TIDMWBS
RNS Number : 4966T
West Bromwich Building Society
24 November 2021
West Bromwich Building Society
Half-year results announcement
for the six months to 30 September 2021
The West Brom today announces its results for the six months to
30 September 2021.
Key highlights:
-- GBP479m of new mortgage lending (30 September 2020: GBP248m),
with GBP123m of new mortgages to first-time buyers (30 September
2020: GBP102m).
-- Statutory profit before tax of GBP14.6m (30 September 2020:
GBP2.9m) driven by higher net interest income and fair value gains
and lower impairment requirements.
-- Rewarded savers with rates that were, on average 98 % above
those paid by the market(1) for the period.
-- Capital position remains strong with the Common Equity Tier 1
(CET 1) capital ratio of 16.3 % (31 March 2021: 16.4%).
-- Improved Net Promotor Score(R) (2) to +80 from +76 at March
2021, with customer satisfaction maintained at 96%.
-- Recognition in three categories of the Moneyfacts 2021 awards
including Winner of Best Building Society Mortgage Provider, Highly
Commended Best Fixed Rate Mortgage Provider and Commended
Innovation in Personal Finance for the Modified Affordability
proposition.
Jonathan Westhoff, Chief Executive, commented:
It is pleasing to be able report a strong half-year performance,
despite much of the period continuing to be dominated by the
pandemic and the knock on impact on our members, colleagues and
communities. Whilst we are optimistic about the economic outlook
and better days are seemingly coming, there are still challenges
ahead and we remain committed to delivering our Purpose through
three guiding principles:
- Prioritising the wellbeing of our members, colleagues and communities;
- Ensuring our products, services and premises are safe and accessible;
- Remaining operationally and financially resilient.
Prioritising the wellbeing of our members, colleagues and
communities
Members
New lending performance has been supported by very competitive
purchase and remortgage products, with GBP479m of new mortgage
lending (30 September 2020: GBP248m), including the reintroduction
of high LTV products up to 95%.
In the first six months of the year, we have helped a further
814 first-time buyers, who are very much at the heart of our
Purpose (30 September 2020: 699).
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we continued to deliver
our Purpose of supporting home ownership, and maintained our high
service standards, resulting in us being recognised as the Best
Building Society Mortgage Provider at the Moneyfacts awards
2021.
With Bank of England Base Rate at an all-time low of 0.10%, the
Society has continued to support savers as much as possible. During
the first six months of the year the Society paid rates 98% (30
September 2020: 17%) above the market average (1) . This means that
during this period, the Society has paid an additional annualised
GBP8.8m (30 September 2020: GBP2.6m) in interest. We also welcomed
2,877 new savers (30 September 2020: 1,380).
The Society adopts a compassionate, fair and flexible approach
towards borrowers who are unable to meet their payments. At 30
September, Group arrears for the core residential book stood at
0.34% (31 March 2021: 0.43%) which continues to compare favourably
against the UK Finance average of 0.78% (31 March 2021: 0.85%).
We are also continuing to offer support to any borrowers
struggling to meet their payments in the current climate, and we
understand the impacts of events like the pandemic are often felt
hardest amongst the most vulnerable. We take proactive action that
is tailored to members' individual needs, and provide on-going
training to colleagues to ensure this remains the case. We have
recently signed up to the IEP Debt Code of Best Practice for Debt
Collection and Recovery , an initiative launched by the Inclusive
Economy Partnership, to ensure all consumers with low financial
resilience are treated fairly and consistently across all
sectors.
Colleagues
We supported colleagues throughout the pandemic in a number of
ways, including providing physical and mental wellbeing
initiatives, and adapted our working model to meet government
guidelines during the various lockdowns. We are now in a position
to use these learnings to reimagine the way we work to better
support our colleagues and service our members in the future. We
have set up a 'Hybrid Working Group' with colleagues from across
the business, with a focus on shaping our new ways of working. We
continue to engage both with our Employee and Member Councils to
ensure the new model delivers the needs of our colleagues and
members.
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including gender and
BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) representation, remains a
top priority. We recently published the Society's first Ethnicity
Pay Gap report on a voluntary basis, and were one of the few
companies in financial services to do so, to achieve better
transparency and drive the diversity agenda. Using similar
methodology to the Gender Pay Gap report, it is pleasing to see
that the Society's ethnicity pay gap statistics and representation
across all levels of the Society are in a strong position, however,
we acknowledge there is still more work to be done.
Communities
As a mutual, supporting the communities in which we operate is a
core part of our ethos. In the first six months of the year, we
announced our new charity partnership with Barnardo's, which is
closely linked to our Purpose. Over the next two years, the Society
is looking to provide GBP500,000 for the development of four 'Gap
Homes' using the Dormant Accounts Scheme, to support Barnardo's
mission to provide accommodation for vulnerable young people
leaving the care system in the Black Country area. Colleagues also
supported local charities such as food banks, local health services
and took part in 'The Great British Spring Clean'. In addition, a
further GBP36,000 was raised for Birmingham Children's Hospital
Charity through the Red Balloon Appeal Account, a special savings
product designed to benefit both customers and the hospital.
Ensuring the Society's products, services and premises are safe
and accessible
In the first six months of the year, we continued our commitment
to supporting mortgage prisoners. These borrowers have been trapped
paying higher interest rates following the financial crisis in
2008, due to being unable to remortgage to cheaper deals as they
didn't meet the affordability criteria. In September 2020, we were
the first lender to adopt the new FCA modified affordability rules
by developing products to support mortgage prisoners, and our
efforts led to greater public awareness of the issue and other
lenders followed suit.
We recently extended our offering to help mortgage prisoners by
introducing products up to 85% LTV, providing the most
comprehensive options to help these borrowers in the current
market. As a result of our efforts, the Society was commended in
the Innovation in Personal Finance category for our Modified
Affordability proposition at the Moneyfacts 2021 awards.
Remaining operationally and financially resilient
Throughout the pandemic, we continued to operate as a
financially secure and resilient building society. Our performance
and results are a further reflection of that. The Society has
reported an increased level of profit before tax, at GBP14.6m (30
September 2020: GBP2.9m) which maintains our Common Equity Tier 1
ratio (CET 1), a key measure of financial resilience, at 16.3% (31
March 2021: 16.4%). As a comparison, during the financial crisis in
2008/2009, the Society's CET 1 ratio was at 6.8%, demonstrating the
capital that has been built up to cope with economic shocks.
We adapted well to the operational challenges presented by the
pandemic and continued to provide the level of service that our
customers expect and our branch network remained open throughout. I
am proud to say that our colleagues have maintained our commitment
to outstanding customer service. The Society's Net Promoter Score
(R)2 (NPS), which measures how likely our members are to recommend
us, has increased to +80 (31 March 2021: +76), well in excess of
the average across financial services of +50, with our customer
satisfaction rating maintained at 96% (31 March 2021: 96%). These
results are testament to our colleagues' commitment to work
flexibly during the pandemic and reflects the customer-centred
approach adopted by our colleagues.
Looking Ahead
As we come to the end of another reporting cycle in the
seemingly 'post-pandemic' environment, I continue to be extremely
proud of all the efforts of my colleagues and the determination to
ensure the Society delivers and remains focused on its Purpose. As
we move into the second half of the year, we have a cautiously
optimistic outlook whilst remaining aware of the potential
challenges ahead, which are supported by our strong capital
position to weather any future storms. We will continue on our
journey of adopting hybrid working and modernising our services to
best support our saving and borrowing members, as well as our
colleagues, in this new environment.
1 Average market rates sourced from Bank of England Bankstats
table A6.1
2 Net Promoter Score and NPS are trademarks of Satmetrix
Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, Inc., and Fred Reichheld. The
Net Promoter Score is a measure of how likely our customers are to
recommend us.
ENQUIRIES
The West Brom PR Manager Beth Meads
07507 634128
Jonathan Westhoff - Chief Executive
Ashraf Piranie - Group Finance & Operations Director
West Bromwich Building Society
Condensed consolidated
half-yearly financial information
30 September 2021
Although the latter part of the half year saw some optimism
following the removal of restrictions and the initial success of
the vaccination programme, the period continued to be dominated by
the pandemic and the knock on impact on our members, colleagues and
communities. Against this backdrop, performance was strong as we
continue d to deliver our Purpose through three areas of focus.
1) Prioritising the wellbeing of our members, colleagues and communities.
Supporting the wellbeing of members, colleagues and communities
has remained top of our priority list. Throughout the first half of
the year we :
-- Have granted 14% of our residential mortgage b orrowers with
payment deferrals of which over 97 % have been supported back into
full payment status ;
-- Continued to provide tailored support and solutions for our
members including vulnerable customers and mortgage prisoners;
-- R eward ed savers by paying GBP8.8m more in interest than the market average(1) ; and
-- Progressed multiple fundraising and volunteering initiatives,
including a new partnership with Barnados, for those causes hit
hard est by the pandemic.
2) Ensuring our products, services and premises are safe and accessible.
Given the challenges of the pandemic, providing products and
services in a safe and accessible way has remained important.
Throughout the first half of the year we have:
-- Extended an additional GBP479m (30 September 2020: GBP248m)
of new residential mortgage lending including
GBP123 m (30 September 2020: GBP1 02 m) to first-time buyers;
-- Continued to raise awareness of mortgage prisoners and
enhance our M odified A ffordability proposition to make it more
widely accessible;
-- Received r ecognition in three categories of the Moneyfacts
2021 awards including Winner of Best Building Society Mortgage
Provider, Highly Commended Best Fixed Rate Mortgage Provider and
Commended Innovation in Personal Finance for the Modified
Affordability proposition;
-- Followed government guidance in keeping all of our 34
branches and head office site COVID-19 secure as the country
emerged from lockdown; and
-- Continued with remote working for over 80% of our staff and
progressed our approach to hybrid working through feedback from our
colleagues and the formation of a 'Hybrid Working Group' .
3) Remaining operationally and financially resilient.
