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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 2025

FOR

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025










Page

Report of the Trustees 1 to 9

Report of the Independent Auditors 10 to 13

Statement of Financial Activities 14

Balance Sheet 15

Cash Flow Statement 16

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 17

Notes to the Financial Statements 18 to 28

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

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025



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 2025. 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 beneficiaries.

The trustees 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, loneliness, and mental health.
- Provision of outreach and engagement services to local authorities, the NHS and clinical commissioning groups.
- Encourage rural equality in service delivery.

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 the 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 2025


OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Grant Making
The RCC does not make grants from its own funds or reserves, rather 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 by case-by-case basis with the funder.

Where grant funds are held by the RCC on behalf of local authorities or other funders, 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, however a full policy for volunteer recruitment, management and wellbeing is in place.

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE TO AUDITORS
As far as the trustees are aware there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable companies' auditors are unaware. Additionally, the trustees have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as trustees 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 2025


ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Achievement and Performance
Little Cup of Joy -
The RCC continued to deliver this NHS funded project aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation through the mobile provision of a barista style coffee van. The project delivered sessions across rural communities in both Leicestershire and Rutland.

Warm, Optimistic and Well (WOW) -
Delivery of the third year of this project which supports individuals with issues relating to fuel poverty, access to warm spaces and basic skills in relation fuel budgeting and usage.

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

Halls Together -
Support, guidance and training provided to the estimated three hundred village halls and community buildings across Leicestershire and Rutland. In depth enquires numbered over two hundred and fifty during the year. Bespoke training courses delivered to over two hundred delegates. The project also provides information and support to village halls in Warwickshire and Solihull.

Hinckley and Bosworth VCS Support -
Delivery of Voluntary Sector and Volunteer support services in Hinckley and Bosworth.

Hinckley and Bosworth Grants -
Distributed grants in excess of £70,000 to rural community projects across the Borough.

Community Woodlands in National Forest -
Working with the National Forest Company and utilising National Lottery funding to engage with rural communities to develop small woodland area in villages.

Harborough Community Development -
Engaging with communities in the Harborough District regarding community expansion, use of development contributions and the provision of community facilities.

Hinckley and Bosworth Mobile Hub -
Working in partnership with the local authority to take their statutory and non-statutory services out into rural communities.

Harborough Helping Improve Rural Employability (HIRE) -
Using Shared Prosperity Fund monies to engage with those furthest from the employment market to increase skills and opportunities for employment in the Harborough District.

Oadby and Wigston Helping Improve Rural Employability (HIRE) -
Using Shared Prosperity Fund monies to engage with those furthest from the employment market to increase skills and opportunities for employment in the borough of Oadby and Wigston.

Northwest Leicestershire Helping Improve Rural Employability (HIRE) -
Using Shared Prosperity Fund monies to engage with those furthest from the employment market to increase skills and opportunities for employment in the district of Northwest Leicestershire.





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

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


Achievement and Performance - Continued
Hinckley and Bosworth Helping Improve Rural Employability (HIRE) -
Using Shared Prosperity Fund monies to engage with those furthest from the employment market to increase skills and opportunities for employment in the borough of Hinckley and Bosworth.

Multiply -
Partnering with Leicestershire County Council to delivery basic numeracy and maths skills to rural residents in the borough of Melton.

Changing Connections -
Providing support to individuals in Melton Borough and Rutland allowing them to review, change and improve their social connections.

Earl Shilton Neighbourhood Mental Health Café -
Provides a regular safe space for individuals to attend in order to discuss and receive support for mental health issues.

Syston Neighbourhood Mental Health Café -
Provides a regular safe space for individuals to attend in order to discuss and receive support for mental health issues.

Rural Housing Enablement -
DEFRA funded project which is subcontracted to a registered social housing provider. Delivering solutions to tackle the shortage of affordable rural homes across Leicestershire & Rutland.

Fundraising activities
Individual projects undertaken by the RCC will 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 public fundraising. Projects are planned and funded on a full cost recovery basis wherever possible to ensure that the sustainability of the charity is protected.

