The SORP recognises that the basis of calculating profits for allocation may differ from the profits reflected through the financial statements prepared in compliance with recommended practice, given the established need to seek to focus profit allocation on ensuring equity between different generations and populations of members.
Consolidation of the results of certain subsidiary undertakings, the provision for annuities to current and former members, pension scheme charges, the spreading of acquisition integration costs and the treatment of long leasehold interests are all items which may generate differences between profits calculated for the purpose of allocation and those reported within the financial statements. Where such differences arise, they have been included within other amounts in the balance sheet.
Members' fixed shares of profits (excluding discretionary fixed share bonuses) and interest carned on members' balances are automatically allocated and, are treated as members' remuneration charged as an expense to the profit and loss account in arriving at profit available for discretionary division among members.
The remainder of profit shares, which have not been allocated until after the balance sheet date, are treated in these financial statements as unallocated at the balance sheet date and included within other reserves.