The successful transition of our operating model and responsible
management of risk has delivered both operational and financial
resilience. Throughout the first half of the year we have:
-- Continued to provide all essential services to members;
-- Improved Net Promoter Score (R) (2) from +76 at March 2021 to
+80, with customer satisfaction remaining strong at 96%;
-- Maintained our financial strength with our CET 1 ratio at 16.3 % (31 March 2021: 16.4%) ; and
-- Reported a statutory profit before tax of GBP14.6m (30 September 2020: GBP2.9m).
1 Average market rates sourced from Bank of England Bankstats
table A6.1
2 Net Promoter Score and NPS are trademarks of Satmetrix
Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, Inc., and Fred Reichheld. The
Net Promoter Score is a measure of how likely our customers are to
recommend us.
Chief Executive's Business Review
A Purpose-led performance
We have delivered a strong first half performance , driven by
increased lending volumes and the emergence from lockdowns being
more positive than some of the scenarios that may have adversely
affected people's ability to maintain their mortgage
commitments.
Once again my colleagues have demonstrated a great degree of
innovation, flexibility , commitment and agility in continuing to
deliver a high level of service to our customers , constantly
responding to changing circumstances . There is some cause for
optimism as we emerge from the pandemic and , in the expectation
that we may soon find ourselves in the 'new normal', we have turned
our attention to what that may mean for us. This has seen changes
to some of our branch operations and the development of a new
'hybrid' way of working. We want to harness the creativity and
flexibility that our colleagues have demonstrated over the past 18
months to continue to adapt the way we work and deliver the best
outcomes for our members and colleagues.
We have maintained our high service standards in the six month
period, most notably in the mortgage market where, despite the
challenges brought about by the pandemic, we won the award for Best
Building Society Mortgage Provider (1) . Our new lending increased
by 93% to GBP479m compared with the first six months of the last
financial year.
O ur ongoing support for mortgage prisoners through our Modified
Affordability product range has been a key feature of us innovating
to deliver on our Purpose . We continue to lead the way in working
with this segment of the market, with a recent increase in our L
oan to V alue (LTV) criteria broadening this offering to include
more eligible borrowers . Our market leading contribution was
recognised as we were awarded a 'Commended Innovation in Personal
Finance' for our Modified Affordability proposition (1) .
T he ultra-low interest rate environment has continued , and the
uptick in inflation, even if proven to be temporary is, of course,
particularly troubling for our saving members who provide us with
the valuable funds to help the likes of first-time buyers achieve
their goals and mortgage prisoners to escape the trap of inflated
costs. This is why we strive to provide savers with what support we
can in their efforts to build financial resilience and a steady
income. In the six months to 30 September 2021, we paid our savers
98 % above the market average (2) (30 September 2020: 17 %) . This
means that during this period, the Society has paid an additional
annualised GBP8.8m (30 September 2020: GBP2.6m) in interest.
Although the macroeconomic environment emerging from the
pandemic restrictions appears initially promising, there remain
many factors creating uncertainty about the future which will
impact the potential for interest rates to increase to a level
above inflation . As the government support schemes put in place to
mitigate the financial impacts of the pandemic draw to an end, the
longer term effect on unemployment remain s unknown . What is more
likely is that supply chain issues , and sharp rises in energy
costs, maintain inflationary pressures in the near term and
adversely impact on households, reducing disposable income . We
will be focused on supporting our borrowers should they be impacted
in this way .
Performance update
Our capability to navigate any such economic pressures safely is
underpinned by a strong capital base, as measured through the
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET 1) ratio, which ended the period at 1 6.3
% (31 March 2021: 16.4%) . Th e very modest reduction in the ratio
is primarily as a consequence of the unwind of IFRS 9 transitional
arrangements and the increase in lending as we looked to support
borrowers throughout the difficult pandemic conditions. New
mortgage lending, at GBP479m, was almost double that delivered in
the first six months of the last financial year (30 September 2020:
GBP248m) .
Pre-tax profits increased to GBP14.6m (30 September 2020:
GBP2.9m) driven in the main by improvement in net interest income
of GBP2.6m, fair value gains of GBP3.9m (30 September 2020: losses
of GBP1.8m), a release of residential impairment provisions of
GBP3.0m ( 30 September 2020: charge of GBP0.2m) and a reduced
commercial impairment provision charge of GBP2.7m (30 September
2020: GBP5.8m).
The N et I nterest M argin (NIM) rose to 1.07% (3 0 September
202 0 : 1.04%) reflecting higher margins on new lending as well as
the continued benefits of low cost funding through the T erm F
unding S cheme with additional incentives for SMEs (TFSME) and
lower wholesale funding costs. The end of the TFSME and increased
competition in the mortgage market, combined with the increase in
retail funding costs and falling lending rates, may create downward
pressure on NIM .
The interim valuation for the West Brom Homes portfolio
indicates a gain of GBP0.4m (30 September 2020: GBP2.0m). This
represents an increase in property valuations based on regional
house price index movements offset by an additional charge recorded
for the impact of planned property improvements which were delayed
due to the pandemic.
Costs have increased to GBP24.4m (30 September 2020: GBP23.1m)
with the one-off cost of the write down of certain project related
costs and the accelerated depreciation of core systems being offset
by c ost savings that have been achieved as a result of our ongoing
efforts towards operational efficiency.
E xposure to credit losses on residential loans has fallen
resulting in a release of provision of GBP3.0m. The predominant
driver for this is the improvement in house prices. Offsetting this
is the impact of model enhancements and increase in overlays,
including the overlay for potential losses associated with
combustible materials where borrowers struggle to meet the demands
of freeholders, which has risen by GBP0.3m to GBP1.5m. Although the
longer term trajectory for the economy, and in particular house
prices remains uncertain, our exposure to credit losses from
residential loans is mitigated by a modest average LTV with 84% of
loans (30 September 2020: 79%) being below 75%.
The provision charge against legacy commercial exposures, which
include particular concentrations in retail, healthcare and leisure
sectors , has reduced to GBP2.7m (30 September 2020: GBP5.8m)
reflecting the improved economic certainty in comparison to our 31
March year end. These exposures remain materially sensitive to
changes in the wider economic climate and we continue to make
appropriate provisions against them, resulting in increased
provision coverage of 24.5 % (31 March 2021: 23 .1 %). Balances on
the non-core commercial book have reduced in the last six months by
5% to GBP378.6m (31 March 2021: GBP398.3m). A full breakdown of
this position is in cluded in note 8 of the condensed consolidated
half-yearly information in this report.
The increase in profitability has added a further GBP11.9m to
member reserves, and reduced the notional Profit Participating
Deferred Shares (PPDS) reserve deficit by GBP3.2m to GBP0.7m which
is important to the holders of the Society's Permanent Interest
Bearing Shares (PIBS) as, under the forecast distribution policy
announced in April 2018, interest payments (which are entirely at
the Board's discretion) will only be considered once the reserve
moves into surplus. For C ore C apital D eferred Share (CCDS)
holders, this means that the Board currently expects to return to
the path of forecast distributions outlined in April 2018, which
would mean that the interim distribution would be GBP1.50 per CCDS
to be paid in February 2022.
Capital resources
Full implementation
Transitional (3) Transitional Full implementation(3)
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-21 31-Mar-21 31-Mar-21
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Members' interests and
equity 400.6 400.6 389.9 389.9
Permanent interest
bearing
shares (PIBS)
deduction (7.8) (7.8) (7.8) (7.8)
Other adjustments(1) (3.7) (26.1) 5.5 (26.5)
------------------------ ------------------- ----------------------- ----------------- -----------------------
Common Equity Tier 1
(CET 1)
capital 389.1 366.7 387.6 355.6
Additional Tier 1
capital - - 7.5 -
------------------------ ------------------- ----------------------- ----------------- -----------------------
Total Tier 1 capital 389.1 366.7 395.1 355.6
Tier 2 capital(2) 21.7 21.7 21.6 21.6
Total regulatory
capital resources 410.8 388.4 416.7 377.2
------------------------ ------------------- ----------------------- ----------------- -----------------------
Risk weighted assets
(RWA) 2,389.7 2,367.3 2,360.0 2,328.0
Leverage ratio exposure 6,055.8 6,033.4 5,785.2 5,753.2
------------------------ ------------------- ----------------------- ----------------- -----------------------
Capital ratios % % % %
Common Equity Tier 1
ratio
(as a percentage of
RWA) 16.3 15.5 16.4 15.3
Common Equity Tier 1
before
IFRS 9 transitional
arrangements
(as a percentage of
RWA) 15.5 15.5 15.3 15.3
Tier 1 ratio (as a
percentage
of RWA) 16.3 15.5 16.7 15.3
Total capital ratio (as
a
percentage of RWA) 17.2 16.4 17.7 16.2
Leverage ratio 6.4 6.1 6.8 6.2
------------------------ ------------------- ----------------------- ----------------- -----------------------
1 Other adjustments mainly comprise IFRS 9 transitional
arrangements and deductions for intangible assets and deferred tax
assets .
2 Tier 2 capital comprises subordinated liabilities excluding
accrued interest.
3 The 'Full implementation' basis includes the unwind of IFRS 9
transitional relief.
Prioritising the wellbeing of our members, colleagues and
communities
We remain committed to supporting the wellbeing of our members,
colleagues and communities as described below.
For members
N ew lending performance has been supported by very competitive
purchase and remortgage products. As detailed previously, new
lending almost doubled in the first half of the year compared with
the same period last year. I n the first six months of the year ,
we have helped a further 814 first-time buyers , who are very much
at the heart of our Purpose (30 September 2020: 699) .
T he average LTV on new mortgage lending has been maintained at
71% in the first six months of the year. Many lenders initially
restricted high LTV products in response to market uncertainty
created by the pandemic , which of course impacted key segments
such as first-time buyers . This segment of the market has since
opened up and we have continued to achieve high levels of new
lending, whilst maintaining balance against our internal risk
appetite.
