Hinckley & Bosworth Community Transport (Registered Charity Number 1054668)
2023 to 2024
1. Chairman’s Report 2. Treasurer’s Report 3. Project Report
4. Financial Statements
It has been a year that has enabled us to resume a level of normal operating that we have not enjoyed since the covid pandemic with one significant exception, the lack of volunteer drivers. This is the one issue that continues to challenge our ability to provide the service to the community for which we are widely recognised and appreciated and which is the sole aim of the organisation. Although we still had 36 volunteer drivers who covered 34,000 journey miles we are still unable to meet the demand placed on us by those who need us and reluctantly we are having to decline requests for journeys simply because we do not have a driver available. We have made many attempts at recruitment as outlined in the Managers’ report and will continue to do so and it will once again be the main focus of our efforts in the coming year.
Operationally we are still in a good position with all plans and strategies being supported positively by various grants and funding with strategic changes implemented to the way the reserves are managed as outlined in the Treasurers report. I am confident that the plans we have in place will carry us forward in a positive way in the coming year with regular reviews to ensure applicability.
The administration team of Lindsey, Elaine and Carol continue to do a magnificent job of managing the operation in the face of a growing demand and a diminished resource assisted by Dave the minibus driver and Jenny who volunteers in the office. Payment has been made easier for the passengers and staff with the introduction of a virtual payment system and the use of emails to send invoices which yield a cost benefit.
I would like to pass on our good wishes to Dave our minibus driver who has decided to move on to pastures new and thank him for his significant contribution during the 6 years he was with us.
There has also been a significant loss to the project with the death of Sandra Braden who was a long serving trustee and volunteer driver and her contribution will be greatly missed.
I would like to thank my Management Committee who have supported me through the year and helped make the policy decisions needed for us to keep moving forward all of whom have agreed to continue in the role for another year. I would also like thank Peter Houghton who has decided to stand down after many years as Trustee and my predecessor as Chairman of the Management Committee.
A big thank you to everyone that is involved in the Charity in whatever way for helping to provide this vital service to our community and I look forward to doing the same in the coming year .
Steve Applin
The accounts in this financial year to March 2024 show a deficit of income over expenditure of £1,121. Whilst this is disappointing it is a considerable improvement over the deficit of the previous year.
An already implemented modest increase in the fares for Dial a Ride together with the improved utilisation of the minibus contributed to extra earned income of circa £14,000. The minibus charges were also increased later in the year. This was offset by increased expenses especially in staff costs and communications (postage and telephone).
A significant proportion of the income comes in the form of the annual grant from Leicestershire County Council (LCC). Despite the continual financial pressures on LCC we have been fortunate, and grateful, to have the grant stable for the last 3 years at £50,685. This also continues into the current year at this level. We shall have to wait to see if changes come in future years.
During the year changes were made to the banking of the reserves of £149,000. Previously this was kept in 2 accounts with NatWest Bank. We have now split these 3 ways with NatWest Bank and 2 local building societies. (Earl Shilton and Hinckley and Rugby). This was done to improve the interest received plus bringing all the money within the Financial Compensation Scheme limit of £85,000 per Institution.
The full accounts are included at the end of this Annual Report.
Colin Higgins
Dial a Ride
This financial year saw an increase in demand for transport with a definite need to recruit further volunteer drivers to provide the required journeys.
Dial a Ride has continued to offer community transport in the Hinckley & Bosworth area for the elderly and or disabled, providing mainly the following services:
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Health and hospital appointments
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Covid and Flu vaccines
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Essential Shopping – either doing or taking passengers shopping
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Delivery of medication for patients of Castle Mead Medical Centre, Stoke Golding was provided until December 2023.
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Social groups and lunch group transportation to venues such as Age Uk, The Pathways Centre, St Francis Community Centre, St John’s Church etc.
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Hairdressers, volunteering and personal business.
At the end of March 2024 we had 2919 residents of Hinckley and Bosworth registered to use our Dial a Ride services.
Training
Staff and a number of volunteers attended an online course in Safeguarding Training in April 2024.
Staffing
Our staff team Elaine Hickey, Carol Carter and Dave Spencer remained in post during this period and have been instrumental in ensuring continuity of service. What an amazing team. A ‘Big Thanks’ to you all.
