Notes to the Accounts 11 to 20

Note 11 - Other Operating Expenditure

Other Operating Expenditure includes all levies payable and gains and losses generated from in-year disposals of non-current assets.

Operating Expenditure
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
  2020/21
in thousands of pounds
62,785 Total 774
777 Levies 773
62,008 (Gains)/​Losses on the disposal of non-current Assets 1

Note 12 - Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure

Financing and Investment Income and Expenditure
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
  2020/21
in thousands of pounds
24,560 Total 17,831
10,631 Interest payable and similar charges 10,451
11,031 Pension Fund - Net interest on the net defined liability (asset) 3,892
(3,788) Interest receivable and similar income (1,540)
449 Financial Assets measured at fair value through Profit and Loss 300
6,237 Income and Expenditure in relation to Investment Properties and their changes in fair value 4,728

Note 13 - Taxation and Non-Specific Grant Income

This item consolidates all non-specific grants and contributions receivable that cannot be identified to particular service expenditure, and therefore cannot be credited to the gross income amount relevant to the service area. All capital grants and contributions are credited to non-specific grant income even if service-specific. This Note also identifies the Council's proportion of Council Tax and Business Rates used to fund in year business/service activities including those activities within the Business Rate Retention Scheme.

Non-specific grants and contributions receivable
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
  2020/21
in thousands of pounds
(205,876) Total (222,048)
(112,988) Council Tax Income (112,748)
(46,432) Business Rates (Retained Share) (39,046)
(20,513) General Government Grants (56,046)
(25,943) Capital Grants and Contributions (14,208)

13.1 Grant Credited to the Net cost of Services

Government Grants and Contributions credited to Net Cost of Services
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
Grant Service 2020/21
in thousands of pounds
(199,849) Total Grants and Contributions Credited to the Net Cost of Service   (234,578)
(9,439) Public Health Grant Adults & Public Health (9,861)
(8,766) CCG Better Care Funding* Adults & Public Health (6,362)
(10,349) Adult Social Care Grant Adults & Public Health (5,107)
0 NHS Funding Initiative Adults & Public Health (9,287)
(70,387) Dedicated Schools Grant Children and Education (72,780)
(10,545) Other School Grants Children and Education (12,862)
(2,108) Pupil Premium Children and Education (1,703)
(1,555) PE & Sports Grant Children and Education (325)
(1,078) Universal Infants Free School Meals Children and Education (989)
(3,053) PFI Funding Children and Education (3,056)
(76,946) Housing Benefits Finance and Corporate Services (71,260)
0 Housing Benefit Admin Grant Finance and Corporate Services (696)
0 COVID-19 Grants Finance and Corporate Services (35,078)
(1,839) Flexible Homelessness Grant Place 0
0 Transport for London Place (1,465)
0 Thames Estuary Connectivity Study (C2E) Place (2,900)
(3,784) Other Grants Place (847)

* Note that in the 2019/20 Statement of Accounts, the £8,766k of grant shown above as CCG Better Care Funding was disclosed as Improved Better Care Fund.

13.2 Grant credited to Taxation and non-specific Grant Income

General Government Grants
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
Grant, contribution or donation 2020/21
in thousands of pounds
(20,513) Total (56,046)
(1,586) Adults and Children's Social Care Grant 0
(5,070) Business Rates Relief Grant (27,932)
(6,022) COVID-19 Grant (16,049)
(2,865) Improved Better Care Fund Grant (6,421)
(1,741) New Homes Bonus (744)
(629) Housing Benefit Administration 0
(2,016) Homelessness Support Grant (1,839)
(584) Other Grants (3,061)
Capital Grants and Contributions
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
Grant or contribution 2020/21
in thousands of pounds
(25,943) Total (14,208)
(1,565) Education Basic Needs Grant (370)
(99) Devolved Formula Grant (83)
(1,647) Condition Funding/Primary Modernisation (2,003)
(9,155) ESFA SEN Funding (756)
(1,100) Transport for London (1,183)
(2,907) CIL funding (4,909)
(3,336) Peabody Funding (618)
(143) GLA - Good Growth & Getting Building Fund (204)
(2,613) Renovation Grants (2,964)
(1,390) Affordable Housing Contribution (180)
(1,705) Cross Rail (249)
none Heritage Lottery Fund (436)
none England Sports Council Lottery Fund (113)
(283) Other (140)

