FRS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets - Summary

The objective of FRS 37 is to prescribe the accounting standards and disclosure for provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets.

A provision is a liability of uncertain timing or amount.

We recognise a provision when:-
(a) an entity has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event;
(b) it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation; and
(c) a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation

A constructive obligation is an obligation where the entity, through its actions, has indicated to other parties that it will accept certain responsibilities and as a result has created an expectation that it will discharge those responsibilities.

Provision is the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date. Provision should be reviewed and adjusted to current best estimate at each balance sheet date.

A constructive obligation to restructure arises only when an entity has:

• a detailed formal plan for restructuring; and


• raised a valid expectation in those affected that it will carry out the restructuring by starting to implement that plan or announcing its main features to those affected by it.

A contingent liability is not recognised, but is disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow of resources is remote.

A contingent asset is not recognised, but is disclosed when an inflow of economic benefits is probable.

FRS 37 specifies disclosures about provisions, contingent liabilities and assets.

Source - ICPAS ePublication Issue 23/2006 13 Jun 2006