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REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03665974 (England and Wales)
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1077645






























REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

FOR

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023










Page

Report of the Trustees 1 to 8

Report of the Independent Auditors 9 to 12

Statement of Financial Activities 13

Balance Sheet 14

Cash Flow Statement 15

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 16

Notes to the Financial Statements 17 to 26

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03665974)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023



The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The Charitable Objects of the Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland) (RCC) are to further any charitable purpose or purposes for the benefit of those who are resident or work in the rural areas and communities of Leicestershire and Rutland.

More specifically the RCC's mission is to ensure that all those who work and live in rural communities in Leicestershire and Rutland are provided with access to a range of opportunities, services and facilities, which are sustainable and inclusive to all and are empowered to influence and manage their future.

The trustees believe that all the activities undertaken by the charity are for the public benefit, and as part of their role as trustees for the organisation ensure that future and proposed activities fit with the purposes of the charity, and that the charitable activities remain relevant to the beneficiaries.

Trustee can confirm that they have had regard for the Charity Commission Public Benefit guides as below:

- The Public Benefit Requirement (PB1)
- Running a Charity (PB2)
- Reporting (PB3)

Key elements of the RCC's work designed to meet the charitable activity outlined above can be summarised as;

Community Wellbeing
- Outreach programmes to tackle isolation and loneliness.
- Provision of outreach and engagement services to local authorities, the NHS and clinical commissioning groups.
- Encourage rural equality in service delivery.
- Covid response and support.
- Provision of safety and awareness training.

Rural Economy
- Delivery of support programmes for those seeking employment and training.
- Promote economic development and investment across rural areas of Leicestershire and Rutland.
- Provide a voice for rural businesses and communities.
- Encourage rural equality in investment and infrastructure.

Facilities and Services
- Provide support and guidance to community owned buildings and facilities.

Community Engagement and Voluntary Sector Support
- Provision of voluntary sector infrastructural services and support.
- Distribution of third party grants to voluntary sector.

Representation
- Representation of local communities into Government, local authority and other consultations.

Social investment
Social investment does not form a material part of the charitable and investment activities of the RCC.

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03665974)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Grant Making
The RCC does not make grants from its own funds or reserves. Grant programmes are delivered on behalf of partners, including local authorities.

Where this is the case, policy on grants, including eligibility, application processes and transparency are agreed on a case-by-case basis with the funder.

Where grant funds are held by the RCC, they are held as restricted funds and detailed as such in the annual accounts.

Volunteers
The RCC does not routinely use volunteers in the day-to-day operations of the charity.

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE TO AUDITORS
As far as the trustees/directors are aware there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable companies auditors are unaware. Additionally, the trustees/directors have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as trustees/directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable companies auditors are aware of that information.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03665974)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Achievement and Performance
Rural Coffee Connect
The RCC continued to deliver this self-funded project aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation through the mobile provision of a barista style coffee van. The project delivered sessions in rural communities in both Leicestershire and Rutland, engaging with more than 2000 individuals.

Changing Connections
Delivery of the second year of a project to support individuals to improve the local connections and support systems they have in place, reducing the demand on the NHS, emergency services and other organisations. Individuals supported in this year exceed 50, against an initial target of 37.

Warm, Optimistic and Welcome
A new project launched to support individuals with fuel poverty, access to warm spaces and basic skills in relation to fuel budgeting and usage.

Work. Live. Leicestershire
In partnership with six other sector organisations delivered against a £4.2M European Social Investment Fund grant through the Building Better Opportunities fund. Further extension of grant funding obtained to further increase activity in identifying and engaging with those furthest from the job and training market and located in rural areas. Over 400 new participants enrolled into the programme during the year.

Leicestershire Rural Partnership
Contribute to the understanding of rural community needs and action on the LRP board led by Leicestershire County Council.

Leicestershire and Leicester Enterprise Partnership
Engagement and support of the LLEP to encourage spend and investment in rural areas.

Halls Together
Support, guidance and training provided to the 300 village halls and community buildings across Leicestershire and Rutland. In depth enquiries numbered over 250 during the year. Bespoke training courses delivered to over 200 delegates.

Leicestershire and Rutland Playing Fields
Provide support and advice to over 100 community play and sport organisations.

Hinckley and Bosworth VCS support
Delivered Voluntary Sector and Volunteer support services in Hinckley and Bosworth.