The Council has received a number of grants, contributions and donations that have yet to be recognised as income as they have conditions attached to them that will require the monies or property to be returned to the giver. The balances at the year-end are as follows:

13.3 Grants Receipts in Advance - Capital

Grants, contributions and donations received
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
Grant, contribution or donation 2020/21
in thousands of pounds
(6,457) Total (5,866)
(1,540) GLA Growing Places Fund 0
(4,880) Section 106 (5,859)
(37) Other (7)

Note 14 - Property, Plant and Equipment

The value of non-current assets shown on the balance sheet represents the value of assets held by the Council.

Movements in 2020/21
  Other Land and Buildings
in thousands of pounds
Vehicles, Plant, Furniture and Equipment
in thousands of pounds
Infrastructure Assets
in thousands of pounds
Community Assets
in thousands of pounds
Surplus Assets
in thousands of pounds
Assets Under Construction
in thousands of pounds
Heritage Operational Assets
in thousands of pounds
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
in thousands of pounds
PFI assets
in thousands of pounds
Cost or Valuation:
At 1 April 2020
476,697 21,862 280,354 9,554 15,294 16,996 21,251 842,008 73,826
Additions 3,617 3,519 3,788 299 38 2,628 92 13,981 446
Revaluation Increases/​(decreases) recognised in the Revaluation Reserve 9,285 none none none (400) none 665 9,549 (1,879)
Revaluation Increases/​(decreases) recognised in the Surplus/Deficit on Provision of Services 1,537 none none none (119) none none 1,418 none
De-recognition - Disposals (345) none none none (740) (32) none (1,117) none
De-recognition - Other (176) (1,964) none none none (480) none (2,621) (651)
Assets reclassified 77 none 57 none 686 (865) none (45) none
Balance at 31 March 2021 490,691 23,416 284,199 9,853 14,758 18,247 22,007 863,172 71,741
Accumulated Depreciation and Impairment:
At 1 April 2020
1,676 7,804 90,025 none none none none 99,505 1,242
Depreciation charge 18,142 2,605 7,056 none 239 none none 28,041 4,248
Depreciation written out to the Revaluation Reserve (19,076) none none none (245) none none (19,321) (3,928)
De-recognition - Disposals none none none none (6) none none (6) none
De-recognition - Other (11) (1,660) none none none none none (1,670) (651)
Other Movements in Depreciation and Impairment (11) none none none 11 none none none none
Balance at 31 March 2021 719 8,749 97,081 none none none none 106,549 910
Net Book Value as at 31 March 2021 489,972 14,667 187,118 9,853 14,758 18,247 22,007 756,621 70,831
Net Book Value as at 31 March 2020 475,021 14,058 190,329 9,554 15,294 16,996 21,251 742,503 72,584
Movements in 2019/20
  Other Land and Buildings
in thousands of pounds
Vehicles, Plant, Furniture and Equipment
in thousands of pounds
Infrastructure Assets
in thousands of pounds
Community Assets
in thousands of pounds
Surplus Assets
in thousands of pounds
Assets Under Construction
in thousands of pounds
Heritage Operational Assets
in thousands of pounds
Total Property, Plant and Equipment
in thousands of pounds
PFI assets
in thousands of pounds
Cost or Valuation:
At 1 April 2019
547,304 17,681 263,598 9,260 21,213 11,202 8,890 879,148 52,857
Additions 12,214 5,792 10,949 294 44 2,162 36 31,491 501
Revaluation Increases/​(decreases) recognised in the Revaluation Reserve (6,601) none none none (1,033) none 12,325 4,691 20,687
Revaluation Increases/​(decreases) recognised in the Surplus/​Deficit on Provision of Services (2,564) none none none (282) none none (2,846) none
De-recognition - Disposals (783) none none none (8,720) (380) none (9,883) none
De-recognition - Other (60,847) (1,611) none none none (102) none (62,560) (219)
Assets reclassified (12,026) none 5,807 none 4,072 4,114 none 1,967 none
Balance at 31 March 2020 476,697 21,862 280,354 9,554 15,294 16,996 21,251 842,008 73,826
Accumulated Depreciation and Impairment:
At 1 April 2019
13,244 7,393 83,434 none 182 none none 104,253 1,164
Depreciation charge 17,540 2,022 6,591 none 161 none none 26,314 3,439
Depreciation written out to the Revaluation Reserve (25,535) none none none (629) none none (26,164) (3,142)
De-recognition - Other (3,277) (1,611) none none none none none (4,888) (219)
Other Movements in Depreciation and Impairment (296) none none none 286 none none (10) none
Balance at 31 March 2020 1,676 7,804 90,025 none none none none 99,505 1,242
Net Book Value as at 31 March 2020 475,021 14,058 190,329 9,554 15,294 16,996 21,251 742,503 72,584
Net Book Value as at 31 March 2019 542,950 10,288 180,164 9,260 21,031 11,202 8,890 774,895 51,693

