The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust
Annual Report and Financial Statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
Charity no: 1076770
The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025
Reference and administrative information
Trustees
The Honorary Trustees
James Makepeace, Chair of the Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Mark Shelford, PCC (Resigned May 2024) Clare Moody, PCC (Appointed May 2024) Sarah Crew, CC Roger Opie DL Robert Bernays OBE DL (Resigned July 2024) David Wood Esq JP DL (Resigned July 2024) Jennifer Duke (Appointed July 2024) Amanda Deeks (Appointed July 2024) Michael Clarkson Mark Loker
Honorary Officers
Rachael Callow – Trust Officer, Finance, Avon and Somerset Constabulary Emma Snailham – Treasurer, Finance, Avon and Somerset Constabulary Avon and Somerset Constabulary Legal Services Department Nick Adams, Chief Officer - Finance, Resources and Innovation, Avon and Somerset Police
Charity Number: 1076770
Principal office
PO Box 37, Valley Road, Portishead, Bristol, BS20 8QJ
Bankers, Finance, Legal & Independent Examiner
Independent Examiner:
Matthew Bracher BSc FCA, Gravita, Bath House, 6-8 Bath Street, Bristol, BS1 6HL
Bankers:
NatWest Taunton Branch, 49 North Street, Taunton, TA1 1NB
Legal Advice:
Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Valley Road, Portishead, BS20 8JJ
Financial Investment:
Somerset County Council, County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees
Trustees are initially appointed for a period of 3 years. In the event of a Trustee retiring or ceasing to be a Trustee, the remaining Trustees must appoint a replacement.
The Trustees are governed by the Trust Deed as amended. The Trustees have reviewed and considered the major risks to the Trust and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate those risks.
Objectives and activities
Public Benefit Disclosure 2024/25
The Trust, which is unincorporated, aims to:
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Protect local people and property from crime
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Reduce anti-social behaviour
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Educate young people on the dangers of drug, alcohol and solvent abuse
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Increase community safety for all but especially the young, vulnerable and elderly
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into responsible young adults
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Build good community relations
The Trust has continued to fulfil its aims of supporting community-based initiatives with grant programmes, Road Safety Schemes and our Be Home Safe Scheme that has both reduced crime and the fear of crime.
The Trustees have taken full regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and by the details contained in the Annual Report are confident that the charity has fulfilled its obligations in regard to its published aims. Our Be Home Safe Scheme is now regarded as a fundamental part of the Trust’s activities and has reached the stage where it is an essential part of the service offered to elderly victims of crime. Sadly, austerity measures have resulted in a reduction in this service, although we and our partners are committed to ensuring that the best possible service continues to be delivered to those most in need.
All grants made to local community groups are mainly linked with a member of the police force, be they an officer or a member of police staff. The aim being that these grants act to improve the liaison between the community and the police.
Grants
The Trustees meet quarterly to consider the business of the Trust and approve grants in accordance with the Trust’s aims and objectives.
Grants in support of major projects are routinely reviewed and awarded by the Trustees at the commencement of each financial year at their April meeting.
All other grants are considered on their merit, having met the criteria for a grant as set out in the Trust’s aims and objectives.
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
Achievements and performance
Be Home Safe Scheme
The Be Home Safe Scheme is funded by a partnership involving the Constabulary and the Police Community Trust and is a target hardening service operating within each local policing area.
The scheme was introduced in 1999 in an effort to help reduce the fear of crime among the elderly and vulnerable by providing victims of burglary and violence with practical timely and free help when it is most needed. Referrals to the scheme are received from PCSOs, Domestic Violence Advisers, Attending Officers and Investigating Officers. The service is not means tested, however priority will be given to those most in need.
Trained carpenters visit the homes of people in need to offer advice on security issues and where necessary, fit locks, bolts, chains and viewers free of charge to make homes more secure. To date Be Home Safe carpenters have visited thousands of homes in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area whose occupants have been victims of crime and violence, including victims of domestic and racial violence. Many of these people have been burgled or attacked on several occasions prior to the visit by the Be Home Safe carpenters, but very few have become repeat victims.
The Police Community Trust contributes towards the cost of supplying locks and security equipment to target the most vulnerable homes, ensuring the householder feels safe and enjoys an increased level of security.
Financial review
Income for the year was £126,437 (2023/24 £246,893) and expenditure was £171,792 (2023/24 £216,842).
