TIDM57UT

RNS Number : 2443L

Grand Union Group Fundings PLC

04 September 2019

Grand Union Group Funding PLC

Annual report and financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2019

Company Number: 08757850

Company information 2

Strategic report 3 - 4

Directors' report 5 - 7

Independent auditor's report to the members of

Grand Union Group Funding PLC 8 - 13

Statement of Comprehensive Income 14

Statement of Financial Position 15

Statement of Changes in Equity 16

Notes to the financial statements 17 - 23

Directors

Aileen Evans

   Anna Simpson                                               (Resigned 26 October 2018) 
   John Edwards                                               (Appointed Chair 1 April 2018) 

Nicola Ewen

   Peter Fielder                                                 (Appointed 1 April 2018) 
   Mona Shah                                                    (Appointed 1 February 2019) 

Company Secretary

   Anna Simpson                                               (Resigned 26 October 2018) 
   Chris Bellamy                                                (Appointed 26 October 2018) 
   Registered Office                                           Derwent House 

Cranfield Technology Park

University Way

Cranfield

Bedfordshire

MK43 0AZ

   Company Number                                         08757850 
   Auditor                                                              UHY Hacker Young 

Quadrant House

4 Thomas More Square

London

E1W 1YW

   Bankers                                                            U.S. Bank 

125 Old Broad Street

London

EC2N 1AR

The directors present their strategic report for Grand Union Group Funding PLC (the "Company") for the year ended 31 March 2019.

Principal activities

The principal activity of the Company is to act as the funding vehicle for Grand Union Housing Group (the Group).

Review of the business

On 4 December 2013, the Company successfully issued a GBP150m bond, which included a retained element of GBP35m, at a coupon of 4.625% with repayment after 30 years (4 December 2043). The bond was issued at a discount so funds received totalled GBP114.3m.

The keen pricing demonstrated the Group's strong financial position which had been reflected in the A2 (Stable) credit rating issued by Moody's Investor Services in December 2014. The rating outlook was changed to A2 (Negative) on 29 June 2016 following the result of the UK's referendum to leave the European Union. This change applied across all sub sovereign organisations and reflected the uncertain future for the UK Government and closely related businesses. This rating was changed by Moody's Investor Services to A3 stable in November 2018 following their annual review.

The cost of issuing the bond was GBP1.4m leaving a balance of GBP112.9m which was immediately on-lent to Aragon Housing Association Limited (a member of the Grand Union Housing Group) under a facility arrangement between the Company (as lender) and Aragon Housing Association Limited (as borrower), following this the effective interest rate on the GBP112.9m is 4.7948%.

As part of modernising the Group's services to improve the customer offer and consistency in process, we simplified our structure by unification. On 1 October 2018 the unification bought together GUHG (2018) Limited (formerly Grand Union Housing Group Limited), Aragon Housing Association Limited, Rockingham Forest Housing Association Limited and South Northants Homes Limited to form a single organisation called Grand Union Housing Group.

The bond is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The bond is for a period of 30 years and secured on assets owned by Grand Union Housing Group Limited, with a covenant that requires a minimum level of asset cover of 105% on an Existing Use Value - Social Housing basis or 115% on a Market Value subject to Tenancies basis. Grand Union Housing Group Limited pays 4.625% interest on its borrowing from the Company.

Since incorporation the Company has not carried out any business or activities other than incidental to the financing of Grand Union Housing Group Limited.

A trust deed, entered into at the time of the bond issue, required that the retained bond (GBP35m) be cancelled if not sold by the Company within three years of the issue date i.e. by 4 December 2016. The Company reviewed the funding requirements at that date in line with the Group's strategic objectives and cancelled the retained bond.

As the Company's activities are limited to the raising and management of private finance for Grand Union Housing Group, it employs no staff and all administration functions are carried out by the finance team of Grand Union Housing Group. As a result there is no significant information to report on regarding environmental matters, employees or social and community issues.

Future Outlook

The directors do not anticipate any change in the Company's principal activity, and expect future financial performance to continue on the same basis.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Company on-lent all the proceeds from the bond issue to members of Grand Union Housing Group Limited. The main risk facing the Company is that Grand Union Housing Group Limited is unable to make interest or principal payments when they fall due. Grand Union Housing Group is financially strong, with a long term business plan that shows capacity to repay interest and principal when due. This plan has been fully risk assessed and stress tested with any potential mitigation activities clearly identified. Processes are in place for forward monitoring lead indicators and early warning triggers.

