## **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: 

- Health and hospital appointments 

- Covid and Flu vaccines 

- Essential Shopping – either doing or taking passengers shopping 

- Delivery of medication for patients of Castle Mead Medical Centre, Stoke Golding was provided until December 2023. 

- Social groups and lunch group transportation to venues such as Age Uk, The Pathways Centre, St Francis Community Centre, St John’s Church etc. 

- 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|||
|-_ <br>\ =|~~-~~|||7)<br>-<br>‘||549|
|~~—~~<br>+<br>;<br>f<br>A<br>4|||||||
|||||VisitingNursingHomes<br>~<br>ng<br>|<br>;<br>htiy<br>|<br>i<br>=<br>a<br>4<br>ahs|||
|~Aes||Aes|||||
||||SCRA||||
|||||Shopping||1223|
|~~L~~<br>le<br>ree|||||~~ae~~<br>’<br>2<br>~~er.~~ |<br>rhe<br>|<br>aw<br>a8<br>,||3060|
|||||-<br>~<br>aw ce a|||
|>||&||Do Poet owi<br>sg<br>r=s ™<br>x<br>-<br>&/. “<P=|||
|||||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: 

- Promotional material to Borough and Parish Councillors. 

- Distribute Volunteer driver leaflets to libraries in the Borough (thanks to Elaine) 

- Advertising through the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Councils, The Borough Bulletin and through the Roundabout Hinckley and, Voluntary Action Website and also HBBC VCS Website. 

- 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** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
SF tyige, 1Pas eras<br>Of S hake ARo ee<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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<br>Journeys|Number of Miles<br>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 SOen￿r. 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 reSoUr￿S 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 prO￿dureS 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-

15. 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-