Reglstored number: 03327628 Charlty number: 1061538 BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guaranto0) CONTENTS Page Referenc• and Admlnlstratlve Detalls of the Charftablo company, its Trustee8 and Advi88rn Tru8tee8' Report 3-17 Independgnt Audltorn, Roport on the Flnanclal Stat•monts 18-21 Con•olldated Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltlos 22 Con•olldated Balance Sheet 23-24 Charltable company Balance Sheet 25-26 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow• 27 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements 28-52
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITABLE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Trustees C Barker J M Barnes J Carré B S George (resigned 5 August 2024) P Grayson, Chair Cllr T Hill (resigned 5 August 2024) J Kalsi (appointed 15 April 2025) A Khandelwal S Kooner M R Liddiard (resigned 1 September 2025) A Lovesey J Ridge (appointed 15 April 2025) l Riche5 {resigned 29 October 2024) C J Smith (resigned 31 March 2025) Company registered number 03327628 Charlty reglstered number 1061538 Reglstered offlce The Old School Cardington Beds MK44 3SX Company secretary Mrs T Cowan (resigned 28 May 2025) C R Andrews (appointed 28 May 2025) Chief executive officer Mrs T Cowan (resigned 28 May 2025) C R Andrews (appointed 28 May 2025) Bankers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ National Westminster Bank plc 81 High Street Bedford MK40 1NE Scottish Widows PO Box 12757 67 Morrison Street Edinburgh EH3 8YJ Page 1
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITABLE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Virgin Money Jubilee House Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4PL Senior Management Team Mrs Tracy Cowan Mr Cliff Andrews Ms Janice Janes Mrs Kate Ellis Mr Bill Simmons Solicitor• Woodfines LLP 16 st Cuthberts Street Bedford MK40 3JG Independent Auditorn Streets Audit LLP Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors Potton House Wyboston Lakes Great North Road Wyboston Bedford MK44 3BZ Page 2
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the charitable company for the year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both Trustee5' report and a directors, report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial 5taternents of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's goveming document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practi {SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019). Since the group and the charitable company qualify as small under section 383 of the Companies Act 2006, the Group Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors, Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted. The group and the charitable company also trade under the names Beds RCC and BRCC. Founded in 1953 as Bedfordshire Rural Community Council, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC) is a member of a national neOrk of Rural Community Councils under an umbrella organisation, Action for Rural Communits'es in England (ACRE). Structure, governance and management a. Constitutlon Bedfordshire Rur81 Communities Charity is a company limited by guarantee, having no share capital, and is a registered charity. The charity was incorporated on 4 March 1997 and is governed by its Memorandum and ArticSes of Association. The liability of its members in the event of the charitable company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £10 per member. b. Objects The charity's objects are.. to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community primarily in the historic county of Bedfordshire, and in particular, the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, distress or sickness. in furtheran of that said purpose, but not otherwise, to promote and organise co-operation in the achievement of the same and to that end to bring together representatives of the voluntary organisations and statutory authorities in the historic county of Bedfordshire. Page 3
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guaranteel TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 structure, governance and management (continued) c. Governance (Including appointment, Inductlon and training of Trustees) The directors and senior managers of the organisation who seNed during the year are set out on page one. The directors of Bedford5hire Rural Communities Charity are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. Members of the charity are entitled to nominate directors, from whom the Board is elected at the Annual General Meeting. All new directors are provided with an induction by the Chief Executive and the Chair of the Board. The Board of Directors meets quarterly. Many of its responsibilities are delegated to three Board Committees: the Finance Committee, the People and Projects Committee and the Strategic Development Committee, which also meet quarterly. Day-to-day responsibility for the running of the charity is delegated to the Chief Executive and five departmental managers (as listed on page two). d. Pay pollcy for kgy management personnel The charity uses the NJC pay5cales a5 a basi5 for all staff salaries, including the CEO and management team who make up the Key Management Personnel. e. Related party relation8hlps The charity's trustees and officers are involved in a wide range of other businesses and organisation5, a5 directors, trustees, employees and councillors. Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council provide funding to Beds RCC but the trustees do not consider that any councillors who are also trustees of Beds RCC are able to influence the charity's relationship with those organisations. Details of related paty transactions are given in note 27 to the financial statements. f. Flnanclal rlsk management The directors recognise that there are potential risks to which the charity may be exposed. The directors have identified five main areas of risk.. governance and management of the charity operational ri5k5 financial risks environmental and external factors compliance with law and regulation The processes for monitoring and mitigation of these risks have been identified and are recorded in a risk register. The directors have delegated the day-to-day implementakn'on, monitoring and evaluation of the risk register to the senior management team. During the year the Board received reports frorn the Chief Executive and agreed actions to mitigate any serious risks. Page 4
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY IA Company Limlted by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 structure, governance and management {contlnued) g. Grant making policies In administering grant scheme5, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity will ensure that.. it only manages funding programmes that clearly fit in with its own priorities, objectives and mission there is an independent and representative panel of people established as the body accountable for making decisions on grant allocation staff carrying out developrnental work with projects are not involved in any way with decision making all grants funds will be promoted and advertised in ways that aim to reach the full range of target beneficiaries, and the application procedures are straightforward, transparent and clearly explained once awarded, expenditure of the grant and monitoring of progress is carried out at appropriate intervals to ensure that the funding is spent for the purpose for which it is given all conditions attached to the offer of the grant are met - in the event of this not being the case, the grant offer will be withdrawn final reports are submitted from the recipients of the grant outlining the outcome of the funding appropriate financial records are kept and reporting obligations of funders are met. h. Fixed Assets Acquisits'ons and disposals of fixed assets during the year are recorded in the notes forming part of the financial statements. ObJectlve8 and activities a. Mission and role BRCC exists to support local community life in Bedfordshire. Its role is as follows: A coordinator of local community activty to enable communities to do more for themselves and reduce reliance on the state An intermediary betrNeen public (and private) service providers and the people in local communities they need to reath A manager of partngrships across public, private and voluntary sectors to achieve common objectives {e.g. consenfation, rural economic development) A direct provldor of services (e.g. community transport) that help people to participate in the community Page 5
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Objectlves and actlvltles (continued) b. Areas of benefit BRCC is still unquestionably the leading countywide organisation working with rural communities in Bedfordshire. However, it is not always helpful to make the distinction between urban and rural when ServIS are delivered across whole local authority areas. While retaining its rural specialism, BRCC increasingly supports 'local community life, across all areas of the county. Also, BRCC now operates outside Bedfordshire in some cases (e.g. where projects based in 8edfordshire have extended across county boundaries). c. D1r8d outcomes The high level outcomes that BRCC seek5 to achieve are as follows.. Communities are more involved in delivering local seNices and managing their local assets Potentially vulnerable andlor disadvantsged people gain more independence People increase their physical, mental and social well-being People with barriers to the labour market gain skills and employment Rural communities have a more thriving local economy Bedfordshire's built and natural environment is conserved and enhanced d. Publlc beneflt Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 requires the Board of Directors to comply with their duty to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers or duties. The Board of Director5 ha5 reviewed the organisation's mission and values (as listed above) in the context of its charitable purposes and considers that they meet the two key principles of public benefit as identified by the Charity Commission.. there rnust be an identifiable benefit or benefits benefit must be to the public, or section of the public BRCC has introduced a checklist for use to ensure that all of its activits'es are for public benefit. It is based on the two principles above and the relevant factors under each prinaple identified by the Charity Commission. All existing work has been assessed ggainst the checklist, and it is used by the Strategic Development Committee to assess proposed new areas of work. As a result, all areas of the charity's work are deemed to be for the public benefit according to Charity Commission guidance. Page 6