Hinckley and Bosworth Grants
Distributed grants in excess of £30,000 to rural community projects across the Borough.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03665974)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Fundraising activities
Individual projects undertaken by the RCC will generally have a set of output and outcome targets associated to them. Measurement and reporting of achievements vary depending on the requirements of the funder. However, the RCC will only undertake projects whose outcomes and outputs fit well with the overall objectives of the charity.

Reporting to funders and trustees show that all projects met or exceeded set targets, thus meeting the objectives of the charity.

The RCC does not set an objective for fundraising. Projects are planned and funded on a full cost recovery basis wherever possible to ensure that the sustainability of the charity is protected.

Very low value donations are received during the year in relation to the Rural Coffee Connect project, which are used to further the activity in this area.

Investment performance
The RCC continues to hold a Charities Ethical Investment portfolio with Church, Charities and Local Authorities Investment Management Ltd (CCLA) during this year. The value of investments has not grown during the year, which in the opinion of the trustees is consistent with the performance of other funds of similar risk rating and growth potential in the general market. The initial investment was made with the aim of gaining accumulated growth over the mid to long term, with a low to mid risk level.

Holdings in Cirican LLP are valued at the original investment price of £3,000.

FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
The trustees consider the charity remains in a strong financial position and is able to continue to deliver its charitable objectives.

Principal funding sources
European funding delivered through the Building Opportunities Programme and managed by ViSTA represent the largest single source of charity income at £245,000. This funding is used to deliver a core project, Work. Live. Leicestershire which was scheduled to run to the end of the financial year.

Other grant funding is received through DEFRA, Leicestershire County Council, the NHS, the National Forest and Cadent Gas. The total funding from these sources is £205,000. Funded projects have varying end or renewal dates which are monitored by the trustees.

The charity also receives income through commissioned and contract delivery, which is subject to differing contract periods. Total income from this area of charitable work was £128,000.

Investment policy and objectives
The trustees have adopted a low to medium attitude to risk and have elected to invest some of its reserves in an ethical and balanced portfolio offered by CCLA. Other reserves are held in instant access, notice and fixed term accounts which provide a sufficient level of liquidity for the operation of the charitable company.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03665974)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The RCC has identified that a minimum level of unrestricted reserve funds should be set to counterbalance trading uncertainty and produce a base level for stability. Additionally, a target level of unrestricted funds will also be set to allow for growth and for the RCC to take advantage of strategic development opportunities going forward. Holding unrestricted but designated reserves will also allow the RCC to make cash and market investments in order to generate revenue income to cover day to day operational expenses. Based on the operating budget set for 2022/23 the level of unrestricted funds was set as below.

Minimum Level
- Six months operating costs - £245,000
- Cover for redundancy costs - £ 30,000
- Contingent liabilities - £ 30,000
Total - £305,000

Target Level
- Nine months operating costs - £370,000
- Cover for redundancy costs - £ 30,000
- Contingent liabilities - £ 30,000
Total £430,000

Operating costs being defined as payroll costs plus direct purchases. Redundancy costs being the statutory level for all staff employed.

Restricted reserves at the year end were:
- HBBC VCS - £3,034

Designated funds are excluded from reserves as per the Charities Commission definition. The RCC trustees have designated the following funds
- Designated cash for investment - £415,000
- Designated strategic investment - £ 55,000
Total - £470,000

As at 31 March 2023, the total funds held is £809,243 (2022: £849,447).

Going concern
The trustees consider the charity remains in a strong financial position and is able to continue to deliver its charitable objectives whilst remaining a going concern.

Funds in deficit
The trustees do not consider any funds to be materially in deficit.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The Rural Community Council (Leicestershire and Rutland) is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.

The charitable company is governed by its Memorandum and Article of Association which sets out the objects and powers of the charitable company.

In the event of the Company being wound up members will be required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03665974)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Recruitment and appointment of new Trustees / Directors
Trustees joining the RCC receive a full induction into the governance and operational activities of the charity. Policies and procedures are adopted across the business, so trustees receive the same information as the Executive and staff teams.

Organisational structure
The charitable company is governed by a Trustee Board which can accommodate between 3 and 16 trustees. The
Board selects a Chair, 2 vice chairs and a Treasurer for each annual term at the AGM.

A maximum of 16 trustees is allowed as below:

1 Representing Leicestershire County Council
1 Representing Rutland County Council

Up to 14 elected from the membership.

Co-options are permitted up to the maximum of 16 trustees in total.

The trustees are also the non-executive directors who have overall control of the Charity. Operational matters are delegated to the Executive directors, of which there are two. Below this level there operates a flat management and delivery structure.