Schools

Following the implementation in the 2014/15 Code of IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements, and its implications for schools accounts, the Council reviewed its treatment of school assets, in particular those of voluntary aided schools. The review established that control rested with the relevant Diocesan Boards and that the schools used the assets under licence or other similar arrangements that did not cede any interest in the assets to the schools. As a consequence, voluntary aided schools remain off Balance Sheet.

Depreciation

PPE Assets, other than land, community assets and assets under construction are depreciated over their useful economic lives. Assets are being depreciated using the straight-line method over the following periods:

  • other land and buildings 0 to 50 years
  • infrastructure 40 years
  • motor vehicles and equipment up to 10 years

Equipment is depreciated on the basis of its ongoing value to the Council which can range from 1 to 10 years depending on the nature of the equipment.

Capital expenditure does not attract capital charges until the following year. From 1 April 2015 depreciation estimates are based on opening balances.

Capital Commitments

Significant capital expenditure commitments due after the year-end
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
2020/21
in thousands of pounds
24,879 Total 30,347
3,837 Schools Expansion 1,074
none Library Schemes  1,341
none Sidcup Regeneration 6,398
none Abbey Wood Station Public Realm Improvements 114
none CCTV cameras 124
316 Erith Regeneration 654
111 Temporary Accommodation Purchase 959
16,599 Investment /future developments 18,696
1,006 Harrow Manor Way Scheme 882
none Danson Dam 105
2,320 Street Services Fleet Replacement none
690 Affordable Housing none

Revaluations

The Council carries out a rolling programme that ensures that all property assets are revalued at their current value over a 5 year period. In addition to the planned revaluation rolling programme, all properties valued at over £1m and any other properties subject to a significant change during the year are revalued. All valuations were carried out by external valuers Wilkes Head and Eve.

The valuations have been undertaken in accordance with the professional standards set out in the Appraisal and Valuation Standards Manual published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. In estimating current value, regard has been given to the nature of the property by reference to its use, location, size, method of construction, age, all other relevant matters, and the prevailing market forces.

All Surplus assets were also revalued to Fair Value, highest and best use in accordance with IFRS 13.

The Valuer has arrived at their opinion of Current Value and Fair Value from referring to recent comparable market transactions and are of the view that there are no assets within the portfolio that should be classed at Level 3 in the Fair Value hierarchy.

For Specialised properties, the Current Value has been derived using Depreciated Replacement Cost methodology.

PPE analysis showing those assets held at cost and those at valuation subdivided by the last revaluation date as of 31 March 2021.

Movements on Balances in 2020/21
  Other Land and Buildings
in thousands of pounds
Vehicles, Plant and Equipment
in thousands of pounds
Infrastructure Assets
in thousands of pounds
Community Assets
in thousands of pounds
Surplus Assets
in thousands of pounds
Assets Under Construction
in thousands of pounds
Heritage Operational Assets
in thousands of pounds
Total PPE
in thousands of pounds
Carried at historic cost none 14,667 187,118 9,853 none 18,247 none 229,885
none
Values at fair
value as at
               
31 March 2021 477,367 none none none 14,757 none 22,007 514,131
30 March 2020 5,050 none none none none none none 5,050
none
31 March 2019 5,783 none none none none none none 5,783
none
31 March 2018 1,756 none none none none none none 1,756
none
31 March 2017 16 none none none none none none 16
none
Total 489,972 14,667 187,118 9,853 14,757 18,247 22,007 756,621

Property Plant and Equipment

Of the £429.5m net book value of PPE land and buildings subject to valuation, £307m relates to specialised assets valued on a depreciated replacement cost basis. Here the valuer bases their assessment on the cost to the Council of replacing the service potential of the assets. At the current time, the Council considered that it is too early to assess whether there would be any long-term impact on the use or demand for Council properties as a result of Covid-19 and also too early to assess whether there would be any material effect on construction costs.