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achlevements and performance . Review of actlvltles April 2024: April was filled with Good Neighbour Group news and developments. New groups were launched in Milton Emest and Pavenham. Houghton Regis Helpers {HRH) were delighted to receive the King's Award for Voluntary Service at Houghton Regis Memorial Hall on Thursday 18th April. This award is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK, and receiving it is a huge honour. May 2024: In May the Beds RCC project Time2Connect won the Mayor's Pride of Houghton Regis Award. The Time2Connect team were amazed and delighted to receive the Mayorfs Award and to hear the wonderful citations that were read alongside the presentation. The team said that 'it is a wonderful thing to be appreciated and valued for the work we do and have done and we are honoured to have received this special award for our work." June 2024: Warden Abbey Vineyard was delighted to re1ve a Bronze Medal at the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards for its 2019 Sparkling Brut. The Vineyard had a bumper harvest in 2019 one of the best Sin 2010 when Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (Beds RCC) took over the vineyard and set up the Community Vineyard Project The volunteers work throughout the year to tend the vines and we are very proud that the quality of the wine we produce has been recognised by the industry. July 2024: Beds RCC once again partnered with Central Bedfordshire Council to stage the annual Cheering Volunteering event on the 17th of July. Cheering Volunteering recognises and celebrates the work of our remarkable local volunteers who contribute so much to our communities. Around a hundred volunteers attended the event at Central Bedfordshire Council's Priory House with a buffet, live entertainment and raffle. Our very ovm Mike Fayers led a short wellbeing walk in the local vQd$ which was joined by nearly half of those attendingl August 2024: A volunteer work paty from East West Rail joined us at Ridgmont to help out with our garden. Some of the volunteers shared their thoughts.. It was lovely. everyone was so welcoming from the first minute." Thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, it was great funl" The museum, tearooms and station house are fantsstic- keep up the good workl" September 2024: Together with Bedford Borough Council we launched Wellbeing in the Wildl Weekly group nature-based activities aimed to help support the wellbeing of women who are pregnant or have a baby under the age of one. These activities encompassed the Five Ways to Wellbeing - Connection, Be Active, Learn, Take Notice and Give Back. The sessions offered a chance to meet other parents-to-be or parents with young babies. During the sessions we offered simple seasonal activities inspired by nature, including mindfulness and art. October 2024: Warden Abbey Vineyard mentioned in The Telegraph. Warden Abbey Vineyard rentlY mentioned in a recent Telegraph article on grape harvesting. From the piece". "Grape picking is a great way to meet like-minded people, while doing something outdoors which is good for physical and mental health. There's a fun, purposeful atmosphere, and whether you're actively picking or on a break from snipping, it's sociable. You'll discover a lot about how grapes are grown and how wine is made. Page 7
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achievements and performance {continued) November 2024: Our Community Rail and Green Wellbeing Teams were busy creating great new video, showcasing the Rails to Roots wellbeing gardening group at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre. The community garden vision was always to become a showcase for comrnunity rail, and also become a new reason ft)r people to travel along the lovely Marston Vale line that connects Bedford to Bletchley. Decomber 2024: The Good Neighbour group Leighton Linslade Helping Hands (LLHH) ached their 10th anniversaryl To mark the occasion, the group held a celebratory evening at Leighton Buzzard'5 Ship Inn, where volunteers and clients past and present got together with other special guests to have fun and to reflect on ten years of LLHH helping out their local community. Simon Patterson, who is part of BRCC'S support team for all the Good Neighbour schemes in Bedfordshire, presented a commemorative thank-you certificate to Llz, the group's chair. January 2025: We continued to develop our Wellbeing and Warm Spaces offer over the winter period in many different Bedfordshire locations. These spaces were for people to come to enjoy a hot drink, some company, and support, if they need it. These spaces are free, and anyone is welcome to come along. In related work we also started recruiting for Winter Warmth Agents. February 2025: During February our fantastic volunteers from M.E.E.T (Men. Engage. Exercise. Talk.) spoke at the Bedfordshire Mental Health Alliance event on men's mental healthl They did an incredible job highlighting the impact of M.E.E.T. and the positive difference it makes for the young men who attend. We're so proud of their dedication and passionl March 2025: Social Prescribing Day. We finished the financial year off in March by celebrating Social Prescribing Day. Over the course of a week we promoted all the fantastic work that our Social Prescribing team does. Delivering social prescription across Bedfordshire has been a significant part of the work within Beds RCC, and we're really proud of our team and the work that we're delivering and the difference if makes to those taking part. This year has seen a great start in delivering our Strategic Plan which was launched in March 2024. Across our broad suite of services and projects we have made significant progress in fulfilling our mission of Building, connecting and serving communities who care for each otherfs wellbeing and the environment. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building on this yearfs successes and creating even more opportunities for connection, wellbeing, community and collaboration. As always the team of staff, volunteers, trustees and patrons support our organisation selflessly with passion and enthusiasm and for that they need a special thank you in our report. Supportlng and Engaging Communities Good Neighbour and Vlllage Care Scheme Network Good Neighbour and Village Care Schemes play a vital role within their communities by facilitating access to occasional voluntary assistance, akin to the support one neighbour might offer another. This assistance sepdes as a crucial factor in allowing individuals to maintain their independence and continue residing in their own homes. This year we supported 44 groups within the Bedfordshire network. By March 2025 we had 1,247 volunteers vtho over the year have carried out more than 33,900 tasks. We ran training sessions covering Safeguarding Level 1 (via the CVS and Virtual College),. Support for Carers and Powers of Attorney (via Carers in Beds and Pictons Solicitors) and BTIEE's Digital Switchover affecting those on Telecare and people reliant on landlines. Page 8
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNrriES CHARITY {A Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achlevements and performance (contlnued) Village and Community Agents Our Village Agents operate in all the villages within Bedford Borough, primarily funded by the Bedford Borough Council. This dedicated team of part-time Agents identifies individuals in hard-to-reach rural areas and assists them in enhancing their quality of life by connecting them with mainstream ServIS or community support nelworks. Furthemiore, we have Community Agents who work with specific communities in Central Bedfordshire, thanks to local funding arrangements. Our Agents supported 1,040 individual clients, including 623 new dients. 722 home visits were undertaken. Vlllage Hall & Community Buildings support We are part of the ACRE national neOrk of Village Hall Advisors, providing information, advice and support to Charitable Village Hall Committees. We supported 175 halls with advi and guidance thls year. The newly built Potton Hall 4 All vms formally opened on Friday 28th February 2025 by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO, to which the VHA y5 also ft)rmally invited. The VHA service has supported this project for many years providing advice and support on issues such as funding, governance and more recently on equipment and fitting out. Houslng and planning Beds RCC supports local communities to plan for their future through Neighbourhood and Green Infrastructure (Gl) planning. During the year we supported 10 Neighbourhood Plan groups", we provided support to groups via phone and email and also through attending their Neighbourhood plan steering group meetings. We worked with 4 communities on Green Infrastructure Plans. In addition, we help rural parishes to meet their affordable housing needs by carrying out household 5unieys. This year we carried out 11 housing needs surveys, working in partnership with Parish Councils, Neighbourhood Plan steering groups, Local Authorities, Housing Associations and local landowners. We continue to work a5 part of Eastern Community Homes, a community led housing hub for the Eastern region fomied with our ACRE colleagues in the East of England. We continue to raise awareness of the benefits of community-led housing projects. We facilitate the Community4ed Planning and Rural Housing across Bedfordshire, offering advi and support in creating a Parish, Town, Neighbourhood or Green Infrastructure Plan. In this year we led on the establishment of the Bedft)rdshire Rural Housing Partnership Health and Wellbelng The Community and Wellbeing team is there to promote and facilitate health and wellbeing for individuals and communities. Community Referral Our Community Referral (Social Prescribing) seNice allows GPS, nurses and other care professionals to refer people for non-medical. community based support and ServIS via our Community Wellbeing Champions. It bridges the gap between the NHS and the community and frees up GP time. During the past year our Cornmunity Wellbeing Champions received 3,806 referrals. Page 9