Key performance indicators

The Company operates as the Grand Union Housing Group funding vehicle and as such has no specific key performance indicators.

Future developments, performance and position

The directors do not anticipate any change in the Company's principal activity, and expect future financial performance to continue on the same basis.

The directors do not recommend a dividend for the year ended 31 March 2019 (2018: GBPnil).

Directors' indemnity provision

The board confirms that Company has in place directors' and officers' insurance.

Other information

The Company has no direct employees and it exists solely to on-lend the proceeds of capital market transactions. The Company had five directors as at 31 March 2019.

Approved by the board on 30 July 2019 and signed on its behalf by:

John Edwards

Chair

The directors present their report and the financial statements for the Company for the year ended 31 March 2019.

Directors

The Company's directors are listed on page 2.

Financial risk management

Risk management objectives and policies

The directors acknowledge their responsibility for establishing and maintaining a sound system of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. The directors have delegated the on-going review of controls to the Grand Union Housing Group Audit and Risk Committee. The directors will receive an annual report from the Committee prior to the publication of the financial statements.

The system of internal control is designed to manage, rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve business objectives, and to provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

The process for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by the Company was on-going throughout the year and to the date of approval of these financial statements.

The Group has a formal Treasury Management Policy ensuring that the member companies have sufficient resources to meet on-going capital and revenue commitments and to protect against adverse movement in interest rates. The Company acknowledges that effective treasury management will support the delivery of the business and service objectives. The Group is committed to the principles of achieving value for money in treasury management within the context of effective risk management.

Interest rate risk and hedging

As at 31 March 2019, 100% of the Company's debt was on fixed rate terms. There is no intention to repay any debt prior to maturity, therefore any movement in the market value of debt due to changes in interest rates is deemed immaterial to the ongoing operations of the Company.

Liquidity risk

The Company actively lends the full amount it has borrowed, thus the assets fully offset its liabilities and Grand Union Housing Group Limited (GUHG) pays to the Company the interest on the due dates. There is considered to be no net exposure to either liquidity risk from repayment or interest risk. Further quantitative information and sensitivity analysis is not provided as these risks are considered to be immaterial.

Credit risk

As at 31 March 2019 the Company had lent all its funds to Grand Union Housing Group Limited and therefore the main risk is that GUHG will be unable to pay interest or principal when they fall due. The underlying assets of issuance belong to GUHG through a security trust arrangement with the Prudential Trustee Company Limited. The loan to GUHG is made under the terms of an agreement between the Company and GUHG.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the total carrying amount of the Company's assets at the reporting date.

All amounts loaned to other members of the Group are considered recoverable, and therefore no impairment of these assets is considered necessary.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the strategic report, the directors' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

   --        select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently 
   --        make judgments and accounting 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

-- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company 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 Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Going concern

After making all reasonable enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that Grand Union Group Funding PLC has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they have adopted the going concern basis in preparing the accounts.

Annual general meeting

The annual general meeting will be held on 30 July 2019.

Matters presented in the strategic report

As permitted by paragraph 1A of Schedule 7 to the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 certain matters which are required to be disclosed in the directors' report have been omitted as they are included in the strategic report. These matters relate to:

   --        information regarding the future developments of the Company 
   --        information regarding directors' indemnity provisions. 

Statement as to disclosure of information to auditor

So far as each person who is a director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company's auditor is unaware. Each director has taken all steps that they ought to have taken in their duty as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's auditor is aware of that information.

Auditor

UHY Hacker Young were appointed as auditors. It is our intention to retender the external audit contract during 2019.

Approved by the board on 30 July 2019 and signed on its behalf by:

John Edwards

Chair

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Grand Union Group Funding Plc for the year ended 31 March 2019 which comprise the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Changes in Equity, and the related 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".

In our opinion the financial statements:

-- give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 March 2019 and of the company's result for the year then ended;

-- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

   --     have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

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 financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard as applied to listed public interest entities, 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.

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

-- the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or

-- the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the company's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.

