REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND |
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
FOR |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) |
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND |
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
FOR |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
Page |
Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 4 |
Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
Balance Sheet | 7 | to | 8 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 | to | 15 |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 01515143) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
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 31st December 2024. 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 |
To provide a community transport service for such inhabitants of Bexhill and its neighbourhood who are in need of such a service because of age, sickness or disability (mental or physical) or poverty or because of a lack of availability of adequate and safe public passenger services. |
Public benefit |
The Trustees have had due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission, and in their opinion the report on the achievements and performance demonstrates that they have complied therewith. |
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE |
Charitable activities |
Bexhill Community Bus had a very positive year in 2024 with increases in both income and in passenger numbers. The company took delivery of a new minibus in July to replace the 2018 bus. |
Passenger numbers were up by over 11% vs. 2023 (the number of fare-paying passengers increasing by nearly 22% and those with concessionary cards by over 9%). Our total passenger numbers of 37,051 were easily our best since 2019 (39,005) however the number of fare-paying passengers at 6,719 was actually better than the 4,527 in 2019. |
Income in 2024 was up with increases in cash fares, reimbursement for concessionary cards, fuel rebate and donations. In addition, Hastings Direct agreed to sponsor the 2024 bus and a refund of rates was received from Rother DC. The overall effect of this was that the reduction in reserves to purchase the new bus was less than had been expected. |
The plan to take debit card payments was shelved due to the level of card payment fees. |
It was decided in October 2024 to increase the level of single fares in 2025 from £1.20 to £1.50 as our prices over the last few years have not kept up with the increase in costs. However, in December 2024 we agreed to participate in the East Sussex CC fare cap scheme which means that from January 2025 we are only charging £1 for a single fare. |
Volunteer numbers were slightly up in 2024, but we continue to look for and train new volunteers to ensure continuity of services. |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 01515143) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
FINANCIAL REVIEW |
Financial position |
Fare receipts have increased by 7% again this year thanks to a further increase in passenger numbers. Fuel duty rebates increased due to an additional rebate being claimed. Hastings Direct provided support to the bus company in return for an advertisement on the side of the new bus and £1,667 was received for this. A refund of business rates was received in 2024, the refund covering a number of years totalled £4,241. |
The costs of running and maintaining the vehicles reduced this year mainly due to savings in fuel and repair costs. The increase in the depreciation charge has been offset by profit on the disposal of the GX18 bus. |
There was a surplus overall, before the change in the value of the investments, of £17,381. The investments showed a gain for the year of £8,456 so there was a net increase in funds of £25,837. |
A new bus was purchased during the year at a cost of £113,674. The cost was partly offset by the £45,000 received as part exchange proceeds of the GX18 bus. The balance was paid using the proceeds from the sale of investments. |
Following the sale of investments to fund the new bus, surplus funds in the bank were later re-invested and at the end of the year total investments held amounted to £192,967. The actual cost of these investments is £162,280 so the overall capital increase equals £30,687. |
The surplus for the year of £25,837 has been added to the total funds which now stand at £315,809 to carry forward to next year. |
Investment policy and objectives |
Spare capital has been invested to produce investment income in a safe environment and the portfolio is managed by Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, the Charity's stockbrokers. Income generated is currently being added to the capital in order to provide Capital growth towards the cost of new buses in the future. |
Reserves policy |
The Charity will retain sufficient reserves to enable it to deal with the timely replacement of buses and other working assets in line with its regular replacement policy. Reserves are invested with stockbrokers. |
FUTURE PLANS |
Plans for future periods |
In 2025, the company will: |
- participate in the East Sussex CC fare cap scheme, |
- look to increase passenger numbers further - perhaps through advertising, |
- conduct another passenger survey, |
- aim to recruit and train more volunteers, |
- look for new funding sources, especially grants. |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Governing document |
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. |
The Company was incorporated on 1st September 1980, subsequently it was agreed in that any taxable profits made would be covenanted to Bexhill Council of Voluntary Services. Due to the winding up of this organisation, the Company sought Charity Commission approval for registration as a Charity in its own right. The application was approved and the Company was registered as a Charity on 29th July 2004. The Charity/Company is controlled by its Memorandum and Articles of Association as amended by Special Resolutions dated 13th May, 9th July 2004 and 16th March 2022. |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 01515143) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Structure and management |