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achlevements and performance (continued) Targeted Mental Health Soclal Prescrlblng Through our role as a key VCSE partner, In partnership with ELFT, we supported colleagues in the transformation of secondary mental health Sep41S. We have been able to embed the Community Wellbeing Champion into the new 'front door, to enable residents access support provided by Community Mental Health Teams. In the third year of this role we are seeing the benefits of this resource, supporting people to access quick and re5pon5ive Gare, offering holistic strategies to enable them to maintain their mental health and be independent of services. Community Wellbeing Champions are working across clinical teams to support sustainable changes for people with serious mental health. Jub51ation Hub In partnership with our funder BIG LOCAL, we have successfully launch the Jubilation Community Drop in to support residents to access support services, become physically active, enjoy a hot drink, soup or roll and make connections in their community. The group runs every Monday with the support from our Community Hub Coordinator and Assistant. Our collaboration with residents who attend the session, our hub team have co-designed a variety of groups and sessions to engage everyone. Our own Community Wellbeing Champions and partner organisations regularly attend the sessions to provide support service to attendees. During the year we launched a Jubilee Park Wellbeing Walk to run parallel with the Hub sessions. Green Infra¥tructure and Sustalnablllty We also provide a range of Community and Countyside initiatives, including wildlife conservation and volunteering. This year we have been developing several new Green Infrastructure plans for villages including facilitsted workshops, online surveys and drop in engagement sessions. We host the Upper and Bedford Ouse Catchment Partnership. Beds RCC also leads on a number of 'Green Wheels, (linking publicly accessible green spaces and routes within and around rural towns) predominantly in the Ivel Valley area. During this year we were pleased to partner with Central Bedfordshire Council and The Greensand Trust to develop a Masterplan for an Ampthill & FIl1ck Green Wheel. Beds RCC conts'nues to deliver a variety of other activities that involve local people in designing, conserving and being active in their local green spaces, including our Ivel Valley Conservation Volunteers. Green Soclal Prescrlbing Our Green Social Prescribing work has continued to grow, providing individua15 Wlth healthy outdoor activities to benefit their physica5 and mental wellbeing. We supported a number of community gardens in addition to reating gardens at our sites at Dunstable Community Halls & Ridgmont Station. We continued to coordinate over 40 Wellbeing Walks within the county, run a low<ost bike hire scheme in Biggleswade, ran taster onseNation volunteer courses and led numerous natural wellbeing activities- including delivering sessions in partnership with Dunton Community Garden. Ecology and Conservation Volunteering Our in-house Ecologist supported landowners and Local Authorities in undertaking a number of habitat and species surveys to inform planning applications and land management decisions. Our hosting of the Upper & Bedford Ouse Catchment Partnership continued our involvement in caring for the wildlife of our rivers. We support partners in the wardening and management of a number of community green spaces. Our Ivel Valley ConseNation Volunteer group undertook 35 tasks including habitat creation and management; and access enhancements to countryside sites. Page 10
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achievements and performance (continued) Communlty Engagement We supported 5 communities with the development of their Neighbourhood Plans. This support often induded undertaking Housing Needs Surveys and facilitating the production of Green Infrastructure Plans. Using online and postal SUeys, facilitated workshops and fa to face drop-in sessions, we enabled many residents to have voice in planning and decision making within their communities. Dunstable Community Halls Dunstable Community Halls provides affordably priced space for hire either to individuals, organlsations or local groups. During the year we supported a range of local community activits"es, including children's dance classes, adult pilates and zumba, ball room dancing, line dancing, educational presentations, health and wellbeing 5e5sions. Our community gardens have continued to develop as part of our Green Social Prescribing offer. Barclay5 Bank use 2 of our rooms bw1 a week to provide a seTvice to local customers, following the dosure of their bank. Voluntary Sector Support We continued to provide information, support and signposting to a range of community groups seeking assistance with funding, governance and community engagement. We supported the planning and hosting of Central Bedfordshire Counal's Cheering Volunteering event. Communlty Transport Community transport plays a vital role in meeting the needs of vulnerable individua15 throughout Bedfordshire. This year was a challenging year with the previous year trading loss. We were focussed on gaining additional work whilst still delivering a great service to our existing contracts. In 2024125 we travelled 45,016 miles with 9,181 journeys. Door to Door l Greensand Country Beds RCC operates two personalised transport seNices, commonly known as 'dial-a-ride,' to cater to individuals facing substsntial challenges in utilising conventional public transportation. These 'Door to Doorf services cover the entirety of Bedford Borough, and the 'Greensand Country, area of northem Central Bedfordshire. Together, they extend their coverage across 750A of Bedfordshire, encompassing areas from Dean & Shelton in the north to Harlington in the south. Both services are closely intertwined, often utilising the same vehicles and drivers to provide efficient transportation solutions for the Gommunity. The Dial-a-ride sepiices continued to make a difference to those in our communities who needed it. Road - Contract Work Community Transport has needed to look at additional contract work to support sustainability and has built gradually. We will continue to look for additional work across Bedfordshire. Page11
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achievement? and performance (contlnued) Communlty Rall Partnershlps Beds RCC oversees the operations of two Community Rail Partnerships.. One for the Bedford to Bletchley line, known as the Marston Vale line, and the other for the Bedford-st Albans City line, referred to as Beds & Herts. Both CRPS work to engage the local community and help people get the most from their railway, promoting social inclusion and sustainable travel, working alongside Train Operating Companies to bring about improvements. Marston Vale CRP commissioned BA Events to produce a Great Days Out Film for the Marston Vale Line as part of an extensive marketing campaign to relaunch the Line after a lengthy service suspension. The film can be viewed at https'.IlwNw.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.ukl The CRP also worked with Youth Inspired in Bedford to design artwork for Bedford St Johns Station. The project was runner up in the Small Projects Award (Projects Under £500) at the 2025 Community Rail Awards. Lidlington Youth Engagement was shortlisted in the Involving Children & Young People category and Friends of Bletchley Station were shortlisted in the It's Your Station Silver category. Beds & Hert5 CRP and Mar5ton Vale CRP jointly piloted a new venture with the railway companie5 providing work experience for students with additional needs from Bedford College'5 'Pathways' initiative at five ststions on their routes. The CRP also joined in with the Scouts Association's new venture 'Platform5 for Change. for the first time, where the local cub pack'adopted, their Station at Harlington for badgework opportunities. Both CRPS are looking forward to celebrating 'Railway 200, 2025 is the Bi-centenary of the first public train serVi- and a number of events have taken place. Digital Connection Digital connection sees us working with people in Bedfordshire to help thern become more digitally included, to teach and equip them to access online services that improve their health and wellbeing helping reduce loneliness and inspire confidence. You Can Do ITI The 'You Can Do ITI, project, which supports people to leam how to use digital technology has transitioned from its original Health-focussed funding to delivering broader sessions across Bedford and Central Bedfordshire. 10 active volunteers continue to support us as Digital Health Champions to provide that help within our 8 established groups. The project has welcomed 107 leamers across all groups and delivered 655 sessions of individual tuition. Funding has been secured to extend and expand the scheme in 2025126. Supporting Culture and Herltage Supporting culture and heritage is still a relatively new area of work for us, introduced by our 2024-28 Strategic Plan. We want to support the culture and heritage of our communities to ensure the preservation of the rich history. traditions and identitie5 of different communities and societies. Ridgrnont Station Heritage Centre We are responsible for Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre, a Grade 11 Listed building dating back to 1846. designed by the Duke of Bedford. We restored it between 2007 and 2013. We are open to the public with museum, gift shop, tourist information point, tea room and office & meeting space. This year was quieter due to the lack of regular trains on the Marston Vale line but the volunteers continue to do a wonderful job manning the shop, conducting tour5 of the building and museum. Page 12