The Society adopts a compassionate, fair and flexible approach
towards borrowers who are unable to meet their payments. At 30
September, Group arrears for the core residential book stood at
0.34 % (31 March 2021: 0.43%) which continues to compare favourably
against the UK Finance average of 0.78 % (31 March 2021:
0.85%).
We are also continuing to offer support to any borrowers
struggling to meet their payments in the current climate, and we
understand the impacts of events like the pandemic are often felt
hardest amongst the most vulnerable. We take proactive action that
is tailored to members' individual needs, and provide on-going
training to colleagues to ensure this remains the case. We have
recently signed up to the IEP Debt Code of Best Practice for Debt
Collection and Recovery, an initiative launched by the Inclusive
Economy Partnership, to ensure all consumers with low financial
resilience are treated fairly and consistently across all
sectors.
The Bank of England (BoE) Bank Rate has remained at an all-time
low of 0.10%; whilst at this time last year the prospect of
interest rates turning negative was a real possibility, the current
inflationary pressures mean an increase in interest rates in the
near future is more likely than has been the case since the start
of the pandemic . We have continued to support savers as much as
possible and d uring the first six months of the year paid rates
98% above ( 30 September 2020: 17% above) the market average (2) .
This means that during this period, the Society has paid an
additional annualised GBP8.8m (30 September 2020: GBP2.6m) in
interest. We also welcomed 2,877 new savers (30 September 2020:
1,380).
For colleagues
We supported colleagues throughout the pandemic in a number of
ways, including providing physical and mental wellbeing
initiatives, and adapted our working model to meet government
guidelines during the various lockdowns. We are now in a position
to use these learnings to reimagine the way we work to better
support our colleagues and service our members in the future. We
have set up a 'Hybrid Working Group' with colleagues from across
the business, with a focus on shaping our new ways of working. We
continue to engage with both our Employee and Member Councils to
ensure the new model delivers the needs of our colleagues and
members.
Given the ' v-shaped ' economic recovery, demand for people
skills has grown and there is increased competition for skilled
resource. Like many in the sector and beyond, we are now facing
greater staff turnover than seen in recent years. We have
implemented targeted staff retention measures to minimise the
impact to the business.
Diversity and inclusion in the workplace , including gender and
BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) representation, remains a
top priority. We recently published the Society's first Ethnicity
Pay Gap report on a voluntary basis, and were one of the few
companies in financial services to do so, to achieve better
transparency and drive the diversity agenda. Using similar
methodology to the Gender Pay Gap report, it is pleasing to see
that the Society's ethnicity pay gap statistics and representation
across all levels of the Society are in a strong position, howev
er, we acknowledge there is still more work to be done.
For our communities
As a mutual, supporting the communities in which we operate is a
core part of our ethos. In the first six months of the year, we
announced our new charity partnership with Barnardo's, which is
closely linked to our Purpose. Over the next two years, the Society
is looking to provide GBP500,000 for the development of four 'Gap
Homes' using the Dormant Accounts Scheme, to support Barnardo's
mission to provide accommodation for vulnerable young people
leaving the care system in the Black Country area. Colleagues also
supported local charities such as food banks, local health services
and took part in 'The Great British Spring Clean'. In addition, a
further GBP36,000 was raised for Birmingham Children's Hospital
Charity through the Red Balloon Appeal Account, a special savings
product designed to benefit both customers and the hospital.
Ensuring the Society's products, services and premises are safe
and accessible
Throughout the pandemic, we followed all government guidelines
in place to create a safe environment for our customers and
colleagues. As restrictions have lifted, we continue to follow the
updated guidance, and this, together with the changes to our branch
network operating model discussed below, allows us to provide our
customers with the services they require while continuing to
provide the sense of community we have always done.
In September 2020 we became the first lender to support mortgage
prisoners through the development of a new mortgage product
proposition. Mortgage prisoners are borrowers trapped paying higher
interest rates than they may need to, despite being up to date with
payments, because they have been unable to re-mortgage to new
cheaper deals as they would not meet the affordability criteria.
Our response led to greater public awareness of the issue and other
lenders followed suit. We recently extended our offering to help
mortgage prisoners by introducing products up to 85% LTV, providing
the most comprehensive options to help these borrowers in the
current market. As a result of our efforts, the Society was
commended in the Innovation in Personal Finance category for our
Modified Affordability p roposition at the Moneyfacts 2021
awards.
Remaining operationally and financially resilient
Throughout the pandemic, we continued to operate as a
financially secure and resilient building society. Our performance
and results for the six months to 30 September are a further
reflection of that. The Society has reported an increase d level of
profit before tax to GBP14.6m (2019/20: reduction in profit to
GBP2.9 m) which maintains our CET 1 capital ratios, a key measure
of financial resilience, at 16.3% (31 March 2021: 16.4%).
We adapted well to the operational challenges presented by the
pandemic and continued to provide the level of service that our
customers expect. I am proud to say that our colleagues have
maintained our commitment to outstanding customer service. The
Society's Net Promoter Score (R)3 (NPS), which measures how likely
our members are to recommend us, has increased to +80 (31 March
2021: +76), well in excess of the average across financial services
of + 50 , with our customer satisfaction rating maintained at 96%
(31 March 2021: 96%). These results are testament to our
colleagues' commitment to work flexibly during the pandemic and
reflects the customer-centred approach adopted by our colleagues.
Our branch network remained open throughout the pandemic, although
at reduced hours. This, combined with a change in how customers use
the branches has resulted in reduced branch usage over the past 18
months. Feedback reflects that members value the branches, albeit
at reduced hours. In response to the changing needs we have revised
our branch network operating model so that branches maintain their
valuable role in local communities without presenting an unfair
cost burden on members who do not use the branch network.
Engagement through the pandemic
Our Member and Employee C ouncils have continued to meet
virtually through the pandemic, enabled by videoconferencing
technology and have provided much valued input to key focus areas
such as ways of working post pandemic and the proposed approach to
member and staff engagement on the roll out of our digital savings
programme and input to our Purpose-led strategy.
Principal risks and uncertainties
We recognise that effective risk management is essential to
achieving the Society's objectives in an operating environment
where the nature of the threats which prevail is continually
evolving.
Where applicable, this report provides an update on the
principal risks and uncertainties reported on pages 36 to 43 of the
2020/21 Annual Report and Accounts.
Principal risks
The Society's identified principal risk categories have remained
unchanged in the period. To avoid repetition, we have chosen to
focus on developments in certain areas during the first six months
of the year.
Business conditions and the economic environment
As lockdown restrictions were eased throughout the second
quarter of 2021 the UK economy showed signs of recovering from the
effects of the pandemic. GDP grew by 5.5% in the second quarter of
the year, and inflation has picked up significantly, reducing the
lingering threat of negative interest rates which had been a
concern in late 2020. The Bank of England (BoE) now forecasts
inflation to rise above 4% by the end of the year, and it is now
expected that the Bank will increase the Bank Rate in an effort to
bring inflation back down in line with its target of 2%.
Furthermore, the winding down of the g overnment's Job Retention
Scheme (furlough) has not yet resulted in the expected redundancies
with the level of employment actually rising . The proportion of
mortgage payments deferrals that subsequently experienced payment
difficulties is significantly less than initially expected. Against
this backdrop, HPI has remained robust, with the associated
positive impact on the West Brom Homes portfolio and provisions ,
although it s growth has recently been moderated due to the ending
of the Stamp Duty holiday in June. We have drawn funds from the B
oE 's TFSME Scheme which helped to supplement retail
funding over the pandemic period and refinance legacy BoE T erm F unding S cheme exposure.
Credit risk
It was anticipated that the end of the government support
schemes such as furlough would be followed by an impact on levels
of unemployment. This would then potentially have a knock on impact
on arrears levels and credit losses should borrowers be presented
with more long term difficulties. This impact, to date , has not
come to fruition with the economic recovery following the pandemic
continuing. We remain watchful to delayed adverse outcomes and
emerging risks such as interest rate rises that could put pressure
on the ability of households to meet their financial commitments.
This is possibly exacerbated by rising inflation costs having an
impact on day-to-day living expenses as well as the significant
uplift in energy costs recently observed.
Given this , our provision models continue to reflect the
uncertainty in economic outlook at 30 September 2021 by using a
range of economic scenarios, albeit this uncertainty has reduced in
comparison to the last year end and last interim reporting date.
Our stress testing continues to reflect the broad range of outcomes
we may see as the pandemic comes to an end. The retail exposures in
the commercial lending portfolio are particularly susceptible to
such shocks although, as detailed already, the combination of
provisions set aside against and capital directly allocated to
these exposures is significant. At the period end, coverage against
the retail sector exposures stood at 60.7% (30 September 2020:
59.4%).
Margin compression
Margin Compression Risk (MCR) is the risk of margin squeeze
caused by having limited ability to increase rates on the mortgage
book if the Society were to experience a relative increase in
funding costs affecting variable rate funding, and in particular
the administered rate retail balances. Throughout the year MCR has
reduced as the Society has lower exposure to an increase in
administered rate funding costs through utilisation of the Bank of
England's TFSME funding.
Given the strong recovery in GDP growth and inflation
experienced in the first half of the year, the probability of
negative interest rates , and the potential for further margin
compression, has significantly decreased. The Society is well
prepared should the prospect of negative rates occur . If Bank Rate
is forecast to rise to counter inflation, we will continue to
balance the support provided to both savers and borrowers in this
rising rate environment .
Operational resilience and technology investment
The Policy Statements have now been issued by the regulatory
authorities and we have a plan in place to meet the requirements
laid down by the regulators in line with the March 2022 deadline,
including both supplier management and outsourcing. Further plans
are being developed for the transition period that runs through to
March 2025. Outside this our focus on operational resilience
remains high to ensure that important business services are readily
available to meet members' expectations . We continue to respond to
the impact of COVID-19 and the revised operating model was
successfully implemented. We remain committed to developing an
operational environment that is strong and resilient, meeting
members' and regulatory expectations.