Thanks Team
A ‘big thanks’ to our volunteer Jenny Applin for all her valuable help working both from home and in the office to assist us with clerical work and moral support as always.
Detailed below are the types and amounts of journeys we have provided for passengers during this period.
| Journey Type | No of Passenger Journeys | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 | ||||||
| Hospital Appointments, Hospital visiting, | ||||||
| Doctors,Dentists and Opticians | ||||||
| -_ \ = |
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549 | |||
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| ~Aes | Aes | |||||
| SCRA | ||||||
| Shopping | 1223 | |||||
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| Social and lunch groups & | ||||||
| Respite | ||||||
| 179 | ||||||
| Hairdressers | ||||||
| 329 | ||||||
| Misc Journeys such as vets, Education | Misc Journeys such as vets, Education | & | ||||
| personal business | ||||||
| **Total ** | lJourneys | 8340 |
Developments
Invoicing and Payments –
Due to the increasing cost of sending customer invoices by post it was decided at the end of 2023 to encourage all customers with email addresses receive their invoice this way. We now have over 70 customers who are able to received emailed invoices.
Management Committee Members decided in January 2024 to authorise a virtual payment system in order that passengers were able to pay for their journeys over the phone. After deliberation by the committee it was decided we would use Square as our provider.
Promotional Campaign & Events – This year we have carried out some promotional work to advertise for volunteer drivers and promote our minibus services as seen below:
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Promotional material to Borough and Parish Councillors.
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Distribute Volunteer driver leaflets to libraries in the Borough (thanks to Elaine)
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Advertising through the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Councils, The Borough Bulletin and through the Roundabout Hinckley and, Voluntary Action Website and also HBBC VCS Website.
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Hinckley’s Motor Show on the 17[th] Sept
Volunteers
During this period we had 36 volunteer drivers providing transport for residents of Hinckley & Bosworth ensuring they had access to services and provisions, covering 34,000 miles.
We held a Volunteers ‘Thank You’ lunch in June 2023 at Barwell Bowling Club as a way of thanking them for all their work they have done to support their community.
Minibus
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Dave Spencer has continued to provide an excellent service both looking after the minibus passengers and helping in the office between his journeys. Dave has also continued to deliver medication for patients of Castle Mead Stoke Golding from April to December 2023. Below are detailed the journey types, number of passenger carried and the mileage covered:
| covered: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Journey Type | Number of Passenger Journeys |
Number of Miles Covered |
| Shopping Trips | 1020 | 2757 |
| Hire of Vehicle | 310 | 537 |
| Lunch | 408 | 1733 |
| DayTrips | 60 | 262 |
| DialaRideTrips | 238 | 409 |
| Totals | 3516 | 8671 |
We held a meeting on the 12[th] Feb 2024 to decide the future of the minibus in the light of the high costs of running the minibus and due to the fact that Dave Spencer was leaving the post and moving to Manchester. It was decided at this meeting to keep the bus and raise prices from the 1[st] April 2024 and advertise for a new minibus driver on a 20 hour minimum contract.
Thanks to Dave for his help and support over the last 6 years, he will missed greatly by the trustees, staff and passengers.
‘Thank you’
Partnership Work
We have worked in partnership this year with the following organisations: Leicestershire County Council; Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council; Rural Community Council; The VCS (Voluntary & Community Sector); Leicestershire Community Transport Federation; Leicestershire Primary Care Trust, (NHS); Voluntary Action Leicestershire; CTA (Community Transport Association); St Francis Community Centre; Salvation Army, Pathways Centre; Age Uk Earl Shilton; Barwell Disabliity Group; Hinckley; Canalside WI; Let’s Walk Hinckley; Ashby Court; Churchmead Court; HBBC Sheltered accomodation; St John’s Church; Hinckley Past & Present; U3A; St Peters Church, Hinckley; Barwell & Hollycroft Befrienders; Local Area Co-ordinators; local GP surgeries and Social Prescribers.
Fundraising Events
Steve Applin and Elaine Hickey attended the Alternativity fundraising event at Mary Forryan on the 11[th] November 2023 and raised £480.00. Thanks to Steve and Elaine.