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmfted by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achievements and performance (continugd) Dunstable Cultural Consortlum Dunstable Cultural Consortium is a partnership supported by Beds RCC and focused on enhancing and promoting the cultural landscape of Dunstable. The consortium aims to bring together various cultural organisations, artists, historians and community groups to create a vibrant cultural scene in the town. Over this year we have supported the partnership in seeking funds for future programmes and activities. Corporate and Communlty Business This section combines our two new Strategic Plan areas of Community Business and People and Partners. This area focuses on our Corporate teams, people and partnerships and our not for profit Trading arm. This area operates across the whole organisation providing services and support to all departments, as well as our two not-for-profit businesses. Financial and HR management The finance team struggled this year with the long temi absence of the Finance Officer and the departure of the A8SiStant Accountant in 2024. The Executive Assistant who took over the HR records function has continued to support the team to grow and support the organisations policies and procedures. Marketlng and IT This was a very busy year for our Marketing and IT teams. Due to staff changes the Marketing Team has had to work with reduced staff hours. The Marketing team continues marketing support of our Vineyard and along with lots of other intemal Beds RCC projects. This has meant significant of new design work using our graphic design skills in-house. Our following across social media continues trj develop and we were very lucky to win some awards with the support of the team. Rldgmont Station Tea Room This is covered in the review of activities for BRCC Trading Services Limited. Wardon Abbey Community Vineyard This 15 covered in the review of activities for BRCC Trading Services Limited. b. Revlew of activitles- BRCC Trading Services Ltd Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity operates a wholly-owned subsidiary cornpany entitled BRCC Seniices Ltd, the purpose of which is to raise funds to support the charity. The officers of the company are.. P Grayson J Richardson (appointed 28 October 2024) l Riches (resigned 29 October 2024) A KandelvRI (appointed 1 July 2024) S Kooner (appointed 1 July 2024) T Cowan (Secretary- resigned 28 May 2025) C R Andrew5 (Secretary - appointed 28 May 2025) Page 13
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Achlevements and performance (continued) The main trading activities of BRCC seNis Ltd are currently.. Rldgmont station Tea Room The Tea Room had a productive 6 months within Trading SeNices with close to 1 Yo sales growth on the same period in 2023124. The decision was made by the Board to transfer the Tea Room accounts into the Charity frorn the 1st October 2024. There were some themed events such as "Festive Afternoon Tea, "Motherfs Day Afternoon Tea" along with some of the Community Rail Partnership Heritage events. The extemal area has been planted with vegetables and cared for by the 8RCC Rails to Roots Group. Warden Abbey Communlty Vlneyard Beds RCC manages the Warden Abbey vineyard as a community project, in order to provide rewarding volunteering opportunities locally while also continuing to make award-winning local wines. This year was extremely challenging. We had issues again with disease on the vines and there was also the added disappointment of bird and wildlife damage to the grapes just ahead of harvest time. During the harvesting day, the team picked around 0.5 tons of our grapes. This has been our lowest yield and will again affect us in the future in terms of new stock. Flnanclal review . Reserves pollcy The trustees have identified the need for the Charity to hold unrestricted reserves for three principal reasons: a) To remain resilient and manage risk in an increasingly uncertain and volatile operating environment b) To accommodate cash flow pressure5 at a time when a number of BRCC'S income streams involve payment in arrears c) To allow for significant contingency, particularly the costs incurred in the event of closing down the Charity Its unrestrlcted reserves wlll therefore contaln two elements: 1. Resilience funds: BRCC will hold bemieen 1 and 3 months, totsl budgeted operating costs in order to provide sufficient cash flow for the organisation while enabling it to address future opportunities, threats and risks as part of its long-term financial planning, as well as sensits'vely rnanaging the cessation of services to beneficiaries where required. 2. Designated funds.. the trustees have designated a Contingency Fund (to cover the costs of winding up the organisation)., a Building & Vehicles Maintenance Reserve (to cover extraordinary repairs or maintenance costs),. and a Fixed Assets Reserve (reflecting the current value of its Fixed Assets). These funds will not be used day to day for the purposes outlined in 1 and 2. The trustees review the levels of these designated funds annually. The Charity will not hold more reserves than it needs to deliver the aims of this policy, in order to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of its current beneficiaries as effectively as possible. The level of reserves held will be monitored monthly by the Management Team and quarterly by the Finan Committee. The Board will review this reserves policy annually. Page 14
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 b. Financial revlew During the year, the charity and its trading subsidiary BRCC SeNices Ltd raised income of £2,320,235 {2024 £2,370,069) to enable it to deliver a range of activities under its charitable objects. This income came principally from local and ntral government, Lottery distributing bodies and other funders through a range of service level agreements, grants and contracts. A proportion also came directly from clients and beneficiaries (through fees and charges), and some from retail activities and donations. Total expenditure during the year amounted to £2,411,779 {2024 £2,571,804), with the result that the overall net movement in funds for the year amounted to a deficit of £91,544 {2024 deficit of £201,735). The operating deficit evident in 2025 primarily reflects situations where income was received for the purposes of delivering specific projects and programs in previous years and the resulting expenditure fell within the current year. This is an appropriate presentation of the income and expenditure and reflects our commitment to responsibly manage and allocate reSoUrS over the duration of our projects including those which span more than one financial year. Transfers have been made for the value of fixed assets purchased in the year, so the balance in the Fixed Asset Reserve of £1,119,185 (2024 £1,155,911) matches the total net book value of the fixed assets as at 31 March 2025. The other designated reserves (Contingency and Buildings & VehicSe Maintenance reserves) have been maintained at the same level. As a result of this year's activity, the Charity's General Fund deficit has reduced from £68,382 to £12,156. The general fund is, therefore. still below the minimum level set out in the Reserves Policy (above) and restoring the General Fund to the minimum level conts'nues to be a priority for the trustees over the coming years. The trading subsidiary, BRCC Sep4ices Ltd, reported a profit of £9,250 in the year (2024 loss of £3,909) and the cumulative losses amounted to £150,696 {2024 £159,946). c. Golng concern After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policie5. Page 15
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY IA Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Plan? for the future Continue to grow our Community and Wellbeing Service securing funding from LA'SI ICB and the Primary Care Netrworks and further expand into Green Social Prescribing, Digital Isolation and Chiklren and Young People areas Expand our Community Transport seiCe through increasing the range of seNices and projects and look for greener opportunities for the fleet Look ft)r opportunities to continue the refurbishment Dunstable Community Halls Continue to develop our presence in the South of the County and Luton Continue to expand our Rural Housing offer to provide the full Rural Housing Enabler service Conkn'nue to develop the Good Neighbour and Village Care Scheme Neork To acquire full Museum accreditation for Ridgmont Heritage Centre and develop the offer Develop our Culture and Heritage offer including a feasibility study for developing a community eco-building for our Community Vineyard Continue to develop collaborative relationships with other local organi5ations and within the ACRE Netsvork Continue to look for opportunities and diversify income streams where possible statement of Tru8tee8' responsibilities The Trustees {who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report 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 . Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the charitable company and of their incoming resources and application of resources, including their income and expenditure, for that period. In preparlng these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,, observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102)., make judgments and accounting estimate5 that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in busine5S. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and the charitable company's transactions and disdose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable Steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Page 16