The RCC is a member of Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE)

Induction and training of new Trustees / Directors
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees:

- Health and Safety Policy
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Reserves Policy
- Financial Controls
- Scheme of Delegation
- RCC Staff Handbook

Risk Management
A risk register is maintained and constantly reviewed to minimise any risks to the charity assets.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number
03665974 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number
1077645

Registered office
The Atkins
Lower Bond Street
Hinckley
Leicestershire
LE10 1QU


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03665974)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


Trustees
Mr E Baines (resigned 1.6.2023)
Mrs P Crane
Mr P H Durban
Mr J H Flower
Mrs H J Fryer
Mrs J Martin
Mr A D Mortimer
Mr M J D Traynor OBE
Ms P Posnett
Mr C Fyfe (appointed 31.10.2022)

Jennifer Lady Gretton DCVO JP is the President of the charitable company.

The Trustees/Directors delegate the day-to-day management of the charitable company to two employed Directors (distinct from the Directors of the charitable company).

Mr K Butcher and Mr S Howlett are Executive Directors of the charitable company.

Company Secretary
Mr K Butcher

Auditors
Mark J Rees LLP Chartered Accountants
and Statutory Auditors
Granville Hall
Granville Road
Leicester
LE1 7RU

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees (who are also the directors of Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland) for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to

-select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
-make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03665974)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued
In so far as the trustees are aware:

-there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and
-the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

AUDITORS
The auditors, Mark J Rees LLP Chartered Accountants, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 30 October 2023 and signed on its behalf by:





Mr M J D Traynor OBE - Trustee

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)


Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland) (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:
-give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
-have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
- the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
- the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)


Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
- the trustees were not entitled to take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees.

Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)


Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that material misstatements in the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with ISA's (UK).

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the charity and industry in which it operates through our general commercial experience. We determined that the following laws and regulations were most significant: FRS 102, Companies Act 2006 and Charities SORP (FRS 102).

We enquired of management concerning the charities policies and procedures relating to:

- the identification and compliance with laws and regulations.

- the detection and response to the risks of fraud.

- the internal controls inherent within the charity to mitigate fraud risk and non-compliance to laws and regulations.

We enquired of management, whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or whether they had any knowledge of actual, suspected or alleged fraud.

We communicated relevant laws and regulations and potential areas of fraud to all audit team members. We remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit.

We have determined that the principal risk areas where material irregularities could occur were related to posting manual journal entries to manipulate financial performance, income recognition and significant one-off or unusual transactions.

Our audit procedures were designed to respond in particular to these identified risks (including non compliance with laws and regulations and fraud).

Our audit procedures included but were not limited to:

- A review of a sample of sales invoices from both income streams to ensure income has been accurately recorded and to confirm amounts are recognised in the correct period.

- A review of laws and regulations the charity is subject to, followed by compliance checks and discussion with management to ensure no instances of non compliance.

- Addressing the risks of fraud through management override of controls by performing journal entry test.

We did not identify any matters during the course of our work that indicated non-compliance with laws and regulations or relating to fraud.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)


Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.




Mr P Bott FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Mark J Rees LLP Chartered Accountants
and Statutory Auditors
Granville Hall
Granville Road
Leicester
LE1 7RU

10 November 2023

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Notes £    £    £    £   
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 2 346,002 - 346,002 316,600

Other trading activities 3 136,286 125,000 261,286 198,118
Investment income 4 9,586 7 9,593 7,526
Total 491,874 125,007 616,881 522,244

EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities 5
Grants 4,388 152,920 157,308 47,350

Other 496,005 319 496,324 395,913
Total 500,393 153,239 653,632 443,263

Net gains/(losses) on investments (3,453 ) - (3,453 ) (2,524 )

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (11,972 ) (28,232 ) (40,204 ) 76,457


RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 818,181 31,266 849,447 772,990

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 806,209 3,034 809,243 849,447

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND) (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03665974)

BALANCE SHEET
31 MARCH 2023

2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Notes £    £    £    £   
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 12 2,518 - 2,518 4,103
Investments 13 172,023 - 172,023 178,476
174,541 - 174,541 182,579

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 14 9,403 - 9,403 5,595
Prepayments and accrued income 1,539 - 1,539 1,589
Cash at bank 735,198 3,034 738,232 678,026
746,140 3,034 749,174 685,210

CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 15 (114,472 ) - (114,472 ) (18,342 )

NET CURRENT ASSETS 631,668 3,034 634,702 666,868

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES

806,209

3,034

809,243

849,447

NET ASSETS 806,209 3,034 809,243 849,447
FUNDS 17
Unrestricted funds:
General fund 806,209 818,181
Restricted funds 3,034 31,266
TOTAL FUNDS 809,243 849,447

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.