Steve Applin attended Hinckley & District Past & Present’s awards night on the 22[nd] February 2024 where we were presented with £200. Thanks to Steve.
Hinckley Ladies Circle held fundraisers in October 2023 and February 2024 and we will receive the funds in the next financial year.
Funders
We would like to say a big ‘THANK YOU’ to all those who over the last 12 months have contributed to our Charity and to Leicester County Council for our continued funding.
We have received funds from the following places:
£25 from Burbage & District Over 50’s Club,
£480 Alternativity £200 from Hinckley Past & Present
£5,000 from an anonymous benefactor
Trustees
It was with great sadness in 2023 we received the news that Sandra Braden one of our longest serving trustees and volunteer drivers had died. We appreciate all her contributions and she will be greatly missed.
Peter Houghton a reliable and supportive trustee for many years stood down from the Committee in this financial year. Thanks Peter to your contributions to this Charity.
Future Plans
The next financial year we will see the focus being on recruiting volunteers which will not be easy with people working longer before they can claim their pensions. Also we will need to recruit a Vice-Chairman and Secretary to sit on our Management Committee.
to all the Management Committee for their support during the last 12 months.
Lindsey Short Manager
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1054668 HILL STREET HINCKLEY ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page Contents Trustees, annual report Independent examinerfs report Statement of financial activities Income and expenditure account Balance sheet 9-13 Notes to the accounts
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Full name: Hinckley & Bosworth Community Transport Registered charity number: 1054668 Principal address: Hinckley Health Centre, Hill Street, Hinckley Leicestershire, LE10 1 DS Management Committee: Volunteer Driver Representatives: Mr Steve Applin, Chairman Vacant, vi-chairMan Mr Colin Higgins, Treasurer Vacant, Secretary Mrs Sandra Braden (Died Oct 23) Mr Steven Crooks Mr Peter Houghton (Resigned Feb 24} Mr Bill Kelly Mr Barry Orton Mr Brian Perkins Mr Les Pratt Mr William Roberts Mrs Julie Smith Minibus Representatlve: Vacant Dial a Ride Representative: Vacant LCC Funding Representstive: Vacant Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Representative: Cllr Martin Cartwright Lindsey Short, Project Manager Elaine Hickey, Clerical Assistant Carol Carter, Clerical Assistant David SOenr. Minibus Driver Bankers Natwest Bank plc, The Borough, Hinckley, Leicestershire. Independent Examiner Paula Wilson MAAT, 2 Hickman House, Hickman Road, Galley Common, Nuneaton, CV10 9NQ
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT CONTINUED YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Responsibilitses of the Trustees The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees, annual report and financial statements in accordan with applicable law and Unrted Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities of England and Wales requires the charty trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming reSoUrS and application of resources, of the Gharty 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 applicable Charities SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures that must be disclosed and explained in the fi'nancial statements. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the Maintenan and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website in accordan with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements. Governing Document The Charty is operated under the rules of its constitution. Overall management of the charity is the responsibilty of the trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the constitution. Day to day project activity is managed and carried out by volunteers andlor paid staff. Signed on behalf of the Charity's trustees Signed: Mr C Higgins, Treasurer Date:
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Hinckley & Bosworth Community Transport Year ended 31 March 2024 I report on the financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2023, which comprise the statement of financial activities, statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and the related notes. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charrty's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 {"the Charities Acf,) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and lo state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent examinerfs ststement My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and 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 prOdureS 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 fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's ststement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met. or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Date: Paula Wilson. MAAT