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Dlsclosure of infomiatlon to audltors Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees, Report is approved has confimed that: so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable group's auditors are unaware, and that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Twstee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable group's auditors are aware of that information. Audltorn The auditors, Streets Audit LLP, have indicated their willingness to continue in offi. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees. Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by: P Grayson Chair of Trustees Date.. C Barker Chair of Finance Committee Page 17
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmited by Guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (the 'parent charitable company,) and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Consolidated ststement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Charitable company Balance Sheet, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, 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, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's and of the parent charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of the Group's incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended. have been properly prepared in accordance with United Klngdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice., and have been prepared In accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act2011. Basls for oplnlon 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 Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial ststements in the United Kingdom, induding the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fijlfilled 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 relatlng 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 uncertaintie5 relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group's or the parent 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. Page 18
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORTTO THE MEMBERS OF BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (CONTINUED) Other information The other infomiation comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors. Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. 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 assuran conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other informats.on is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material incon515tencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this give5 rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude thet there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinion on other matter8 prescrlbed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: the infomiation given in the Trustees, Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. the Trustees, Report has been prepared in accordance viith applicable legal requirements. Matters on whlch we are required to report by exceptlon In the light of our 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 Trustees, Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 qUireS us to report to you if, in our opinion: the parent charitable company has not kept adequate and sufficient accounting records, or returns adequate ft)r our audit have not been received from branches not visitsd by us. or the parent charitable company 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 informats-on and explanations we require for our audit- or the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the Trustees, Report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report. Page 19
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY IA Company Limited by Guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BEDFORD5HIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (CONTINUED) Responslbllltles of trustees As explained More fully in the Trustees, Responsibilities Statement, 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 Group's and the parent charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concem and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Group or the parent charitsble company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Audftorn, re8pon8ibilitle8 for the audlt of the flnanclal 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 an Auditors, Report 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 infEuence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilitie5, Outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.. Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows.. the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate cornpeten, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the company and Sector in which it operates., we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company, including the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) 2018, compliance with NHS Social Prescribing requirements and safeguarding of adults and children (induding passenger assistance), requirements of the Driver and Vehicle Standard5 Agency and Driver and Vehide Licensing Agency, employment and taxation legislation, anti-bribery, environmental and health and safety legislation; we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal cOespOnden., and identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit. Page 20
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY {A Company Limited by Guarantee) INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (CONTINUED) We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to material misstatement. including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might ocujr, by: making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud,. and considering the internal controls in place to mitigats risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations To address the risk of fraud through management blas and override of controls, we: performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships., tested joumal entries to identify unusual transactions., assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in detennining the accountlng estimates vRre indicative of potential bias- and invests'gated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions. In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to.. agreeing financial statements and disclosures to underlying supporting documentation; reading the minutes of governor meetings of those charged with governance., and enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims. 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.or .uklauditorsres onsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors, Report. 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, and to the charitable company's trustee5, as a body, Part 4 of the Chanties (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. 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 its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinion5 we have formed. Linda J Lord Bsc 8FP FCA TEP (Senlor Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Streets Audit LLP Chartered Accountants Registered Auditors Date.. 12 Novel4, 20 L£ Page 21
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202S Restrfcted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2025 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Note Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities 17,957 2,000,837 250 9,029 125,795 158,943 7,424 26,986 2,126,632 159,193 7,424 23,007 2, 164,950 173, 609 8, 503 other trading activities Investments Total Incomo 2,019,044 301.191 2,320,235 2,370, 069 Expendlture on: Raising funds Charitable activitie5 40,818 189,080 40,818 2.370,961 53,406 2,518,398 2,181.881 Total axpenditure 2,181.881 229,898 2,411.779 2,571,804 Net (expenditure)lincome Transfers between funds (162,837) 37.079 71,293 {37,0791 (91,544) (201, 735) 20 Net movement in fund8 (125,758) 34,214 (91,644) (201, 735) Reconciliauon of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds 806,463 1125,758) 1.102,583 34,214 1,909,046 191,544) 2,110,781 (201, 735) Total funds carrled forward 680,705 1,136,797 1,817,502 1,909,046 The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages 28 to 52 fomi part of these financial statements. Page 22
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 03327628 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets Current assets 13 1,119.185 1.155,911 stocks Debtors Investments Cash at bank and In hand 15 34,766 340,247 91,738 586,129 40,320 205,925 87,976 691.228 16 17 1,052,880 1,025,449 Current Ilabllitie8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 18 1351,622) (259, 610) Net current assets 701,258 765,839 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 19 12.941) (12, 704) Total net a88ets 1,817,502 1, 909,046 Page 23