Our assessment of risks of material misstatements

We identified the following risks that we believe have had the greatest impact on our audit strategy and scope:

 
 Key audit matter                           How our audit addressed the key 
                                             audit matter 
 Inability to meet obligations                   Audit procedures: 
  in respect of Bond deed                         Our audit procedures included, 
  During November 2013, Grand Union               but were not limited to; 
  Housing Group issued a GBP115m                   *    confirming that the payments made and interest 
  listed bond through its special                       accrued in the year were in line with the underlying 
  purpose vehicle Grand Union Group                     bond agreement; 
  Funding Plc. 
  The proceeds are loaned to other 
  group companies to fund the development          *    that there were no identified issues with regards to 
  of social housing.                                    the payment of the principle liability in line with 
  The main risk to the company                          contractual payment dates; and 
  is the non-payment of interest 
  and principal under the bond 
  documentation to the debt holders                *    that no other breaches of contractual terms had 
  of the issued bond.                                   occurred or had been brought to the attention of 
                                                        management. 
 
 
 
                                                  Conclusion: 
                                                  We concluded that on the basis 
                                                  of our audit procedures, we have 
                                                  not identified any misstatements 
                                                  with the interest expense recognised 
                                                  in the financial statements, 
                                                  or any issues in relation to 
                                                  the future expected payments 
                                                  of the underlying liability. 
                                           ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Counterparty risk                                     Audit procedures: 
                                                        Our audit procedures included, 
  During November 2013, Grand Union                     but were not limited to; 
  Housing Group issued a GBP115m                         *    Substantive procedures concerning management 
  listed bond through its special                             assessment of going concern, the performance of the 
  purpose vehicle Grand Union Group                           social housing activities of other group members and 
  Funding Plc.                                                the long term assumptions in the financial forecasts; 
  The proceeds are loaned to other 
  group members who guarantee the 
  timely payment of principal and 
  interest by the company to its                        Conclusion: 
  debt holders.                                         On the basis of our audit procedures, 
  Under the terms of the loan agreement                 we have not identified any significant 
  other group members are required                      issues regarding the ability 
  to reimburse the company for                          of the counterparty to continue 
  all expenditure incurred in respect                   to support the company in meeting 
  of the bond.                                          the obligations of the issued 
  There is the risk that contractual                    bonds. 
  terms with other group members 
  are not adhered to. 
                                           ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Management override of controls            Audit procedures: 
                                             We reviewed the nominal ledger 
  Intrinsically, there is always             accounts and journals to identify 
  a risk of material misstatement            any unusual or exceptional transactions. 
  due to fraud as a result of possible       We investigated and tested a 
  management override of internal            sample of items to ensure amounts 
  controls.                                  paid during the year related 
                                             to business expenses and that 
                                             transactions were appropriate. 
 
                                             We reviewed and enquired into 
                                             the accounting systems, processes, 
                                             controls and segregation of duties 
                                             that existed in the company. 
                                             We also evaluated whether there 
                                             was evidence of bias by the directors 
                                             that represented a risk of material 
                                             misstatement due to fraud. 
 
                                             Conclusion: 
                                             We concluded that on the basis 
                                             of our audit procedures, we have 
                                             not identified any misstatements 
                                             in the financial statements or 
                                             any risk of material misstatement 
                                             due to fraud. 
                                           ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 Revenue Recognition                        Audit procedures: 
                                             We assessed whether interest 
  Auditing standards require that            received was appropriately recognised 
  revenue recognition is considered          and received. 
  a significant risk unless it               Conclusion: 
  may be appropriately rebutted.             We have not found any issues 
                                             or errors involving interest 
                                             income and are therefore satisfied 
                                             we have assurance over income 
                                             recognition and its treatment. 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 

Our application of materiality

We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing our audit, in evaluating the effect of misstatements on our audit and on the financial statements. We define financial statement materiality as the magnitude by which misstatements, including omission, could influence the economic decisions taken on the basis of the financial statements by reasonable users.

We also determine a level of performance materiality which we use to determine the extent of testing needed to reduce to an appropriately low level of the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality for the financial statements as a whole.

We determine materiality for the financial statements as a whole to be GBP1,148,000. In determining this we based our assessment on the gross assets of the company. This benchmark is considered to be the most appropriate because the assets of the company comprise almost entirely of the amount loaned to a fellow Group Company. On the basis of our risk assessment, together with our assessment of the company's control environment, our judgement is that performance materiality for the financial statements should be 75% of materiality, being GBP861,000.

We also determine a lower level of performance materiality for related party transactions of GBP1,000.

We determined the threshold at which we will communicate misstatements to the Audit Committee to be GBP57,400. In addition, we communicate misstatements below that threshold that, in our view, warrant reporting on qualitative grounds.

