REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03665974 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1077645

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

FOR

RURAL COMMUNITY COUNCIL (LEICESTERSHIRE

& RUTLAND)

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

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 2026. 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 on 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.

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 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 company's 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 company's auditors are aware of that information.

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 final year of this project which supports individuals with issues relating to fuel poverty, access to warm spaces and basic skills in relation to 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 enquiries 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.

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.

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.

BUILD -

Supporting people in rural areas to boost their confidence and help them to develop their skills and experience through volunteering, employment, training, and skills development.

Mobile Advice Centre (MAC) -

Partnering with the energy sector to provide advice on energy saving, carbon monoxide safety and other wellbeing matters across Leicestershire and Rutland through an electric van, directly to rural communities.

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 shows 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 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 medium risk level.

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

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

- Voluntary Action Leicestershire

The total value of funding from these sources is £314,516. 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 Borough 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 £520,903.

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.

Reserves Policy

On 31 March 2026, the total funds were £815,145 (2025: £836,217). The unrestricted funds held were £814,372 (2025: £833,637) and restricted funds were £773 (2025: £2,580).

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. Setting aside funds for specific purposes allows the RCC to make cash and market investments. These investments generate essential revenue income to help cover our day-to-day operational expenses. Based on the operating budget set for 2025/26, the trustees have established our unrestricted reserves framework as follows:

Minimum Level

- Six months operating costs - £405,000

- Cover for redundancy costs - £50,000

- Contingent liabilities - £20,000

Total - £475,000

Target Level

- Nine months operating costs - £610,000

- Cover for redundancy costs - £50,000

- Contingent liabilities - £20,000

Total - £680,000

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

To support our long-term sustainability and generate ongoing revenue income, the trustees intend to utilise a portion of our unrestricted reserves for strategic financial placement. While these remain part of our general unrestricted funds, the trustees have earmarked the following initial amounts for investment purposes:

- Cash for investment - £192,000

- Strategic investment - £100,000

Total - £292,000

After allowing for the £292,000 of unrestricted reserves earmarked for investment purposes, the RCC's remaining unrestricted reserves available for general purposes amounted to £522,372 as at 31 March 2026. This is £47,372 above the trustees' minimum reserve requirement of £475,000, providing an appropriate level of financial security, but £157,628 below the target reserve level of £680,000. The trustees remain mindful of the importance of maintaining reserves within the established framework and will continue to monitor reserve levels closely, balancing financial resilience with the need to support the RCC's strategic objectives and long-term sustainability.

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.

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

Trustees

Mrs P Crane

Mr P H Durban

Mr J H Flower

Mrs H J Fryer

Mrs J Martin (resigned 9.11.2025)

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

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 28 October 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Mr M J D Traynor OBE - Trustee

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Rural Community Council (Leicestershire & Rutland) (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2026 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 2026 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.

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.

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.

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

2 November 2026

2026

2025

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

funds

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

3

317,182

-

317,182

257,398

Other trading activities

4

450,903

70,000

520,903

519,267

Investment income

5

28,402

-

28,402

25,487

Total

796,487

70,000

866,487

802,152

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

6

Grants

-

71,795

71,795

67,433

Other

802,014

12

802,026

718,165

Total

802,014

71,807

873,821

785,598

Net gains/(losses) on investments

(13,738

)

-

(13,738

)

(2,817

)

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(19,265

)

(1,807

)

(21,072

)

13,737

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

833,637

2,580

836,217

822,480

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

814,372

773

815,145

836,217

2026

2025

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

funds

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

13

1,443

-

1,443

5,506

Investments

14

317,122

-

317,122

276,389

318,565

-

318,565

281,895

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

15

19,237

-

19,237

6,640

Investments

16

350,297

-

350,297

397,021

Cash at bank

183,274

773

184,047

259,654

552,808

773

553,581

663,315

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

17

(57,001

)

-

(57,001

)

(108,993

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

495,807

773

496,580

554,322

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

814,372

773

815,145

836,217

NET ASSETS

814,372

773

815,145

836,217

FUNDS

19

Unrestricted funds:

General fund

814,372

833,637

Restricted funds

773

2,580

TOTAL FUNDS

815,145

836,217

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 28 October 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

Mr J H Flower - Trustee

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash generated from operations

1

(94,997

)

24,529

Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities

(94,997

)

24,529

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of tangible fixed assets

(1,265

)

(581

)

Sale of fixed asset investments

872

-

Movement in deposit investments

(8,619

)

1,724

Interest received

28,402

25,487

Net cash provided by investing activities

19,390

26,630

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period

(75,607

)

51,159

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period

259,654

208,495

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period

184,047

259,654

1.	RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2026

2025

£

£

Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities)

(21,072

)

13,737

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges

5,328

6,248

Losses on investments

13,738

2,817

Interest received

(28,402

)

(25,487

)

(Increase)/decrease in debtors

(12,597

)

10,120

(Decrease)/increase in creditors

(51,992

)

17,094

Net cash (used in)/provided by operations

(94,997

)

24,529

2.	ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 1.4.25

Cash flow

At 31.3.26

£

£

£

Net cash

Cash at bank

259,654

(75,607

)

184,047

259,654

(75,607

)

184,047

Liquid resources

Current asset investments

397,021

(46,724

)

350,297

397,021

(46,724

)

350,297

Total

656,675

(122,331

)

534,344

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.

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

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

2026

2025

£

£

Membership and donations

2,666

3,182

Grants

314,516

254,216

317,182

257,398