The power of appointing new or additional Trustees/Directors is vested in the Trustees/Directors. |
Any policy decisions are taken by the Trustees/Directors. There were no changes in policy during the year. |
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS |
Registered Company number |
Registered Charity number |
Registered office |
Trustees |
Independent Examiner |
David Ashby FCCA ACA |
Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP |
Chartered Accountants |
20 Eversley Road |
Bexhill-on-Sea |
East Sussex |
TN40 1HE |
Bankers |
Bexhill-on-Sea |
East Sussex |
TN40 1AQ |
Solicitors |
Gaby Hardwicke |
34 Wellington Square |
Hastings, |
East Sussex |
TN34 1PN |
Stockbrokers |
Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management |
No 1 Kingsway, |
London |
WC2B 6AN |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 01515143) |
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
Approved by order of the board of trustees on |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Bexhill Community Bus Limited ('the Company') |
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st December 2024. |
Responsibilities and basis of report |
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). |
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. |
Independent examiner's statement |
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: |
1. | accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or |
2. | the accounts do not accord with those records; or |
3. | the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or |
4. | the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)). |
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. |
David Ashby FCCA ACA |
Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP |
Chartered Accountants |
20 Eversley Road |
Bexhill-on-Sea |
East Sussex |
TN40 1HE |
9th April 2025 |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
2024 | 2023 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
fund | fund | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Donations and legacies | 2 |
Charitable activities |
Other trading activities | 3 |
Investment income | 4 |
Other income | 5 |
Total |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Charitable activities | 6 |
Garage costs | 2,066 | - | 2,066 | 5,232 |
Total |
Net gains on investments |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | ( |
) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 289,972 |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 01515143) |
BALANCE SHEET |
31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
2024 | 2023 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
fund | fund | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
FIXED ASSETS |
Tangible assets | 12 |
Investments | 13 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Debtors | 14 |
Cash at bank and in hand |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 15 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
NET ASSETS |
FUNDS | 17 |
Unrestricted funds | 289,972 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 289,972 |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st December 2024. |
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. |
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for |
(a) | ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and |
(b) | preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED (REGISTERED NUMBER: 01515143) |
BALANCE SHEET - continued |
31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
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 |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
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. |
Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions |
The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland': |
• | the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows. |
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. |
Government grants are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. |
For legacies, entitlement is when probate is granted, the amount known, there are sufficient funds available for distribution or when a distribution is 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. |
Tangible fixed assets |
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. |
Leasehold property | - |
Bus equipment | - |
Office furniture and fittings | - |
Community buses | - |
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. |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
1. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Cash at bank |
Cash at bank includes cash and short term highly liquid investments. |
Debtors |
Debtors are recognised at their recoverable amounts to which the charity is entitled. |
Creditors |
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement value. |
2. | DONATIONS AND LEGACIES |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Passenger and other donations |
Gift aid tax recoverable |
Grants |
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
East Sussex County Council | 826 | 826 |
Government fuel grant | - | 300 |
826 | 1,126 |
3. | OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Adverts on community buses | 1,667 | - |
4. | INVESTMENT INCOME |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Dividends and interest | 236 | 1,621 |
5. | OTHER INCOME |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Business rates refund | 4,241 | - |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
6. | CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS |
Direct | Support |
Costs (see | costs (see |
note 7) | note 8) | Totals |
£ | £ | £ |
Community buses | 23,562 | - | 23,562 |
Office and other costs | 9,641 | 1,114 | 10,755 |
Garage costs | 2,066 | - | 2,066 |
35,269 | 1,114 | 36,383 |
7. | DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Vehicle tax and insurance | 3,924 | 3,481 |
Fuel and oil | 8,389 | 9,459 |
Vehicles repairs and servicing | 3,593 | 6,063 |
Annual ticket software | 1,584 | 1,584 |
Office rent, rates, light and heat | 6,376 | 5,550 |
Office repairs | 391 | 170 |
Garage expenses | 2,066 | 5,232 |
Stationery, postage, computer expenses and advertising | 381 | 920 |
Telephone (inc. broadband) | 408 | 498 |
Sundry expenses | 839 | 564 |
Fuel card charges | 162 | 634 |
Medicals | 889 | - |
Training costs | 96 | - |
Depreciation | 36,760 | 15,692 |
Profit on sale of bus | (30,589 | ) | - |
35,269 | 49,847 |
8. | SUPPORT COSTS |
Governance |
costs |
£ |
Office and other costs | 1,114 |
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows: |
Governance costs |
2024 | 2023 |
Office |
and other | Total |
costs | activities |
£ | £ |
Annual return fee | 34 | 13 |
Accountancy | 715 | 705 |
Independent examination fees | 365 | 340 |
1,114 | 1,058 |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
9. | NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Depreciation - owned assets |
Surplus on disposal of fixed assets | ( |
) |
10. | TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS |
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st December 2024 nor for the year ended 31st December 2023. |
Trustees' expenses |
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st December 2024 nor for the year ended 31st December 2023. |
11. | STAFF COSTS |
There were no staff costs for the year ended 31st December 2024 nor for the year ended 31st December 2023. |
12. | TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
Office |
furniture |
Leasehold | Bus | and | Community |
property | equipment | fittings | buses | Totals |
£ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
COST |
At 1st January 2024 |
Additions |
Disposals | ( |
) | ( |
) |
At 31st December 2024 |
DEPRECIATION |
At 1st January 2024 |
Charge for year |
Eliminated on disposal | ( |
) | ( |
) |
At 31st December 2024 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31st December 2024 |
At 31st December 2023 |
The leasehold property consists of a garage to house community buses on land leased from Rother District Council for a period of twenty one years from 23rd October 2000 at an initial rent of one peppercorn (if demanded). |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
13. | FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS |
Listed |
investment |
£ |
MARKET VALUE |
At 1st January 2024 |
Additions |
Disposals | ( |
) |
Unrealised gain/(loss) |
At 31st December 2024 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
At 31st December 2024 | 192,967 |
At 31st December 2023 | 229,511 |
At the year end there were no investment assets outside the UK. |
The historical cost of the listed investments is £162,280. |
14. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Other debtors |
VAT |
Prepayments |
15. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Trade creditors |
Other creditors |
Accrued expenses |
16. | LEASING AGREEMENTS |
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows: |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Within one year |
Between one and five years |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
17. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
Net |
movement | At |
At 1/1/24 | in funds | 31/12/24 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 289,972 | 25,837 | 315,809 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 25,837 | 315,809 |
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 | 53,764 | (36,383 | ) | 8,456 | 25,837 |
TOTAL FUNDS | ( |
) | 25,837 |
Comparatives for movement in funds |
Net |
movement | At |
At 1/1/23 | in funds | 31/12/23 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 290,191 | (219 | ) | 289,972 |
TOTAL FUNDS | 290,191 | (219 | ) | 289,972 |
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 | 42,751 | (50,079 | ) | 7,109 | (219 | ) |
Restricted funds |
Electronic ticket machines | 826 | (826 | ) | - | - |
TOTAL FUNDS | 43,577 | (50,905 | ) | 7,109 | (219 | ) |
Restricted funds |
Electronic ticket machines fund - A grant was received from East Sussex County Council towards the cost of the annual software fees. |
BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED |
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 |
18. | CAPITAL COMMITMENTS |
2024 | 2023 |
£ | £ |
Contracted but not provided for in the financial statements | - | 109,147 |
At 31st December 2023 the charity was committed to purchase a new bus. The contract was signed and deposit paid on 3rd July 2023 and the purchase was completed on 16th July 2024. |
19. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |
20. | LIMITED LIABILITY OF MEMBERS |
The liability of the members is limited to a sum of £10 being the amount that each member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Charity in the event of its being wound up while he, she or it is a member or within one year after he, she or it ceases to be a member, for |
(1) payment of the charity's debts and liabilities incurred before he or she or it eases to be a member; |
(2) payment of the costs charges and expenses of winding up; |
(3) adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves. |
21. | SCHEDULE OF BUSES |
RJ24AHA | GX18ABV | RX20RNJ | Total |
£ | £ | £ | £ |
Cost |
At 1st January 2024 | 0 | 85,400 | 90,580 | 175,980 |
Addition during the year | 113,674 | 0 | 0 | 113,674 |
Disposal during the year | 0 | (85,400 | ) | 0 | (85,400 | ) |
At 31st December 2024 | 113,674 | 0 | 90,580 | 204,254 |
Depreciation |
At 1st January 2024 | 0 | 70,989 | 60,009 | 130,998 |
Charge for the year | 28,419 | 0 | 7,643 | 36,062 |
On disposal | 0 | (70,989 | ) | 0 | (70,989 | ) |
At 31st December 2024 | 28,419 | 0 | 67,652 | 96,071 |
Net book value |
At 31st December 2024 | 85,255 | 0 | 22,928 | 108,183 |
At 31st December 2023 | 0 | 14,411 | 30,571 | 44,982 |