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2023-03-31-accounts

ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

ST. AIDAN’S TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Victoria Bradshaw, FCCA, Treasurer Charity Registration Number: 1039113

ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

CONTENTS Page
Number
Trustee’s Annual Report 3 - 7
Independent Examiner’s Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Accounts 11-13

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustee’s Annual Report

Reference and Administrative Details

Name of the charity: St. Aidan’s Trust Charity registration number: 1039113 Address: Civic Hall, LEEDS, LS1 1JF Sole Trustee: Leeds City Council Represented by: Cllr Arif, (Executive Member for Environments and Active Lifestyles), Mrs Victoria Bradshaw (Chief Officer Financial Services) and Mr James Rogers (Director Communities & Environment), Leeds City Council. Auditors: Leeds City Council, Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1JF. Solicitors: Leeds City Council, Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1JF. Bankers: National Westminster

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

St Aidan’s Trust is constituted in accordance with its trust deed as an unincorporated association. St. Aidan’s Trust was registered with the Charity Commission on 25 May 1994 (charity registration number 1039113).

Trustees

Leeds City Council as a corporate body is the sole trustee of St. Aidan’s Trust for the purposes of the Trustee Act 1960 and the Local Government Act 1972.

Staffing

St. Aidan’s Trust has no employees.

Affiliations and related parties

St. Aidan’s Trust is not part of a wider network of affiliated charities or similar organisations. Its relationship to Leeds City Council and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is disclosed throughout this document.

Leeds City Council

St. Aidan’s Trust stems from a planning Section 106 agreement between Leeds City Council and the British Coal Corporation under which an endowment of £1,000,000 was being held in trust by the Council. A covenant of the agreement was the transfer of land to the Trust at nil cost. The land transfer was completed in December 2016. No value is attached to the land as a result of the restrictions on the land. In 2005 the Council's Executive Board, acting as the Trust, agreed that when the transfer takes place it will lease the land to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). In March 2017 the Trust entered into a 99 year lease at a peppercorn rent with the RSPB to manage the site in accordance with the objectives set out in the trust deed i.e. for the establishment, maintenance and promotion of ecological, recreational and educational works and facilities.

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustee’s Annual Report (continued)

Leeds City Council provides the financial administration and other administrative services to the charity at no cost. The financial administration and governance policies and procedures of the charity are consistent with those of the Council.

Friends of St. Aidan’s BE1150 Dragline

In April 1997 RJB Mining (UK) Limited offered the redundant 1150 Bucyrus Erie dragline sited at St. Aidan’s Trust to Leeds City Council and waived the scrap value of £150,000. In view of the history of mining and open casting in the Lower Aire Valley, the Council decided to retain the dragline as a feature of public interest. St. Aidan’s Trust was deemed to be the appropriate ‘home’ for the dragline and it is through the charity that the grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund to meet initial movement and restoration costs were arranged. There is an active and dedicated ‘Friends’ organisation which carries out much of the dragline and cartilage maintenance work on behalf of St. Aidan’s Trust.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

The St. Aidan’s site comprises circa 400 hectares of restored land, which was transferred from Harworth Estate Investment Limited (formerly named Coal Mining UK Limited) to St. Aidan’s Trust in December 2016. In March 2017 the Trust leased the land to the RSPB at a peppercorn rent for a term of 99 years. Also in March 2017 Leeds City Council and the RSPB entered into a grant fund agreement to manage the site, now a nature park, on behalf of Leeds City Council. RSPB submit claims annually and the eligible costs, for agriculture, nature conservation and recreation are funded from the Trust.

Risk Statement

Leeds City Council, as sole trustee, has examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces as part of its development plans, and confirms that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks. In 2005, Leeds City Council’s Executive Board considered the current position and future intentions for St Aidan’s Trust, and established that the nature park scheme was not technically difficult to deliver, but the main risk was that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was the only suitable body to work with on this project but that the risk of the partnership not working is small. Given the future intentions of the Trust have not changed, the low level of activity in recent years, and the fact that Leeds City Council continues to work closely with RSPB over the site, this risk assessment is still considered to remain relevant. St Aidan’s Trust uses the systems of Leeds City Council for governance and financial administration purposes. Therefore, the Council’s own internal controls apply to St Aidan’s Trust on the same basis and to the same extent as they do to any other Council function or service.

Objectives and Activities

Summary of objects as set out in the governing document

The purpose of St. Aidan's Trust is to make the trust land available in the interests of social welfare for the public recreation and leisure time occupation for those living or working in, or resorting to the South Leeds area.