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNrrY TRANSPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCFI 2024 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds Incoming Resources Donations and Legacies Charitable Activitie5 Grants Investment Income Fundraising Other 7,344 50,685 6,592 50,685 1,856 631 621 43,689 57,996 Total Incomlng Resources 118.460 102218 Resources Expended Fundraising Charitable Activities 119,581 110,466 Total charltable resources expended 119,581 IIOA66 Net movement in funds for the year -1,121 -8248 Funds bought forward at I April 2023 150,645 158,893 Fund balances carried forward at 31 March 2024 149,524 150.645
HINCKLEY AND BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 Note 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total Funds Income Donations Grants Other Income Interest Received Fund Raising Total Incomlng Resources 7.344 50,685 57,996 1.856 6,592 50,685 43,689 631 621 102,218 118,460 Expenditure Staff Salary Costs Training Volunteer Driving Costs Flexiroute Travel Vehicle Running Costs Office Expenses Advertising Insurance Bank CharRes Independent Examination Professional Fees Drivers Fund Exuenses Fundraising Expenses Total Charitable Resources Expended 69.347 64.930 31,641 1.200 63 7,568 5.378 1,149 1,909 42 150 1,080 -37 90 25,756 1.200 564 8,528 4,578 1,834 1,223 49 150 1,098 555 13 119,581 110,466 Surplus/Deficit Cash Funds Bought Forward -1,121 150,645 -8,248 158,893 Cash Funds at 31 March 2024 149,524 150,645
HINCKLEY AND BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Current Assets Note Debtors Deposits and Cash Bank Account 10 12 12 4,226 140,999 7,161 3,456 142,134 8,503 152,386 154,093 Current Liabilities Creditors Taxation Wages 11 -2,863 -3448 Net Assets 149,524 150,645 Fund Balances Balance blf I&E Account 150,645 -1,121 158,893 -8,248 149,524 150,645 The trustees declare that they have approved the accounts above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees: Signed: Mr C Higgins, Treasurer
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1. Basls of Accounting These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordan wtth the Statement of Recommended Practi. Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and wrth the Charities Act. These accounts have been prepared on an accrual basis. 2. Funds All funds in the year are unrestricted. 3. Grants Leicestershire County Council provided grants totalling £50,685 towards the running of the overall scheme. 4. Other Income 2024 2023 Passenger Income (Dial a Ride) Hire Income (minibus) Shopping Income {Minibus) Lunch tours including Day trips (Minibus) Fuel duty rebate (Minibus) Employer Nl Gov saving Misc Income Covid IShoDDingJ Covid (Dial a Ride) 38,459 29,480 3,680 5,495 2,112 3,730 3,166 1.771 823 4,563 1,146 309 4,138 810 664 1,339 57,996 43.689
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 5. Funding Donations to the scheme amounted to £7,344 of which £5,130 was gift aided, £1,048 was allocated to the driver's fund. Fundraising events raised a further £580. 6. Staff costs 2024 2023 Wages Employer Nl Pension Costs Casual Drivers 62,801 4.563 1.783 200 58,642 4.138 1,672 478 69,347 64,930 Breokdown by Staff Type Office Staff Minibus 50,596 18,751 46,823 18,107 7. Vehicle Expenses 2024 2023 Fuels Taxes, Insurances Servicing, Repairs Miscellaneous 4,039 1,715 1,439 375 3.989 1,680 2,690 167 8,526 7.568 10-
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 8. Office Expenses 2024 2023 PostaRe Telephone Stationery PhotOCODier Software/Computing Subscriptions Refreshments Miscellaneous 1.669 1,602 302 1.290 12 155 140 208 5,378 868 1,296 391 1.263 337 187 ioi 135 4,578 9. Other expendlture 2024 2023 Insurance Advertisina Professional Fees 1,909 1.149 1,080 4,138 1,223 1.834 1,248 4,305 10. Debtors 2024 2023 Dial a Ride Passengers Minibus Hire Build Soc. Interest 3,445 259 522 4,226 3,166 154 3.321
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH COMMUNITY TRANSPORT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 11. Creditors 2024 2023 Office Costs Driver Costs 147 2,715 2,862 245 3,202 3.447 12. Deposits and Cash 2024 2023 Corporate Diamond Reserve Account Business Reserve Account Hinckley & Rugby Building Society Earl Shilton Building Society Current Account 12,268 30,467 129,866 55,143 55,389 7,161 8,503 148,160 150,637 13. Independent Examination The cost of the Independent Examination for the 202312024 accounts was £150. 14. Trustees Remuneration Trustees are not remunerated. During the year no fees were reimbursed to trustees for mtravel expenses incurred. 12-
- Glossary of Temis Restricted Funds These are funds given to the charty subject to specific restrictions set by the donor but still within the general objectives of the charty. There were no restricted funds in the period 202312024. Creditors These are amounts owed by the charity, but not paid during the accounting period. Debtors These are amounts owed to the charity, but not received in the accounting period. 13-