I nvestment in the core technology platforms, to allow greater
digital capability in both savings and mortgage origination, has
continued and this is expected to retain significant management
focus through to 2023.
Outlook
As we come to the end of another reporting cycle in the
seemingly 'post-pandemic' environment , I continue to be extremely
proud of all the efforts of my colleagues and the determination to
ensure the Society delivers and remains focused on its Purpose. As
we move into the second half of the year, we have a cautiously
optimistic outlook whilst remaining aware of the potential
challenges ahead, which are supported by our strong capital
position to weather any future storms. We will continue on our
journey of adopting hybrid working and modernising our services to
best support our saving and borrowing members, as well as our
colleagues, in this new environment.
Jonathan Westhoff
Chief Executive
1 Moneyfacts 2021 Awards
2 Average market rates sourced from Bank of England Bankstats
table A6.1
3 Net Promoter Score and NPS are trademarks of Satmetrix
Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, Inc., and Fred Reichheld.
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this half-yearly report are
forward-looking. Although the West Brom believes that the
expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are
reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will
prove to be an accurate reflection of actual results. By their
nature, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty
because they relate to future events and circumstances that are
beyond the control of the West Brom. As a result, the West Brom's
actual future financial condition, business performance and results
may differ materially from the plans, goals and expectations
expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Due to
such risks and uncertainties the West Brom cautions readers not to
place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We
undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements
whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
Condensed consolidated
half-yearly financial information
30 September 2021
Condensed consolidated half-yearly Income Statement
for the six months ended 30 September 2021
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm
Interest receivable and similar income
Calculated using the effective interest
method 50.5 50.1 99.4
On instruments measured at fair value
through profit or loss (7.3) (7.1) (15.2)
Total interest receivable and similar
income 43.2 43.0 84.2
Interest expense and similar charges (11.7) (14.1) (26.5)
Net interest receivable 31.5 28.9 57.7
Fees and commissions receivable 1.0 0.9 2.0
Other operating income 1.8 2.0 3.7
Fair value gains/( losses ) on financial
instruments 3.9 (1.8) 3.4
38 .
Total income 2 30.0 66.8
(19.4
Administrative expenses ) (19.5) (39.1)
( 5
Depreciation and amortisation 10 . 0 ) (3.6) (8.1)
Operating profit before revaluation gains, 13 .
impairment and provisions 8 6.9 19.6
Gains on investment properties 11 0.4 2.0 4.0
Impairment on loans and advances 6 0.3 (6.0) (18.8)
Provisions for liabilities 7 0.1 - (0.1)
Profit before tax 14.6 2.9 4.7
Taxation (2.7) (0.5) 0.4
Profit for the period 11.9 2.4 5.1
-------------------------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Condensed consolidated half-yearly Statement of Comprehensive
Income
for the six months ended 30 September 2021
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
11 .
Profit for the period 9 2.4 5.1
--------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- -----------------
Other comprehensive income
Items that may subsequently be reclassified
to profit or loss
Fair value through other comprehensive
income investments
(0 .
Valuation (losses)/ gains taken to equity 3) 3.1 3.7
Taxation 0.1 (0.6) (0.7)
Items that will not subsequently be reclassified
to profit or loss
Actuarial losses on defined benefit obligations - - (0.3)
Taxation - - 0.1
--------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- -----------------
Other comprehensive income for the period,
net of tax (0.2) 2.5 2.8
--------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- -----------------
11 .
Total comprehensive income for the period 7 4.9 7.9
--------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------- -----------------
Condensed consolidated half-yearly Statement of Financial
Position
at 30 September 2021
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
Notes GBPm GBPm GBPm
Assets
Cash and balances with the Bank
of England 482.2 294.7 316.5
Loans and advances to credit
institutions 85.7 133.3 107.3
Investment securities 276.6 259.1 276.5
Derivative financial instruments 11.8 3.8 6.5
Loans and advances to customers 8 4,979.0 4,624.0 4,852.3
Current tax assets 0.2 0.4 0.2
Deferred tax assets 18.5 19.9 21.3
Trade and other receivables 3.0 3.6 2.6
Intangible assets 10 14.5 16.0 16.3
Investment properties 11 141.9 140.9 143.0
Property, plant and equipment 10 24.0 26.8 24.9
Retirement benefit assets 3.2 - 1.1
------------------------------------ ------ -------------------- ---------- ----------
Total assets 6,040.6 5,522.5 5 , 768.5
------------------------------------ ------ -------------------- ---------- ----------
Liabilities
Shares 9 4,267.7 3,719.6 4,234.1
Amounts due to credit institutions 996.4 966.5 751.8
Amounts due to other customers 110.4 100.6 90.9
Derivative financial instruments 24.9 61.0 40.5
Debt securities in issue 12 196.9 244.8 217.9
Deferred tax liabilities 7.5 7.2 7.6
Trade and other payables 12.8 11.3 12.4
Provisions for liabilities 7 0.5 0.5 0.6
Retirement benefit obligations - 0.6 -
Subordinated liabilities 16 22.9 22.8 22.8
Total liabilities 5,640.0 5,134.9 5,378.6
------------------------------------ ------ -------------------- ---------- ----------
Members' interests and equity
Core capital deferred shares 13 127.0 127.0 127.0
Subscribed capital 15 7.8 7.8 7.8
General reserves 261.6 248.9 250.7
Revaluation reserve 3.3 3.3 3.3
Fair value reserve 0.9 0.6 1.1
------------------------------------ ------ -------------------- ---------- ----------
Total members' interests and
equity 400.6 387.6 389.9
==================================== ====== ==================== ========== ==========
Total members' interests, equity
and liabilities 6,040.6 5,522.5 5,768.5
------------------------------------ ------ -------------------- ---------- ----------
Condensed consolidated Statement of Changes in Members'
Interests and Equity
for the six months ended 30 September 2021
6 months ended
30 September
2021 (unaudited)
Core
capital Fair
deferred Subscribed General Revaluation value
shares capital reserves reserve reserve Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
3
2 50 1. 89
At 1 April 2021 127.0 7 . 8 . 7 3.3 1 . 9
Profit for the 11 . 11
period - - 9 - - . 9
Other
comprehensive
income
for the period
(net of tax)
Fair value
through other
comprehensive
income (0
investments - - - - (0.2) . 2)
Total other
comprehensive (0 (0
income - - - - . 2) . 2)
----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total
comprehensive
income 11 . (0 11
for the period - - 9 - . 2) . 7
Distribution to
the holders (1
of core capital (1 . . 0
deferred shares - - 0 ) - - )
At 30 September 261 0 400
2021 127.0 7.8 . 6 3. 3 . 9 .6
----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- --------------
6 months
ended 30
September
2020
(unaudited)
Core
capital Fair
deferred Subscribed General Revaluation value
shares capital reserves reserve reserve Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
At 1 April 2020 127.0 8.9 246.5 3.3 (1.9) 383.8
Profit for the
period - - 2.4 - - 2.4
Other
comprehensive
income
for the period
(net of tax)
Fair value
through other
comprehensive
income
investments - - - - 2.5 2.5
Total other
comprehensive
income - - - - 2.5 2.5
----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total
comprehensive
income
for the period - - 2.4 - 2.5 4.9
Distribution to
the holders
of core capital
deferred shares - - (0.6) - - (0.6)
Buyback and
cancellation of
subscribed
capital - (1.1) 0.6 - - (0.5)
----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- --------------
At 30 September
2020 127.0 7.8 248.9 3.3 0.6 387.6
----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Core
capital Fair
deferred Subscribed General Revaluation value
shares capital reserves reserve reserve Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
At 1 April 2020 127.0 8.9 246.5 3.3 (1.9) 383.8
Profit for the
financial year - - 5.1 - - 5.1
Other
comprehensive
income
for the year
(net of tax)
Retirement
benefit
obligations - - (0.2) - - (0.2)
Fair value
through other
comprehensive
income
investments - - - - 3.0 3.0
==========
Total other
comprehensive
income - - (0.2) - 3.0 2.8
----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Total
comprehensive
income
for the year - - 4.9 - 3.0 7.9
Distribution to
the holders
of core capital
deferred shares - - (1.3) - - (1.3)
Buyback and
cancellation of
subscribed
capital - (1.1) 0.6 - - (0.5)
----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- --------------
At 31 March 2021 127.0 7.8 250.7 3.3 1.1 389.9
----------------- --------------- --------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- --------------
Condensed consolidated half-yearly Statement of Cash Flows
for the six months ended 30 September 2021
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Net cash inflow from operating activities 166 .
(below) 9 37.6 82.5
-------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
Cash flows from investing activities
(38 .
Purchase of investment securities 5 ) (14.6) (37.5)
Proceeds from disposal of investment 34 .
securities 1 43.8 54.0
Proceeds from disposal of investment
properties 1.5 - 0.2
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (2.0
and intangible assets ) (2.1) (5.2)
-------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
(4 .
Net cash flows from investing activities 9) 27.1 11.5
-------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
Cash flows from financing activities
(21.
Repayment of debt securities in issue 6 ) (21.7) (49.2)
Interest paid on subordinated liabilities (1.2) (1.2) (2.5)
Payment of lease liabilities (0.2) (0.2) (0.5)
Distribution to the holders of core (1 .
capital deferred shares 0 ) (0.6) (1.3)
Buyback and cancellation of subscribed
capital - (0.3) (0.3)
-------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
Net cash flows from financing activities (24.0) (24.0) (53.8)
-------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
Net increase in cash 138.0 40.7 40.2
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 416 .
of period 0 375.8 375.8
-------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of 554 .
period 0 416.5 416.0
-------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------- -----------------
For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash
equivalents comprise the following balances with maturities of
three months or less from the date of acquisition:
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand (including Bank of England Reserve account) 468 . 3 283.2 304.7
Loans and advances to credit institutions 85 . 7 133.3 107.3
Investment securities - - 4.0
-----------------------------------------------------------
554.0 416.5 416.0
---------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- --------------- ---------------
The Group is required to maintain certain mandatory balances
with the Bank of England which, at 30 September 2021, amounted to
GBP 13.9 m (30 September 2020: GBP11.5m and 31 March 2021:
GBP11.8m). The movement in these balances is included within cash
flows from operating activities.