The remaining assets in this class comprise properties valued on an existing use or highest and best basis, which has regard to market evidence. Whilst it is widely predicted that the measures taken by the Government to contain the impact of Covid-19 will impact on the economy and possibly the property market, as of 31 March 2021 it is too early to be able to measure with any reliability this impact.

The Council, therefore, concludes that the measurement of its PPE assets is materially accurate as of 31 March 2021, but that the situation will be closely monitored and any changes in value that take place over the coming months will be reflected in the 2021/22 accounts.

Note 15 - Heritage Assets

Reconciliation of the Carrying Value of Heritage Assets held by the Authority
Cost or valuation Art Collection
in thousands of pounds
Civic Regalia
in thousands of pounds
Monuments
in thousands of pounds
Heritage Land
in thousands of pounds
Heritage Buildings
in thousands of pounds
Total Assets
in thousands of pounds
At 1 April 2020 645 262 486 - 25,081 26,474
Additions none none none none 183 183
Depreciation none none none none none 0
Revaluations none none none none 893 893
Balance at 31 March 2021 645 262 486 0 26,158 27,551
At 1 April 2019 646 262 486 none 25,247 26,641
Additions none none none none 223 223
Depreciation none none none none none 0
Revaluations none none none none (390) (390)
Balance at 31 March 2020 646 262 486 0 25,080 26,474

Museum Collection

Approximately 21,000 items within the Council’s museum collection have been valued for insurance purposes and reported in the Balance Sheet. The insurance valuation is updated annually.

Historic Buildings

The Council owns two Grade 1 listed historic buildings, Danson House and Hall Place. These buildings are valued on a replacement cost basis. Due to their specialist nature Barrett Corp & Harrington Ltd specialist valuers have been engaged and they valued them as at 31 March 2021.

Danson House is currently being used by the Registrar Service and so is classified as an Operational Heritage Asset and its value included within Operational Property, Plant and Equipment, (note 14).

Historic Structures and Monuments

The Council owns two Grade 2 listed clocktowers in Bexleyheath and Crayford. These buildings are valued regularly on a replacement cost basis.

Five Arches Bridge is also owned by the Council, this structure is all that remains of the Foots Cray Estate and has historical significance. It is valued on a replacement cost basis.

War Memorials

There are eleven war memorials located across the borough. In addition, a memorial dedicated to the victims of an explosion at a local munitions factory in January 1924 is located at Erith Cemetery. The memorials are located in public spaces and are therefore accessible all year round.

The asset management of highways and parks structures which includes Crayford and Bexleyheath Clock Towers, Five Arches Bridge, Lesnes Abbey Ruins and the Council’s War Memorials, is the responsibility of the Deputy Director of Communities. All capitalised building maintenance budgets are the responsibility of the Director of Finance and Corporate Services, in the Finance and Corporate Directorate. Priority criteria for works are reviewed and set each year to develop a programme of work targeting those assets most in need. The proposed work schedule is reported to the Cabinet Member for Resources for approval.

Civic Regalia

The Civic Regalia Collection has been valued for insurance purposes and reported in the Balance Sheet. The Head of Electoral and Members’ Services, is responsible for the upkeep of the Council’s Civic regalia. Repairs are undertaken on an ad-hoc basis as and when necessary and expenditure incurred would be charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement. The Council’s Civic Regalia is displayed at the Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT.

Local Studies and Archive Centre

The Council’s local studies and archives collection forms a diverse mix of historical and cultural documents and includes newspapers from 1873 to the present; unique photographs, postcards and illustrations; books and journals on all aspects of Bexley, Kent and London; pamphlets; posters; local maps and plans from around the 18th Century to present; street and trade Directories and south-east London telephone directories from 1940 onwards.