Explanation of the charity’s aims including the changes or differences it seeks to make through its activities

St. Aidan’s Trust exists in order to restore the St. Aidan’s opencast coal site at Swillington, Leeds, as a significant recreational and nature conservation resource in the Lower Aire Valley. To this end, reed beds and wetland habitats have already been created for nature conservation purposes. There are now several large lakes on site for accommodating flood water and paths and bridleways have been established.

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustee’s Annual Report (continued)

The 1150 Bucyrus Erie dragline is retained as an industrial heritage symbol of the area’s coal mining history.

Explanation of the charity’s main objectives for the year

The main objectives were to facilitate the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds development plan and maintain the dragline exhibit, whilst ensuring that investment income from the endowment is maximised in accordance with Leeds City Council’s own investment policies.

Achievements and Performance

The transfer of trust land from Harworth Estates to St Aidan’s Trust and the subsequent lease of the land to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) were significant developments during 2016/17. The cost for the RSPB developmental work for the year ended 31 March 2023 was £124.4k (£11.6k in 2022). The RSPB business plan for 2018/19 to 2020/21 estimated circa £554k. There was only £75.6k was spent in 18/19,£74.2 in 19/20, £10.6k in 20/21 at that point there was still £493.8.k left on the plan. There will need to be a new business plan drawn up with the RSPB from 2021/22 onwards as the previous on expired in 2020/21. £11.6k has been spent in 21/22 against no plan, along with £124.4k in 2022/23, leaving £357.8k remaining on the previous business plan.

Public Benefit

Leeds City Council, as sole trustee, confirms that it has referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities for the year. The benefits of the charitable activities of St Aidan’s Trust are primarily to a section of the public in accordance with the charitable objects of making the trust land available in the interests of social welfare for the public recreation and leisure time occupation for those living or working in or resorting to the South Leeds area. The geographical restriction is deemed reasonable given the location of the St. Aidan’s site. The public rights of way across the site have been adopted and are maintained by Leeds City Council.

Financial Review

The net movement in funds for the year was a deficit of £93,160 (2022: deficit of £2,570). This is due to the grant claims to RSPB being less than previously assumed.

St. Aidan’s Trust has fund balances of £1,467,181 at 31 March 2022 £1,560,341 at 31 March 2022). Within this, £197,338 is restricted, representing an earmarked reserve of £47,338 for a bird hide and panel engineer costs and £150,000 for the net value of the dragline. St. Aidan’s Trust’s unrestricted cash balances are £269,843. The Endowment Funds are the original £1,000,000 endowment.

The assets available as at 31 March 2023 are adequate to fulfil the obligations of St. Aidan's Trust for the next twelve months.

The financial management policies in practice during the year are those used by Leeds City Council. Leeds City Council use a special interest bearing account (SIBA) which provides charities with instant access to their funds whilst earning the same rate of interest that the Council receives on its own cash balances. Subject to the expenditure requirements for St Aidan’s Trust being established, £1,494,255 is deposited in the SIBA as at 31 March 2023.

Appointment of Leeds City Council as Independent Examiner

The Trustees approved the appointment of Leeds City Council as Independent Examiner for the 2022/23 accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011.

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustee’s Annual Report (continued)

Events since the end of the year

There is no significant event that is having a material effect on the financial statements. Rising interest rates may have a positive effect on interest received in the next financial year.

Plans for Future Periods

By working in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Leeds City Council as sole trustee plans to continue St. Aidan’s Trust’s operations of preserving the dragline as a piece of industrial heritage and further developing the former opencast site which is now a nature park stretching from Skelton Lake to Fairburn Ings. The furtherance of these objectives is evidenced by the signing of a 99 year lease of the site between the two organisations.

Reserve Funds and Policy

The Trust Fund was established in order to receive an endowment of £1,000,000 from British Coal in 1992/93. The purpose of the endowment is to fund the environmental restoration works which commenced upon the completion of coal mining at the St. Aidan's site. The charity’s objective is to expend all its free reserves (these currently being £269,843 together with the £1 million endowment a total of £1,269,843) on the intended charitable purpose of managing and maintaining the St Aidan’s site as a nature park. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) business plan for 2018/19 to 2020/21 estimated circa £554k would have been required in order to fulfil their proposals in connection with the nature park. However, the RSPB had committed to seek to secure external funding of around £125k for new capital expenditure/projects. The plan has since expired and a new business plan needs to be agreed. The only other commitment for the reserves funds of the charity is the upkeep of the 1150B dragline, which was donated from RJB Mining.

