Charity Registration No." 1092012 Company Reglstratlon No. 04335730 (England and Wales) THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND (A COMPANY UMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 laARCH 2024
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Patron Sir Rob8rt Worcesler KBE DL President Jonalhan Tennant DL Vice Presidents Amanda Cottrell OBE DL Rt Hon Damian Green FChard King R A Knox-Johnston Trust88S John Wotton (Chairman until 10th November 2023) Ben Moorhead DL (from 10th November 2023) Michael Moore (freasurer) Peter Blandon'(resigned 10th November2023) Nigel Britten Paul Buckley Christine Drury Julian Glenister (resigned 19th August 2024) Graham Homer Val Loseby Manuelo Lorenzo (appointed 28th July 2023) Company Secretary Michael Moore FCA Branch Direclor Dr Hilary Newport Chartty number 1092012 Company number 4335730 Operatlonal address & Reglstered office Queen's Head House Ashford Road Charing Kent TN27 OAD
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION ADVISERS Auditors Kreston Reeves LLP 37 St Margaret's Street Canterbury Kent CT12TU Bankers CAF Bank Ltd" 25 Klng's Hlll Avenue King's Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Investment Managers Evelyn Partners No.1 Blshops Wharf Walnut Tree Close Guildford, Surrey GU14R Legal Advisers Rlchard Buxton Solicitors Office A, Dale's Brewery Gwydir St Cambridge CB12LJ
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROT.ECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CONTENTS Pago Trustees. roport Independent auditorfs report statemenl of financial acllvltles Bal8nc8 sheet statement of Cash flows Notes to the financial statements 15 16 1.7 18-28
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 1 The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out In notes to the accounts and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, the Charltles Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Slatement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (effective 1 January 2019). Constitution The Kent Branch of CPRE was fnded in 1929. The company was incorporated on 6th December 2001 and became a ,registered charity on 14 May 2002. Activities within the company commenced on 11 October 2002..The Kent Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England is a company limited by guarantee and is govemed by a Memorandum and Article5 of Association dated 6 December 2001 and amended on 4th November 2022. The company also operates under the name CPRE. Kent, the Countryside Charity. Recruitment and appointment of Trustees The Directors of the Company are also Charity Trustees for the purpose of Charity Law. and under the Companys Articles are known as members of the Executive Committee (hereafter referred to as 'lhe Board"). The Board includes ex officio the Chaimian. Vice Chairmen and Treasurer of the Charity. All members of the Board are elected annually at the AGM. Each of the twelve district groups and the iwo speclallst committees (Environment and Historic Buildlngs) may nominate a member and up to three additional members may be CQ•OPted by the Board during the year. Nomination for election must be made not less than 28 clear days prior to the AGM. The requirement for 28 days, prior notice enables members voting at the AGM to have had lime to evaluate the candidates. No member of the Board may serve for more than fNe years continuously except the Chairman. Vice Chairman and Treasurer whose ex officio role may continuo for up to five years after previous servi as a Board member. Board members are eligibl8 to S@re again after standing down for one year.. Trustees, tralnlng and inductlon New Trustees are expected to spend time familiarising themselves with the full rang8 of managerial and administrative work that needs to be carried out by the Company. Trustees are also enccuraged to attend the meetings of district and specialist committees outside their normal aieas of experience to broaden their understanding of the wider acttvlties of the Branch. Involvement with CPRE'S wider and. national activities is encouraged and is facilitated by induction days organised by CPRE'S national office, workshop events and conferences. Other training is aanged as needed.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 2 Objectives and activities for public benefrt Th8 objects for which the Charity is eslablished are to promote and encourage for the benefit of the publlc the improvement and protection of the English Countyside and. in particular. that of Kent and its towns and villages, and the better development ot the rural environment. The principal work of the Charity is to influence planning policy. and planning decisions for the promotlon and protection of the countryside of Kent and beyond. We achieve this by monrtoring and commenting on planning applications, local plans and planning policy. and by engaging decision makers and the public to raise awareness and to grow membership and other support. We provide advice and support to individuals and communty organisations on planning policy and process, and Specialist input on individual schemes where possible. We 8ncourage participation in the planning process and provide media and campaigning support to those k)cal campaigns that are aligned with our organisational priorities and policies. The Charity also works to inform decision-makers and th8 public on the effeGts of climate change and exploitation of natural resources. particularly as they affect the Kent countryside. and the need for sustainability, Ihe impact of people's actions and the choices that can be made. CPRE Kent works under the umbrella of the nalional. CPRE movernent and is one of the independent charities based in counties or regions which, along with the national charity, make up the CPRE movement. National CPRE sets policy on relevant matters in consultation with the CPRE network and administers the management of membership and subscriptions. Increasingly it also provides support in membership recruiting and in volunteer management and induction. The trustees confirm that they have referred lo the guidance contained at the Charity CommissioneT'S general guidanc8 on public benefit when reviewing the charity's objecttves. Organisation Structure The Charity employs a chief executive, known as the Branch Director, who was, during 2022-23 assisted by a General Manager. two specialist Planners (one part-tirne) and a communlcations and PR Manager (part tfme}. The staff tsam on 31st March 2024 were: Julie Davies- Planner Vicky Ellis- General Manager David Mairs - Communicatlons and PR Manager Hilary Newport-Dlrector Rlchard Thompson - Planner The Charity is governed by the Board, supported by a structure of committees. Additional working groups are set up as required.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 3 Achievements and erfom)ance General plannlng The National Planning Policy Framework {NPPF) remains th8 key factor which underpins a gr8at deal of our campaigning. Th8 NPPF stipulat8s that local authorities must have an upto-date Local Plan that id8ntifies and allocates suffictent land to deliver houses according to a centrally derived largeL It was introduced in 2012 and has been revised several tim8s since than, but its focus is 8SS8ntially on encouraging local authorities to deliver as many new homes as possible. As a result, local authorities that cannot report successful delivery against these hlgh houslng targets are subject to speculative applications for major developments on sites that have never been tested for sustainability through the Local Plan-making process. Since 2012 it ha5 become increasingly apparent that the NPPF is not achieving its aims to deliver the numbers of homes wanted by the GovemmenL and nor is it protecting green spaces from unsustainable development. In 2020, sweeping changes were proposed that promised to tip up the planning system. and make it easier for new homes to be delivered,. suggesting that local participation in planning decisions should be radically reduced and increasing the range of development that can be undertaken without the need for planning PeISSIon. The whole CPRE movement came together and campaigned to temper the worst of these proposed. changes. galvanizing support from many backbench politicians who also opposed the changes, and achieving a major clirnb-down. Our campaigning work has been constant in providing the local evidence and experience Ihat supports national CPRE'S campaigning on this important policy area: rf we are to protect the countryside effectively, we must have the Proper policies in place that enable us to do so. However, the campaign continu8s. and multiple proposals to change the planning system still further continue to be a regular feature of the political landscape. Political uncertainty over the outcome of the 2024 election will no doubt affect the planning system. CPRE - now at the forefront of a Planning Coalition of environmental NGOS - is still leading the calls for a planning system that: R8SP8cts local.democracy and community engagement Secures affordable housing and developer contributions Addresses climate change and sustainab18 dev81opment Protecls biodiversity and supports nature's recovery Respects beauty and heritage Supports health and wellbeing and access to natural green space CPRE county branches such as Kent are ideally placed to actlvely partlcipate in 'parish to parliamenf campaigns such as these and this continues to be a significant part of our work, and improved nelworks of communications beeen national and local CPRE planners have ccntributed immeasurably to our comblned effectiveness in steering planning policy towards a course that better reflects environmental balance rather than profiL Local PlanslNatlonal Poli¢y Responding to consultations on the various stsges In development of local plans across Kent and Medway remains a core part of our activity, along with consutstions in many elements of county-wide and national planning policy. Over the course of the year, district and specialist committee members have worked alongside staff to participate in the following Local Plan consultations and examinations: Dover Maidstone Sevenoaks Tunbridge Wells