The Group's loans and advances to credit institutions includes
GBP 43.0 m (30 September 2020: GBP49.9m and 31 March 2021:
GBP41.7m) of balances belonging to the Society's structured
entities which are not available for general use by the
Society.
Condensed consolidated half-yearly Statement of Cash Flows
(continued)
for the si x months ended 30 September 2021
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax 14.6 2.9 4.7
Adjustments for non-cash items included
in profit before tax
Impairment on loans and advances (0.3) 6.0 18.8
Depreciation and amortisation 5.0 3.6 8.1
Revaluation of investment properties (0.4) (2.0) (4.0)
Changes in provisions for liabilities (0.1) (0.1) 0.1
Interest on subordinated liabilities 1.2 1.2 2.5
Fair value (gains)/ losses on equity
release portfolio (0.5) 0.4 0.2
Interest paid on lease liabilities - - 0.1
Other non-cash movements 16.2 (5.1) 13.6
---------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ----------
35 .
7 6.9 44.1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Loans and advances to customers (142.0) 66.4 (193.3)
Loans and advances to credit institutions (2.1) (0.2) (0.5)
Derivative financial instruments (20.9) 7.5 (15.7)
Shares 33.6 (126.5) 388.0
Deposits and other borrowings 264.7 88.9 (134.9)
Trade and other receivables (0.4) 0.5 1.5
Trade and other payables 0.4 (3.5) (2.3)
Retirement benefit obligations (2.1) (2.1) (4.1)
Subscribed capital - (0.3) (0.3)
Tax paid - - -
166 .
Net cash inflow from operating activities 9 37.6 82.5
---------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ----------
Notes to condensed consolidated half-yearly financial
information
for the si x months ended 30 September 2021
1 General information
These half-yearly financial results do not constitute statutory
accounts within the meaning of the Building Societies Act 1986. A
copy of the statutory accounts for the year to 31 March 2021 has
been delivered to the Financial Conduct Authority and the relevant
information in this report has been extracted from these statutory
accounts. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021
have been reported on by the Group's auditor and the report of the
auditor was (i) unqualified, and (ii) did not include a reference
to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of
emphasis without qualifying their report.
The consolidated half-yearly financial information for the six
months to 30 September 2021 and 30 September 2020 is unaudited and
has not been reviewed by the Group's auditor.
2 Basis of preparation
This condensed consolidated half-yearly financial report for the
six months ended 30 September 2021 has been prepared in accordance
with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct
Authority and in accordance with the UK adopted International
Accounting Standards (IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'). The
half-yearly condensed consolidated financial report should be read
in conjunction with the Annual Report and Accounts for the year
ended 31 March 2021, which have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted pursuant
to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European
Union.
3 Going concern and business viability statement
Details of the Group's objectives, policies and processes for
managing its exposure to risk are contained in the Risk Management
Report of the 2020/21 Annual Report and Accounts. The Directors
also include statements in the Directors' Report in respect of
going concern and longer-term business viability on page 48 of the
2020/21 Annual Report and Accounts.
The Directors have reviewed the latest plans and forecasts for
the Group giving consideration to liquidity and capital adequacy.
They are satisfied that the Group has adequate resources to meet
both the normal demands of the business and the requirements which
might arise in stressed circumstances for the next 12 months and
that the longer-term business viability statement in the 2020/21
Annual Report and Accounts remains appropriate. Accordingly they
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these
half-yearly financial results.
4 Accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted by the Group in the consolidated
half-yearly information are consistent with those disclosed in the
Annual Report & Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021.
IBOR transition
The amendments to IAS 39 and IFRS 7 (Phase 2) are effective for
the period beginning on or after 1 January 2021. The amendments
provide practical expedients in respect of accounting for changes
to financial assets and liabilities where the modification is as a
direct result of the IBOR reforms. The amendments allow firms to
account for the modification to the asset or liability by applying
the updated effective interest rate following a transition to a new
benchmark interest rate to value the financial asset or liability,
rather than continuing to discount the asset or liability at the
original discount rate and recognising a gain or loss in the Income
Statement as per the usual requirements under IFRS 9 for
modifications of financial assets and liabilities.
The Group is continuing to wind down its exposure to LIBOR
linked derivatives using a mixed approach to active transition and
reliance on fallbacks to minimise operational impacts and manage
risks. The Group is on track to complete this activity in
accordance with the regulator's expectations.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements in applying
accounting policies
In the process of applying accounting policies, the Group makes
various judgements, estimates and assumptions which affect the
amounts recognised in the financial statements. Estimates and
judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical
experience and other factors, including expectations of future
events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances.
For the half year accounts, tax has been charged on the
statutory profit before tax at the UK standard rate of 19%. A full
review of the tax position of the Society and its subsidiaries will
be carried out at the year end date. Otherwise, the significant
judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of
estimation uncertainty at 30 September 2021 are unchanged from
those existing at 31 March 2021.
5 Business segments
Operating segments are reported in accordance with the internal
reporting provided to the Group Board (the chief operating decision
maker), which is responsible for allocating resources to the
reportable segments and assessing their performance.
The Group has three main business segments:
-- Retail - incorporating residential lending, savings,
investments and protection;
-- Commercial real estate - primarily representing loans for
commercial property investment; and
-- Property - a portfolio of residential properties for
rent.
Central Group operations have been included in Retail and
comprise risk management, finance, treasury services, human
resources and computer services, none of which constitute a
separately reportable segment.
There were no changes to reportable segments during the
period.
Transactions between the business segments are carried out at
arm's length. The revenue from external parties reported to the
Group Board is measured in a manner consistent with that in the
consolidated Income Statement.
Funds are ordinarily allocated between segments, resulting in
funding cost transfers disclosed in inter-segment net interest
income. Interest charged for these funds is based on the Group's
cost of capital. Central administrative costs are also allocated
between segments and are disclosed in inter-segment administrative
expenses. There are no other material items of income or expense
between the business segments.
The Group does not consider its operations to be cyclical or
seasonal in nature.
6 months ended 30 September 2021 Commercial Consolidation Total
(unaudited) Retail real estate Property adjustments Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Interest receivable and similar income
Calculated using the effective interest
method 54.4 3.7 - (7.6) 50.5
On instruments measured at fair
value through profit or loss (7.3) - - - (7.3)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Total interest receivable and similar
income 47.1 3.7 - (7.6) 43.2
Interest expense and similar charges (11.9) (6.0) (1.4) 7.6 (11.7)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Net interest receivable/(expense) 35.2 (2.3) (1.4) - 31.5
Fees and commissions receivable 1.0 - - - 1.0
Other operating income - - 1.8 - 1.8
Fair value gains on financial instruments 2.0 1.9 - - 3.9
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Total income 38.2 (0.4) 0.4 - 38.2
Administrative expenses (18.9) (0.5) - - (19.4)
Depreciation and amortisation (5.0) - - - (5.0)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Operating profit/(loss) before revaluation
gains, impairment and provisions 14.3 (0.9) 0.4 - 13.8
Gains on investment properties - - 0.4 - 0.4
Impairment on loans and advances 3.0 (2.7) - - 0.3
Provisions for liabilities 0.1 - - - 0.1
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Profit/(Loss) before tax 17.4 (3.6) 0.8 - 14.6
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Total assets 6,103.5 294.2 144.4 (501.5) 6,040.6
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Total liabilities 5,750.4 427.6 121.6 (659.6) 5,640.0
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
6 months ended 30 September 2020 Commercial Consolidation Total
(unaudited) Retail real estate Property adjustments Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Interest receivable and similar income
Calculated using the effective interest
method 51.5 4.3 - (5.7) 50.1
On instruments measured at fair value
through profit or loss (7.1) - - - (7.1)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Total interest receivable and similar
income 44.4 4.3 - (5.7) 43.0
Interest expense and similar charges (14.3) (4.0) (1.5) 5.7 (14.1)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Net interest receivable/(expense) 30.1 0.3 (1.5) - 28.9
Fees and commissions receivable 0.9 - - - 0.9
Other operating income - - 2.0 - 2.0
Fair value losses on financial instruments - (1.8) - - (1.8)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Total income 31.0 (1.5) 0.5 - 30.0
Administrative expenses (18.9) (0.5) (0.1) - (19.5)
Depreciation and amortisation (3.6) - - - (3.6)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Operating profit/(loss) before revaluation
gains, impairment and provisions 8.5 (2.0) 0.4 - 6.9
Gains on investment properties - - 2.0 - 2.0
Impairment on loans and advances (0.2) (5.8) - - (6.0)
Provisions for liabilities - - - - -
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Profit/(Loss) before tax 8.3 (7.8) 2.4 - 2.9
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Total assets 5,501.5 332.2 143.5 (454.7) 5,522.5
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Total liabilities 5,161.4 440.5 123.0 (590.0) 5,134.9
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- --------
Commercial Consolidation Total
Year ended 31 March 2021 (audited) Retail real estate Property adjustments Group
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Interest receivable and similar income
Calculated using the effective interest
method 104.6 8.0 - (13.2) 99.4
On instruments measured at fair value
through profit or loss (15.2) - - - (15.2)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- ----------
Total interest receivable and similar
income 89.4 8.0 - (13.2) 84.2
Interest expense and similar charges (26.7) (10.1) (3.0) 13.3 (26.5)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- ----------
Net interest receivable/(expense) 62.7 (2.1) (3.0) 0.1 57.7
Fees and commissions receivable 2.0 - - - 2.0
Other operating income - - 3.7 - 3.7
Fair value gains on financial instruments 2.5 0.9 - - 3.4
-------- ------------- --------- -------------- ----------
Total income 67.2 (1.2) 0.7 0.1 66.8
Administrative expenses (38.1) (0.9) (0.1) - (39.1)
Depreciation and amortisation (8.1) - - - (8.1)
-------------------------------------------- ======== ============= ========= ============== ==========
Operating profit/(loss) before revaluation
gains, impairment and provisions 21.0 (2.1) 0.6 0.1 19.6
Gains on investment properties - - 4.0 - 4.0
Impairment on loans and advances (4.8) (14.0) - - (18.8)
Provisions for liabilities (0.1) - - - (0.1)
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- ----------
Profit/(Loss) before tax 16.1 (16.1) 4.6 0.1 4.7
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- ----------
Total assets 5,771.7 315.9 145.4 (464.5) 5,768.5
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- ----------
Total liabilities 5,434.3 439.0 123.4 (618.1) 5,378.6
-------------------------------------------- -------- ------------- --------- -------------- ----------
6 Allowance for losses on loans and advances to customers
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
(0 .
