STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
31 MARCH 2024
Company Registration Number 4097879 Charity Number 1086086
DERBY COMMUNITY ACCOUNTANCY SERVICE
Babington Lodge 128 Green Lane Derby
STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Members of the board and professional advisers | 1 |
| Trustees’ annual report | 2-4 |
| Independent Examiner’s report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8-14 |
STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
The board of trustees/directors R.Tilston M. Thums G. Gregory E. Blackwell
Chief Executive E.Cheeseman Registered office Community Hall Ilkeston Road Heanor Derbyshire Independent Examiner Kevin Parkinson FCA Derby Community Accountancy Service Babington Lodge 128 Green Lane Derby DE1 1RY
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The centre continues to offer an attractive venue for the community, providing companionship in a social setting with three course lunch and other nibbles throughout the day. The centre organises activities during the day and regular visits to places of interest outside. One indirect advantage of the centre’s work is that their carers are able to take a well merited rest whilst their loved ones are being well looked after. The improvement to the physical and emotional wellbeing of the members is difficult to measure but it is apparent to all who spend any time at the centre. Stepping stones is open to all people irrespective of race, gender or any other personal circumstances.
This is in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Association of October 27[th] 2000.
SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN FOR THE PUBLIC BENEFIT IN RELATION TO THESE OBJECTS
In planning our activities for the year we kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit at our trustees meetings.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The directors are very proud of the charity’s achievements during the year and would like to thank the manager and her staff for creating a happy, welcoming environment which greatly improves the lives of all those who attend. The proof of the success of the charity is demonstrated by the numbers who attend on a daily basis and that they all enjoy being there. Without the work of the charity a greater burden would be placed on social services and health service.
The charity has faced the challenge of increased costs through increases in food, wages and utility charges but has come through this relatively unscathed.
HEALTH, SAFETY & HYGIENE
We have Peninsula business services for all of our health and safety and fire safety requirements and are also there to advise us if we require any information and help with our policies and procedures.
Over the year inspectors from Amber Valley Environmental Health, School Health & Safety Officers, Social services and Derbyshire County Council have visited the Centre and rated our standards highly.
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
FUNDING
We want to open another day for the younger people owing to the closure of their community centres.
THE BOARD
The Board has met quarterly during the year to receive reports from the centre manager and bookkeeper, and to plan the future course of the centre.
ACTIVITIES
We continue to have trips in the UK and over sea’s and on day outings. Live entertainment on a regular basis, which is funded by our hamper raffle and other fund-raising activities taking place on a weekly basis.
Members receive a healthy three-course meal and a small breakfast.
PLACEMENTS
We continue to receive students from local schools and colleges. They receive hands-on experience in social care which is invaluable to them for their studies and future employment prospects.
REFFERALS/NET WORK
We continue to cooperate with hospitals, doctors, clinics, social services, mental health, PCT, home help and other sources in the care community.
MEMBERS
We continue to receive members from a wide area of Amber Valley. The centre manager visits each potential member and establishes a relationship with him/her and the family. We must report that more and more members are suffering from some form of dementia. The centre manager and staff monitor each member daily in terms of well-being so if there are any changes in their personal needs, we can meet their needs if possible and our records can be updated and kept as up to date as possible.
STAFFING
The board thanks the centre manager, the staff and the volunteers for the splendid work running the centre and providing a first class service to the members.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Eileen has recently reviewed the finances with Mark Newey (accountant) and we are going to continue to monitor the accounts regularly so we can see the effects of the price increase.
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Stepping Stones (Amber Valley) is based at the Community Hall, Ilkeston Road, Heanor, Derbyshire which is the company's registered office and the principal address of the charity. Stepping Stones (Amber Valley) is a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital (company registration No. 4097879) and Registered Charity (No. 1086086).
Trustee selection methods
A skills audit has been undertaken to discover those skills which are required by the trustee body. Efforts are made to recruit trustees who meet the skill requirement from those resident or working in Amber Valley. When it is not possible to recruit trustees with the requisite skills, the Charity utilises expertise from outside Amber Valley.
Risk management policy
The trustees examine the major risks that the charity faces each financial year when preparing and updating the strategic plan. The charity has developed systems to monitor and control these risks to mitigate any impact that they may have on the charity in the future.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves Policy
Eileen has recently reviewed the finances with Mark Newey (accountant) and we are going to continue to monitor the accounts regularly so we can see the effects of the price increase.
Independent Examiner
Kevin Parkinson FCA of Derby Community Accountancy Service will continue in office as independent examiner for the ensuing year.
