The National Trust income has risen to £522m this year, according to its recently published annual report and accounts.
Income in the year to the end of February is up 5.7 per cent from £494m last year, with the main increase coming from an £18m increase in member income.
Total expenditure rose to £540m – the second year the trust has spent more than it earned, as part of a drive to fix a £300m backlog of conservation costs.
But the trust’s financial position remains extremely healthy. Despite a £120m pension deficit, its total assets are £1.13bn, and its unrestricted reserves are £230m – almost six months’ expenditure.
Governance changes
The reports also confirm that the trust has changed its governance structure following a consultation last year.
It is reducing the size of its council form 52 members to 36, and reducing the number of council members on its board of trustees.
National Trust council members are elected by members and appointed by other associated bodies, and their role is to provide a "breadth of experience and perspective" to the trustees.
They are intended to ensure all the many stakeholder groups with an interest in the Trust are effectively represented. They elect the trustees and have a scrutiny role.
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