Deferred taxation is provided on the liability method to take account of timing differences between the treatment of certain items for accounts purposes and their treatment for tax purposes.

Tax deferred or accelerated is accounted for in respect of all material timing differences, in particular accelerated capital allowances and revaluation gains on investment properties. All deferred tax is charged/(credited) to the Income Statement.

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Fixed asset investments are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Listed investments are measured at fair value with changes in fair value being recognised in profit or loss.