At the year end the Trust held free reserves of £30,516 (2023/24 £29,151).
Reserves Policy
The Trust will maintain a minimum of £10,000 in Unrestricted Funds to meet day to day costs in the short term.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Trust is a registered charity, number 1076770 and is constituted under a trust deed dated 28[th] June 1999. The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust was formed in July 1999 to provide people with a unique opportunity to invest in projects that improve the safety and quality of life within the Avon and Somerset Constabulary area, with particular emphasis on helping the young, vulnerable and elderly.
During the appointment process of new Trustees, the Trust reviews the location and knowledge locally so that the complete Constabulary area is covered and knowledge of the Trustee will enhance the operation of the Trust. Appropriate guidance is given to all Trustees as required to assess and review the applications coming before the Trust for support. This includes the promotion
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
of the Trust to the public and organisations that may be eligible to apply for support and grants from the various funds and or projects supported by the Trust.
Tenure of Trusteeship - Original Deed
‘The Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset and the Chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Authority shall remain Trustees for as long as they hold their respective offices’
Supplemental Deed
‘To reflect the abolition of the Police Authority and its replacement with the Police and Crime Commissioner’
‘The Trust shall be administered by a minimum of 6 Trustees and the Chief Constable and the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner’
Approved by the Trustees on ………………and signed on their behalf by:…………………………….
James Makepeace
Date: 22 January 2026
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 6 to 13.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
.
Matthew Bracher BSc FCA Gravita Bath House 6-8 Bath Street Bristol BS1 6HL
Date: 22 January 2026
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Year ended 31 March 2025
Statement of Financial Activities for the period ended 31 March 2025
| Notes | Notes | Unrestricted Funds General Total £ |
Restricted Funds(by purpose) |
Restricted Funds(by purpose) |
Restricted Funds(by purpose) |
Restricted Funds(by purpose) |
Restricted Funds(by purpose) |
Restricted Funds Total £ |
Total Funds 2024/25 £ |
Unrestricted Funds Total 2023/24 £ |
Restricted Funds Total 2023/24 £ |
Total Funds 2023/24 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCAF Fund £ |
Gating Schemes £ |
Be Home Safe £ |
Drugs Projects £ |
Road Safety £ |
||||||||
| Income and endowments from: | ||||||||||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 1,560 | 0 | 0 | 936 | 0 | 123,941 | 124,877 | 126,437 | 14,772 | 232,113 | 246,885 |
| Investment income | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | - | 8 |
| Total income | 1,560 | 0 | 0 | 936 | 0 | 123,941 | 124,877 | 126,437 | 14,780 | 232,113 | 246,893 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||||||||||||
| Support costs | 4 | 3,601 | 0 | 0 | 936 | 0 | 23,941 | 24,877 | 28,478 | 5,259 | 26,114 | 31,373 |
| Charitable activities -grant funding | 5 | 14,357 | 0 | 0 | 8,615 | 0 | 120,342 | 128,957 | 143,314 | 28,926 | 156,543 | 185,469 |
| Total expenditure | 17,958 | 0 | 0 | 9,551 | 0 | 144,283 | 153,834 | 171,792 | 34,185 | 182,657 | 216,842 | |
| Net income/(expenditure) | 16,398 | 0 | 0 | 8,615 | 0 | 20,342 | 28,957 | 45,355 | 19,405 | -49,456 | -30,051 | |
| Transfers between funds | 17,763 | -8,296 | -3,513 | 0 | -5,953 | 0 | -17,763 | 0 | 26,150 | -26,150 | - | |
| Net movements in funds | 1,365 | -8,296 | -3,513 | -8,615 | -5,953 | -20,342 | -46,720 | -45,355 | 6,745 | 23,306 | 30,051 | |
| Total Funds brought forward 1st April 2024 | 29,151 | 8,296 | **3,513 ** | 149,349 | 5,953 | 37,853 | 204,964 | 234,115 | 22,406 | 181,658 | 204,064 | |
| Total Funds carried forward 31st March 2025 | 30,516 | 0 | **0 ** | 140,734 | 0 | 17,511 | 158,244 | 188,760 | 29,151 | 204,964 | 234,115 |
BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Notes | Mar-25 £ |
Mar-24 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Assets | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 10 | 332,141 | 365,847 |
| Total current assets | 332,141 | 365,847 | |
| Creditors: amounts fallingdue in less than oneyear | 11 | -143,381 | -131,732 |
| Net current assets | 188,760 | 234,115 | |
| Net assets | 188,760 | 234,115 | |
| Income Funds | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 13 | 30,516 | 29,151 |
| Restricted funds | 14 | 158,244 | 204,964 |
| 188,760 | 234,115 |
The Financial Statements were approved by the Trustees on 22 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by
Chair
Treasurer
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
1 Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation of accounts
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland', and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The Trustees consider there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Income is deferred only when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it. Gifts and donations are recognised on receipt.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
Grants and donations payable
Grants are included in the period in which they are approved and committed for payment.