Note 16 - Investment Properties

The following items of income and expense have been accounted for in the Financing Investment Income and Expenditure line in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement.

Investment Properties income and expense
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
  2020/21
in thousands of pounds
(2,476) Net gain/(loss) on financing and investment in the CIES (2,535)
(3,504) Rental Income from Investment Property (3,309)
1,028 Direct Operating Expenses arising from Investment Property 774

There are no restrictions on the Authority's ability to realise the value inherent in its Investment property portfolio or on the Authority's right to the remittance of income and the proceeds of disposal. The Authority has no contractual obligations to purchase, construct or develop investment property or repairs, maintenance or enhancement.

The following table summarises the movement in the Fair Value of investment properties over the year.

Movement in the Fair Value of investment properties
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
  2020/21
in thousands of pounds
83,138 Balance at end of year 31 March 69,187
91,307 Balance at start of year 1 April 83,138
none Additions - Purchases 935
45 Additions - Subsequent expenditure 2
none Disposals (10,192)
(6,237) Disposals - Net gains/losses from Fair Value Adjustments (4,728)
(1,977) Transfers - to/from Property, Plant and Equipment 32

Valuations are carried out annually by the Council's internal valuers and are valued to Fair Values as defined by IFRS 13.

Where an asset is valued to Fair Value, IFRS 13 requires the valuer to make additional disclosures regarding the valuation technique applied to measure the Fair Value and the nature of the inputs to that valuation technique, having regard to the Fair Value hierarchy prescribed within IFRS13.

It is confirmed that the valuation technique applied in respect of all Fair Value figures is the market approach. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets.

The inputs to this technique constitute Level 2 inputs in each instance. Level 2 inputs are inputs observable for the asset, either directly or indirectly. The inputs used took the form of analysed and weighted market evidence such as sales, rentals and yields in respect of comparable properties in the same or similar locations at or around the valuation date.

There are no restrictions on the Council's ability to realise the value inherent in its investment property or on the Council's right to the remittance of income and the proceeds of disposal. The Council has no contractual obligations to purchase, construct or develop investment property or repairs, maintenance or enhancement.

16.2 Fair Value Hierarchy of Investment Properties

IFRS Fair Value Hierarchy Levels 2020/21
  Fair Value
in thousands of pounds
Land
in thousands of pounds
Buildings
in thousands of pounds
Balance at end of year 31 March none 30,330 39,636
1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets none none none
2. Inputs other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset 69,966 30,330 39,636
3. Unobservable inputs for the asset none none none
IFRS Fair Value Hierarchy Levels 2019/20
  Fair Value
in thousands of pounds
Land
in thousands of pounds
Buildings
in thousands of pounds
Balance at end of year 31 March none 33,687 49,451
1. Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets none none none
2. Inputs other than quoted market prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset 83,138 33,687 49,451
3. Unobservable inputs for the asset none none none

Note 17 - Intangible Assets

The Authority accounts for its software as intangible assets, to the extent that the software is not an integral part of a particular IT system and accounted for as part of the hardware item of property, plant and equipment. The carrying amount of intangible assets includes both purchased licences and internally generated software and is amortised on a straight-line basis.

All software is given a finite useful life, based on assessments of the period that the software is expected to be of use to the Authority.

Software Intangible Assets
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
  2020/21
in thousands of pounds
2,798 Balance at start of year:
Gross Carrying Amounts
3,021
(2,211) Accumulated amortisation (2,436)
587 Net carrying amount at start of year 585
none Internal development none
223 Purchases 1,457
(225) Amortisation for the period (218)
none Other changes none
585 Net carrying amount at end of year 1,824
3,021 Comprising:
Gross Carrying Amounts
4,478
(2,436) Accumulated Amortisation (2,654)
585 Total 1,824

All software is given a finite useful life, based on assessments of the period that the software is expected to be of use to the Council. The useful lives assigned to the major software suites used by the Council are 5 years unless it is anticipated to be otherwise.

Note 18 - Financial Instruments

Accounting regulations require the “financial instruments” (investment, lending and borrowing of the Council) shown on the Balance Sheet to be further analysed into various defined categories. The investments, lending and borrowing disclosed in the Balance Sheet are made up of the following categories of “financial instruments”.