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 4 We also partlclpated In many consultations on local and national policy, such as the K8nl Minerals and Waste Local Plan and the national Future Homes and Building Standards. Our work on such consultations is arguably the most important aspect of the yrk that we do, but also the least visible. We will continue to engage with such consultations and to SUPPOrt and encourage local communities and parish councils to engage effectNely as well. Major Commerclal and Houslng Developments Some of the major applications that we have focused on durfng thls year Include these: London Resort London Resort was a proposed major theme park on the Swanscombe peninsula. An application for a Development Consent Order was submitted at the end of 2020. and after many delays and requests for further information, the application was withdrawn the day before the examination was due to begin in March 2022. While we support the principle of brownfield regeneration and the provision of high- quality employment opportunities. this is a site where the brownfield footprint has evolved into an extraordinarily diverse range of habitsts which support rare and diverse assemblages of flora and fauna. particularly invertebrates. For this reason. in November 2021. the site was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England after lengthy consultation.. The project. although almost certainly dormant, retains the status of a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and, in concert with other NGOS we called on the Secretary of State in July 2023 to r8voke its NSIP direction. otlerpool Park and other Garden Towns In March 2019 Folkestone and Hythe Dlstrfct Councli unveiled its initlal plans for 'Otterpool Park,, a GaTden Town of up to 10,000 homes to the south of the M20 off J11, over a total area of 615ha which includes 357ha of farmland, purchased by Shepway District Council in late 2015. The. site is now allocated for development in the Core Strategy, adopted in March 2022. The application for outline planning permission for the first phase of constru¢tlon was granted In April 2023. We will continue to 8ngage with councillors and planners to help deliver the most sustainable outcomes for Otterpool Park. Meanwhile proposals for mew major settlements are at various stages across the whole county. Sites at Lenham and Lidsing are now in Maidstone's adopted local plan, and sites such as Pedham Pla (Sevenoaks), Hoo St Werburgh, Highstead Valley (Swale) and Faversham (where the Duchy of Comwall has applied for permission to build 2,500 homes on high quality farmland) are causing concem across the county. Betteshanger We have been working with Friends of Betteshanger, the RSPB and Kent Wildlife Trust to protect a rewilded colliery site that is an uplifting example of how natu can cover from the depredations of induslry but is now threatened by development. The former spoil tip of Betteshanger collSery was established as a country park some 20 years ago and now hosls an extraordinary array of wildlife, some of which Is nationally rare or in rapid decline. Water voles, turtle doves and slow worms are just some of the species to make Betteshanger Country Park their home. In 2019 the site was sold to a company that now wants to build a surfing lagaon and luxury FK)tel and spa. The scheme, if executed, would destroy priorty habitaL wildlife mits'gatTron sitss and the second largest colony of Ilzard orchids in the county. Dover District Council has resolved to grant permission but, at the time of writing, has not yet issued that permission. We continue to work in coalition with local communities and other NGOS to fundraise and seek legal advice to challenge the resolution.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 5 Major InfrastNcture Lower Thames Crosslng The firsl application to build the Lower Tharries Crossing east of Gravesend was withdrawn by Highways England (now National Highways) in 2020 following concerns raised by the Planning Inspectorate over inadequata consultation and traffic modelling. The current application was submitted in October 2022 und8r the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Scheme rules and undetwent examination in 5urnmer 2023.. We stsnd alongside other objectors maintaining our position that the proposals will cause signtficant environmenlal hami, increase harmful carbon emissions, and do lie to alleviate congestion at the existing Dartford crossings. The decision lo determine the Development Consent Order was due to have been made in June 2024, but was delayed to October 2024 following the announcement of the General Election on 4th July. Energy Infrastructure Renewable energy continues, rightty, to be a vitally important national and intemational policy priority. However we contend that the infraslructure associated with renewables must be appropriately sited, and we actively support the national CPRE campaign to site solar panels on the built environment, rather than on agricultural land. Sea link is a National Grid proposal lo connect energy generated by offshore wFndfarms to the existing grid. The proposed projeGt will see a converter station 100m high covering 15 acres. in a site that Is uncommonly rich in wildlife. The Cleve Hill solar park was granted a Development Consent Order by the Secretary of State at the end of May 2020. It now falls to Swale Borough Council to determine the various other elements of the development. including the controversial Battery Energy Storage System. SBC refjjsed pemilsslon In March 2024 on the grounds of safety, and the applicant is expected to appeal the decision, Meanwhile a further major infrastructure project Is avrnited for a solar fami near Aldington. Ash'ford. other Campaign Themes Climate Crisis We have worked alongside the wEder CPRE network in developing an" overdrching strategy on the climate crisis that underpins the rest of CPRE'S polw positions in all other key areas. Many planning declsions are still being made which are at odds with the government's commitment to net zero carbon, and this will continue to be a major theme in our campaigning work. Alr Quality The Impact of major development, and concomitanl increase in road-based traffic, on other areas already suffering from poor air quality is becoming increasingly important in planning decisions. This is particularly the case in the light of recent court judgements requiring UK Govemment to meet its legal obligations to improve air quality. Water ' We have continued our engagement with the consultation processes for the water supply companies, Water Resource Management Plans. The south east remains an area of severe water stress, and Kent is home to chalk streams which are in deGlir]ing condition due to over-abstraction from chalk aqulfers and to receiving the outfall from sewage treatment plants. We maintain our campaign positlon that serious measures must be tsken to manage the consequences of increased water consumption as the result of a rising population. We argue for efficiency in water use, action to address leakage, more water recycling and the considerats'on ot transfers between water company areas to create a functioning water grid.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 6 The increased runoff of phosphate and nFtrate pollutants Into the rlver as the resull of wastewater from housing and olher development in the area is affecting the water quality Df the nationally and Intematlonally protected Stodmarsh Site, important for a range of aquatic habitats and the wildlife that depend upon them. Many developments in parts of Ashford. Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe and Maidstone districts remain on hold unlil developers can demonstrate there will be no increase in pollutants entering the Stour catchment. Biodiversity Biodiversity Net Gain requirements became mandatory in February 2024. This means that developers are legally required to demonstrate a 100A itnprovement in biodiversity or habitat. either on sit8 or elsewhere, This is a positive step forward but while it remains in its infancy there is some uncerlainty over whether planning departm8nts and regulators .are adequately resourced to monitor or enforce these requirements. District and Specialist Group activity Our dSstrict and specialist committees have continued with Iheir core activities of reviewing and commenting on relevant planning applications, either suggesting how the proposals could be improved or objecting to them because of the effect they would have on the environment. Our Planners have assisted the committees in submitting representations on Local Plan documents (see above for details of th8 year's activity) and wilh Ihe joint input of specialist planning ski115 and local knowledge of th8 District Committee members we have been able lo submit very effective responses to consultations and engage positively in the development of local plans. The Committees continue to engage positively with the officers and elected rnembers of their councils. Media and publicity W& r8main a significant contributor to broadcast and print media, both within Kent and beyond. W8 have provided interviews for local radio and TV channels on subjects such as planning for housing. aviation, litter and waste management and maior infrastruGtur8 projects. W8 hav8 also continued to grow our presence on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and maintain a well-used websit8. We are particularly keen to engage with younger potential members and supporters and we are extending our 'reach' through th8se media considerably. Links with outside bodies We have continued to increase the strength of our links with many organisations. in particular Natural ET]gland. the Kent Association of Local Councils, the Kent Downs and High Weald AONB units, WKPS and the Kent" School of Architecture and Planning. We have undertaken virtual and in-person planning training sessions for parish councillors, jointly organised with KALC. We have also continued to strengthen our links with other CPRE County Branches around the county. especially with Sussex ancl Surrey branches over matters such as aviation (especially on the potential expansion of Gatwtck) and light pollution, with Oxfordshire on the water supply Issues, and Essex over the Lower Thames Crossing. We have also continued to address numerous groups on various aspects of CPRE'S work, including Parish Councils, many of which are CPRE members, as well as local amenity and other organisations such as local envlronment groups, Rotary clubs etc. We have also participated at planning inquiries in support of Parish Councils and local communty groups. COllaboraVe working has been a signifant theme throughout this period, with greatly strengthened links wlth other organisations strengthening our joint ability to MpaIgn effectlvely. Organisations with whom we have strengthened our links include Kent Wildlrfe Trust, Buglife, RSPB, Natural England and, local campaign groups, particularly over the Betteshanger and Lower Thames Crossing campaigns. Through our General Manager Vicky Ellls, who Is also a qualified ecologist, CPRE Kent has been heavily involved in the Making spa for Nature partnership, led by. Kent County Council, which was launched in October 2023. The Partnershlp will steer the creation of a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) for Kent and Medway, which is a statutory requirement of the Environment Act 2021. This is a
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAIIAPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 7 significant step toward environmental improvement In the.planning system, as local plans will have to have regard to LNRSS in future. Plans for future perlods Following the restrictions on office attendance necessary during the height of the Covid-19, staff, trustees and volunteers have become more used to flexible working, at home as well as in'the office. Hybrid meetings (with some people attending in person in the Charing office and some onllne) have becom8 commonplace. saving on both travel time and fuel emissions. and this is a trend that looks set to continue. While the ways of working of our staff and volunteers have changed significanuy, the workload presented by consultations, local plan development and major infraslructure issues has contlnued unabated, and we have no reason to expect this to change. We will continue to manage and use our resources to champion the Kent countryside.. promottng its outstandlng beauty, supporting thriving rural communitles, and ensuring thal the countryside is properfy.¢onsidered and given adequate weight in. planning decisions. We will conlinue to work with other CPRE branches and national CPRE to provide evidence to Government of how planning works In reality; to press for existing planning permissions to be built rather than land.banked and for a more workable approach to housing numbers that takes proper account of constraints and genuSne local housing needs and does not constantly undemiine Local Authorities, plan making processes. Increaslngty we are working as part of the 'One CPRE, network which has signlficantly enhanced our collective effectiveness in these strands of lobbying. We will continue to work with as many local groups and parishes as our resources allow to help them engage with challenging planning situations, and we will continue to make representations on local plans, although to balance competin9 demands this will not be on all stages of every plan. Communlcations will continue to be an essential part of our campaigning our twlce-yearly print magazine Kent Countryside Voice continues, and we also frequently update our website with our campaigns activity. We also erKJage through the sodal media of Twitter and Fac8book. More than ever we are using our soclal media channels to highlight the importance to our communities of access to the natural world, green spaces and biodiversity. We will rnaintain our strong relationship with local and national medla. The wlde range of situations and issu8s considered by our District Committees m88ns that our part tlme Communications staff team member will always have a lot to do. and th8 BranGh ' Director and other team member5 will quite often have reason to be on local TV or radio. Our future depends on good organisation, teamwork and the good management of our financial resources- both day to day financial govemance by our Honorary Treasurer and our General Manager, and on good oversight by Irustees, and our management and finan and investment committ88s. Our future also depends on our supporters - our members, donors. volunteers and those who follow us on social media. We will aim to engage with all our supporter audiences in the right way into the fubjre to ensure support for what we do and the resources to do IL In 2026. national CPRE will celebrate its centenary and plans are already under way for a series of events and publicalions to celebrate and raise the wofile of the organisation and its work. CPRE Kent will no doubt be part of those celebrations. CPRE Kent's own centenary year will be 2029, and we will use the lessons leamed from the national CPRE celebrations to further ment our position as the largest county branch of CPRE. Investment policy and review Th8 majority of the Charity's investments are professionally managed by Evelyn Partners and thls Is subject to periodic review. The Finan and Inveslment. committee set certain benchmarks to be achiev8d by the investment managers to oblain a mix of income and capltal growth in order to enable th8 Charity to fvnd its core actiwlies and maintain its capitaI. When the Finance and Investment