Small company provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Registered office: Signed on behalf of the trustees Stepping Stones (Amber Valley) Community Hall Ilkeston Road Heanor Derbyshire R.Tilston DE75 7AG Trustee
Approved by the trustees on
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Stepping Stones (Amber Valley)
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 6 to 14 .
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, as amended); and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1 Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
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have not been met; or
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2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Kevin Parkinson FCA Derby Community Accountancy Service Babington Lodge 128 Green Lane Derby DE1 1RY
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Total Funds Total Funds |
Total Funds Total Funds |
Total Funds Total Funds |
Total Funds Total Funds |
Total Funds Total Funds |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Year to | 31 | Year to | 31 | ||||
| Funds | Funds | Mar 2024 | Mar 2023 | ||||||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Income from: | |||||||||
| Donations | 3 | 282 | - | 282 | 454 | ||||
| Charitable activities | 4 | 500 | 2,000 | 2,500 | 15,549 | ||||
| Other income | 6 | 72,777 | - | 72,777 | 74,610 | ||||
| Investments | 5 | 1,175 |
- |
1,175 |
309 |
||||
| Total incoming | 74,734 |
2,000 |
76,734 |
90,922 |
|||||
| Expenditure on | |||||||||
| Raising funds | - | - | - | - | |||||
| Charitable activities | 86,218 |
12,756 |
98,974 |
96,016 |
|||||
| Total resources expended | 7 | 86,218 |
12,756 |
98,974 |
96,016 |
||||
| Net (expenditure) income | (11,484) | (10,756) | (22,240) | (5,094) | |||||
| Transfer between funds | - |
- |
- |
- |
|||||
| Net movement in funds | (11,484) | (10,756) | (22,240) | (5,094) | |||||
| Funds balances at 1April 2023 | 79,561 |
47,187 |
126,748 |
131,842 |
|||||
| Funds balance at 31 March | 2024 | 68,077 |
36,431 |
104,508 |
126,748 |
The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year as set out above.
All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
BALANCE SHEET
31 MARCH 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Current assets Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets Funds Restricted 14 Unrestricted – general reserves 14 – designated funds 14 TOTAL FUNDS |
2024 £ - 79,847 79,847 12,656 |
£ 37,317 67,191 104,508 104,508 36,431 48,077 20,000 104,508 |
2023 £ 1,300 89,377 90,677 12,230 |
£ 48,301 78,447 126,748 126,748 47,187 59,561 20,000 126,748 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
For the year ended 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors’ responsibilities:
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(i) The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
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(ii) The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the members of the committee and are signed on their behalf by:
R Tilston Date Trustee
Registration Number: 4097879
The notes on pages 8 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
Company information
Stepping Stones (Amber Valley) is a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital. The company’s registered office is Community Hall. Ilkeston Road, Heanor, Derbyshire. At the end of the year there were 4 Trustees, each of whom, under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, had undertaken to contribute the sum not exceeding £1 in the event of a winding up of the company.
1.1 Accounting convention
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102, “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”), “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015. The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The accounts are prepared in Sterling which is the functional currency of the company Monetary amounts in these financial statements to the nearest £.
The accounts have been prepared on historical cost convention apart from freehold property that is carried at market value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
These are accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 prepared in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The date of transition to FRS 102 was 1 April 2015.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the accounts, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
1.3 Charitable Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
1.4 Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Gifts in kind have been
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
included at market value of gifts received and in assets acquired. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.
1.5 Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs relating to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in the support of the charitable activities.