Level 1 are those where the Fair Values are derived from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These are reported at amortised costs.

Level 2 are those other than quoted prices included in level1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. They are reported at Fair Value through profit and loss. 

Level 3 unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

18.1 Financial Instrument - Balances

Some of the Council’s financial assets are measured at Fair Value on a recurring basis and are described in the following table, including the valuation techniques used to measure them.

Financial Assets
31 March 2020 Long Term
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2020 Current
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2020 Total
in thousands of pounds
Category of Financial Instrument
Financial Assets
31 March 2021 Long Term
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2021 Current
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2021 Total
in thousands of pounds
32,554 42,923 75,477 Total Financial Assets 42,625 24,226 66,851
9,552 257 9,809 Amortised Cost - Level 2 7,909 132 8,041
12,538 67 12,605 Current value through profit and loss - Level 2 - 176 176
none none none Current value through profit and loss - Level 1 12,238 none 12,238
22,090 324 22,414 Total Investments 20,147 308 20,455
10,464 22,653 33,117 Debtors - Level 1 22,478 15,448 37,926
none 19,946 19,946 Cash and Cash Equivalents - Level 1 none 8,470 8,470
Financial Liabilities
31 March 2020 Long Term
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2020 Current
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2020 Total
in thousands of pounds
Financial Liabilities 31 March 2021 Long Term
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2021 Current
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2021 Total
in thousands of pounds
(252,547) (41,697) (294,243) Total Financial Liabilities (253,388) (40,177) (293,565)
(223,051) (14,717) (237,768) Amortised Cost - Level 1 (223,043) (705) (223,748)
(29,496) (2,150) (31,645) PFI and Finance Lease Liabilities - Level 2 (30,345) (2,390) (32,735)
none (19,608) (19,608) Creditors - Level 1 none (37,082) (37,082)
- (5,222) (5,222) Cash and Cash Equivalents - Level 1 none none 0

During 2020-21 CCLA and Lothbury property funds held at Fair value Level 2 £12.2m have transferred out of Level 2 and into fair value Level 1. This is due to markets being reopened in these property funds, and therefore becoming active.

18.2 Financial Assets and Liabilities that are carried at Amortised cost for which Fair Value disclosures are required

Financial Liabilities
31 March 2020 Carrying Amount
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2020 Fair Value
in thousands of pounds
Financial Liabilities 31 March 2021 Carrying Amount
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2021 Fair Value
in thousands of pounds
237,768 411,018 Financial Liabilities 223,747 341,854
23,313 41,637 PFI and Finance Lease Liabilities 22,071 37,487

The fair value of £411m is measured at the pre-mature repayment rate.

Financial Assets
31 March 2020 Carrying Amount
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2020 Fair Value
in thousands of pounds
Financial Assets 31 March 2021 Carrying Amount
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2021 Fair Value
in thousands of pounds
3,114 3,252 Loans (Bonds) none none
15,400 15,400 Cash and Cash Equivalents (MMF) 17,400 17,400

For other financial assets carried at amortised cost, carrying values are deemed to equate to their fair value.

18.3 Categories of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Financial Assets
Non-Current Investments
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Current Investments
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Non-Current Debtors
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Current Debtors
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Total
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Financial Assets Non-Current Investments
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Current Investments
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Non-Current Debtors
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Current Debtors
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Total
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
22,090 324 10,464 42,599 75,477 Total Financial Assets 20,147 308 22,478 23,919 66,852
12,538 67 none none 12,605 Fair value through profit and loss 12,238 176 none none 12,414
9,552 257 10,464 42,599 62,872 Amortised Cost 7,909 132 22,478 23,919 54,438
Financial Liabilities
Non-Current Borrowing
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Current Borrowing
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Non-Current Creditors
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Current Creditors
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Total
31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
Financial Liabilities Non-Current Borrowing
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Current Borrowing
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Non-Current Creditors
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Current Creditors
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Total
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
(223,051) (14,717) (29,496) (26,980) (294,244) Total Financial Liabilities (223,043) (705) (30,345) (39,472) (293,565)
(223,051) (14,717) (29,496) (26,980) (294,244) Amortised Cost (223,043) (705) (30,345) (39,472) (293,565)

This note shows the adjustments made to impairment loss allowances as a result of the reclassification of financial assets and the change from the incurred losses model for calculations.