THE KENT BRANCH OFTHE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRU5fEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 8 Committee met in January 2024 it was decided. to maintain our growth benchmark to CPI +2Ok. but allow our new Investment manager to put an emphasis on more income. We also have property which at 31st March 2024 was r8pr8sent8d by Qu88n's Head House and its tenanted flat, and a rental property in Maidstone which VRS revalued on the 12th August 2024 at a figure of £340,000. Financial review The net deficit for the year before investment gains and k)ss8s was £65.890 (deficit £88.835 in 2023). This sum includes £38,885 of restricted Income. The global stock Markets have risen in 2023124 and with falllng inflation and potential reduction in UK interesl rates the UK markets have contlnued to recover. There are though many uncertalnties following the UK General election. the French election and the US presidential election later in the year which could give rise again to volatile markets. Our investment porlfolio during 203124 showed a nel realised and unrealised gain for the year of £314,261 (2023 loss £281.869).This includes the gain on 7 Grant Drive. Full details of the financial position for the year can be found on page 16. This year we have again made the capitsl transfer of £50,000 from the designated fund and this sum continues to be drawn in cash from the investment portfollo. The trustees are conscious that in order to safeguard the long-lerm future of the charity all its activltles are planned to achieve campaignlng objectives Without depleting the long-term value of the charity's designated fund. In order tc fund the charity's cash flow, we are now making wtthdrawals of Capital from the Investment portfolio and these withdrawals can increase rf the Trustees conslder this necessary to maintaln our activities Membershlp CPRE Kent remains one of the strongest branches within the CPRE Neiwork. although recruiting new members is still challenging against a national pattem of declining membership. Our normal programme of attendance at events and country shows is spearheaded by the Gerieral Manager and a strong team of volunteers, undertaking the process of raising the Branch's profile and encouraging new m8mb8rs to join. Volunteers are always welcome to help staff the CPRE Kent stand at such 8V8nts. Reserves PDIICY It is the long-term aim to maintain a level of liquid reserves which will be approxlmately sufficlent for six months budgeted expenditure. Funds rf required can be withdrawn from the investment portfolio at short .notice. As at the year end the Charity held totsl reserves of £6.070.826 of which £129.962 was held in unrestricted free reserves. The Charity has four restricled funds at the end of the year with a yearond balance of £44,018. The Charrty is currently holding free reserves equivalent to approximately 5 month5, overhead expenditure, but the Charity continues to withdraw c8sh funds every month from the designated endowment fund. The Trustees review reserves policy annuaNy, at the time when the budget is approved. Should it prove necessary to supplement the reserves (to reflect heightened levels of activity, for exatnple) this will be done by calling down further funds from the Designated Fund. Risk management A risk management strategy has been prepared and is under regular review by the Board. It highlights the major areas of risk to which the Charity is exposed and identifies the appropriate control in the authorisation of expenditure and to ensure Ihe health and safety of staff. volunteers and visitors. The strategy is updated quarterly in consultation with the Board. The Charity considers a d8Gline in membership numbers as a key risk. CPRE Kent is running an active branch events program. Memb8rship engagement at national level continues through an active programme of campaigns and app.eals. For the ftrst time, we will be trialling the use of professional m8mb8rship recruiters in the summer of 2024 and hope to see a strong return on investment.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES. REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 9 Potential difficulty in the futura recruitment and retention of effective Trustees and key staff is a150 considered to be one of the key risks the Charity faces. We are now using an online pIaffO provided by national CPRE to broaden our reach to potential volunteers and new trustees. The Charity caffies out regular revlews of recruitment and retentlon. The Charlty also reviews and up,dates job specifieatlons when looklng to recrult key staff. Statement of Trustees. responslbllltles The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Tnjstees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financlal year In accordance wlth Unlted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (Unlted Klngdom Accounting Standards) and applicable law. '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 charitable company and of its net incomingloutgoing sOurCeS for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then.apply them consistenlly,. observe the methods and principles in FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (SORP 2015) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disc105ed and explained in the financial statements; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis Unl it is inappropriate lo presume that the charity will continue to operate. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitabl8 company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure the financial ststements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the provisions of the charitable company's consts'tutlon. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for. taklng reasonable Steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Th8 Trust88s are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financlal information included on the charitable CoMpanS websrte. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. The following ststements have been affirmed by each of the Trustees of the charitable company: so far as each Trustee is aware. there is no relevant audit informalion, (that is. information needed by the company's auditors in connection preparing their report) of which Ihe company's auditors are unaware- and each Trustee has taken all the steps that helshe ought to have taken as a Trustee In order to make himselflherself aware of any relevant audit infonnation and to establish that the charitable company's auditors are aware of that informatlon. Committees The Charity has a structure of committees lo organise and oversee its work. As at 31st March 2022 the followlng committees were active: Finance & Investments Management (which implements the dlrecttons of the Board and monitors progress towards objectives) District committees which scrutinise local pJannitYJ lists. respond to planning challenges and engage with Local Plan development Specialist topic committees.. Environment and Historfc Bulldings Other ad hoc committ88S to address specific topics or tasks are raised as necessary. including a staffing committee which convenes annually to review salaries
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page 10 Th8 branch additionally holds quarterly meetings of Ihe chaimien of each of these committees. Employees and Volunteers Our staff and volunteers continue to build CPRE'S long-established reputation for professionalism, expertise and quality. They are the reason for many of our campaign successes. The Board Is grateful for the huge amount of wcfk that they do. The work of vdunteers in the districts is supported by advice from the branch office. Fundralslng Approach and Perfom?ance CPRE Kent undertakes fundraising activity by inviting donations through our website, Facebook and at events. We Invite people to become members of CPRE Kent through our website, soclal media, at events and by engaging wlth those members of the public who approach the branch for advi on plannlng matters. We normally take stands at events in Kent throughout the year Including the Kent County Show, ploughing matches and other rural and familng events to raise awareness and engage with the wder public. Preparation for these events includes careful briefIng to those involved on the day so that all contacts with potential members are polite, engaging and interesting, that no one feels pressurised to support our work, all data protection rules are adhered to. and all involved feel well briefed. Through our website and printed new51etters, we also invite people to consider CPRE Kent when making their wills. CPRE Kent also benefits from the work of National CPRE which undertakes fundraising activity via direct mail in line with the Fundraising Code of Practice set by the Fundraising Regulator. Our Fundraising Promise is set nationalty and is available through a link to our national website. Work has continued throughout the reporling period to ensure that, in line with CPRE'S national organisation, the branch remains in Complian with the requIrnents of the General Data Protection Regulations which came into force in May 2018. Remuneratlon Pollcy The pay of all the employees is determined by the Board of Trustees on recommendation of the staffing committee. The same benefits, including pensions. and temis and condftlons apply to the principal officers as all other staff. Audltor Kreston Reeves LLP were appointed as the charitable company's audttor during the year.. Approved by the Trustees ¢)n 14th October 2024 M J Moore FCA - Company Secretary