The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 30 October 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:





Mr J H Flower - Trustee

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2023 2022
Notes £    £   

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 1 47,935 64,066
Net cash provided by operating activities 47,935 64,066

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (322 ) (3,979 )
Purchase of fixed asset investments - (175,000 )
Sale of fixed asset investments 3,000 -
Interest received 9,593 7,526
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities 12,271 (171,453 )

Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the reporting period

60,206

(107,387

)
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period

678,026

785,413
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the reporting period

738,232

678,026

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


1. RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2023 2022
£    £   
Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per the
Statement of Financial Activities)

(40,204

)

76,457
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 1,907 6,506
Losses on investments 3,453 2,524
Interest received (9,593 ) (7,526 )
(Increase)/decrease in debtors (3,758 ) 3,739
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 96,130 (17,634 )
Net cash provided by operations 47,935 64,066


2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.4.22 Cash flow At 31.3.23
£    £    £   
Net cash
Cash at bank 678,026 60,206 738,232
678,026 60,206 738,232
Total 678,026 60,206 738,232

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Governance costs
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the audit fee.

Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.


Fixtures and fittings - 33% on cost
Motor vehicles - 33% on cost
Computer equipment - 33% on cost

Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Operating leases
Rental under operating leases is credited to income on an accruals basis and rental expenditure under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on the accruals basis.

Grants Payable
Grants payable are accounted for on the accruals basis when the grant has been approved by the Trustees.

Debtors
Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

Creditors
Short term trade creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Going Concern
The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The charitable company therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
2023 2022
£    £   
Membership and donations 4,218 4,538
Grants 341,784 312,062
346,002 316,600

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES - continued

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

2023 2022
£    £   
Leicestershire County Council 11,199 44,059
DEFRA/ACRE 41,200 42,200
Leicestershire NHS 37,250 27,561
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council 4,000 -
VISTA - Will project 236,690 149,297
Playing Fields Association 2,145 -
National Lottery Community Fund - 36,413
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - 6,977
National Association for Voluntary and Community Action - 3,000
Awareness 1,500 4,955
Market Bosworth PC 2,400 (2,400 )
BrightSparks 3,000 -
Houghton PC 2,400 -
341,784 312,062

3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
2023 2022
£    £   
Services and project work 261,286 198,118

4. INVESTMENT INCOME
2023 2022
£    £   
Deposit account interest 9,593 7,526

5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Grant
funding of
activities
(see note
6)
£   
Grants 157,308


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


6. GRANTS PAYABLE

£
Community Volunteer Fund 101,432
Make A Difference 18,128
Coronation 6,760
Warm Spaces 26,600
NHS 4,388
157,308

7. SUPPORT COSTS
Support Governance
costs costs Totals
£    £    £   
Other resources expended 490,824 5,500 496,324

Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
2023 2022
Other
resources Total
expended activities
£    £   
Wages 371,151 289,834
Social security 25,364 17,837
Pensions 19,092 14,117
Service delivery costs 9,300 13,065
Vehicle expenses 2,134 1,789
Rates and water 8,513 3,560
Insurance 5,123 4,797
Rent and service charge 21,770 21,877
Computer costs 10,526 8,506
Postage and stationery 3,598 3,327
Sundries 1,268 1,926
Legal fees 1,960 181
Travel and subsistence 9,118 3,824
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 1,907 6,506
Auditors' remuneration 5,500 4,767
496,324 395,913


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


8. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2023 2022
£    £   
Auditors' remuneration 5,500 4,767
Depreciation - owned assets 1,907 6,505
Hire of plant and machinery 9,300 13,065
Other operating leases 2,134 1,789

9. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no Trustee's remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Trustees' expenses

There were no Trustee's expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

10. STAFF COSTS
2023 2022
£    £   
Wages and salaries 371,151 289,834
Social security costs 25,364 17,837
Other pension costs 19,092 14,117
415,607 321,788

Total remuneration in relation to Key Management Personnel, included within the figures above, amounts to £82,131 (2022: £76,720)

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

2023 2022
Average number of employees 17 14

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

The charitable company operates a pension scheme for the benefit of employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company within independently administered funds. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activity in the period to which they relate. The charge for the year was £19,092 (2022: £14,117).