18.4 Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement disclosures

The gains and losses recognised in the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement in relation to financial instruments are made up of the following:

Income and Expenditure Statement disclosures
Net gains/​losses Surplus or Deficit on the Provision of 2020/21
in thousands of pounds
Total net gains/losses 300
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss - Realised gain none
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss - Unrealised loss 300
Financial assets measured at amortised cost none
Investments in equity instruments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income none
Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income none
Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss none
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost none

The in-year unrealised loss (£0.300m) resulted from the revaluation of the property pooled funds. The revenue impact of unrealised gains/losses are transferred out of the CI&E and held in the Pooled Investment Fund Adjustment Account (PIFAA), in accordance with the IFRS9 statutory override.

18.5 Nature and extent of risks arising from Financial Instruments

Bexley Council is a Council defined by the Local Government Act 1972 as primarily providing statutory services to the local population on a not-for-profit basis. As such, few financial instruments are used by way of commercial business. However, the funding mechanism means that during the year, the Council may hold substantial assets and liabilities. The Council uses financial instruments to manage the risks arising from holding assets and liabilities; it does not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

The main risks covered are:

  • Credit Risk - The possibility that other parties might fail to pay amounts due to the Council
  • Liquidity Risk - The possibility that the Council might not have funds available to meet its commitments to make payments
  • Market Risk - The possibility that financial loss might arise for the Council as a result of changes in such measures as interest rates or stock market movements
  • Re-financing risk - the possibility that the Council might be requiring to renew a financial instrument on maturity at disadvantageous interest rates or terms

The Council’s overall risk management procedures focus on the unpredictability of financial markets and implementing restrictions to minimise these risks. The procedures for risk management are set out through a legal framework as described within the Local Government Act 2003 and the associated regulations.

Credit Risk

Credit risk arises from deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to the Council’s customers. This risk is minimised through the Annual Investment Strategy, which requires that deposits are only made with financial institutions that meet identified minimum credit criteria. The Annual Investment Strategy also imposes a maximum sum that may be invested with a financial institution/group. The Council has adopted the CIPFA Treasury Management Code of Practice.

The Council’s Treasury Management Strategy specifies that the two principles that underpin the Council’s Investment Strategy are that:

  • investments should be restricted to relatively low-risk securities which do not suffer from significant changes in their capital value, and
  • a balance should be sought between investment in securities that yield a variable or a fixed rate of interest. This provides an element of diversification in the Council’s investment portfolio and reduces the impact of changes in interest rates on the Council’s interest earnings

Short-term core cash was invested for periods of up to one year. No new long term investments were made during the year. The remaining investments met the Council’s approved lending criteria as laid out in its Treasury Management Strategy. The portfolio consists of longer-term investments in pooled property funds. The pooled investment vehicles (which do not have credit ratings) are part of the Council's longer-term investment strategy with the potential to earn higher returns than in fixed-term deposits. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these pooled property investments is too early to assess and they will be kept under close review during 2021/22. Fluctuations in the net asset value are expected over the life of these investments but the impact of the IFRS 9 Statutory override in 2020/21 means that they did not affect revenue. Current changes in capital value are not material and changing trends are currently being monitored by Bexley treasury management staff in consultation with the Council's financial advisors, Link Asset Services.

The following analysis summarises the Council’s potential maximum exposure to credit risk on loans, based on the 12-month loss model.

Maximum exposure to credit risk on loans
  31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Nominal value of loans 4,058 7,256
Opening Balance 750 4,058
- Fair value adjustment on initial recognition none none
+ New loans granted 3,308 4,453
- Loans repaid none (1,255)
Impairment losses based on 12 month loss model none none
Balance carried forward none none

No credit limits were exceeded during the financial year and the council expects full repayment on the due date of deposits placed with its counterparts.

Liquidity Risk

The Council has a comprehensive cash flow management system that seeks to ensure that cash is available as needed. If unexpected movements happen, the Council has ready access to borrowings from the money markets and the Public Works Loans Board. There is no significant risk that it will be unable to raise finance to meet its commitments under financial instruments. Instead, the risk is that the Council will be bound to replenish a significant proportion of its borrowings at a time of unfavourable interest rates.