Support costs
Where support costs need apportioning, they are allocated to expenditure of each fund in proportion to the respective grant funding cost. Governance costs are included within support costs.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
Unrestricted General Funds
The general unrestricted funds are donations and any other income received or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose.
Restricted Funds
Restricted funds include donations and any other income received or generated for the objects of the charity restricted geographically to use in a particular area. All other funds are restricted to a specific purpose within the objects of the charity.
Donated goods, facilities and services
The value of professional services provided by other agencies are recognised in income on the basis of the gift to the charity when received and it can be measured reliably. The equivalent amount is recognised as an expense.
Where facilities or goods are provided to the charity as a donation that would normally be purchased from suppliers, the contributions are included in the financial statements at an estimate based on the value of the contribution and are recognised in income, with an equivalent amount recognised as an expense.
In accordance with the charity SORP, the value of services provided by volunteers is not included in the financial statements.
Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and liabilities 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.
Short term liquid investments and cash at bank
Short term investments and cash at bank is held to meet short-term cash commitments as they fall due rather than for investment purposes and includes all cash equivalents held in the form of shortterm highly liquid investments. Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
2 Donations
| Type | Total 2024/25 £ |
Total 2023/24 £ |
|---|---|---|
| Donated and facilities | 100,000 | 218,000 |
| Gifts and donations | 26,437 | 28,885 |
| Total Voluntary Income | 126,437 | 246,885 |
Donated services and facilities:-
| Type | Total 2024/25 £ |
Total 2023/24 £ |
|---|---|---|
| Donated services -professional services | 26,437 | 28,886 |
| Total | 26,437 | 28,886 |
3 Investment income
The Trustees have appointed the Trust Treasurer as Investment Manager to make investment decisions on behalf of the Trust. The Trust Treasurer will, from time to time, deposit surplus funds with Somerset County Council in the Somerset Comfund. The Comfund invests in cash deposits with reputable banks and building societies. The Trust has no direct influence over such investments. Investment performance on the Comfund is measured against the Local Authority 7 Day Rate and monitored by the Trust Treasurer and reported to the Trustees annually. The Comfund reached it’s expiration date at 31 March 2023, so all funds were released back to the main bank account and a final interest payment was made to the trust.
Details are as follows: -
| Type | Unrestricted Funds Total 2024/25 |
Unrestricted Funds Total 2023/24 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Bank Interest | 0 | 8 |
| Total | 0 | 8 |
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
4 Support costs
| Type | Total 2024/25 £ |
Total 2023/24 £ |
|---|---|---|
| Donated services and facilities | 26,437 | 28,886 |
| Administration costs | 0 | 0 |
| Insurance costs | 157 | 603 |
| Examiners fees | 1,884 | 1,884 |
| Total cost of raising funds | 28,478 | 31,373 |
Support costs include governance costs of £2,041 (2023/24 £2,487) (Note 6).
5 Charitable activities – grant funding
Total grant funding for the year was as follows:-
| Type | Unrestricted Funds £ |
Restricted Funds £ |
Total 2024/25 £ |
Total 2023/24 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grants | 14,357 | 128,957 | 143,314 | 185,469 |
Grants are normally restricted to £5,000 or less in any one year. Grants in excess of this limit made during the year were as follows:-
| Recipient of Grant | Amount 2024/25 £ |
Amount 2023/24 £ |
|---|---|---|
| Road SafetyGrants | 0 | 20,000 |
| Total Grants(over £5,000) | 0 | 20,000 |
| Grants(£5,000 or less)bytype: | ||
| Road SafetyGrants | 120,342 | 121,996 |
| General Fund Grants | 14,357 | 28,926 |
| BobbyVans | 8,615 | 14,547 |
| Total Grants(£5,000 or less) | 143,314 | 165,469 |
| Total Grants for theyear | 143,314 | 185,469 |
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
6 Governance costs
Governance costs are included in support costs and include such items as independent examination fees and insurance premiums. Details are as follows:-
| Type | Unrestricted Funds £ |
Restricted Funds £ |
Total 2024/25 £ |
Total 2023/24 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Examiners fees | 1,884 | - | 1,884 | 1,884 |
| Insurance costs | 157 | - | 157 | 603 |
| Total Expenditure | 2,041 | - | 2,041 | 2,487 |
Independent Examiner’s fees are payable for the service of independent examination only.