An overview of the scope of our audit

The approach we took to the assessed risks described above was as follows:

-- evaluation of the company's internal control environment, including documentation of relevant processes and assessment of design effectiveness of controls pertaining to the Key Audit Matters discussed above in the Key Audit Matters section above;

-- testing performed on over 99% of the company's total assets and liabilities and 99% of its total income and expenditure; and

   --     our audit approach was fully substantive in nature. 

Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.

In this context, we have nothing to report.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

-- the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report 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 have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' 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 directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
   --     we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

Responsibilities of directors

As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 6, the directors 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 directors 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 directors are responsible for assessing the company'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 directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

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 for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditors/audit-assurance. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Other matters which we are required to address

We were appointed by Grand Union Group Funding Plc in May 2019. The audit for the year ended 31 March 2019 is the first audit we have undertaken. The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC's Ethical Standard were not provided to the company and we remain independent of the company in conducting our audit.

Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit Committee.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the 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 company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' 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 company and the company's' members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Subarna Banerjee (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of

UHY Hacker Young

Chartered Accountants

Statutory Auditor

Quadrant House

4 Thomas More Square

London, E1W 1YW

31 July 2019

Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 31 March 2019

 
                                                   2019     2018 
                                          Note  GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Interest receivable and similar charges    3      5,358    5,319 
 
Interest payable and similar charges       4    (5,358)  (5,319) 
 
Operating profit                           5          -        - 
 
Profit on ordinary activities before 
 taxation                                             -        - 
 
Taxation                                              -        - 
 
Profit for the year                                   -        - 
 
Other comprehensive income                            -        - 
 
Total comprehensive income for the 
 year                                                 -        - 
                                                =======  ======= 
 
 

The notes on pages 17 to 23 are an integral part of these financial statements.

Statement of Financial Position

As at 31 March 2019

Company number 08757850

 
                                        Note       2019       2018 
                                                GBP'000    GBP'000 
Current assets 
Debtors: amounts falling due within 
 one year                                8           38         38 
Debtors: amounts falling due after 
 one year                                8      114,790    114,750 
Cash at bank and in hand                             12         12 
                                                114,840    114,800 
 
Creditors: amounts falling due within 
 one year                                9            -          - 
 
Net current assets                              114,840    114,800 
 
Creditors: amounts falling due after 
 one year                                9    (114,790)  (114,750) 
 
Net assets                                           50         50 
                                              =========  ========= 
 
Share Capital and reserves 
Called up share capital                              50         50 
Profit and loss account                               -          - 
 
Total equity                                         50         50 
                                              =========  ========= 
 
 

These financial statements were approved by the board on 30 July 2019 and signed on its behalf by:

   John Edwards                                                             Chris Bellamy 
   Chair                                                                           Secretary 

The notes on pages 17 to 23 are an integral part of these financial statements.

Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 31 March 2019

 
                                       Called up share 
                               Note            capital   Profit and loss account   Total equity 
                                               GBP'000                   GBP'000        GBP'000 
 
 At 1 April 2017                                    50                         -             50 
 
 Profit for the year                                 -                         -              - 
 Other comprehensive income                          -                         -              - 
 
 Total comprehensive income                          -                         -              - 
 
 At 31 March 2018                                   50                         -             50 
                                      ================  ========================  ============= 
 
 Profit for the year                                 -                         -              - 
 Other comprehensive income                          -                         -              - 
 
 Total comprehensive income                          -                         -              - 
 
 At 31 March 2019                                   50                         -             50 
                                      ================  ========================  ============= 
 
 

Reserves

Profit and loss account

The profit and loss account represents cumulative profits and losses and gains and losses of the Company.

The notes on pages 17 to 23 are an integral part of these financial statements.

   1.      Accounting policies 
   1.1     General information 

Grand Union Group Funding PLC (the Company) is a public limited company incorporated in the United Kingdom. The address of its registered office and principal place of business is Derwent House, Cranfield Technology Park, University Way, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AZ.

These financial statements have been presented in Pound Sterling as this is the Company's functional currency, being the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates.

   1.2       Basis of preparation 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" (FRS 102) and applicable legislation, as set out in the Companies Act 2006 and The Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

FRS 102 allows a qualifying entity certain disclosure exemptions, subject to certain conditions, which have been complied with, including notification of and no objection to, the use of exemptions by the Company's shareholders. The Company is included in the consolidated financial statements of its parent undertaking Grand Union Housing Group Limited. Note 11 provides details of where those consolidated financial statements may be obtained from.