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmited by Guaranteel REGISTERED NUMBER: 03327628 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Note Charity funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 20 20 680,705 1.136,797 806,463 1, 102,583 Total lund8 1,817,502 1, 909,046 The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statement5. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companie5 regime. The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: on Chair of Trustees Date: C Barker Chair of Finan Committee The notes on pages 28 to 52 form part of these financial statements. Page 24
8EDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantea) REGISTERED NUMBER: 03327628 CHARITABLE COMPANY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Note Flxed assets Tangible assets Investments 13 1,119,185 100 1,155.911 100 1,119,285 1,156,011 Current assets stocks Debtors Investments Cash at bank and in hand 15 16 17 1,500 513,920 91,738 581,072 382,583 87.976 688,248 1.188,230 1,158,807 Current Ilabilltles Creditors- amounts falling due within one year 18 {339,317) (245, 826) Net current assets 848.913 912,981 Total net assets 1,968,198 2,068, 992 Page 25
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY IA Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 03327628 CHARITABLE COMPANY BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 31 MARCH 2026 2025 2024 Note Charity funds Restricted funds Restricted funds 20 20 20 680.705 806,463 680,705 1,287,493 806,463 1.262. 529 Unrestricted funds Total funds 1,968,198 2,068,992 The charitsble company's net movement in funds for the year was £(100,794) (2024 - £(197,826)). The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilitles for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting record5 and preparation of financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the Small companies regime. The financial ststernents were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by.. PGr son Chair of Trustees Date.. C Barker Chair of Finance Committee The notes on pages 28 to 52 form part of these financial statements. Page 26
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Cash flows from operating activitie¥ Net cash used in operating activities (96,378) 114,314 Cash flows from Investlng actlvltles Dividends, interests and rents from investments Proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets Purchase of tangible fixed assets 7,424 8,503 6, 069 {45, 656) (2,620) Net cash provlded byllused In) Inve8tlng actlvltle8 4.804 (31,084) Cash flows from flnanclng actlvltles Repayments of borrowing Movement in fixed temi deposlt 19,763) 13.762> (9, 524) (1,977) Net cash used in financing activitie¥ (13,525) (11,501) Change in cash and cash equlvalents In the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year (105,099) 691,228 71,729 619,499 Cash and cagh equlvalonts at the ond of tho year 586,129 691,228 The notes on pages 28 to 52 form part of these financial statements Page 27
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmtted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 General Infomiation As set out in the trustees, report, Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity is an unincorporated charity registered in England and Wales. The address of their registered office is The Old School, Cardington, Beds, MK44 3SX. The financial ststements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. The charity's objects are stated in the trustees, report. Accountlng policies 2.1 Basis of preparatlon of financial Statements The financial statements 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 2015), the Financlal Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) and Consolidated Balan Sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Group and its subsidiary undertaking. The results of the subsidiary are consolidated on a Ilne by line basis. The Group has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Financial Activities in these financial statements. 2.2 Crltlcal accountlng Judgements and key source8 of estlmatlon uncertalnty In the application of the Charitable Company's accounting policie5 management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are described below.. Allocation of costs- Direct expenses are charged to individual cost centres wherever possible. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activitie5, they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of tttose reSoUrs. Page 28
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng policies (continued) 2.3 Company status Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities upon the completion of the relevant performance- related conditions. Other grants that are not subject to performance-related conditions are credited to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities as the grant proceeds are Ceived. Grants received prior to the revenue recognition criteria being sats'sfied are recognised as a liability. 2A Golng concern The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. The trustees have reviewed the level of reserves held by the charity and are satisfied that they are sufficient to enable the charity to continue its activities for the foreseeable future and, accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concem basis. 2.5 Fund accountlng General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees In furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Group for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 2.6 Income All income is recognised once the charitable company has entitlement to the income. it is probable that the income will be received and the arnount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Page 29
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng pollcles Icontlnued) 2.7 Expenditure Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned bebNeen those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resource5. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Group's objectives, as well as any associated support costs, Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as commitment, but not accrued as expenditure. 2.8 Interest recelvable Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Group., this is normally upon nots'firAts'on of the interest paid or payable by the instituts'on with whom the funds are deposited. 2.9 Tanglble flxed assets and depreciatlon Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitslised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably. Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impaiment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition are included in the measurement of cost. Page 30
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng policies (continued) 2.9 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued) Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tsngible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation is provided on the followlng bases.. Freehold property Over the remaining life of the property, assessed as 2% per annum straight line Long-term leasehold property: Over the remaining life of the leasehold Ridgmont Station improvements propety being the 99 year lease for the Ridgmont ststion building and 25 year lease for the car park land, both commenced March 2009 Over the remaining life of the leasehold property being 100h or 40A per annum straight line 10Yo or 20 % per annum straight line Long-tenn leasehold property.. Other Short-term leasehold property Plant and machinery Motor vehicles Office equipment 250A per annum straight line 250h per annum reducing balance or 33 % per annum straight line 2.10 Investments Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment. 2.11 stock8 Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads. 2.12 Debtorn Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the aTnount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 2.13 Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand indudes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 2.14 Liabilities and provlslons Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefi't will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Page 31
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policles (contlnued) 2.15 Flnanclal Instruments The Group only has financial assets and financial liabilitie5 of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exp.on of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 2.16 Ponslons The charity provides a workplace pension scheme, compliant with Auto-enrolment procedures. The charity also continues to contribute to the previous stakeholder pension scheme for those staff who are eligible for membership under the terms of their contracts of employment. Pension contributs'ons are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities for the year in which they are payable. Income from donations and legacles Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Other donations 17,957 9,029 26,986 23,007 Total 2024 20,691 2,316 23,007 Income from charltablo actlvltles Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Income from charitable activities 2,000,837 125,795 2,126,632 2, 184,950 Total 2024 2,097, q84 67, 766 2, t 64, 950 Page 32
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from other trading activltles Income from fundraising events Restrlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2025 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Rent reiVed 84,975 503 84,975 753 62,930 3,163 Sundry Income 250 250 85,478 85,728 66, 093 Total 2024 66,093 66, 093 Income from non charitable tradlng actlvltlos Unrestricted funds 2025 Total fund8 2025 Total funds 2024 Sales 73,465 73.465 107.516 Total 2024 107,516 107,516 Investment Income Unrestricted funds 2025 Total fund¥ 2025 Total funds 2024 Bank interest 7,424 7,424 8, 503 Total 2024 8, 503 8, 503 Page 33