Impairment (credit)/ charge for the period 3) 6.0 18.8
---------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Impairment provision at end of period
Loans fully secured on residential property 9.0 7.2 11.8
92 .
Loans fully secured on land 8 87.7 91.9
---------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
101 .
Total 8 94.9 103.7
---------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
In accordance with IFRS 9, 'Financial instruments', forecasts of
future economic conditions are integral to the E xpected C redit L
oss (ECL) calculations. At 30 September 2021, the Group modelled
four forward-looking macroeconomic scenarios: central, upside,
downside and severe with respective probability weightings reviewed
and updated from those applied at 31 March 2021. The Group's
scenario weightings as at 30 September 2021 are 60% for the central
scenario, 5% for the upside scenario, 25% for the downside scenario
and 10% for the severe scenario (31 March 2021: central scenario
50%, upside scenario 10%, downside scenario 25% and severe scenario
15%). The amendments to the weightings reflect that the
macroeconomic forecasts are more promising than anticipated along
with house price growth since the year end. Individual economic
variables within the scenarios are regularly reviewed and updated
to reflect the current economic outlook.
In addition to the scenario weightings and account-specific
factors that impact cashflows, the key model assumption for
commercial provisioning is considered to be the exit yield
requirement, which is used to estimate the cash flows arising from
realisation of the property values on sale. While interest rates
also have a significant impact on the ECL, via the discount factor
applied in the model, compensating economic hedge arrangements
would substantially offset the movement in profit or loss terms
with an opposing fair value movement . Compared with the central
economic forecast, the exit yield requirement for each loan
increases by 0.8% and 1.9% in the downside and severe scenarios
respectively and reduce s by 0.2% in the upside scenario. This
compares to an average exit yield of 8%.
Presented below is the sensitivity to the total residential and
commercial ECL provision arising from the application of 100%
weighting to each scenario.
Current scenario (%)
Increase/ Increase/
(decrease) (decrease)
in provision in provision
with 100% with 10%
202 scenario increase
Probability 1 /2 202 2 5 year weighting in
weighting 2 /2 3 average (GBPm) weighting*(GBPm)
Central
scenario 6 0% Bank Rate 0.1 0.3 0.5
---------- ------------ --------------
HPI 5.3 1.4 2.5
---------- ------------
Unemployment 4.9 4.8 4.5
(11 . 4
GDP 7.3 4.9 3.4 ) -
---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ --------------- --------------- -------------- -----------------
Upside
scenario 5 % Bank Rate 0.3 0.5 0.8
---------- ------------ --------------
HPI 8.5 3.9 4.7
---------- ------------
Unemployment 4.8 4.6 4.2
(14 . 8
GDP 8.0 6.7 4.6 ) (0.3)
---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ --------------- --------------- -------------- -----------------
Downside
scenario 25% Bank Rate 0.1 - -
---------- ------------ --------------
HPI (5.0) (5.1) (1.5)
---------- ------------
Unemployment 7.4 8.3 6.7
GDP 4.0 2.1 1.9 13.8 2.5
---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ --------------- --------------- -------------- -----------------
S evere
scenario 1 0 % Bank Rate - (0.1) (0.1)
---------- ------------ --------------
HPI (10.9) (12.5) (4.6)
---------- ------------
Unemployment 10.0 12.0 9.2
GDP (5.0) (15.0) (2.0) 43 . 1 5.3
---------- ------------ ------------- ------------ --------------- --------------- -------------- -----------------
* (increase in 10% weighting with a corresponding reduction in
the central scenario) .
The tables below analyse the movement in residential impairment provisions
by IFRS 9 stage.
Stage Stage Stage
1 2 3 Total
6 months ended 30 September 2021 (unaudited) GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Residential expected credit loss allowance
At 1 April 2021 1.8 7.4 2.6 11.8
Transfers due to increased credit risk:
From stage 1 to stage 2 (0.1) 0.3 - 0.2
From stage 1 to stage 3 (0.1) - 0.3 0.2
From stage 2 to stage 3 - (0.1) 0.1 -
Transfers due to decreased credit risk:
From stage 2 to stage 1 0.2 (2.5) - (2.3)
From stage 3 to stage 2 - 0.1 (0.1) -
Remeasurement of expected credit losses
with no stage transfer 0.2 (0.9) 0.1 (0.6)
(0.2 (0. 1 ( 0 .
Redemptions ) (0.1) ) 4 )
(0. 3 (0. 3
Amounts written off - - ) )
Other movements 0.1 - (0.1) -
Movement in provision overlays - 0.4 - 0.4
---------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
2 .
At 30 September 2021 1.9 4 .6 5 9.0
---------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------
Stage Stage Stage
1 2 3 Total
6 months ended 30 September 2020 (unaudited) GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Residential expected credit loss allowance
At 1 April 2020 1.1 2.7 3.2 7.0
Transfers due to increased credit risk:
From stage 1 to stage 2 (0.1) 0.4 - 0.3
From stage 1 to stage 3 (0.1) - 0.4 0.3
From stage 2 to stage 3 - (0.1) 0.5 0.4
Transfers due to decreased credit risk:
From stage 2 to stage 1 - (0.1) - (0.1)
From stage 3 to stage 1 - - (0.1) (0.1)
From stage 3 to stage 2 - - (0.3) (0.3)
Remeasurement of expected credit losses
with no stage transfer 0.2 (0.3) - (0.1)
Redemptions (0.1) - (0.1) (0.2)
Amounts written off - - (0.2) (0.2)
Other movements 0.2 - - 0.2
---------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- -------
At 30 September 2020 1.2 2.6 3.4 7.2
---------------------------------------------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Stage Stage Stage Total
1 2 3
Year ended 31 March 2021 (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Residential expected credit loss allowance
At 1 April 2020 1.1 2.7 3.2 7.0
Transfers due to increased credit risk:
From stage 1 to stage 2 (0.1) 3.2 - 3.1
From stage 1 to stage 3 (0.1) - 0.4 0.3
From stage 2 to stage 3 - (0.1) 0.5 0.4
Transfers due to decreased credit risk:
From stage 2 to stage 1 0.1 (0.2) - (0.1)
From stage 3 to stage 1 - - (0.1) (0.1)
From stage 3 to stage 2 - - (0.3) (0.3)
Remeasurement of expected credit losses
with no stage transfer 1.1 1.0 (0.3) 1.8
Redemptions (0.2) - (0.1) (0.3)
Amounts written off - - (0.5) (0.5)
Other movements (0.1) - (0.2) (0.3)
Movement in provision overlays - 0.8 - 0.8
--------------------------------------------
At 31 March 2021 1.8 7.4 2.6 11.8
-------------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
The tables below analyse the movement in commercial impairment
provisions by IFRS 9 stage.
Stage Stage Stage
1 2 3 Total
6 months ended 30 September 2021 (unaudited) GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Commercial expected credit loss allowance
8 . 9 1.
At 1 April 2021 - 4 83 .5 9
Transfers due to increased credit risk:
From stage 1 to stage 3 - - 1.2 1.2
From stage 2 to stage 3 - (0.3) 0.4 0.1
Remeasurement of expected credit losses 3 .
with no stage transfer - - 3 .7 7
Amounts written off - - (1.4) (1.4)
Other movements - - 0.1 0.1
Movement in provision overlays - - (2.8) (2.8)
---------------------------------------------- -------- ------- ------- -------
8 . 84 92
At 30 September 2021 - 1 . 7 . 8
---------------------------------------------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Stage Stage Stage
1 2 3 Total
6 months ended 30 September 2020 (unaudited) GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Commercial expected credit loss allowance
At 1 April 2020 - 9.3 72.5 81.8
Remeasurement of expected credit losses
with no stage transfer - 1.1 4.7 5.8
Other movements - - 0.1 0.1
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------------- -------------- ----------------
At 30 September 2020 - 10.4 77.3 87.7
----------------------------------------------- -------- --------------- -------------- ----------------
Stage Stage Stage
1 2 3 Total
Year ended 31 March 2021 (audited) GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Commercial expected credit loss allowance
At 1 April 2020 - 9.3 72.5 81.8
Transfers due to increased credit risk:
From stage 2 to stage 3 - (1.4) 1.8 0.4
Remeasurement of expected credit losses
with no stage transfer - 0.5 9.2 9.7
Amounts written off - - (2.8) (2.8)
Movement in provision overlays - - 2.8 2.8
---------------------------------------------- --------- --------------- -------------- --------------
At 31 March 2021 - 8.4 83.5 91.9
---------------------------------------------- --------- --------------- -------------- --------------
7 Provisions for liabilities
6 months 6 months
ended ended Year ended
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
At beginning of period 0.6 0.6 0.6
Utilised in the period - (0.1) (0.1)
(Release)/c harge for
the period (0.1) - 0.1
At end of period 0.5 0.5 0.6
------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Provisions for liabilities
Provisions for liabilities represent the Group's best estimate
of customer redress payable. The calculation is based on a series
of assumptions, including the number of affected accounts,
appropriate level of remediation and resulting administrative
costs.
