Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date. Timing differences arise from the inclusion of income and expenditure in tax computations in periods different from those in which they are recognised in the financial statements. Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when the timing differences reverse.
Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits.
Deferred tax balance
At 31 July 2025, the deferred tax balances were as follows:
Deferred tax liability: £7,000 (2024: £9,500)
Deferred tax asset: £1,250 (2024: £nil)
Net deferred tax liability: £5,750 (2024: £9,500)
Nature of timing differences
The deferred tax liability arises principally on fair value gains on investment properties, which are recognised in the financial statements but are taxable only upon disposal. The deferred tax asset relates to deductible temporary differences arising from fair value decreases on investment properties.