.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Charitable activities
The fees and charges represent the value of the services and goods provided, excluding value added tax.
Grants
Grants are accounted for on a receivable basis.
Intangible income
Intangible income, which would comprise the use of the donated facilities is not recognised, as there is no financial cost borne by the third party.
Interest receivable
Interest is included when received by the charity.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit 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.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Resources expended are included in the statement of financial activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
Expenditure on charitable activities comprises those costs incurred by the charity in furtherance of its activities and services. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
The Trust's policy is to write off the costs of the replacement of the landlord's fixed assets to the statement of financial activities in the year of acquisition.
Major refurbishments
It is the Trust's policy to capitalise expenditure on the major refurbishments and to write off this expenditure over a period not exceeding their effective useful life as follows:-
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after make due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The trust has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the trust's balance sheet when the trust becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Trade debtors, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as 'loans and receivables'. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.
Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the trust transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a non basic financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the trust’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the trust is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Government Grants
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
The Trust has not recognised the pension asset position, restricting the surplus to £nil, and reducing actuarial gains by the same amount.
The plan has a gross accounting surplus at the reporting date of £13,674,000 (2024: £8,903,000). In line with FRS 102 requirements the Trust has not recognised an asset on the balance sheet as it is unable to recover the surplus, either through reduced contributions in the future, or through refunds from the plan.
The scheme's actuary has confirmed that they can demonstrate no economic benefit arising to the Trust from an 'asset ceiling' calculation comparing the present value of the future service costs to the present value of future contributions. The actuary has also confirmed that any refunds from the plans are contingent on future events.
The comparatives have been restated to not recognise the pension asset surplus of £8,903,000 and actuarial gains of the same amount.
In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Pension
The present value of the Local Government Pension Scheme defined benefit liability/(surplus) depends on a number of factors that are determined on actuarial basis using a variety of assumptions. The assumptions used in determining the net cost/(income) for pensions include the discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions which are disclosed in note 19, will impact the carrying amount of the pension scheme's liability/asset. Furthermore, a roll forward approach which projects results from the latest full actuarial valuation at 31 March 2022 has been used by the actuary in valuing the pension scheme's liability/asset as at 31 March 2025. Any differences between the figures derived from the roll forward approach and a full actuarial valuation would impact on the carrying amount of the pension liability/asset.
Charitable activities
Sports activities
Management fee
Public
health
Catering
Other charitable activities
Grants and other income
Total
Total
Income
Investments
Charitable activities
Pensions
Coaching
Cost of trading
Fitness suite expenses
Rent, heat, light and water
Premises repairs and maintenance
Adult social care costs
Staff training
Depreciation of leasehold property refurbishment
Depreciation of IT and general equipment
Loss / (profit) on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Insurance
Cleaning
Legal and professional
Travelling expenses
Telephone, post and carriage
Printing and stationery
Marketing
Bank charges and interest
Bank loan interest and charges
Cash collection service
Audit
The analysis of auditor's remuneration is as follows:
None of the trustee directors (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, or were reimbursed any expenses.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The key management personnel of the trust comprise those persons having responsibility for planning, controlling and directing the activities of the organisation. The compensation of the key management personnel of Tameside Sports Trust is disclosed in note 24.
Of the employees whose emoluments exceed £60,000, one (2024: 1) has retirement benefits accruing under defined benefit pension schemes.
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The borrowings include a loan from Tameside MBC repayable over a period of fifteen years by equal instalments and bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.17%.
There are additional loans from Tameside MBC which are repayable over periods between seven and ten years by equal monthly instalments and bear interest at a fixed rate of 1.95%.
The repayments due in the next twelve months are being deferred in agreement with the lender.
The trust operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the trust in an independently administered fund.
The company operates a defined benefit pension scheme.
The scheme funds are administered by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council on behalf of Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
The most recent full actuarial valuation was on 31 March 2022 and was carried out by a qualified independent actuary.
The directors have obtained an actuarial valuation as at 31 March 2025, prepared by Hymans Robertson LLP only for the purposes of FRS 102 and has no validity in other circumstances.
The assumed life expectations on retirement at age 65 are:
Amounts recognised in the profit and loss account:
Amounts taken to other comprehensive income:
The amounts included in the balance sheet arising from the the trust's obligations in respect of defined benefit plans are as follows:
Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations:
The defined benefit obligations arise from plans funded as follows:
Movements in the fair value of plan assets:
The actual return on plan assets was £1,217,000 (2024 - £2,140,000).
The fair value of plan assets at the reporting period end was as follows:
The plan has a gross accounting surplus at the reporting date of £13,674,000. In line with the requirements of FRS102, Tameside Sports Trust has recognised as an asset on the balance sheet to the extent that it is able to recover the surplus, either through reduced contributions in the future, or through refunds from the plan. The scheme's actuary has confirmed that they can demonstrate no economic benefit arising to Tameside Sports Trust from an 'asset ceiling' calculation comparing the present value of future service costs to the present value of future contributions. The actuary has also confirmed that any refunds from the plan are contingent on future events. Accordingly, Tameside Sports Trust has not recognised the pension asset position, restricting the surplus to £nil, and reducing actuarial gains by the same amount.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
The restricted fund consists of the balances of a grant received from the Football Foundation towards the cost of building eight six-a-side football pitches, a grant from The Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities Fund in respect of fitness suite equipment at Oxford Park Community Sports Centre and the grant and contributions received in respect of the facility development programme. In 2017 a contribution of £1,300,000 was received from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council for building works undertaken in the development of the iTrain gym. The Council then made a contribution of £1,015,179 in 2020 for the development of the facilities at Tameside Wellness Centre.
The assets are depreciated according to the accounting policies. The net book value of these grants is £188,032 (2024: £376,065) with depreciation charged in the year of £188,033 (2024: £188,033).
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
At the reporting end date the the trust had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
The charity has a close relationship with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council which nominates two directors and provides funding to enable the charity to carry on its charitable objectives. The Trust received a management fee (including public health contributions) in the year of £777,400 (2024 - £777,000).
At the balance sheet date, £nil (2024 - £225,983) was owed from and £123,192 (2024 - £32,036) due to Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.
The Trust received a donation of the use of the facilities, the value of which could not be quantified and therefore has not been included in these financial statements.
During 2009, a loan of £4,280,000 was received from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council on which interest of £nil (2024 - £36,273) was charged in the year. At the balance sheet date £1,859,656 (2024 - £1,859,656) as owing by the Trust.
In 2015/16, a loan of £1,185,000 was received from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council on which interest of £12,504 (2024 - £12,504) was charged in the year. At the balance sheet date £786,019 (2024 - £773,516) was owing by the Trust.
In 2016/17, a loan of £600,000 was received from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council on which interest of £nil (2024 - £nil) was charged in the year. At the balance sheet date £402,840 (2024 - £402,840) was owing by the Trust.
In 2016/17, a loan of £1,000,000 was received from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council on which interest of £ nil (2024 - £9,024) was charged in the year. At the balance sheet date £711,848 (2024 - £711,848) was owing by the Trust.
The Trust has Local Authority board members and due to the nature of the relationship with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, would like to acknowledge them as a related party. These members do not influence any contracts between the Trust and the council.
Members of the board have links with a number of organisations such as Cornerstone Digital Marketing. Again no advantage is gained from these links.
The Trust is under the control of the directors.