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNrriES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Expendlture on ralslng funds Other tradlng expenses Unrestricted funds 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Cost of sales Administration expenses Interest payable 36,027 4,332 459 36.027 4,332 459 48,042 4, 666 698 40,818 40,818 53,406 Total 2024 53,406 53,406 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Summary by fund type Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total 2025 Total 2024 Charitable Activities 2,181.881 189,080 2,370,961 2,518.398 Total 2024 2,319.201 199,197 2,518,398 Page 34
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Analysls of expenditure by activities Activities undertaken directly 2025 Support costs 2025 Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Charitable Activities 1,997,628 373,333 2,370,961 2,518,398 Total 2024 2, 110,368 408,030 2,518,398 Anaty¥i• of direct CO8t• Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Staff costs Room hire, meetings and conferences Publicity, publications and subscriptions Printing, postage, stationery and telephone Repairs and renewals Contractors fees Travel and susbistence Recruitment and other staff cost5 Volunteer's expenses Rent. rates and sen4ice charges Legal and profe55i0nal fees Grants paid Vehicle costs Lease costs Marketing costs 1.638,891 10,618 27,833 64.756 67,648 75,751 8,092 5,841 1,507 20,626 9,807 5,830 42.510 15,257 2,661 1,620, 600 16,737 45, 721 62,419 70,949 111,139 12,031 7,033 3,085 19,053 6, 066 59,253 50,212 16,374 9.696 1,997,628 2. 110,368 Page 35
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY IA Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 202S Analysls of expendlture by actlvltles (continued) Analysis of support costs Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Staff costs Depreciation VAT lost on partial exemption Premises costs Bank charges (Profit)Iloss on disposal of fixed assets Bad debts Governance costs 229,792 39,346 9,128 76,460 2,190 246, 939 37,851 13,270 92, 742 2,180 (3,467) 3,010 15,505 953 15,474 373,333 408, 030 10. Audltors, romuneratlon 2025 2024 Fees payable to the charitable company's auditor for the audit of the charitable company's annual accounts Fees payable to the charitable company's auditor in respect ot. All non-audit service5 not included above 14,000 q2,250 4,000 4,250 11. Staff costs Group 2025 Group 2024 Charity 2025 Charity 2024 Wages and salarie5 Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension scheme5 1,684,218 147.246 q,693. 706 136,872 1,684,218 147,246 1,693. 706 136.872 37,219 36,961 37.219 36,961 1,868,683 1,867,539 1,868,683 1, 867, 539 Page 36
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 11. Staff costs (continugd) The average number of persons employed by the charitable company during the year was as follows: Group 2025 No. Group 2024 No. Charity 2025 No. Charity 2024 No. Project staff Administration and goveman 80 80 86 83 86 83 The average headcount expressed as full-time equivalents was: Group 2025 No. Group 2024 No. Charlty 2025 No. Chan'ty 2024 No. 51 Project staff Administration and governance 48 51 51 54 51 54 The number of employees whose employee benefits (exduding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was.. Group 2025 No. Group 2024 No. In the band £60,001- £70,000 The key management personnel of the charity are the trustees (who all give their time voluntsrily), the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management Team. A total of £175,507 was paid to 3 rnembers of staff for their roles as key management personnel (2024.. £174,105 was paid to 3 Members of staffj. 12. Trustees. remuneration and expenses During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL). During the year ended 31 March 2025. no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL). Page 37
j!j,'
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 15. Stocks Group 2025 Group 2024 Charity 2025 Chan"ty 2024 Goods for resale 34,766 40,320 1,500 16. Debtors Group 2025 Group 2024 ChaTIty 2025 Charity 2024 Due wlthln one year Trade debtors Amounts owed by group undertakings other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 309,424 178, 283 308,646 174,541 4,952 25,781 176,076 178, 865 22, 826 4,816 5,042 25,781 22,826 4,816 340.247 205, 925 513,920 382,583 17. Current asset Investments Group 2025 Group 2024 Charity 2025 Charity 2024 Bank deposit (aver 90 days) 91.738 87,976 91.738 87,976 Page 41
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18. Credltors: Amounts falllng due wlthln one year Group 2025 Group 2024 Charlty 2025 Charity 2024 Bank loans 9,600 41,038 42,832 13,328 244,824 9, 600 33,169 40,054 62,518 114,269 Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 40,606 42,832 13,055 242,824 32,717 40,037 60,803 112,269 351,622 259, 610 339,317 245, 826 The trading subsidiary received a Bounce Back Loan which Is guaranteed by the UK government and repayable in instalments. Group 2025 Group 2024 Charlty 2025 Charity 2024 Deferred income at 1 April 2024 Resources deferred during the year Amounts released from previous periods 62,478 199,954 (62,478) 138,266 62,478 (138,266) 62,478 138, 266 199,954 62,478 (62,478) (138,266) 199,954 62,478 199,954 62,478 The charity receives some funding which has perfomance related criteria and is recognised when the income ha5 been earned. Any incorne received in advance of the performance related criteria being met is deferred at the reporting date. 19. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year Group 2025 Group 2024 Bank loans 2,941 12,704 The trading subsidiary received a Bounce Back Loan which is guaranteed by the UK government, repayable in instalments and is due for repayment within 5 years. Page 42
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 20. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year Balance at 31 March 2025 Balance at 1 April 2024 Transfers inlout Income Expendlture Unre3trlcted funds De¥lgnatgd funds Fixed Asset Re5etve Contingency Fund Building and Vehide Maintenance Fund 1,155,911 150.000 139,346) 2,620 1,119,185 150,000 25,000 25,000 1,330,911 (39.346) 2,620 1,294.185 General funds General Fund BRCC Trading Sepiices Ltd VCSE funds 168,382) (159.946) 180,840 68,354 51,997 (103,2011 140,818) (46.533) 121,413) 112,156) 118.286) (150,696) 5.464 1228,328) 301,191 (190,552) (39,699) 1157,388) Total Unrestricted funds 1,102,583 301,191 (229,898) 137,079) 1,136,797 Page 43
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 20. Ststement of funds (contlnued) Balance at 31 March 2025 Balance at 1 Aprll 2024 Transfers inlout Income Expendlture Restrlcted funds Bedford Borough Agents & GNS Central Bedfordshire Agents & GNS Community Hubs Green Infrastructure Rural Housing Enabler Y2A {Youth 2 Adult) Community Rail Partnerships Warden Abbey Vineyard Dunstable Consortium Community Transport Timebank Community Connectors Mental Health Social Prescribing Primary Care Netsvorks Social Prescribing CBC CRSP LA (forrnerly Social Prescribing BBC) GCLP Projects You Can Do It 132,877 {155,850) 22,973 18,276 121,020 65,619 153,506 61,546 14 104,129 14,088 11,694 356,260 47,753 {107,348) (25,038) (205,1471 150,778) (4,656) (101,419) (35,938) (68) (377.450) (54,048) (88,593) (18,2761 13,672 40,581 145,008 18,084 6,775 90,314 196,649 22,014 11,417 87,666 14,697> 162) 21.850 11,626 5,899 51,978 148.526 15.291 45,683 59,933 61,479 21,139 113,267 189,025 256,603 267,470 (163,486) (260,018) 1253,576) 87,018 3,890 127,161 (13,834) 233.805 (247,639) (90) (50,739) 13,834 16,565 51,588 16,475 14,485 13.636 806,463 2.019,044 (2,181,881) 37,079 680,705 Total of funds 1,909,046 2,320,235 (2,411,779) 1,817,502 Page 44
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 20. Statement of funds (continued) Statement of funds - prior year Balance at 31 March 2024 B81ance at 1 April 2023 Transfers in/out Income Expenditure Unrestricted funds Designated funds Fixed Asset Reserve Contingency Fund Building and Vehicle maintenan Fund 1, 150,708 150, 000 (37,851) 43,054 1,155,911 150, QOO 25, 000 25, 000 1,325. 708 (37,851) 43,054 1,330,911 General fund8 General Fund BRCC Trading Services Ltd VCSE funds (25,530) (156,037) 9,501 140,412 107,516 4,266 (132,896) (53.406) (28,450) (50,368) (68,382) (58,019) (f 59.946) 14,683 (172,066) 252,194 (214, 752) (93, 704) (228,328) Total Unrestrlcted funds 1, 153,642 252, 194 (252.603) (50.650) 1,102.583 Page 45
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 20. Statomgnt of funds Icontinued) BalanTr at 31 March 2024 BalanGe at 1 April 2023 Transfers in/out Income Expenditure Restrlcted funds Bedford Borough Agents & GNS Central 8edfordshire Agents & GNS Community Hubs Green Infrastructure Rural Housing Enabler Y2A (Youth 2 Adult) Community Rail Partnershlps Warden Abbey Vineyard Ridgmont station Dunstable Consortium Community Transport Timebank Community Connectors Mental Health Social Prescribing Primary Care NebNorks Social Prescribing CBC CRSP LA (formerly Social Prescribing BBC) GCLP Projects You Can Do It 20,241 135, 740 (170, 122) 14,141 70, 530 147,255 15,916 88, 836 288,301 15,443 23, 844 24,349 110,679 17,009 1, 746 (126,949) (238, 907) (16, 635) (1, 830) (12,932) (115,254) (35, 689) (30,922) (67,473) (379,016) (101,906) (1,474) (14, 141) 18,276 196,649 (14, 724) 22,014 11,417 87,666 92,241 18,680 29,176 17,518 49,955 11,942 41,172 15Q.000 372,973 112,712 5, 899 51,978 148,526 35,889 35,921 133,393 166, 304 239,454 264,957 (140, 714) (254, 236) (284, 564) 61,479 21,139 Iq3,267 (519) 5,255 58.639 88, 790 231.903 30 23.595 (237,677) (42, 104) (60, 797) 519 16.565 51,588 957, 139 2,117,875 (2,319,201) 50, 650 806,463 Total of funds 2,110,781 2,370,069 (2,571.804) 1,909,046 Page 46