Low value donations are received in relation to the Little Cup of Joy 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 investment has decreased during the year, which in the opinion of the trustees is consistent with the performance 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 medium risk level.

Holdings in the Cirican Limited Liability Partnership 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.


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

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal Funding Sources
Income into the charity was broadly split between grants and contract or commissioned work, all of which the trustees believe was charitable in nature.

Grant funding was received from the following bodies and organisations.
- DEFRA
- Leicestershire County Council
- The National Lottery
- Leicestershire and Rutland ICB
- The National Forest Company
- Rutland Citizens Advice Bureau
- Voluntary Action Leicestershire

The total value of funding from these sources is £254,216. Funded projects have varying end or renewal dates which are monitored by the trustees.

Income through commissioned and contract delivery was received from the following bodies and organisations.
- Hinckley and Bosworth Bough Council
- Cadent Gas Networks
- Oadby and Wigston Borough Council
- North West Leicestershire District Council
- Warwickshire Rural Community Council
- Harborough District Council

Total income received from these sources was £519,267.

Investment Policy and Objectives
The trustees have adopted a low to medium attitude to risk and have elected to invest an element of 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 2025


FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves Policy
The RCC has decided 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 generated revenue income to cover day to day operational expenses. Based on the operating budget set for 2025/26 the level of unrestricted funds was set as below.

Minimum Level
- Six months operating costs - £407,000
- Cover for redundancy costs - £40,000
- Contingent liabilities - £20,000
Total - £467,000

Target Level
- Nine months operating costs - £610,000
- Cover for redundancy costs - £40,000
- Contingent liabilities - £20,000
Total - £670,000

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

Designated funds are excluded from reserves as per the Charities Commission definition. The trustees have designated the following funds.
- Designated cash for investment - £230,000
- Designated strategic investment - £30,000
Total - £260,000

Going Concern
The trustees consider the charity remains in a strong financial position and is able to continue to deliver its charitable aims 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.

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.


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

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Organisational Structure
The charitable company is governed by a Trustee Board which can accommodate between three and eleven trustees. The Board selects a chair and vice chair for each annual term at the AGM. Three trustees are selected to serve on each of the sub committees, namely the Audit Committee and the Remuneration and Nominations Committee.

A maximum of eleven trustees is allowed as below:

One representing Leicestershire County Council.
One representing Rutland County Council.
Up to nine elected from the membership.
Co-options are permitted up to the maximum of eleven 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.

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 annually 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 2025


Trustees
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 (resigned 7.5.2025)
Ms L Stephenson
Mrs M Wright (appointed 28.4.2025)
Mrs T Steward (appointed 28.4.2025)

Jennifer Lady Gretton DCVO JP is the President of the charity.

The trustees 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


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

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


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.

As 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 12 November 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

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. We have identified that no manual journal entries were posted by management in the year and therefore no further work deemed necessary on this risk area.

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 income transactions 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.

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

18 November 2025

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
(INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
as restated
Notes £    £    £    £   
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 3 257,398 - 257,398 190,404

Other trading activities 4 449,267 70,000 519,267 353,987
Investment income 5 25,479 8 25,487 19,559
Total 732,144 70,008 802,152 563,950

EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities 6
Grants - 67,433 67,433 81,685

Other 718,165 - 718,165 491,211
Total 718,165 67,433 785,598 572,896

Net gains/(losses) on investments (2,817 ) - (2,817 ) 22,183

NET INCOME 11,162 2,575 13,737 13,237


RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 822,475 5 822,480 809,243

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 833,637 2,580 836,217 822,480

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

BALANCE SHEET
31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
as restated
Notes £    £    £    £   
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 14 5,506 - 5,506 11,172
Investments 15 276,389 - 276,389 502,372
281,895 - 281,895 513,544

CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 16 6,640 - 6,640 16,761
Investments 17 397,021 - 397,021 175,579
Cash at bank 257,074 2,580 259,654 208,495
660,735 2,580 663,315 400,835

CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 18 (108,993 ) - (108,993 ) (91,899 )

NET CURRENT ASSETS 551,742 2,580 554,322 308,936

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES

833,637

2,580

836,217

822,480

NET ASSETS 833,637 2,580 836,217 822,480
FUNDS 20
Unrestricted funds:
General fund 833,637 822,475
Restricted funds 2,580 5
TOTAL FUNDS 836,217 822,480

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 12 November 2025 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 2025

2025 2024
as restated
Notes £    £   

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations 1 24,529 (50,538 )
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities 24,529 (50,538 )

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (581 ) (15,013 )
Movement in deposit investments 1,724 46,499
Interest received 25,487 19,559
Net cash provided by investing activities 26,630 51,045

Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the reporting period

51,159

507
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period

208,495

207,988
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the reporting period

259,654

208,495

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial
Activities)

13,737

13,237
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges 6,248 6,360
Losses/(gain) on investments 2,817 (22,183 )
Interest received (25,487 ) (19,559 )
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 10,120 (5,819 )
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 17,094 (22,574 )
Net cash provided by/(used in) operations 24,529 (50,538 )


2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.4.24 Cash flow At 31.3.25
£    £    £   
Net cash
Cash at bank 208,495 51,159 259,654
208,495 51,159 259,654

Liquid resources
Deposits included in cash - - -
Current asset investments 175,579 221,442 397,021
175,579 221,442 397,021
Total 384,074 272,601 656,675

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


1. PRESENTATION CURRENCY

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

2. 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.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

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

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.

3. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Membership and donations 3,182 11,200
Grants 254,216 179,204
257,398 190,404

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


3. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES - continued

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

2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Leicestershire County Council 35,320 34,725
DEFRA/ACRE 95,980 47,215
Leicestershire NHS - 46,925
Voluntary Action Leicester 29,954 -
VISTA - Will project - 5,859
National Lottery Community Fund 61,394 -
National Forest 23,168 35,480
Rutland CAB 8,400 9,000
254,216 179,204

4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Services and project work 519,267 353,987

5. INVESTMENT INCOME
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Deposit account interest 25,487 19,559

6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Grant
funding of
activities
(see note
7)
£   
Grants 67,433


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


7. GRANTS PAYABLE

£
Community Volunteer Fund 11,151
Make A Difference 56,282
67,433

8. SUPPORT COSTS
Support Governance
costs costs Totals
£    £    £   
Other resources expended 711,981 6,184 718,165

Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
2025 2024
as restated
Other
resources Total
expended activities
£    £   
Wages 513,975 372,831
Social security 39,019 24,732
Pensions 25,890 18,690
Service delivery costs 20,172 9,617
Vehicle expenses 4,894 4,438
Rates and water 5,186 4,993
Insurance 5,880 6,343
Rent and service charge 9,984 9,984
Computer costs 8,025 7,363
Postage and stationery 2,622 1,332
Sundries 1,150 1,324
Professional fees 41,499 7,723
Travel and subsistence 14,460 9,668
Equipment purchases 5,027 -
Irrecoverable VAT 7,950 -
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 6,248 6,360
Auditors' remuneration 6,184 5,813
718,165 491,211


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


9. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Auditors' remuneration 6,184 5,813
Depreciation - owned assets 6,248 6,361
Hire of plant and machinery 20,172 9,617
Other operating leases 4,894 4,438

10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no Trustee's remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Trustees' expenses

There were no Trustee's expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

11. STAFF COSTS
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Wages and salaries 513,975 372,831
Social security costs 39,019 24,732
Other pension costs 25,890 18,690
578,884 416,253

Total remuneration in relation to Key Management Personnel, included within the figures above, amounts to £115,157 (2024: £88,654).

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

2025 2024
as restated
Average number of employees 19 16

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 £25,890 (2024: £18,690).