The Council sets limits on the proportion of its fixed-rate borrowing during specified periods. The strategy is to ensure that not more than 15% of loans are due to mature within any one year through a combination of careful planning of new loans taken out and (where it is economic to do so) making early repayments.

The maturity analysis of financial liabilities (at nominal value) - Loans outstanding
Loans outstanding 31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Total 237,471 223,440
PWLB 223,471 223,440
Market debt none none
Temporary borrowing 14,000 0
The maturity analysis of financial liabilities (at nominal value) - Maturity Profile
Maturity Profile 31 March 2020
in thousands of pounds
31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Total 237,471 223,440
Less than 1 year 14,031 31
Maturing between 1 and 2 years 31 31
Maturing between 2 and 5 years 2,794 6,794
Maturing between 5 and 10 years 20,047 21,016
Maturing between 10 and 15 years 19,268 16,268
Maturing between 15 and 20 years 14,500 12,500
Maturing between 20 and 25 years none none
Maturing between 25 and 30 years 12,000 17,000
Maturing between 30 and 35 years 35,800 39,300
Maturing between 35 and 40 years 42,500 42,500
Maturing between 40 and 45 years 42,500 42,500
Maturing over 45 years 34,000 25,500

Market Risk

The Council is exposed to risk in terms of its exposure to interest rate movements on its borrowings and investments. Movements in interest rates have a complex impact on the Council. For instance, a rise in interest rates would have the following effects:

  • borrowings at variable rates - the interest expense charged to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement will rise
  • borrowings at fixed rates - the fair value of the liabilities borrowings will fall (no impact on revenue balances)
  • investments at variable rates - the interest income credited to the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement will rise
  • investments at fixed rates - the fair value of the assets will fall (no impact on revenue balances)

Borrowings are not carried at fair value, so nominal gains and losses on fixed-rate borrowings would not impact on the Income and Expenditure Account. However, changes in interest payable and receivable on variable rate borrowings and investments will be posted to the Income and Expenditure Account and affect the General Fund Balance.

The Council has a number of strategies for managing interest rate risk. During periods of falling interest rates, and where economic circumstances make it favourable, fixed-rate loans will be repaid early to limit exposure to losses. The treasury management team has an active strategy for assessing interest rate exposure that feeds into the setting of the annual budget and which is used to update the budget during the year. This allows any adverse changes to be accommodated. The analysis will also advise whether new borrowing taken out is fixed or variable.

If interest rates had been 1% higher with all other variables held constant, the financial effect would be:

Market Risk
  31 March 2021
in thousands of pounds
Increase in interest payable on variable rate debt none
Increase in interest receivable on variable rate investments 174
Net Impact on Comprehensive Income and Expenditure - Gain (174)
Decrease in fair value of loans and receivables none
Decrease in fair value of fixed-rate borrowings liabilities (65,288)

Foreign exchange risk

The Council has no financial assets or liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and thus has no exposure to loss arising from movements in the exchange rate.

Note 19 - Inventories

The amount of Inventories held in the Balance Sheet
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
  2020/21
in thousands of pounds
2,777 Balance outstanding at year end 2,674
2,526
none
Balance outstanding at start of year 2,777
493 Purchases 460
(242) Recognised as expense in year (563)

Note 20 - Debtors

20.1 Short Term Debtors

Analysis of the Short Term Debtors balance
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
Short Term Debtors 2020/21
in thousands of pounds
56,240 Total Short Term Debtors 94,216
33,803
none
Trade receivables 63,891
7,857 Prepayments 18,152
14,580 Other receivable amounts 12,173

The total short term debtors is shown net of impairment loss provision of £26.4m (2019/20 £20.2m).

20.2 Long Term Debtors

Analysis of the Long Term Debtors balance
2019/20
in thousands of pounds
Long Term Debtors 2020/21
in thousands of pounds
10,464 Total Long Term Debtors 22,478
3,089
none
Finance Leases 3,074
451 Thames Innovation Centre 450
122 Cleeve Park Loan 31
2,333 BTS Fleet Debtor 1,750
3,608 Bexley Co 6,806
475 Other 849
none Pension 9,195
385 Mortgages 323