UCL ACADEMIC STAFF COMMON ROOM
Treasurer’s report to the AGM in respect of 2008-9
2008-9 has been a financially successful year for the ASCR. Most of the financial planning
has been in respect of the major refurbishment of the Housman Room. With this major
project as an exception there has been nothing unusual happening in the accounts!
Main points to note:
Preparing for Refurbishment – Last year we agreed to carry forward an annual figure of
£15k as a day-to-day ‘reserve’, this was to be distinct from the Refurbishment Reserve which
would essentially benefit from any surpluses. Whilst planning the refurbishment we decided
it would be appropriate to ‘borrow’ £5k from the carry forward figure for a year or two in order
to allow the full-scope of the works to occur in one closedown period. The main expenditure
on the refurbishment actually took place at the beginning of 2009-10 so will be fully reported
next year (see my budget note).
We received a generous donation from the Provost for costs relating to the removal, storage,
and rehanging of the artworks as well as a new system for attaching them to the walls and a
new alarm system. Unfortunately the cost of these aspects has gone slightly above the
£10k provided.
UCL Estates and Facilities were extremely understanding of our unusual cash-flow situation,
hence all major payments for the refurbishment occurring in 2009-10.
Change in procedure – Regular readers of my annual report will no doubt remember that I
changed the procedure slightly last year in respect of the way we show subscriptions, the
result being that the amount of subscription went up whilst the ‘Other Expenditure’ figure also
went up. I am pleased to say that the new system ran throughout 2008-9 so the figures
shown are absolutely correct in respect of these two headings.
Other notes:
Subscriptions – These fell slightly short of the budget.
Coffee Sales – A disappointing result this year especially when you consider that we
received the final payment of historic income not received (£2349.62). The committee
consider the provision of coffee machines to be more of a service provision than an income
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generation scheme. It is with this in mind that no increase in cost has been proposed.
Hire of Housman Room – down as a result of a change in usage arrangements with our
main hirer. The costs of hire have been stepped up since 2007, therefore there should be
some improvement here in 2009-10.
Newspapers – This figure is always a little hard to tie down due to invoicing procedures from
our main supplier. A new process means that as of 2009-10 we should be in a scenario of
recording real costs for the year.
Social Evenings – increase due to increased provision and inflationary increase on costs.
Other Expenditure – The main cost here is the provision of the ASCR Manager. Although
higher than in the previous year this is in line with my budgeted expectation.
Thanks:
My thanks go once again to Gordon Kenshole in his role as Honorary Auditor. Senior staff in
the Finance Division have also been extremely helpful throughout the year.
Finally, the finances would not be so controlled without the patience and support of Jane
Spender, ASCR Manager.
Frank Penter
Treasurer
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