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


12. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - 31 MARCH 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
as restated
£    £    £   
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 190,404 - 190,404

Other trading activities 275,987 78,000 353,987
Investment income 19,554 5 19,559
Total 485,945 78,005 563,950

EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Grants 651 81,034 81,685

Other 491,211 - 491,211
Total 491,862 81,034 572,896

Net gains on investments 22,183 - 22,183

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 16,266 (3,029 ) 13,237


RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 806,209 3,034 809,243

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 822,475 5 822,480

13. PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT

During the year, the charity identified a misclassification in the prior year’s balance sheet where £175,579 was incorrectly recorded under cash at bank instead of current asset investments and £306,166 under cash at bank instead of fixed asset investments. The comparative figures have been restated to reflect this reclassification. The adjustment had no impact on total funds or net assets.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


14. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
and Motor Computer
fittings vehicles equipment Totals
£    £    £    £   
COST
At 1 April 2024 12,465 28,290 12,803 53,558
Additions - - 582 582
Disposals (1,283 ) - (4,542 ) (5,825 )
At 31 March 2025 11,182 28,290 8,843 48,315
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2024 12,349 19,627 10,410 42,386
Charge for year 116 4,331 1,801 6,248
Eliminated on disposal (1,283 ) - (4,542 ) (5,825 )
At 31 March 2025 11,182 23,958 7,669 42,809
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025 - 4,332 1,174 5,506
At 31 March 2024 116 8,663 2,393 11,172

15. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Shares 191,389 194,206
Other 85,000 308,166
276,389 502,372

Additional information as follows:

Listed Unlisted
investments investments Totals
£    £    £   
MARKET VALUE
At 1 April 2024 191,206 3,000 194,206
Revaluations (2,817 ) - (2,817 )
At 31 March 2025 188,389 3,000 191,389
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2025 188,389 3,000 191,389
At 31 March 2024 191,206 3,000 194,206

There were no investment assets outside the UK.

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


15. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS - continued

Cost or valuation at 31 March 2025 is represented by:

Listed Unlisted
investments investments Totals
£    £    £   
Valuation in 2025 188,389 - 188,389
Cost - 3,000 3,000
188,389 3,000 191,389


Investments (neither listed nor unlisted) were as follows:

2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Bank deposits 85,000 308,166

Other investments consists of fixed term deposit accounts with high street banks and building societies which mature in more than a year.

16. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Trade debtors - 11,163
Other debtors 1,948 1,903
Prepayments and accrued income 4,692 3,695
6,640 16,761

17. CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Bank deposits 397,021 175,579

Current asset investments consists of fixed term deposit accounts with high street banks and building societies which mature in less than a year.


RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


18. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Trade creditors 12,455 496
VAT 12,883 4,611
Other creditors - 91
Accruals and deferred income 83,655 86,701
108,993 91,899

19. LEASING AGREEMENTS

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

2025 2024
as restated
£    £   
Within one year 6,344 6,344
Between one and five years 17,446 23,790
23,790 30,134

Lease payments of £6,344 (2024: £6,344) were recognised as an expense during the year.

20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement At
At 1.4.24 in funds 31.3.25
£    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 822,475 11,162 833,637

Restricted funds
HBBC VCS Commissioning Fund 5 2,575 2,580

TOTAL FUNDS 822,480 13,737 836,217

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

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 732,144 (718,165 ) (2,817 ) 11,162

Restricted funds
HBBC VCS Commissioning Fund 70,008 (67,433 ) - 2,575

TOTAL FUNDS 802,152 (785,598 ) (2,817 ) 13,737


Comparatives for movement in funds

Net
movement At
At 1.4.23 in funds 31.3.24
£    £    £   
Unrestricted funds
General fund 806,209 16,266 822,475

Restricted funds
HBBC VCS Commissioning Fund 3,034 (3,029 ) 5

TOTAL FUNDS 809,243 13,237 822,480

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 485,945 (491,862 ) 22,183 16,266

Restricted funds
HBBC VCS Commissioning Fund 78,005 (81,034 ) - (3,029 )

TOTAL FUNDS 563,950 (572,896 ) 22,183 13,237

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE
& RUTLAND)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


20. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued


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.

21. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025.