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - 31 MARCH 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£    £    £   
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 295,767 20,833 316,600

Other trading activities 119,505 78,613 198,118
Investment income 7,523 3 7,526
Total 422,795 99,449 522,244

EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Grants - 47,350 47,350

Other 343,217 52,696 395,913
Total 343,217 100,046 443,263

Net gains/(losses) on investments (2,524 ) - (2,524 )

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 77,054 (597 ) 76,457
Transfers between funds (31,863 ) 31,863 -
Net movement in funds 45,191 31,266 76,457

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 772,990 - 772,990

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 818,181 31,266 849,447


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
and Motor Computer
fittings vehicles equipment Totals
£    £    £    £   
COST
At 1 April 2022 12,355 15,295 10,571 38,221
Additions 110 - 212 322
At 31 March 2023 12,465 15,295 10,783 38,543
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2022 11,902 15,295 6,921 34,118
Charge for year 253 - 1,654 1,907
At 31 March 2023 12,155 15,295 8,575 36,025
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2023 310 - 2,208 2,518
At 31 March 2022 453 - 3,650 4,103

13. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Listed Unlisted
investments investments Totals
£    £    £   
MARKET VALUE
At 1 April 2022 172,476 6,000 178,476
Disposals - (3,000 ) (3,000 )
Revaluations (3,453 ) - (3,453 )
At 31 March 2023 169,023 3,000 172,023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2023 169,023 3,000 172,023
At 31 March 2022 172,476 6,000 178,476

There were no investment assets outside the UK.

Cost or valuation at 31 March 2023 is represented by:

Listed Unlisted
investments investments Totals
£    £    £   
Valuation in 2023 169,023 - 169,023
Cost - 3,000 3,000
169,023 3,000 172,023

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


13. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS - continued


The unlisted investment was originally recognised at £6,000 with a £3,000 deferred payment classed as a creditor. The deferred payment is no longer applicable and therefore the unlisted investment is now recognised at the original cost of £3,000.

14. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2023 2022
£    £   
Trade debtors 6,000 -
Other debtors 3,403 5,595
9,403 5,595

15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2023 2022
£    £   
Trade creditors 429 93
VAT 5,024 5,747
Other creditors 4,268 3,812
Accruals and deferred income 104,751 8,690
114,472 18,342

16. LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

2023 2022
£    £   
Within one year 6,344 13,785
Between one and five years 30,134 3,446
36,478 17,231

Lease payments of £12,023 (2022: 14,233) were recognised as an expense during the year.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement At
At 1.4.22 in funds 31.3.23
£    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 818,181 (11,972 ) 806,209

Restricted funds
HBBC VCS Commissioning Fund 31,266 (28,232 ) 3,034

TOTAL FUNDS 849,447 (40,204 ) 809,243

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming Resources Gains and Movement
resources expended losses in funds
£    £    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 491,874 (500,393 ) (3,453 ) (11,972 )

Restricted funds
HBBC VCS Commissioning Fund 125,007 (153,239 ) - (28,232 )

TOTAL FUNDS 616,881 (653,632 ) (3,453 ) (40,204 )


Comparatives for movement in funds

Net Transfers
movement between At
At 1.4.21 in funds funds 31.3.22
£    £    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 772,990 77,054 (31,863 ) 818,181

Restricted funds
Coffee Connect - (31,863 ) 31,863 -
HBBC VCS Commissioning Fund - 31,266 - 31,266
- (597 ) 31,863 31,266
TOTAL FUNDS 772,990 76,457 - 849,447

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023


17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming Resources Gains and Movement
resources expended losses in funds
£    £    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 422,795 (343,217 ) (2,524 ) 77,054

Restricted funds
Coffee Connect 20,833 (52,696 ) - (31,863 )
HBBC VCS Commissioning Fund 78,616 (47,350 ) - 31,266
99,449 (100,046 ) - (597 )
TOTAL FUNDS 522,244 (443,263 ) (2,524 ) 76,457

Restricted Funds

HBBC VCS Commissioning
Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) commission the RCC to administer and distribute grants and commissioning monies to the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) across the Borough. This currently involves administration of a number of small grant schemes, namely, Making a Difference (MAD), Community Volunteer Fund (CVF), Warm Spaces Grant (WSG) and Coronation Grant (CG) The RCC market and promote the grants, undertake all administration of the applications, and make payments direct to beneficiaries. Decisions regarding grants are made by a grants panel, chaired by an elected member of HBBC and consisting of members of the VCS, including the RCC.

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2023.