The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2026.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".
The objectives of the Charity are:
a) To provide relief to the inhabitants of South West Hertfordshire and its environs who have need because of age, mental or physical ill-health, impaired mobility or poverty, and in particular but not so as to limit the generality of the foregoing;
b) To provide and maintain non-profit community transport services; and
c) To assist the charitable work of organisations and bodies engaged in promoting the relief of such persons through the provision of appropriate services.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
The trustees have ensured that the organisation continues to meet its Objective of providing non-profit transport services to needy individuals and related community groups.
The trustees can also confirm that they have compiled with section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 be having due regard to the public benefit the organisation provides.
Roundabout Transport has managed to hold all the growth it had built since the pandemic. We feel that we are back to our 2019 usage and capacity. Bus miles, numbers of journeys and revenue were very similar to 2024/25. Tight budgets and reduced spending power means member groups are looking to use their funds wisely and we are always trying to help by keeping our costs as low as possible, thus benefiting all our members.
Hertfordshire County Council continues to be a major supporter in terms of funds to cover some of our operating costs. Lisa negotiated a small grant from Three Rivers District Council (this is payable every 6 months over a 3 year period) and we also received a small grant from Watford Borough Council.
Our fleet of 11 Minibuses continue to serve the charity well and fulfill all requirements. Commercial Motors Watford, together with Chenies Autos and A C Car Care keep our fleet on the road and fully compliant to run under our section 19 permit. We hope to collaborate with West Herts Charity Trust in 2026/27 as we look to upgrade our fleet of minibuses.
As mentioned utilisation is very consistent and steady, and we hope that this will continue in the coming year; bookings are already looking very positive. We are able to meet our availability target of 98% and facilitated 3366 journeys in 2025/26.
As in previous years, our vehicles have mainly parked at residential care homes. We are greatly indebted to Quantum Care who house 7 of our vehicles. We now have buses at Bushey Grove Leisure Centre, Croxley Danes School, Mill End Community Centre & 1st Chorleywood Scouts. They are all working well in these locations and we thank each venue for their help with the relocations.
Volunteer drivers are the foundation on which community transport schemes survive and Roundabout is fortunate that the majority of member organisations are able to recruit such people. This year John has (as always) been doing driving orientations for new group volunteer drivers on a weekly basis. We are as always, indebted to our own volunteers who drive and we should particularly mention, John Murphy and Lisa Burn.
After the retirement of Bob Broom & Kathy Green last year, Enid Saunders (who had moved back to the area) re-joined our committee. As a former user/group organiser and committee member this was greatly welcomed. Our small board of trustees meet regularly to keep the charity on track.
Lisa Burn & John Murphy have continued to work hard to support the operation. The Accounting system remains under control and all reconciliations and reports are produced on time. Lisa has also worked closely with all our funders to maintain a good relationship with them and supply them with all necessary reports and figures they request. John covers the needs of the vehicles, and has kept the maintenance cost to a similar expenditure as 24/25. He also organises the booking system and volunteer drivers.
Membership has increased during the year and as of 30 June 2026 we have 680 groups enjoying full membership, a net increase of 23 groups over the year. This is again fantastic growth, and demonstrates the full need for our service.
Summary
Operating income, mileage and journeys are all consistent & steady as previously mentioned, and Roundabout Transport is doing well. Tight control of administration costs ensures they remain below inflation.
We had a surplus before depreciation of £27,631 (2025: £79,711) and therefore report a final deficit after depreciation of £31,798 (2025: surplus £37,027).
Funding
The funds we receive from the various authorities are an important contribution to the financial viability of Roundabout Transport. We are grateful for the support we receive from Herts County Council, Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council (W3RT), together with the support of West Herts Charity Trust.
Prices
We have been able to avoid any increase in our rates during the year and are always mindful of our user’s tight budgets and will help wherever possible to aid trips and alleviate social isolation by doing fixed rates for longer trips.
Feedback
It remains crucial that we receive feedback from our members and users to ensure that our service meets with your needs. Please contact Lisa or John in our office with your feedback and comments.
Risk
The continuation of proper maintenance routines and fully documented operating procedures ensures we manage the risks identified with our operation. John also carries out the driver training and evaluation.
The trustees continue to review the operation to ensure all potential risks are identified and managed appropriately.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
We are very fortunate to have Herts CC, TRDC & Watford BC funding secured for the next year. It will be crucial that continued efforts are made in this area, together with continued growth to ensure the future viability of our operations. We will also continue to cooperate with other community transport groups in the county.
We will maintain close control on all costs and monitor our price levels to ensure they reflect on-going costs while minimising the impact on our members and their clients.
We have again been able to achieve our objective of an operating surplus in excess of financial depreciation this year, and will continue to monitor all aspects of the operation.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and operates under the name of "Roundabout Transport" which has been registered with the Charity Commission.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Trustees are primarily drawn from member organisations that are best able to shape the charity so that it serves the community to the greatest benefit. A skills audit of Trustees has been undertaken and where a skill gap has been identified, individuals have been recruited and co-opted to the board in accordance with the Articles of Association.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
Two Community Transport Officers, working for the Membership through the Executive Committee, administer the Scheme. Full time staff resources to meet the demands for our services have been necessary.
Direction of the Scheme is under the control of the Executive Committee comprising all trustees. The Executive Committee convenes quarterly to receive reports from staff and provide direction.
We have assessed that for the financial year 2025/26, the cost of governance, including executive committee meetings, AGM and audit costs, have totaled approximately £1,175 (2025: £1,005).
In recognition of the increasing emphasis being placed on the responsibilities of the management committee, trustees can partake in a range of training events including financial management, opportunity training for trustee recruitment seminars and formal instruction in the responsibilities of trustees.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of SW Herts Community Transport Scheme (the charity) for the year ended 30 June 2026.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
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 that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements 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 financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
SW Herts Community Transport Scheme is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Suite 13, Leavesden Park, 5 Hercules Way, Leavesden, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS, United Kingdom.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds which the Trustees have set aside for a particular purpose as described.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2025 - none).
The charity is under the control of the Board of Trustees.