In preparing the financial statements, the Company has taken advantage of the following exemptions:

-- from disclosing key management personnel compensation, as required by paragraph 7 of Section 33 Related Party Disclosures

-- from presenting a reconciliation of the number of shares outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, as required by paragraph 12 of Section 4 Statement of Financial Position

-- from presenting a statement of cash flows, as required by Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows.

On the basis that equivalent disclosures are given in the consolidated accounts of the parent company, the Company has also taken advantage of the exemption not to provide certain disclosures as required by Section 11 Basic Financial Instruments and Section 12 Other Financial Instrument Issues.

   1.3     Interest receivable 

Interest receivable and similar income is recognised as interest accrued using the effective interest rate method.

   1.4     Taxation 

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax currently payable, relating to UK corporation tax, is calculated on the basis of the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted as at the reporting date.

Deferred tax is recognised on all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the reporting date. Transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future give rise to a deferred tax liability or asset. Timing differences are differences between taxable profits and total comprehensive income as stated in the financial statements that arise from the inclusion of income and expenses in tax assessments in years 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 as at the reporting date, that is expected to apply to the reversal of the timing difference. The tax expense is recognised in the same component of comprehensive income or equity as the transaction or other event that resulted in the tax expense.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that, on the basis of all available evidence, it is deemed probable that there will be suitable taxable profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the amounts and there is the intention either to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

   1.5     Financial instruments 

Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. The Company holds only basic financial instruments, which comprise cash and cash equivalents, debtors and creditors. The Company has chosen to apply the measurement and recognition provisions of Section 11 Basic Financial Instruments and Section 12 Other Financial Instrument Issues in full.

Financial assets - classified as basic financial instruments

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Debtors

Debtors are initially recognised at the transaction price, including any transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any provision for impairment.

Amounts that are receivable within one year are measured at the undiscounted amount expected to be receivable, net of any impairment.

Where a financial asset constitutes a financing transaction it is initially and subsequently measured at the present value of the future payments, discounted at a market rate of interest.

At each reporting date, the Company assesses whether there is objective evidence that any financial asset may be impaired. A provision for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the financial assets. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of the estimated future cash flows. The amount of the provision is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Financial liabilities - classified as basic financial instruments

Creditors

Creditors are initially measured at the transaction price, including any transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Amounts that are payable within one year are measured at the undiscounted amount expected to be payable.

Where a financial liability constitutes a financing transaction it is initially and subsequently measured at the present value of the future payments, discounted at a market rate of interest.

   2.      Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty 

In applying the Company's accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in determining the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. The directors' judgements, estimates and assumptions are based on the best and most reliable evidence available at the time when the decisions are made, and are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be applicable. Due to the inherent subjectivity involved in making such judgements, estimates and assumptions, the actual results and outcomes may differ.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the year in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that year, or in the year of the revision and future years, if the revision affects both current and future years.

   2.1     Critical judgements in applying the Company's accounting policies 

The critical judgements that the directors have made in the process of applying the Company's accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are discussed below.

Assessing whether the Company meets the definition of a financial institution

The directors have performed an assessment to conclude whether the Company meets the definition of a financial institution as set out by FRS 102. Entities that meet this definition are required to present additional disclosures as required by FRS 102 Section 34 Specialised Activities.

A financial institution includes entities "whose principal activity is to generate wealth or manage risk through financial instruments". The principal activity of the Company is deemed by the directors to be the sourcing of funding directly from the capital markets to on-lend to other Group members. Funding obtained is secured on the assets of other group members, and interest charges are passed to other Group members, hence the Company itself does not generate profit from the arrangement.

As such, the directors do not regard the Company falls within the definition of a financial institution; this being on the basis that the Company's use of financial instruments is not primarily for the generation of wealth or for the management of risk, but rather for the purpose of raising finance on behalf of the parent company.

   2.2     Key sources of estimation uncertainty 

The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

The directors have not identified any such sources of estimation uncertainty.

   3.      Interest receivable and similar income 
 
                                                       2019     2018 
                                                    GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Interest receivable from fellow group subsidiary      5,358    5,319 
 
                                                      5,358    5,319 
                                                    =======  ======= 
 
 
   4.      Interest payable and similar charges 
 
                                       2019     2018 
                                    GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Interest payable to bond holders      5,358    5,319 
 
                                      5,358    5,319 
                                    =======  ======= 
 
 
   5.      Operating profit 

During the period, the Company recharged interest paid on loans to Grand Union Housing Group Limited, to whom the proceeds of the capital market issue were on-lent. The Company's operating costs are also met by Grand Union Housing Group Limited, this companies ultimate parent undertaking. Consequently, during the current and prior year, the Company made neither a profit nor a loss.