Investment policy

The investment policy of the charity is that of Leeds City Council, which is to invest the charity’s funds in secure, low risk deposits with reputable financial institutions. This has included the investment of £900k in a local authority investment until 31 March 2022. The trustees will also consider investing in low risk options with other reputable institutions not available to the public sector if a better rate of return can be achieved. Adopting a prudent, rather than speculative policy has meant that the charity’s funds have been protected from decreases in monetary value as experienced by more speculative, stock market based investments. In the year ended 31 March 2023 income from bank deposits was £27,502. The interest on the matured £900k investment in the year ended 31 March 2023 was £3,701.

Organisation

Leeds City Council is the sole trustee of St Aidan’s Trust. This role was carried out by Cllr Arif Executive Member for Environments and Active Lifestyles, Mrs Victoria Bradshaw, Chief Officer Financial Services and Mr James Rogers, Director of Communities and Environments, in accordance with the Council’s regeneration strategies and consultation with relevant organisations and community groups. Appropriate consultative meetings with these groups and other Council services are held.

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

STATEMENT OF THE TRUSTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE TRUSTEE’S REPORT AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Under the trust deed and rules of the charity and charity law, the trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee’s Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the excess of income over expenditure for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, generally accepted accounting practice entails that trustees:

The trustees are required to act in accordance with the trust deed and the rules of the charity, within the framework of trust law. They are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, sufficient to disclose at any time, with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the charity at that time, and to enable the trustees to ensure that, where any statements of accounts are prepared by them under section 132 of the Charities Act 2011, those statements of accounts comply with the requirements of regulations under that provision. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of information to auditors

The trustee who held office at the date of approval of this trustee’s report confirms that, so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Charity's auditors are unaware; and the trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have taken as a trustee to make them aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Charity’s auditors are aware of that information.

Approved and signed on behalf of Leeds City Council, sole trustee

Victoria Bradshaw, Chief Officer Financial Services, Date: 20/12/2023 Leeds City Council Civic Hall Leeds LS1 1JF

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS

Report to the trustees/ members of For the year ended Set out on pages

EPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS EPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS EPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
St Aidan’s Trust
31 March 2023 Charity no 1039113
9 to 13

Respective responsibilities The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees of trustees and examiner consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the examiner’s statement Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met ; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Date: 14/12/2023 Name: Rosie Boyles CPFA Relevant professional CIPFA - Charted Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy qualification(s) or body: Address: Corporate Financial Management, Leeds City Council, Civic Hall Leeds

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2023

Notes Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total Funds Total Funds
2023 2023 2023 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £
INCOME
Income and endowments
from:
Investments 3 31,203 - - 31,203 8,980
Total 31,203 - - 31,203 8,980
EXPENDITURE
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 (124,363) - - (124,363) (11,550)
Total (124,363) - - (124,363) (11,550)
Net Income / Expenditure
before transfers
(93,160) - - (93,160) (2,570)
Transfer to earmarked reserve - -
Net Income / Expenditure after
transfers
Net movement in funds
(93,160) - - (93,160) (2,570)
(93,160) - - (93,160) (2,570)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total funds brought forward 11 363,003 197,338 1,000,000 1,560,341 1,562,911
General Funds
Earmarked Reserve
11 269,843 150,000 1,000,000 1,419,843 1,513,003
12 - 47,338 - 47,338 47,338
Total funds carried forward 269,843 197,338 1,000,000 1,467,181 1,560,341

The results are wholly derived from the continuing operations. The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 11 to 13 form part of these financial statements.

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023

Notes
2023 2022
£ £
FIXED ASSETS:
Heritage Assets 5 150,000 150,000
Total fixed assets 150,000 150,000
CURRENT ASSETS:
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
6 3,701 3,701
7 1,494,255 1,560,225
Total current assets 1,497,956 1,563,926
LIABILITIES:
Creditors:Amounts falling due
within one year
8 & 13 (135,433) (106,247)
Total net current assets/(liabilities) 1,362,523 1,457,679
Creditors:Amounts falling due after
more than one year
Provisions for liabilities
Total net assets
9 (35,000) (35,000)
10 (10,342) (12,338)
1,467,181 1,560,341
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Endowment funds 11 1,000,000 1,000,000
Restricted income funds-dragline 11 150,000 150,000

Unrestricted income funds
11 269,843 363,003
Earmarked reserves 12 47,338 47,338
Total charity funds 1,467,181 1,560,341

These financial statements were approved and signed on behalf of the sole trustee by:

Victoria Bradshaw, Chief Officer Financial Services, Date: 20/12/2023 Leeds City Council Civic Hall Leeds LS1 1JF

The Annual Report and Financial Statements are filed with the Charity Commission.

The notes on pages 11 to 13 form part of these financial statements.

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

1. Accounting Policies

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the charity’s financial statements.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the inclusion of investments at market value and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015) and 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) ( October 2019). The particular accounting policies adopted by the Trustee are described below:

Fixed assets

No value is attached to the land as a result of the restrictions on the land.