7 Total expenditure
The Trust does not directly employ staff. No Trustee received any remuneration during the year. There are no related party transactions in the year.
There were no Trustees’ expenses paid during the year (2023/2024 £nil).
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Police provide the services of various officers to support the day to day running of the Trust. Although no charge is made, estimated costs are included within donated services in Note 4.
8 Cash at Bank
| Type | March 2025 | March 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Cash at bank | 332,141 | 365,847 |
| TotalCash | 332,141 | 365,847 |
9 Creditors:
Amounts falling due within one year
| Type | March 2025 | March 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Grants Payable | 139,989 | 129,062 |
| Accruals | 3,390 | 2,670 |
| Total Creditors | 143,380 | 131,732 |
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
10 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Type | Unrestricted Funds 2024/25 £ |
Restricted Funds 2024/25 £ |
Total 2024/25 £ |
Unrestricted Funds 2023/24 £ |
Restricted Funds 2023/24 £ |
Total 2023/24 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and Current Investments | 91,433 | 240,709 | 332,142 | 86,147 | 279,700 | 365,847 |
| Other Current Assets/Liabilities | (60,917) | (82,464) | (143,381) | (56,996) | (74,736) | (131,732) |
| Total Net Assets | 30,516 | 158,244 | 188,760 | 29,151 | 204,964 | 234,115 |
11 Unrestricted Funds
General Fund
| General Fund | |
|---|---|
| Balance 31 March 2023 | 22,406 |
| Incoming funds 2023/24 | 14,780 |
| Outgoingfunds 2023/24 | (34,185) |
| Transfers | 26,150 |
| Balance 31 March 2024 | 29,151 |
| Incoming funds 2024/25 | 0 |
| Outgoing funds 2024/25 | (16,398) |
| Transfers | 17,763 |
| Balance 31 March 2025 | 30,516 |
12 Restricted Funds
The transfers in 2024/25 are moving funds from unused restricted funds into the general fund to be utilised.
| Name of Fund | Balance 31st March 2024 |
Movement in Resources | Movement in Resources | Transfers | Balance 31st March 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming £ |
Outgoing £ |
||||
| GatingSchemes | 3,513 | (3,513) | 0 | ||
| CCAF Fund | 8,296 | (8,296) | (0) | ||
| Be Home Safe | 149,349 | 936 | (9,551) | 140,734 | |
| Drugs Project | 5,953 | (5,953) | 0 | ||
| Road Safety | 37,853 | 123,941 | (144,283) | 17,511 | |
| Total Restricted Funds | 204,964 | 124,877 | (153,834) | (17,763) | 158,244 |
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The Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust Notes forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025
12. (continued) Restricted Funds (prior year comparative)
| Name of Fund | Balance 1st April 2023 £ |
Movement in Resources | Movement in Resources | Transfers | Balance 31st March 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming £ |
Outgoing £ |
||||
| GatingSchemes | 3,513 | - | - | - | 3,513 |
| CCAF Fund | 8,296 | - | - | - | 8,296 |
| Be Home Safe | 163,896 | 985 | (15,532) | - | 149,349 |
| Drugs Project | 5,953 | - | - | - | 5,953 |
| Road Safety | - | 231,128 | (167,125) | (26,150) | 37853 |
| Total Restricted Funds | 181,658 | 232,113 | (182,657) | (26,150) | 204,964 |
The Be Home Safe Scheme is funded by a partnership involving the Constabulary and the Police Community Trust and is a target hardening service operating within each local policing area and Basic Command Unit across Avon and Somerset.
The Road Safety fund’s aim is to provide funding to community and voluntary organisations to use to facilitate well targeted community road safety initiatives.
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