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 20. Statement of funds (continued) Deslgnated Funds: Fixed Asset Reserve: This fund represents the total net book value of the Charity's Tangible Fixed Assets which comprise: Freehold Propety, Leasehold Land & Buildings, Renovation work at Ridgrnont ststion, Improvements made to the Cardington Offi'ce, Motor vehides and Fixtures. fittings & equipment. Transfers to the fund represent the value of assets purchased or donated during the year and depreciation is charged as an expense ofthe fvnd. Contingency Reserve.. This fund represents the Trustses, calculation of the likely costs that would be incurred in the event of having to wind up the Charity. It comprises stsff redundancy payments and commitments on leases. Building & Vehicles Maintenance Reserve: This fund has been designated to cover any extraordinary repairs and maintenance that may be requlred to the Cardington office and the Charity's vehicles. Restricted Funds: Bedford Borough Agents & Good Neighbours Scheme: Funding from Bedford Borough Council (Adult Services) supports the Carers Short Break Bureau; the Good Neighbours Schemes and the Village Agents "Just Ask" initiative. Central Bedfordshire Agents & Good Neighbours Scheme.. Funding from Central Bedfordshire Council enables the charity to provide care for adults through the Village Care Scheme. Community Hubs.. The charity has received fundlng to provide vlIbeing spaces across Bedfordshire ft)r vulnerable and isolated individuals to enjoy a hot drink, company and support. Green Infrastructure: Several funding streams are ring fend for the provision of services, purchase of capitsl iterns and payments to contractors in respect of various environmental sites managed by the charity's Green Infrastructure Team. Costs are charged to the fund as and when the various projects are delivered, in partnership with local authorities. Rural Housing Enabler: Funding from Defra (administered by ACRE) has been received to expand the Rural Housing Ser¥ice, appoint a Rural Housing Enabler and set up the Bedfordshire Rural Housing Partnership with the aim of increasing the provision of affordable rural housing. Y2A (Youth 2 Adult): Funding received from BLCF'S Mental Health Collaboration Fund has enabled the charity to run a 12 month youth engagement programme, run by a newly appointed Children & Young People's Worker. Community Rail Partnerships - Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership (MVCRP).. The charity employs the MVCRP offir, funded through Service Level Agreements with London Midland Trains, West Midlands Trains Ltd and Milton Keynes Borough Counci15, to publicise and promote increased usage of the Marston Vale Community Rail Line. Page 47
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 20. Statement of funds (continued) - Beds and Herts CRP.. The charity receives funding from Greater Thameslink RaiaY to employ a community rail officer on the Bedford to St Albans Line. Warden Abbey Vineyard.. The charity receives grant income and donations to assist with the cost of managing the Warden Abbey Vineyard, used to provide opportunities for volunteering. The vineyard management costs have been charged to the restricted fund and a transfer of £21,850 (2024 £18,680) has been made from general funds to support the project, Dunstable Consortium.. Funding from Historic England is part of a nationwide initiats've to secure lasting improvements to historic high streets for the communitles who use them. Community Transport.. The charity provides community transport services under the Door to Door and Greensand Communlty Transport agreements, and to individuals with special needs. Timebank.. Funds have been provided to encourage and support the development of Timebanks, across Central Bedfordshire, where people can help their neighbours and those within their community by sharing their 'me, interests and skills. Community Connectors.. Funding of £150,000 was received In February 2023 to appoint community connectors in Bedford Borough and in Central Bedfordshire. Primary Care NetrNorks, Mental Health and Community Referral Social Prescribing (CRSP): The charity ha5 been commissioned by Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council to provide Social Prescribing services to Primary Care NeorkS and GP surgeries across Bedfordshire. The programme supports patients with social, emots'onal or practical needs by finding non-clinical 501utions that will improve their health and wellbeing. Greensand Country Landscape Programme (GCLP): A balance of funding remains from the Heritage Lottery Fund grant, administered on behalf of the Greensand Ridge Landscape Partnership, to establish the Greensand Ridge area of Bedfordshire as a living and working landscape. You Can Do It.. Funding from NHS Charities Together and NHS England (via BLMK CCG) is used to develop and deliver a digital inclusion project, so individuals have the skills, devices and connectivity to access online health and wellbeing SeiCe$. Page 48
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 21. Summary of funds Summary of funds - current year Balance at 31 March 2025 Balance at 1 Aprll 2024 Transfers inlout Income Expenditure Designated funds General funds 1,330,911 (228.328) 806,463 (39,346) 301,191 1190,552) 2,019,044 {2,181.881) 2,620 1,294,185 (39,699) 1157,388) 37,079 680,705 Restricted funds 1.909,046 2,320.235 12,411,779) 1,817,502 Summary of funds - prlor year Balance at 31 March 2024 Balance at 1 Apnl 2023 Transfers in/out Income Expenditure Designated funds General funds f,325, 708 (172, 066) 957, 139 (37,851) 252, 194 (214, 752) 2,117,875 (2,319,201) 43,054 (93, 704) 50, 650 1,330,911 (228,328) 806,463 Restricted funds 2,110,781 2,370,069 (2,571,804) 1,909, 046 22. Analysis of net as8ets between funds Analysls of net assets botw••n funds - current year Restricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2025 Total funds 2025 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year 1,119,185 1,119,185 105,085 1.052,880 (84,532) 1351,622) (2,941) (2,941) 947,795 (267,090) Total 680,705 1,136,797 1,817,502 Page 49
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by GuarantO0) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 22. Analysls of net assets between funds (contlnued) Analysis of net assets betWOon funds - prior year Restricted Unrnstricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year 1,155,911 93, 063 (133,687) (12, 704) 1,155,911 1.025,449 (259, 610) (12. 704) 932,386 (125, 923) Total 806,463 1, 102,583 1,909,046 23. Roconciliation of net movement In fundg to not cash flow from operatlng activitie Group 2025 Group 2024 Net expenditure for the year las per Statement of Financial Activities) (91,544) (201, 735) Adju8tments for: Depreciation charges Dividends, interests and rents from investments Lossl(profit) on the sale of fixed assets Decrease in stock5 Decreasel(increase) in debtors Increasel(decrease) in creditors 39,346 17,424) 37,851 {8, 503) (3,467) 1,697 326,256 (37. 785) 5,554 {134.322) 92,012 Net cash provided byllused In) operatlng actlvlties 196,378) 114,314 Page 50
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY (A Company Llmlted by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 24. Analysis of cash and cash equlvalents Group 2025 Group 2024 Cash in hand 586,129 691,228 Total cash and cash equlvalents 586,129 691,228 25. Analysis of changes Sn net debt At 1 Aprll 2024 Cash flow8 At 31 March 2025 Cash at bank and in hand Debt due within 1 year Debt due after 1 year Liquid investments 691,228 19.600) (12,7041 87,976 (105,0991 586,129 19.600) (2,9411 91,738 9,763 3,762 756,900 (91,574) 665,326 26. Operatlng lease commitments At 31 March 2025 the Group and the charitable company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating lea5e5 as follows.. Group 2025 Group 2024 Charity 2025 Charity 2024 Not later than 1 year Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years 14,352 16,744 14,352 33,488 14,352 16,744 14,352 33,488 31,096 47,840 31,096 47,840 Page 51
BEDFORDSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITIES CHARITY IA Company Limited by Guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 27. Related party transactlons The charity's wholly owned subsidiary company, BRCC Trading Services Limited, operates from the Cardington Office and is managed by staff employed by the parent charity. Staff costs and overhead costs totalling £21,141 (2024 £48,643) were recharged to BRCC Trading Seplices Limited during the year, together with recharged expenses of £641 (2024 £2,722). BRCC Trading Services Limited reported a profit of £9,250 for the year ended 31 March 2025 {2024 loss of £3,756). The charity advanced a loan of £30,000 to the subsidiary company in previous years. Interest of £2,382 (2024 £1,858) has been charged on the loan at a rate of 3.OOA above the bank base rate. At the balance sheet date, BRCC Trading Services Limited owed the charity a total of £174,541 {2024 £178,865) in respect of the loans and staff recharges which remained unpaid at the balance sheet date. The charity also worked with the following organisations.. Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Coundl and Luton Borough Council organisations where Some trustees and their close family members are employed, or where trustees serve as local or borough councillors. No one person is considered to be in a position to exercise significant influence over these organisations and consequently no details of the related party transactions are disclosed in these financial statements. 28. Taxatlon Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity is a registered charity and therefore is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on incorne or gains derived from its charitable activities, as they fall within the various exemptions available to registered charities. 29. Momber8' liability Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of it being wound up while helshe is a member, or within one year after helshe ceases to be a member, such amount as may be required. not exceeding £10 for the debts and liabilities contracted before helshe ceases to be a member. Page 52