Audit and non-audit fees charged by UHY Hacker Young LLP relating to Grand Union Group Funding PLC are expensed by Grand Union Housing Group Limited in accordance with the loan agreement, and disclosed within its consolidated accounts. The proportion of the audit fee attributable to the Grand Union Group Funding PLC is GBP13,500 (2018: GBP5,200). All figures are net of VAT.

   6.      Employee benefits 

The Company does not have any employees. All employees acting on behalf of the Company are employed by Grand Union Housing Group Limited, whose costs are disclosed in those financial statements.

   7.      Directors' emoluments 

The directors of Grand Union Group Funding PLC did not receive any emoluments for their duties as directors of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2019 (2018: GBPnil). Aileen Evans, Anna Simpson (resigned 26 October 2018) and Mona Shah (appointed 1 February 2019) are / were directors, employed and remunerated by Grand Union Housing Group. Full accounting disclosures on directors' remuneration are therefore included within the Group accounts.

   8.      Debtors 
 
                                           2019     2018 
                                        GBP'000  GBP'000 
Amounts due within one year: 
 
Interest due from the parent company          -        - 
Unpaid share capital                         38       38 
 
                                             38       38 
                                        =======  ======= 
 
Amounts due after one year: 
Loan due from fellow Group subsidiary   114,790  114,750 
 
                                        114,790  114,750 
                                        =======  ======= 
 
 

The terms of the on-lending agreement underlying the intra-group debtor mirror those of the Company's bond liability shown within creditors. Further information in respect of these instruments are set out in note 9.

   9.      Creditors 
 
                                                2019     2018 
                                             GBP'000  GBP'000 
Amounts due within one year: 
 
Interest due to bondholders                        -        - 
Amounts due to fellow Group subsidiary             -        - 
 
                                                   -        - 
                                             =======  ======= 
 
Amounts falling due in more than one year: 
 
Issue 4/12/43 (Semi annual coupon)           114,790  114,750 
 
                                             114,790  114,750 
                                             =======  ======= 
 
 

On 4 December 2013 Grand Union Group Funding PLC successfully issued a GBP115.0m bond at a coupon of 4.625% with repayment after 30 years in 2043. The bond was issued at a discount of 0.578% so that funds of GBP114.3m were received.

The bond discount and costs of issue are amortised over the term of the bond, 30 years, with Grand Union Housing Group Limited being liable to Grand Union Group Funding PLC for both.

The cost of issuing the bond was GBP1.4m leaving a net balance of GBP112.9m; this was on-lent to Grand Union Housing Group Limited to enable it to repay some of its existing loans and to fund future development. The effective interest rate, and actual interest rate, associated with the listed bond and on-lent funds is 4.7948% and 4.625% respectively. The underlying assets of the issuance belong to Grand Union Housing Group Limited through a security trust arrangement with the Prudential Trustee Company Ltd.

   10.    Called up share capital 
 
                          Number  Number     2019     2018 
                            2019    2018  GBP'000  GBP'000 
 
Issued share capital: 
Ordinary shares of GBP1 
 each                     50,000  50,000       50       50 
                          ======  ======  =======  ======= 
 
 

Grand Union Housing Group Limited is the registered holder of 50,000 shares of GBP1, of which GBP12,500 has been paid. The shares were issued on incorporation of the Company on 1 November 2013.

Grand Union Housing Group Limited acquired its 50,000 ordinary shares on 1 November 2013, and paid GBP12,500. The remaining balance of unpaid share capital (GBP37,500) is shown within debtors (note 8).

The holders of the ordinary shares are each entitled to one vote per share. The shares carry no right to fixed income and are non-redeemable.

   11.    Parent undertaking and ultimate controlling party 

The immediate and ultimate parent undertaking and controlling party is Grand Union Housing Group Limited, a registered provider and a registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 with registration number 7853 and registered with the Regulator pursuant to sections 111 and 112 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (Registration No. 5060). Copies of Group accounts can be obtained at www.grandunionhousing.co.uk.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

FR USSORKNAKRAR

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 04, 2019 09:54 ET (13:54 GMT)

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