8 Loans and advances to customers
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Amortised cost
Loans fully secured on residential 4, 713
property . 6 4,293.2 4,556.2
Loans fully secured 345
on land .8 368.8 361.6
5,059
. 4 4,662.0 4,917.8
Fair value through
profit or loss
Loans fully secured on residential
property 11.9 12.5 12.5
5 ,
071 .
3 4,674.5 4,930.3
Fair value adjustment for
hedged risk 9.5 44. 4 25.7
(101
Less: impairment provisions . 8 ) (94.9) (103.7)
4,979
.0 4,624.0 4,852.3
------------------------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
Included within loans and advances to customers are GBP 378.6 m
(31 March 2021: GBP398.3m) of commercial lending balances of which
GBP 13.0 m (31 March 2021: GBP18.6m) have been sold by the Group to
bankruptcy remote structured entities.
The tables below illustrate the IFRS 9 staging distribution of
residential and commercial loans and advances to customers held at
amortised cost and related expected credit loss provisions. Stage 2
loans have been further analysed to show those which are more than
30 days past due, the IFRS 9 backstop for identifying a S
ignificant I ncrease in C redit R isk (SICR) and those which meet
other SICR criteria. For the purposes of this disclosure, gross
exposures and expected credit loss provisions are rounded to the
nearest GBP0.1m whereas the provision coverage percentages are
based on the underlying data prior to rounding.
As outlined in the year-end Report and Accounts, the Society, in
common with other lenders, granted payment deferrals to its
borrowers. In relation to accounts that previously had payment
deferrals, an overlay is recorded of GBP0.2m (31 March 2021:
GBP0.2m) to reflect the risk that granting of deferred payments has
masked a true increase in credit risk. In calculating this overlay,
the Society applies higher Probability of Default (PDs) for all
borrowers who received a payment deferral reflecting the fact that
the full impact on future arrears for this cohort is yet to be
observed due to the ongoing government support schemes, i.e.
furlough.
Expected
credit
Gross loss Provision
exposure provision coverage
At 30 September 2021 (unaudited) GBPm GBPm %
Residential loans held at
amortised cost
4,131
Stage 1 . 4 1.9 0.05
Stage 2
> 30 days past
due 7.7 0.1 1.30
Other SICR indicators 501.8 2.4 0.48
2
.
Provision overlays - 1 -
58 . 4 .
Stage 3 3 2.5 28
9 .
4,699.2 0 0.19
----- ----- --------- -------------- ----------
Expected
credit
Gross loss Provision
exposure provision coverage
At 30 September 2020
(unaudited) GBPm GBPm %
Residential loans held at amortised
cost
Stage
1 3,781.7 1.2 0.03
Stage
2
> 30 days past
due 9.5 0.1 1.05
Other SICR indicators 424.5 1.5 0.35
Overlays in respect of
payment deferrals - 1.0 -
Stage 3 61.1 3.4 5.56
4,276.8 7.2 0.17
---- ----- ----------------------------------------- --------- -------------- --------------
Expected
credit
Gross loss Provision
exposure provision coverage
At 31 March 2021 (audited) GBPm GBPm %
Residential loans held at
amortised cost
Stage 1 3,863.1 1.8 0.05
Stage 2
> 30 days past
due 8.8 0.1 1.14
Other SICR indicators 610.4 5.6 0.92
Provision overlays - 1.7 -
Stage 3 59.0 2.6 4.41
4,541.3 11.8 0.26
---------------------------- ---------------- ---------- --------------
Expected
credit
Gross loss Provision
exposure provision coverage
At 30 September 2021 (unaudited) GBPm GBPm %
Commercial loans held at
amortised cost
Stage 18 . 0.0
1 3 - 3
Stage
2
> 30 days
past due - - -
80 . 10.
Other SICR indicators 6 8.1 05
Stage 279 84 . 30.
3 . 7 7 28
378 92 . 2 4
. 6 8 . 51
---------------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Expected
credit
Gross loss Provision
exposure provision coverage
At 30 September 2020
(unaudited) GBPm GBPm %
Commercial loans held at
amortised cost
Stage
1 59.2 - 0.02
Stage
2
> 30 days
past due 5.7 0.2 3.51
Other SICR indicators 94.3 10.2 10.82
Stage
3 252.5 77.3 30.61
411.7 87.7 21.30
-------------------------- ------------- ---------- ----------
Expected
credit
Gross loss Provision
exposure provision coverage
At 31 March 2021
(audited) GBPm GBPm %
Commercial loans held at
amortised cost
Stage
1 57.6 - 0.00
Stage
2
> 30 days
past due 2.1 0.1 4.76
Other SICR indicators 80.7 8.3 10.29
Stage
3 257.9 80.7 31.29
Provision overlays - 2.8 -
-------------- -------------- ----------
398.3 91.9 23 . 07
-------------------------- -------------- -------------- ----------
9 Shares
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
4 , 266
Held by individuals . 7 3,718.6 4,233.0
Other shares 1.0 1.0 1.1
--------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
4 , 267
. 7 3,719.6 4,234.1
--------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
10 Property, plant, equipment and intangible assets
Property,
Intangible plant
assets and equipment
6 months ended 30 September 2021 (unaudited) GBPm GBPm
2 4 .
Net book value at 1 April 2021 16.3 9
Additions 1. 8 0 .5
Depreciation, amortisation, impairment (3 . ( 1.4
and other movements 6 ) )
----------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------------
14 . 2 4 .
Net book value at 30 September 2021 5 0
----------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Property,
Intangible plant
assets and equipment
6 months ended 30 September 2020 (unaudited) GBPm GBPm
Net book value at 1 April 2020 16.3 28.2
Additions 1.7 0.2
Depreciation, amortisation, impairment
and other movements (2.0) (1.6)
----------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Net book value at 30 September 2020 16.0 26.8
----------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Property,
Intangible plant
assets and equipment
Year ended 31 March 2021 (audited) GBPm GBPm
Net book value at 1 April 2020 16.3 28.2
Additions 4.7 0.5
Depreciation, amortisation, impairment
and other movements (4.7) (3.8 )
----------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------------
Net book value at 31 March 2021 16.3 24.9
----------------------------------------------- -------------- -----------------
11 Investment properties
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Valuation
1 43 .
At beginning of period 0 138.9 138.9
Disposals and other movements (1.5) - 0.1
Revaluation gains 0 . 4 2.0 4.0
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At end of period 141 .9 140.9 143.0
------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
12 Debt securities in issue 30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Certificates of deposit - - -
Non-recourse finance on securitised
advances 196 . 9 244.8 217.9
------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
196 . 9 244.8 217.9
------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
The non-recourse finance comprises mortgage backed floating rate
notes (the Notes) secured over portfolios of mortgage loans secured
by first charges over residential and commercial properties in the
United Kingdom. Prior to redemption of the Notes on the final
interest payment date, the Notes will be subject to mandatory
and/or optional redemption, in certain circumstances, on each
interest payment date.
13 Core capital deferred shares
Number of CCDS nominal Share
shares amount premium Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm
At 30 September 2021
(unaudited) 1,288,813 1.3 125.7 127.0
---------------------------- ---------- ------------- --------- ------
At 30 September 2020
(unaudited) 1,288,813 1.3 125.7 127.0
---------------------------- ---------- ------------- --------- ------
At 31 March 2021 (audited) 1,288,813 1.3 125.7 127.0
---------------------------- ---------- ------------- --------- ------
CCDS are perpetual instruments and a form of Common Equity Tier
1 (CET 1) capital.
CCDS are the most junior-ranking capital instrument of the
Society, ranking behind the claims of all depositors, payables and
investing members.
Each holder of CCDS has one vote, regardless of the number of
CCDS held.
The CCDS holders are entitled to receive a distribution at the
discretion of the Society. The total distribution paid on each CCDS
in respect of any given financial year of the Society is subject to
a cap provided for in the Rules of the Society and adjusted
annually for inflation. The Directors declared a final distribution
in May 2021 of GBP0.75 per CCDS, which was paid in August 2021.
These distributions have been recognised in the Statement of
Changes in Members' Interests and Equity.
Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the Directors have
announced their intention to declare an interim distribution of GBP
1 . 50 per CCDS in respect of the period to 30 September 2021 which
would be paid in February 2022. The interim distribution is not
reflected in the members reserves of these financial statements as
distributions to the CCDS holders are recognised with reference to
the date they are declared, although they are accrued for in
capital calculations. In the event of a winding up or dissolution
of the Society, the share of surplus assets (if any) a CCDS holder
would be eligible to receive is determined by the calculation of a
core capital contribution proportion, limited to a maximum of the
average principal amount, currently GBP100 per CCDS.
14 Related party transactions
Related party transactions for the six months to 30 September
2021 are within the normal course of business and of a similar
nature to those for the last financial year, full details of which
are disclosed in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended
31 March 2021.
15 Subscribed capital
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Permanent I nterest B earing S hares 7.8 7.8 7.8
------------------------------------- --------------- --------- ---------
The 6.15% P ermanent I nterest B earing S hares (PIBS) comprise
7,847 PIBS of GBP1,000 each issued at a price of 99.828% of their
principal amount, with the issue premium amortised.
The PIBS are repayable at the option of the Society in whole on
5 April 2021 or any scheduled interest payment thereafter, subject
to approval by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).
In a winding up or dissolution of the Society the claims of the
holders of PIBS would rank behind all other creditors of the
Society, with the exception of the claims of holders of C ore C
apital D eferred S hares (CCDS). The holders of PIBS are not
entitled to any share in any final surplus upon winding up or
dissolution of the Society.
Future interest payments are at the discretion of the Society,
up to a maximum 6.15% prior to 5 April 2021 and, thereafter, a rate
of interest reset periodically and equal to the applicable 5-year
gilt rate plus a margin of 2.8%. As announced on 30 September 2021,
the Board resolved not to make an interest payment on the scheduled
interest payment date of 5 October 2021.