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND PAGE11 Oplnion We have audited the financial statements of The Kent Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England {th8 'charitab18 company,) for the y8ar ended 31 .March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an income and expenditure accourit). the Balanc8 Sh88t. th8 Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes. including a summary of significant accounting policles. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting standards, including Flnancial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporttng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, (United Kingdom Generally Acceptsd Accounting Practi). In our opinion the financial staternents: give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable companls affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of the incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure for the year then ended: have been properfy prépared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Ihe Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conduGted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilitl8s under those standards are further described in the Auditors, responsibilities for the audit of the fInancial stst8ments section of our report. We are independent of Ihe charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements Ihat are relevant to our audit of the financial statem8nts in the United Ffjngdom. including the FirnCIal Reporttng Council's Ethlcal Stsndard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in acccydance with these requirements. We belleve that the audit evidence we have obtsined is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusion relating 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 uncertainties relating to events or conditions that. individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concem for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Tr.ustees wSth respect to going concern are descrlbed in the relevant sections of this report. other Informatlon The other Informatlon 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 infomiation contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial. statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent othernise explicitly stated in our report. we do not express any form of assurance conclusion Ihereon. Our responsibility is to read the other infomiation and. in doing so, consider whether the other infomation is materially inconslstent 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 inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements. we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If. based on the work we have perfonned. we conclude that there is a material rnisstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE IVIEMBERS OF THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND PAGE 12 Opinion on other rnatter5 prescribed 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 induding the Strategic Report for the'financlal year for wh.ich the financial statements are prepared Is consistent with the financial statements. the Trustees, Report and the Strategic Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on whlch we are requlred lo report by excepiion In the light of our knowledge and understandlng of the charttable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misststements in the Trustees. Report including the Strategic Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the followiro matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: the charitable compary has nol kept adequate and sufficient accounting records, or retums adequate for our audit have nol been received from branches not visited by u5: or the charltable company financial statements are not in agreement with the accountlng records and returns; or certain disclosures of Trust885 r8muneration specified by law ar8 not rnad8; or we have not received all the infomiation and explanations we require for our audit. Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the Trustees, Responsibiliiies Statement. the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparatlon of the financlal statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees detemiine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial staternents that are free from material mlsststement, whether due'fo fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concem. disclosing. as applicable. matters related to golng concern and using the going concern basTS of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or. have no realistic altemative but to do so. Audltors, responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtaln reasonable assurance about whetherthe financial statements as a whole are free from material mlsstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Audltors, Report that ncludes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assuranc8. but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordanc8 with ISAS (UK) will alvRys detect a material misstat8m8nt when it exlsts. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate. they could reasonably be expected to influence the econotnic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORTTO THE MEMBERS OF THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND PAGE 13 Irregularities, including fraud. are instances of non-compliance wilh laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities. 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: Capability of the audlt in detecting iffegulafitles, including fiaud Based on our understanding of the charity and the sector as a whole, and through dlscussion with the Trustees and other management (as required by auditing standards), we Identlfied that the princlpal rlsks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to health and safety and employment law. We considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also consldered those laws and regulatlons that have a direct Impact on the preparation of Ihe financial statements such as the Charities SORP {FRS 102) Second Edition (released October 2019), the Companies Act 2006, taxation 8nd pension legislation. We communicated identified laws and regulatlons throughout our team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. We evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financlal statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the princlpal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries and management bias in accounting estlmates and Judgemental areas of the financial statements. Audit procedures perfomied by the engagement team Included.. Discussions wlth management and assessment of known or suspected instances of non- compliance wilh laws and regulations (includiTrJ health and safety) and fraud: and Assessment of Identifled fraud risk factors; and Review of expenditure to confimi no evidence of personal benefit: and Identifying and assessing the design effectlveness of controls that management has in place to prevent and detect fraud. and Challenging assumptions arKI judgements made by management in its significant accounting estimates; and Parforning analyllcal procedures to Identify any unusual or unexpected relationships, Includlng related paty transactions. that may indicate risks of material mlsstatement due to fraud; and Confinnation of related partles wlth management, and review of transactions throughout the period to identify any previously undisclosed Iransactions with related parties outside the normal course of business: and Reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance: and Physical inspection of tangible assets susceptible to fraud or irregularity; and Review of significant and unusual transactions and evaluation of the underlying flnanclal rationale supporting transactions: and Identifying and testing Journal entrles. h particular any manual entries made at the year end for financial statement preparation. B8caus8 of th& inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all Irregularlues. including those leading to a material misstatement ts) the financial statements or non-compllance wlth rggulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected In the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularib'es occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery. collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORTTO THE MEMBERS OF THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND PAGE 14 As part of an audit in accordance with ISAS (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout Ihe audit. We also: Identify and assess the risks of material misslatement of the financial statements. whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material mi5Statement resulling from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error. as fraud may involve collusion. forgery, intsnlional omissions. misrepresentations, or the overrtde of intemal control. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audst Vrocedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, bui not for the purpose of expressing an opinion of the effectiveness of the charitable company's internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accountiTVJ policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estlmates 8nd related disclosures made by the Trustees. Conclude on the appropriateness of the Trustees, use of the going concern basi5 of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charitable COTnpany's abilty lo continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a Tnaterial uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our Auditors, Report to th8 related disdosures in the financial statements or. rf such disclosures are inadequate. to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our Auditors, Report. However. future events or conditions may cause the charitable company to cease to continue as a going concem. Evaluat8 the overall pr8sentation. structure and content of the financial statements. includlng the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the charitable company to express an opinion on the financial slatements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the charitsble company audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. We communicate with those charged wilh govemance regarding, among other matters, Ihe planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, Including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable CoMpanS members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 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 pemiitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charltable company and its members, as a body. for our audit work, for this report. or for the opinions we have formed. Il.,k CeLuÉs LL Samantha Rouse FCCA DChA (Senlor Statutory Audltor) for and on behalf of Kreston Reeves LLP Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Montague Place, Quayside Chatham Maritime, Chatham Kent ME4 4QU Date: 15 October 2024
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Page 15 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivrriES (Incorporating an Income and Expendllure Account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Notes Vnrestrlcted Restrlcted Deslgnated ' Funds Fund Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Ineomè from Donations and Legacies Other trading activities Investment income 54,711 4.772 1,298 38,885 93,596 4.772 153,641 66,283 7,476 127,495 152,343 Total Income 60.781 38.885 152,343 252.009 201.254 Expenditure on Ralsing funds Ch8ritab18 activitl8S 3.321 295.136 18.242 1,200 21,563 296,336 21,130 268,959 Total Expendilure 298,457 19,442 317,899 290,089 Net (Expenditure)Income (237.676) 38.885 132.901 (65.890) (88,835) Net gains (loss) on Investments 314,261 314.261 281.869 Not Incomo1(8xpondlturn) (237.676) 38.885 447.162 248.371 (370.704) Transfers between funds 184.101 184,101 Nel movement In funds (51575) 38.885 263,061 248.371 (370,704) Reconcillation of funds Total funds brought forward 183,537 5,133 5.633,785 5,822.455 6.193.159 Total funds carried forward 16 129.962 44,018 5,896,846 6,070,826 5,822,455 All of Ihe charitys activities are continuiro. There are no gains and losses other than those shown above.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Page 16 BALANCE SHEEr AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Flxed Assets Tangible assets Flxed asset Inv8Stments Freehold Investment Property Total fixed assets 11 12 13 211,694 211,193 5.236.543 530,000 5.055.005 470.000 5,766.543 5.978.237 5,525.005 5,736.198 Current Assets Stocks Debtors Investments Cash at bank and in hand 1,629 15,829 3,954 104.214 2.098 10,161 12.936 83,486 14 12 Total current assets 125.626 108,681 Creditors: Amounts falling due within onè year 15 33.037 (22.424) N8t Cunt assels 92.589 86.257 Net assets 6.070.826 5,822,455 Charlty Funds Designated Funds Restricted Fund Unrestricted funds 16 16 16 5,896,846 44.018 129.962 5.633.785 5,133 183.537 Total charlty fiinds 18 6.070,826 5.822.455 These financial statements were approvedand authorised for issueby ther Board of Trustses on 14th October 2024 and signed their behalf by: Michael J Moore FCA (Treasurer) Benedict Moorhead (Chairman) The notes on pages17 to 28 fomi part of these accounts. Company Reglstratlon No. 04335130
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Page 17 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Net cash provided by operating activities (see Note 23) (208,834) (220,19n Cash flows from Investlng actlvltles Dlvldends. Interest and rents from Investments Bank and other interest received Purchase of tangible fixed assets -152.343 1.298 (5.784> 126.997 498 (1.747) Investment movements made by Advisers Movement in cash held by Investrnent advisers Sale of investments Purchase of inveslments 8,982 691,230 618,507 5,188 2,390,406 2,304.170 Net cash from Investlng a¢t5vltles 229,562 217,172 Net Increase (decr&ase) In cash and Cash equivalents 20.728 3,025 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2023 ' 83,486 86,511 Cash and cash equlvalents at 31 March 2024 104214 83.486 Cash. and cash equivalents consists of Cash at hand and in. bank Cash and cash equlvalents at 31st March 2024 104,214 104,214 83.486 83.486
THE KEKf BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Paga 18 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1 Accounting poll¢ies The princlpal accounting policies adopted. judgements key source5 of estimalion uncertainty in the preparation of the financi ststements are a5 follow5: al General Inforniatlon and bas18 of preparatlon The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defned by FRS 101 The financial 51atements are prepared under the hlslorfcal C05t convention modified to include certaln items al fairvalue. The financlal stafements have been prepared In accordance wtth the Charit185 SORP (FRS 102) - Aceounling and Repordng by Charities: Statemènt of Recommended Practice applicAbl8 to charities In prepartng thelr accounts In accordance with the Flnanclal ReporUng Standard appllcable In Ihe UK and Republlc of Ireland {FRS 102}, the Financial Reporting Stsndard appllcable in the UK and RepubliG ol Ireland (FRS 1021 ond the Companles Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concem basis. There we no material UnrtntieS reLated to events or conditions vthich would cast doubt on 1he Charitys ability to ojntinue as a going concern. Tho Truste85 have consid8rèd'rèlèvant infom)ation, including th8 annual budgèt. for8cast fithr8 flows and th8 irnpad of subsequent events In maktng their ass8ssmènl. Thè Charitys incomg from inveslm8nts lthdand incomè) is likety to continu8 to be lower than that in years Gone past. The Trustees have agaln sought advice from their investment advisors on al the income is likely to be and are now looking at total relum on the investment portfolio. although again in 2023124 only £50,000 ha5 been transffee from the designaled 0ndoyent lund furthgr sums have been withdrawn from the Porffolio. the Trustees consider dependin9 on cash flow additional wilhdraylrals May be required in 2024125. The gl(th1 stock rnatket have risen in eady 2024 but wilh a General Election havtng recently taken place some Ilucbjations in tho UK stock market can be expected. The charity has substantlal capltsl reserves and so thi5 shouldnl affect the Charity's abilty to continue as a going concerrL Based on these assessments and havlng regard to the resources available to the enlity. the Tnee$ have concluded that there is no rnaleriai uncertainty and that they caTr nknue to adopt the going concem basis in preparing the ar)nual report and accounts. The financial ststements are In sterllng wtiich Is the lunct#)nal ajrrency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £ Th8 slgnlftcanl accountlng wllcles appNe(I In Ihe preparnJ(m of these fnancial statements aré set out below. Thes& pollcles have been eXJnsi8lently appliéd to all yèars pr&sènt8d unlèss oth8Tr4t&È stated. bl Inwme rewgnition Donations TecLxJnised as inGomirffJ resour when receivable, except in50frdr as they.are incapable of financial measuremenL Subscriptions relates to the amounts receivod from the CPRE National Office. Thèsè are Includ8d on a cash basts as members pay at different ratas and cover a yearfrom 1he dale the member pays the subscription. Thg Charity's trustees. opinion Is that the cost of calculating any accrual or daread inrA)m8 outweighs any bènefit, and the amount would not b& malerfal. Legacy Incoma L8 recognlsed at thè earler of ts charty being nolified en estale acc118 are semled and there 15 notification of a distribulion. or when the legacy is received. On occasion lègades wll be notified lo the Charity however il is not possible to measure lh8 amount expected lo b8 distsibuted. On these msi¢M, the legacy bs treated as a contingent asset and disclosed. Income from.trading aGtivlties Indudes Income eamed frcth frknjralslng events and trddlng acliviti6s to raise fvnds for the Charity. Income Is received in exchange for sWpIng goods and servtces In order to raise ld5 t1 is reGogni5ed when entitlement has ocGurred. Investment irwme is earned through holrfing assets for investment purp05e5 suth as shares and property. It includes dividends. inlerest and rent. It is included when the amount can be measured reliaw. Interest incorne is recognlsed uslng the 8ff6Gllve interest method and dividend and rent Income is recogThsed as the Charitls right to receive payment Is establlshed.