1.6 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discounts offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
1.7 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other shortterm liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.8 Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
1.9 Financial instruments
The charity has financial assets and financial 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.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.10 Employee benefits
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.11 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling with section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1.12 Depreciation
Individual fixed assets e are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a reducing balance basis as follows:-
Asset category Annual rate Equipment 25% Buildings 4%
2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimated and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
3. Voluntary income
| Total Funds | Total Funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Year to 31 | Year to 31 | |
| Funds | Funds | Mar 2024 | Mar 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations from individuals | 282 | - | 282 | 454 |
| 282 | - | 282 | 454 |
4. Incoming resources from charitable activities
| Total Funds | Total Funds | Total Funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Year to |
31 | Year to 31 | ||
| Funds | Funds | Mar 2024 |
Mar 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Grants | ||||||
| Derbyshire County Council | - | - | - | 15,549 | ||
| Foundation Derbyshire | - | 2,000 | 2,000 |
- | ||
| Amber Valley CVS | 500 | - | 500 |
- | ||
| 500 | 2,000 | 2,500 | 15,549 | |||
| Interest receivable | ||||||
| Year to | 31 | Year to 31 | ||||
| Mar 2024 | Mar 2023 | |||||
| £ | £ | |||||
| Bank interest receivable (unrestricted) | 1,175 |
309 |
5. Interest receivable
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
6. Other income (unrestricted)
| Room hire Catering and care income Transport Fundraising Sundry Total resources expended Basis of allocation Staff costs Direct Training Direct Rent & rates Direct Heat & light Direct Office Direct Maintenance Direct Depreciation Direct Insurance Direct Catering Direct Transport Direct Professional fees Direct Sundry Direct Fundraising Direct |
Year to 31 Mar 2024 £ 8,945 54,231 8,025 - 1,576 72,777 |
Year to 31 Mar 2023 £ 5,195 58,662 9,620 - 1,133 74,610 Total Funds Year to 31 Mar 2024 Total Funds Year to 31 Mar 2023 £ £ 55,298 51,346 - - 1,500 1,500 2,680 2,559 2,194 2,420 - 1,132 10,984 10,984 5,891 5,455 7,143 7,435 9,245 10,321 1,895 1,891 1,887 973 257 - 98,974 96,016 |
|---|---|---|
7. Total resources expended
Expenditure on charitable activities was £98,974 (2023: £96,016) of which £12,756 was restricted (2023 £26,305)
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
8. Net (expenditure)/income
Net (expenditure)/income for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Independent Examiner’s Fees | 875 | 875 |
| Depreciation | 10,984 | 10,984 |
| =========================== | ================================ |
9. Directors and key management personnel
During the year trustees did not receive remuneration
The key management personnel of the charity consist of the trustees, the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the senior management team.
10. Employees
The average monthly number of persons employed during the year was
| Year to 31 Mar 2024 No Charitable activities 5 ___ 5 =============== aggregate payroll costs were: Year to 31 Mar 2024 £ Wages and salaries 55,298 Social security costs - 55,298 |
Year to 31 Mar 2023 No 6 ___ 6 ================ Year to 31 Mar 2023 £ 51,346 - 51,346 |
|---|---|
The aggregate payroll costs were:
No employee earned more than £60,000 per annum. No trustees were reimbursed for expenditure
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
11. Tangible fixed assets
| Building Equipment Extension & fittings £ £ Cost At 31 March 2023 274,578 - Additions - - At 31 March 2024 274,578 - Depreciation At 31 March 2023 226,277 - Charge for the year 10,984 - At 31 March 2024 237,261 - Net book value At 31 March 2024 37,317 - At 31 March 2023 48,301 - 12. Debtors 2024 £ Sundry debtors - -------------------------------- - ================================ 13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 2024 £ Trade creditors 1,375 Taxation and social security 1,295 Salaries 266 Deferred Income 9,720 -------------------------------- 12,656 ================================ |
Total £ 274,578 - 274,578 226,277 10,984 237,261 37,317 48,301 2023 £ 1,300 -------------------------------- 1,300 ================================ 2023 £ 1,375 1,135 - 9,720 -------------------------------- 12,230 ================================ |
|---|---|
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STEPPING STONES (AMBER VALLEY) COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
14. Statement of funds
General reserve Designated funds Total unrestricted funds Foundation Derbyshire The National Lottery Community Fund Total restricted funds Total funds |
At 1 April 2023 Incoming Outgoing Transfers £ £ £ £ 59,561 74,734 (86,218) - 20,000 - - - 79,561 74,734 (86,218) - - 2,000 (2,000) - 47,187 - (10,756) - 47,187 2,000 (12,756) - 126,748 76,734 (98,974) - |
At 31March 2024 £ 48,077 20,000 68,077 - 36,431 36,431 104,508 |
|---|---|---|
RESTRICTED FUNDS
The remaining balance of the Community Fund grant consists of fixed assets to be depreciated.
The Foundation Derbyshire money was spent on wages.
DESIGNATED FUNDS
The designated fund is reserved to be spent on equipment and building repairs.
15. Analysis of net assets
| Tangible fixed assets Other net assets Unrestricted funds £ £ General reserve 886 47,191 Designated funds - 20,000 Restricted funds Community Fund 36,431 - 37,317 67,191 |
Total £ 48,077 20,000 36,431 104,508 |
|---|---|
16. Related party transactions
The charity had no related party transactions that required disclosure.
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