Whilst noting that any interest payments on the PIBS are at the
sole discretion of the Society, the Society announced during its
capital restructuring in 2018 that any future payments on PIBS will
be made only if and to the extent that they would have been
permitted had the Liability Management Exercise (LME) not taken
place, and in the context of determining the equivalent annual
yield that would have been paid to holders of the Society's Profit
Participating Deferred Shares (PPDS) had they remained in issue on
their original terms. Under the terms and conditions of the PPDS
(which are available for viewing on the Society's website), the
Society's ability to pay PPDS distributions was constrained by
reference to a percentage of profits generated in the relevant
financial year, and to the extent of any positive balance on a
special PPDS reserve account (to which a percentage of profits or
losses of the Society was allocated each year).
Whilst PPDS instruments no longer exist (having been exchanged
during the LME), the Society continues to monitor a notional PPDS
reserve. At 31 March 2018 (the last accounting date before the
completion of the LME) the deficit on the PPDS reserve stood at
GBP9.1m. At 31 March 2021, the Society disclosed a deficit balance
on this notional reserve of GBP3.9m. For the 6 month period ended
30 September 2021, the Society generated a reported profit after
tax of GBP11.9m, including the impact of GBP1.2m Tier 2 interest
payable. The net profit disregarding Tier 2 interest (after tax)
would therefore have been GBP12.9m. Accordingly, during the period
the notional PPDS reserve deficit reduced by GBP3.2m (25% of
GBP12.9m) leaving a deficit of GBP0.7m at 30 September 2021.
16 Subordinated liabilities
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
Unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Subordinated notes due 2038 -
11.0% 22.9 22.8 22.8
------------------------------- --------------- ---------- ----------
The Society's subordinated notes rank behind all other creditors
of the Society, with the exception of holders of CCDS and PIBS.
17 Financial instruments
Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset
or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between
market participants at the measurement date. The Group determines
fair values by the following three tier valuation hierarchy:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Valuation techniques where all inputs are taken from
observable market data, either directly (i.e. as prices) or
indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
Level 3: Valuation techniques where significant inputs are not
based on observable market data.
Valuation techniques include net present value and discounted
cash flow models, comparison to similar instruments for which
market observable prices exist and other valuation models.
Assumptions and market observable inputs used in valuation
techniques include risk-free and benchmark interest rates, equity
index prices and expected price volatilities. The objective of
valuation techniques is to arrive at a fair value determination
that reflects the price of the financial instrument at the
reporting date that would have been determined by market
participants acting at arm's length. Observable prices are those
that have been seen either from counterparties or from market
pricing sources including Bloomberg. The use of these depends upon
the liquidity of the relevant market.
The carrying value of cash and balances with the Bank of England
are assumed to approximate their fair value.
Financial assets and financial liabilities held at amortised
cost
The tables below show the fair values of the Group's financial
assets and liabilities held at amortised cost in the Statement of
Financial Position, analysed according to the fair value hierarchy
described above.
At 30 September 2021 (unaudited) Carrying Fair value Fair value Fair value Fair value
Level Level Level
value 1 2 3 Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Financial assets
Loans and advances to credit institutions 85.7 - 85.7 - 85.7
Loans and advances to customers 4,967.1 - - 5,035.7 5,035.7
------------------------------------------
5,052.8 - 85.7 5,035.7 5,121.4
------------------------------------------ -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Financial liabilities
Shares 4,267.7 - - 4,232.0 4,232.0
Amounts due to credit institutions 996.4 - 996.4 - 996.4
Amounts due to other customers 110.4 - 101.6 8.8 110.4
Debt securities in issue 196.9 197.4 0.2 - 197.6
Subordinated liabilities 22.9 - 22.9 - 22.9
------------------------------------------
5,594.3 197.4 1,121.1 4,240.8 5,559.3
------------------------------------------ -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
At 30 September 2020 (unaudited) Carrying Fair value Fair value Fair value Fair value
Level Level Level
Value 1 2 3 Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Financial assets
Loans and advances to credit
institutions 133.3 - 133.3 - 133.3
Loans and advances to customers 4,611.5 - - 4,625.3 4,625.3
---------------------------------------
4,744.8 - 133.3 4,625.3 4,758.6
--------------------------------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------- ------------
Financial liabilities
Shares 3,719.6 - - 3,700.7 3,700.7
Amounts due to credit institutions 966.5 - 966.5 - 966.5
Amounts due to other customers 86 .
* 100.6 - 8 13.8 100.6
Debt securities in issue 244.8 238.4 0.2 - 238.6
Subordinated liabilities 22.8 - 22.8 - 22.8
---------------------------------------
1,0 76 3,7 14
5,054.3 238.4 . 3 . 5 5,029.2
--------------------------------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- ----------------- ------------
At 31 March 2021 (audited) Carrying Fair value Fair value Fair value Fair value
Level Level Level
value 1 2 3 Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Financial assets
Loans and advances to credit institutions 107.3 - 107.3 - 107.3
Loans and advances to customers 4,839.8 - - 4,854.3 4,854.3
------------------------------------------ -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
4,947.1 - 107.3 4,854.3 4,961.6
------------------------------------------ -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Financial liabilities
Shares 4,234.1 - - 4,231.5 4,231.5
Amounts due to credit institutions 751.8 - 751.8 - 751.8
Amounts due to other customers 90.9 - 77.0 13.8 90.8
Debt securities in issue 217.9 218.1 0.2 - 218.3
Subordinated liabilities 22.8 - 22.8 - 22.8
------------------------------------------ -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
5,317.5 218.1 851.8 4,245.3 5,315.2
------------------------------------------ -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
*Deemed loans of GBP13.8m have been recategorised as fair value
level 3 at 30 September 2020 (previously fair value level 2)
following a reassessment of the estimation technique at 31 March
2021.
a) Loans and advances to customers
The fair value of loans and advances to customers has been
determined taking into account factors such as impairment and
interest rates. The fair values have been calculated on a product
basis and, as such, do not necessarily represent the value that
could have been obtained for a portfolio if it were sold at 30
September 2021.
b) Shares and borrowings
The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity,
which includes non-interest bearing deposits, is the amount
repayable on demand. The estimated fair value of fixed
interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings without quoted
market price is based on discounted cash flows using interest rates
for new deposits with similar remaining maturity. The fair values
have been calculated on a product basis and as such do not
necessarily represent the value that could have been obtained for a
portfolio if it were sold at 30 September 2021.
c) Debt securities in issue
The aggregate fair values are calculated based on quoted market
prices. For those notes where quoted market prices are not
available, a discounted cash flow model is used based on a current
yield curve appropriate for the remaining term to maturity.
Financial assets and financial liabilities held at fair
value
The tables below show the fair values of the Group's financial
assets and liabilities held at fair value in the Statement of
Financial Position, analysed according to the fair value hierarchy
described previously.
Level Level Level 3
At 30 September 2021 (unaudited) 1 2 Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Financial assets
Investment securities
At fair value through other
comprehensive 2 76 276 .
income . 0 - - 0
At fair value through profit or
loss 0 . 6 - - 0.6
Derivative financial instruments - 11 .8 - 11 .8
Loans and advances to customers - - 11 . 9 11 . 9
------------------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
276 . 1 1 . 300 .
6 11 .8 9 3
------------------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
Financial liabilities
24 .
Derivative financial instruments - 9 - 24.9
------------------------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
Level Level Level 3
At 30 September 202 0 (unaudited) 1 2 Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Financial assets
Investment securities
At fair value through other
comprehensive
income 258.1 - - 258.1
At fair value through profit or
loss 1.0 - - 1.0
Derivative financial instruments - 3.8 - 3.8
Loans and advances to customers - - 12.5 12.5
--------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
259.1 3.8 12.5 275.4
-------------------------------------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments - 61.0 - 61.0
-------------------------------------------- --------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Level Level Level 3
At 31 March 2021 (audited) 1 2 Total
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Financial assets
Investment securities
At fair value through other
comprehensive
income 275.6 - - 275.6
At fair value through profit or
loss 0.9 - - 0.9
Derivative financial instruments - 6.5 - 6.5
Loans and advances to customers - - 12.5 12.5
276.5 6.5 12.5 295.5
--------------------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments - 40.5 - 40.5
--------------------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------
The table below analyses movements in the level 3 portfolio
during the period.
6 months 6 months Year
ended ended ended
30-Sep-21 30-Sep-20 31-Mar-21
unaudited unaudited audited
GBPm GBPm GBPm
Equity release portfolio
At beginning of period 12.5 13.3 13.3
Items recognised in the Income
Statement
Interest receivable and similar
income 0.4 0.4 0.8
Fair value gains/( losses ) ( 0 .
on financial instruments 0.5 (0.4) 2 )
(1 . 4
Redemption payments (1.5) (0.8) )
---------------
At end of period 11.9 12.5 12.5
---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------- ---------------
There have been no transfers of financial assets or liabilities
between levels of the valuation hierarchy in the period.
18 Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors confirm that this condensed set of financial
statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim
Financial Reporting', and that the interim management report herein
includes a fair review of the information required by:
-- DTR 4.2.7R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an
indication of important events during the first six months of the
financial year and the description of principal risks and
uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year;
and
-- DTR 4.2.8R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an
indication of any material related party transactions that have
taken place in the first six months of the financial year and any
material changes in the related party transactions described in the
last annual report.
The Directors of West Bromwich Building Society are listed in
the West Bromwich Building Society Annual Report for the year ended
31 March 2021. On 1 September 2021, Dave Dyer was appointed to the
Board as a Non-Executive Director, having many years' experience in
the retail banking sector. Manjit Hayre was appointed to the Board
as Executive Director on 1 September 2021 as Chief Risk Officer
having joined the Society in 2006.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors:
Jonathan Westhoff Ashraf Piranie
Chief Executive Group Finance & Operations Director
2 4 November 2021
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END
IR BSBDBIUDDGBS
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