The King George's Field Trust is facing scrutiny from the Charity Commission as its audited accounts and annual report for the year ending 31 March 2024 are overdue. The deadline for submission was 31 January 2025.
Charity law imposes a legal duty to submit annual reports, accounts, and returns to the commission, and failure to do so promptly can result in penalties.
The King George's Field Charity Board met on Wednesday 6 August 2025, where they were scheduled to discuss the submission of the overdue accounts, as well as the terms of reference of the board, and to review the trust's finances, activities, and governance. According to the meeting agenda, the board was recommended to note the update on the submission of the audited accounts and annual report 2022/23 to the Charity Commission and note the position on the drafting and submission of the audited accounts and annual report for 2023/24 to the Charity Commission.
According to the King George's Field Trust Finance, Activity and Governance Updates, the audited accounts and annual report for the year ending 31 March 2024 were due for submission to the Charity Commission by 31 January 2025, but are currently overdue. The accounts are currently being finalized, and the Charity Commission has been notified of the delay.
The Terms of Reference of the King George's Field Charity Board state that the board is responsible for administering the affairs of the King George's Field, Mile End charity, and the King George's Field – Stepney (Tredegar Square, Bow) charity. This includes managing land such as Stepney Green Park, Whitehorse Road Open Space, Tredegar Square, and most of Mile End Park, including the Mile End Park Leisure Centre and Mile End Stadium. It also encompasses ten shop units beneath the 'Green Bridge' at Mile End.
The King George's Field Trust Finance, Activity and Governance Updates report also provided an overview of the current financial position for 2024/25, noting that the primary income items are commercial rents from shop lettings at Mile End Park and the hire of the Art and Ecology Pavilions. Additional income is generated through Stepney Green astroturf pitch bookings and a corporate volunteer programme. Expenditure includes salaries for the Parks Service staff who manage the facilities and provide activities, as well as repairs and maintenance costs.
According to the Activity Update, between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, the Parks service and partner organisations delivered nature walks, growing activities, cooking sessions and arts and crafts at Mile End Park and Play Pavilion. A family day event was held at Stepney Green Park with children services, and guided play sessions took place at Whitehouse Adventure Playground.
In the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday 6 November 2024, the board approved the audited accounts for 2022/23 for submission to the Charity Commission.