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Page 19 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1 kcountFng pollcles {conldl cl Expendithro récognltlon Expendilure is recognlsed In the per*)d kn whth 51 Is IncuTred. Expendiiure includes attribulablè VAT vthich cannot be rarAivered. Costs of operalng funds comprise 1he costs assoclated with atiraclng volunlary Incom8 and the costs of the Lottery Club piizes and Investment management fees. Charitsble expenditure Gomprises those Costs ined by the Chty In the delwery of its actsvities. It indudes both costs that can be allocated directly lo such actimties and those costs of an indirect natLtre ne¢essary to support them. Support costg Includ6 th& costs of human rnsrKJrttes. rr. finance and goverrrdnce. Overhead costs include depreciation and office costs. Govemance costs include those costs associated wilh meeting the wn¥titutional and statutory requirements of Ihe Charty and include audit fees and estimated costs lied to the strate9ic management of the ChaTity. dl Tanglblfr flx¢d assets and depreclallon Tanglble fbxed assets other than freehold L8nd are stsled ai cost or Valuati 18ss d8pr8aatlon. D8pr8aation provid8d are rates calculated lo lIe off th8 cost less estimated residual valu& of each asset over its expènded uséful lrfè. as follows: Freehold buildings Integral building feature5 Flxtures and fittlngs Computer & office equlpmenl 2% on cost 10% on cosl 20% on rxbst 25% fJ)st Lond and buildings were previou51yvalued using chartered suNeyots VatuatiC a5 d15dosed in note 11. el Penslon6 The penslon cosls charged In the financial statements represent the contributions payable by the ch8Tity to employees. defined contribulion p8nslon schemes. Q Company Status The Charity Is a company Ilmlted by guarantee. In the event of thè Charity being wound up the Ilablllty In respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per rnember of the Charity. The address of the registered offlce Is gen In the Charity infomiation on Ihe Legal & Administrative Infomiation page of these financt81 statement& g) Fund Accountlng General fvnds are unrestricted fiJThls whith ara available for use at thè discrèlton of tho trustees in furtherance of the general objeGtives of the Charity and sthich have rM)t been designaled for other purposes. Thé Designatèd Fund. which is twl8d Ilke an expendabl8 endowment fthd. 35 crpated by the Trustees. Invesknent income arislng on the endowment fund and investment management charg8s are intiially allocated lo the designated fund. but a transfer is made lo the unréstricted fijnd which represents the income and expenses. Ary capital gnS or losses arising on the irNeslments fo part of this fund. Restrlcted funds are funds whtth arek to b8 used In acrxjrilance wilh spedfic reslrfctions imposed by donor5 or which have been raised by Ihe charity for partiujlar purposes. The o)st of ralslng and admlnistering such funds ar& charged agaln5t the speGffi fvnd. The aim and use of each restricted fd is set oul w) Ihe te$ to the finala1 stalements.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTEGT RURAL ENGLP14D Page 20 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ARCH 2024 1 Accounting policies(contd) h) Investments Investments are staled at falr value at the bale sheet date. The slat8m8nt of financial activities includes the nat galns and losses arising on revduations and dlsposals throughoui the year. Current asset inveslments are short term highly lig4d investments aThJ are held at frak value. These indude cash on deposft and cash equlvalents with a maiurlty of less Ihan one year. l) Stock Stock 5s valued at the lower of cost and net rnalSs8tle va. 11 Debtors & credltors roeÈlvable I payable wRhSn one year Oeblors and creditots with no staled Intest rale and receivable or payable wfthin one yw are rewtded * tran3adion price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognlsed In expenditure. k) Koy judg8M&nts and sources of èstlmatlon uncèrtaliity Inve5trnent Properties are professronaliy va]ued based on comparable sales wthin the l¢)cal arèa. Thls uses the s818s on similar local rental Properties but therg is an invitab degree of ement Ied in that the inNEslmenl properfies are unlque. l) Taxation The Charity meels the definition of a charitable compaty for UK corporation tax uestrICd Funds Restricted Funds Designated Funds 2 Incomè from donatlons and l&gacl&s 2024 2023 Membershlp subscriptions Donations Lottery 41.257 10.192 3.262 41,257 49,OTT 3,262 39.947 21.978 4.358 38,885 54.711 38.885 93,596 66,283 Unrestricted Fund5 Restrlcted Funds Designated Funds. 3 Income from investments 2024 2023 Dlvidends receivable Inlerasl on fixed Interest bonds OlhÈr Inler8St rècèwablé Rental income 74.618 54.539 74,618 54,539 75,164 29,228 498 1.298 23,186 1.298 152.343 153.641 127,495 Unrestricted Funds Reslricted Funds Dpslgn4ted Funds Expenditure on raising fund5 2024 2023 Investrnent management fees Purchases for resale and fund raising wsts Lottery Club prize Propeity rental costs 14,ZJ2 14,232 1,597 1,724 4,010 14.464 1.049 1.590 1.597 4.010 1321 18,242 21,563 21,130
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGD Page21 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Unr&strlcted Funds R•strlcied DEgnated Fund Funds 5 ExndItre on charltable acttvllle8 2024 2023 DlreGt GQsts staff costs Campaignlng costs staff Travelllng Contribution to Gampalgns Publicity and printing Events Newsletters Volunteering aclivities Subscriptions publiCaonS at DonaicK 167989 4.138 934 2.500 167,989 4,138 934 2,500 2,302 1.612 10,787 230 1,620 150,841 1.01S (2,000) 1.612 10,787 230 1.620 2.078 10,294 401 Support costs General office staff Premisp5 costs Staff recwilment and support costs .staff Iralnlng Liabilty insurance Prfnling. postage and stallonery Telephone Computer. website and equipment rnantenance Consultancy and professional cosls DepreGration and vJrite off Sundry expenses G0Manc? costs S411 9.938 5.324 240 1,744 1,608 2,256 a98 54,611 60.322 12,431 5,324 240 1.744 1,608 2,256 231 1.743 976 3.655 4083 1.221 18,101 1200 4,870 1,012 14,308 1,221 18.101 {See 6) 295,136 1,200 296,336 268,959 6 Goveniance costs 2024 2023 staff costs Auditors. remuneralion 2023124 (note 10) Auditors. remuneration 2021r22 underlover) provision previous year Olher costs 8,301 9,OCfrO 8.013 6.480 1960) 775 18,101 14.308
THE KENT BRANCH OF HE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Pag8 22 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 7 Employ9& Informatlon The avetage'monthly number ofemployees and full time equivalent (FfE} dwing the yearwas: 2024 Numbèr 2024 FTE 21123 Numbgr 2023 FTE Charitable activities Employment Costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs other penslon costs 202,415 16.437 12.049 191.707 16.041 11,428 230.901 219,176 Analysis of Slaff Costs The number of employees whose total employee benefits excludlng penslon contributions exceeded £60.000 was 2024 2023 No £60,000-£70.000 8 Pension G05ts The company Dperate5 a wntsibutory pvtsion herne. This 15 a deffined ojntribution scheme and conlributions are charged In the statement of finanGlal actlvhies as they acc¥ue. The chge for1he year was £ 12.049 (202> £11.4281. 9 Trustees. and key management personnel remuneratlon and expen8e8 None of the Trustees (or any person5 connected them) recelved any remuneratlon durfng the r,12¢y23 - none) and ntsn• were relmbursed Iravdling or other incidental expenses kn the year. (20Y3-none) The total amount of remuneratlcfft (Inciudng employee benefits in kind) received by key managemenl personnel Is £132,805 (2023 £126.062). The Charity conslders Its key management peonnel to mprfse the Trustees, BTanch Director and General Manager. 10 Audltorfs Remuneration Th& amounts payabl8 to Kresion R8aves 2024 2023 Audil of the ffinanciyl staiements 9,000 6.480 6.480 Audit fees arè shovm withln govern3n costs (note 6). nowudit services are shovm as part of slaff support cosis wllhln expendlturg on charitable acllvltles (nola 5).