The value of the 1150B walking dragline included in the accounts is the donor’s estimate of the residual scrap value and therefore no provision for depreciation is considered necessary.

Income

Investment income from bank deposits is accounted for when receivable and includes the related tax recoverable.

Resources expended

Expenditure is included on an accruals basis.

St Aidan’s Trust incurs charitable expenditure funded from donations and other receipts. This activity is disclosed as restricted or unrestricted according to the circumstances of the income.

As sole trustee, Leeds City Council resolved to provide administrative support to St Aidan’s Trust, for which no charge is made. The services provided are not quantified and therefore are not included in the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Governance costs

Governance costs are minimal on account of Leeds City Council acting as sole trustee. The independent examination is provided at nil cost.

Fund accounting

The Trust maintains three types of funds as follows:

Endowment funds

The endowment fund consists of the original endowment of £1,000,000 resulting from a planning Section 106 agreement between Leeds City Council and the British Coal Corporation. The endowment is expendable rather than permanent.

Restricted funds represent grants and donations received which are allocated by the grantor, provider and donor for specific purposes.

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Notes (continued)

General unrestricted funds represent investment income accrued from the endowment, which is expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objects of the Trust. Such funds may be held in order to finance both working capital and capital investment.

Taxation

St. Aidan’s Trust is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable trust for UK income tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Part 10 Income Tax Act 2007 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

2. Staff Costs & Trustee Remuneration

St Aidan’s Trust is administered by Leeds City Council and so is not required to employee staff. No emoluments or expenses were paid to Leeds City Council as sole trustee during the year.

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023

*** notes 1 and 2 in body of accounts ***




Unrestricte
d Funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total Funds
Total Funds
2023
2023
2023
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
£
3. Investments and Other
SIBA and Monmouthshire Interest 31,203
-
-
31,203
8,980
Other income -
-
-
-
-
31,203
-
-
31,203
8,980
4. Expenditure on: - Charitable
Activities
St Aidan's nature park (124,363)
-
-
(124,363)
(11,550)
Dragline open day costs -
-
-
-
-
(124,363)
-
-
(124,363)
(11,550)
5. Heritage Assets

1150B Walking Dragline
(Scrap Value)
-
150,000
-
150,000
150,000

The 1150 Bucyrus Erie dragline dates back to the 'lease-lend' arrangement between the British and US governments leading up to and including World War 2. It now serves as a monument to the legacy of mining and opencasting in the Lower Aire Valley and as a feature of public interest. The dragline is valued at scrap.

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ST. AIDAN’S TRUST ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds Total Funds Total Funds
2023 2023 2023 2023 2022
£ £ £ £ £
6. Debtors
Monmouthshire
3,701
- -
3,701

3,701
Allerton Bywater Fishing
club - - -
-

-
3,701 - -
3,701

3,701
7. Cash At Bank
Monmouthshire County Council - -
-
Leeds City Council
1,494,255
- -
1,494,255

1,560,225
1,494,255 - -
1,494,255

1,560,225
8. Creditors Due within one year
RSPB
(124,363)
- -
(124,363)

(11,550)
Friends of the Dragline - - -
-

-
Leeds City Council
(7,850)
- -
(7,850)

(93,472)
John Gosden Consulting Ltd -
(3,220)
-
(3,220)

(1,225)
Bird hide costs - -
-
(132,213)
(3,220)
-
(135,433)

(106,247)
9. Creditors due after more than
one year
RSPB -
(35,000)
(35,000)
(35,000)
10. Provisions for liabilities
John Gosden Consulting Ltd -
(10,342)
-
(10,342)

(12,338)
-
(45,342)
-
(45,342)

(47,338)
11. General Funds
Fund Balance at 1 April
363,003

150,000
1,000,000
1,513,003

1,515,573
Incoming resources
31,203
- -
31,203

8,980
Outgoing resources
(124,363)
- -
(124,363)

(11,550)
Fund Balance at 31 March
269,843

150,000
1,000,000
1,419,843

1,513,003
12. Earmarked reserve
Fund Balance at 1 April -
47,338
-
47,338

47,338
Incoming resources - -
-

-
Outgoing resources - -
-

-
Fund Balance at 31 March -
47,338
-
47,338

47,338
13. Related Party Transactions
Leeds City Council
Leeds City Council creditor 7,850 - - 7,850 93,472

Leeds City Council has resolved to provide administrative support to St. Aidan's Trust. The Trust's payments for goods and services are processed through the Council’s financial systems and draw on the Council’s bank account. St. Aidan's Trust reimburses Leeds City Council on an agreed, periodic basis.

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