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Page 23 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 11 Tanglbl• Ilxed ass•ts Freèhold Compute land & & offlco buildings equlpmont Fixtures. & flttlngs Total Cost or valuaflon As at 1 April 2023 Additfjons Disposals 210.000 19,734 5.784 462 18.061 247.795 5,784 As at 31 March 2024 0,000 18.061 253.117 Depreciation As at 1 April 2023 DIspDsals Charge forlhè year 3.600 15.692 1462) 17.310 36.fj02 (462) 5.283 .1.200 237 at 31 MaTch 2024 4.800 19,076 17.547 41.423 Net book valu05 As al 31 March 2024 205.200 5.980 514 211.894 As at 31 Marth 2023 206.400 4.042 751 211.193 Tangible Fixed Assets purchase to value of less than £500 arp wiitten off to revenue in year of Pwchase Al 31 March 2024 the net btr3k vakne of freehold laThJ and bulding5 ntrined £150.000 of land at C05t whith is not depreciated. The at Queen'3 Head House were revabJed as at 31st March 2020 by Katie Hurfey MRICS FAAV of Lambert and Foster. Th8 entire net book value of Freehold land & buildlngs represents the fair value of thks propety. Th8 storiC cost equlvalent of these assets is £206.000. which is the deemed cost recognised on transilion to SORP (FRS 102>. 12 FIx8d asset InveBtm8nts 2024 2023 Market value et 1 April 2023 AGquisitions at cost Disposal proceeds Changg in value in Ihe year. Realised Unrealised 5.055.005 618.507 (691.230) 5.423.110 2.304.170 (2.390.40n (22.261) 276.522 157.195 439.063 Markel value at 31 March 2024 5.236.543 5,055,005 Hlstorfcal cost at 31 March 2024 4.839,802 4,934.786 Investmenis are repres8nieo Dy: Fixed interest bonds Mulli asset and AStemative Inve5trnent Fund5 Total re asset investments 1.154.990 4.081,553 5.236.543 932.722 4.122,283 5,055.005 Current asset Investments.. Cash held by IrNestrnent Advise pending T& tnvestrnert 3,954 12.936 Tot8] value of Portfollo Ilncluding currenl assel Investmenls) 5,240.497 5,067,941 The fair value of listed investments is delemiined by reference lo Ihe quoted price identlcal assets in an active markÉt at the balance sheel dale.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Page 24 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 12 Fixed asset investments Icontd) Included within the above are the following nVeStmts v#ich represent more than 5% of total market value: Holdin 2Q24 2023 74,g66 LF Ruffer Investment Funds Total Retums 306871 Thesls Unit Tru51. Redwheel UK equity 21,350 CQG Global UCtTS ICAV GQG Partnets US Equlty 278,678 345,732 253.638 341,247 368,714 13 Frèehold Invèstment Proporty 2024 2023 7 Grant Drive Maidstone Flat 1 Queen's Heads Plouse Charing 340,000 190.000 '280.000 190.000 530,000 470,000 7 Granl Drive was revalued on thè 12th August 2024 by Nthas A H Rookè BA Msc MRICS of Finns (1985> Ltd. Flat 1 Queen's Head House was revalued as at 31st March 2020 by Katie Hurfey MRICS FAAV of Lambert and Foster. The truslees do not consider the fair lue lo be maIla1[Y different between the dats of valuation arKI Ihe baIance sheet dale. 14 Debtors 2024 2023 Tax repayable other deblors Prepayments and,ac¢xued income 666 5,047 10.116 2,717 5.892 15,829 10.1fj1 15 Creditor5: amounts falling due withln one ypar 2024 2023 Trade creditors other credllors Accruals Deferred income 5.204 1.955 24.984 894 25 530 20,985 33.037 22.424 Delerred income consists of rent received in adVce relaling to the following x¢ounting year. 2024 2023 Balance brought foThvard Amount recognised in year AmDunt deferred in year Balance carried forward 814 (814) (814) 894
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Page 25 NOTES TO THE FINAIICIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 16 Fund$ Statsmenl of Funds . Current Year Balan at 01.04.23 Galns (lasses) Balance at 31.0324 Income Expendlture Transfers Unrostrlcted fund$ 183,537 60.781 {298,457) 184,101 129,962 Rostrlctod Funds B8ttshang8r Swanscombe Minster M8rshes Hlghland Court 4,963 170 33.070 40 3,058 1717 38.033 210 3.058 2.717 Deslgnated Funds Arthur Ivor Read Legacy Falr v01ue reserve Revaluation resth& 5.191.211 441.174 1.400 152,343 119.442) 314.261 1497.162) 314.261 1.200 5,141,211 755,435 200 6.822,455 252.009 (317.899) 314.261 6,070.826 Re8tr5ctsd Fund8 The Betleshanger Fund represented morles donated lowards legal and Professionql costs relallng lo the plannlng appllcallon. concerning a proposal to bulkl an Hotel and other developrnents at Bett6shang8r Country Park.. The Swanscombe Fund represents donatlons pad to the charfty to fight the Inappropriats developrnent of Swanscombe penlnsular. The Minsler Marshes fund Is a fund created to stop Inappmprf*e developmenl aThJ protect the n8lurnl dlversmy of the marshes. The Hlghland court fund Is fund created to thallery th& plann9 appllcation for a wfnery al Hlghland Court Fam. The Doslgnaled Fund8 Th9 Arthur Read LegaGy Fund created ty the Tru6tees and rewesents tho currert valu8 ol the amounts recefved from the Estate of Arthur Ivor Read (Deceased). The Tru5tses intend to Iran5fer th? Investrnenl Incom8 from the managed investment funds, plus the sum of £50,000 of capltal. to unrestrtcled funds every y&ff. Thè Truslo85, in 2014, also agreed to transfer the depr8ciatlon and any other reducllon In value on Queen's Head Hou88 10 the deslgnated fund from Iha datg of purchasa and annualty Ihereaft8r. Thé moftèy wè havo receiv8d enabl8s the charfty to have a campalgn reser¥8 and an in¥851rn8nt fund. The Investments are manag8d as rf il were an endowment and provide funds for CPRE Kent lo ddivar Its campaigning objeclives. We ara vary grateful far Mr Read's genetoslty and we will ensurg that tho money is spent in tho way he would ha wished. The falr value regerve represents aceumulated unreallsed galns on fixed assel Inveslments and Investment property- An 8nnual Iransfer Is madg to adjusl lor unrealised gains and losses recognised durlng the year. Th1$ balan¢e remains a$ part of the Arthur Ivor Read Legacy. Thg revaluauon reserve represents unreallsed galns on langlble fed assets sub5equenlly recowlsed uslng the revaluation model. Thg balanc8 represents accumulated dlfferences belween the latest valuallon of a55ets and the hlslorfc c05t I deerned cosl on transbtlon to FRS 102. less depreciatiM that is rocydgd by ¥Ual transfers lo eStrIcted general funds over the lifv of the assels.
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPPIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND" Page 26 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 17 Fund5 Statement of Funds - Prloryear Balance Balance at 31Q323 Galns I 1105se5) 111 Q4 22 Income Expendlture Transfers Unrgstrlcted funds 226.135 69.294 (270,398) 158.506 183.537 Restricted Funds Betteshanger Swanscornb8 4.963 4.g63 170 170 Deslgnated Funds Arthur Ivor Read Legacy Fair value reserve Revaluation reseNe 5,241.211 723.043 2,600 126.997 (19,691) (281,869) 124,563 1281,869) 1,200 5,191.211 441.174 1.400 6.193.159 201.254 (290.089} P81,869) 5.822,455 18 Analysis of net assets between funds- Current Year Unrestricted Restricted Designated funds fund fund5 Tofal 2024 Tangible fLxed assets Investment assets Current assets Credilor5: amounts falling due smthin one year 6.494 75,107 81,608 33.037 205.200 5.691.436 211.694 5.766.543 125,628 33,037 44.018 130.172 H.018 5.696.846 6.070.826 19 An8lysls of net assets betren fvnds - Prior Year Unrèstrfcted funds Restrlcled Deslgnated Funds funds Total 2022 Tangiblè fixed assets Investment assets Current assats Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year "4.793 110,556 90.612 22.424 206.400 5.414.449 12.936 211.193 5.525,005 108.681 22,424 5.133 183.537 5.133 5.633.785 5.822.455
THE KE BIIANCH OF THE CAMPAJGN TO PROTEGT RURAL ENGLAND Page 27 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 20 Contlngent a88ets The Charity is an eventual beneficrary from the estate of Norah LawTenc8. the entittement Is a one Ilfth share of the residue. The estale consbsled of a propety which was sublect to a Ilf8 Interesl, thls property has now been sold and Ihe1rf8 tenant has moved Into sldentlol re. The PrOd of Bale 8T9 belng used to finance the resldenlial costs and therefore any amount eventually recelvable 15 uncertain and therefore no asset has been quantified and recoynise(L 22 Related party transactlons Durfng the year t'he Trustees mad8 Cumulalfve donatlon$ to the Char*y amounling to £2.(M)0 (2023 £100) There YRre no olhsr related paty IraThsactions during the year12023 £nll) 23 Rèconelllatlon of n•t •XP8ndltur• to net Ga5h flowfrorn oporatlng actlvlt1è8 2024 2023 Net Income forthe year Adjustments for.. Depreciation charges (Gains) loss on Investmfrnts 248,371 1370.7041 5.283 (314,261) 4.870 281.869 Dmdends, Inlerest and rents from Imstments {IncreasellDecrease in stock Decreasel(Increase) sn debtors {Decreasellncrease In credllofs (153,641) 469 (5.6681 10.613 (127,495) 445 3.978 1208,834) {220,1971 An8lysl8 of ehang•8 In net debt 3103 23 Cash flows 31Q324 Cash al bank and In hand Debt 83.486 20.728 104,214 4.214
THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND Page 28 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 24 statement of Financial Activities (2023) Unrestrlcled Restricted Fund Funds Deslgnated Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Income from Donalions and L8gacles other trading activities Insurance claim -wall Inv8Stm8nt Incom8 61.320 7.476 4.963 66,283 7.476 61,174 3,497 3,426 125,023 498 126,997 127,495 Total Incomè 69,294 4,963 126.997 201.254 193.120 Expendlture on Ralslng funds Charitable activities 2,639 267,759 18,491 1,200 21,130 268,959 21.709 290,345 Total Expenditure 270.398 19,691 290,089 312,054 Net {Expenditur•)Income (201,104) 4.963 107,306 (88.835) (118,934) Net (loss) galn on Investments 281,869 281.869 232,176 Net Incomellexpendlture) {201,104) 4,963 (174,563) (370,704) 113,242 Transfers between funds 158,506 158,506 Net movement In fund5 (4298) 4,963 (333,069) (370.704) 113,242 Reconcillalion of funds Totsl funds brought forward 226,135 170 5.966,854 6,193,159 6,079,917 Total funds carrled forward 183.537 5.133 5.633,785 5.822.455 8,193.159