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← The Kent Branch Of The Campaign To Protect Rural England

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No: 1092012 Company Registration No. 04335730 (England and Wales)

THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Patron Sir Robert Worcester KBE President Jonathan Tennant Vice Presidents Amanda Cottrell OBE DL Richard King R A Knox-Johnston Trustees Ben Moorhead DL (Chairman) Michael Moore (Treasurer) Rt Hon Damian Green (appointed 25 October 2024) Manuelo Lorenzo Nigel Britten Paul Buckley Christine Drury Graham Horner Val Loseby Rod Muir Julian Glenister (resigned 19" August 2024) Company Secretary Michael Moore FCA Branch Director Dr Hilary Newport (retired November 2024) Andrea Griffiths (from November 2024) Charity number 1092012 Company number 4335730 Operational address & Queen’s Head House Registered office Ashford Road Charing Kent TN27 0AD

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
KentCT12TU
Bankers CAF Bank Ltd
25 King’s Hill Avenue
King’s Hill
West Malling
Kent ME19 4JQ
Investment Managers Evelyn Partners
No.1 Bishops Wharf
Walnut Tree Close
Guildford, Surrey GU1 4R
Legal Advisers Richard Buxton Solicitors
Office A, Dale's Brewery
Gwydir St
CambridgeCB12LJ

THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CONTENTS

CONTENTS
Page
Trustees’ report 1 - 15
Independent auditor’s report 16 - 19
Statement of financial activities 20
Balance sheet 21
Statement of Cash flows 22
Notes to the financial statements 23 -33

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‘

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 Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (effective 1 January 2019).

Constitution

The Kent Branch of CPRE was founded in 1929. The company was incorporated on 6 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 governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 6 December 2001 and amended on 4 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 Company's Articles are known as members of the Executive Committee (hereafter referred to as “the Board”). The Board includes ex officio the Chairman, Vice Chairmen and Treasurer of the Charity. All members of the Board are elected annually at the AGM. As of March 2024, the charity has 10 active District Committees (more often now referred to as Groups). Each of the District Groups and the two specialist committees (Environment and Historic Buildings) may nominate a member and up to three additional members may be co-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 time to evaluate the candidates.

No member of the Board may serve for more than five years continuously except the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Treasurer whose ex officio role may continue for up to five years after previous service as a Board member. Board members are eligible to serve again after standing down for one year.

Trustees’ training and induction

New Trustees are expected to spend time familiarising themselves with the full range of managerial and administrative work that needs to be carried out by the Company. Trustees are also encouraged to attend the meetings of district and specialist committees outside their normal areas of experience to broaden their understanding of the wider activities 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 arranged as needed.

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Objectives and activities for public benefit

The objects for which the Charity is established are to promote and encourage for the benefit of the public the improvement and protection of the English Countryside and, specifically, that of Kent and its towns and villages, and the better development of the rural environment.

The principal work of the Charity is to influence planning policy and planning decisions for the promotion and protection of the countryside of Kent and beyond. We achieve this by monitoring and commenting on planning applications, local plans and planning policy, and by engaging with decision makers and the public to raise awareness and to grow membership and other support.

We provide advice and support to individuals and community organisations on planning policy and process, and specialist input on individual schemes where possible. We encourage participation in the planning process and provide media and campaigning support to those local campaigns that are aligned with our organisational priorities and policies.

The Charity also works to inform decision-makers and the public about the effects of climate change and exploitation of natural resources, particularly as they affect the Kent countryside, and the need for sustainability, the impact of people’s actions and the choices that can be made.

CPRE Kent works under the umbrella of the national CPRE movement 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 to the guidance contained at the Charity Commissioner's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's objectives.

Organisation Structure

The Charity employs a chief executive, known as the Branch Director, who was, during 2024/2025 period assisted by a General Manager, two specialist Planners (one part-time) and a communications and PR Manager (part time).

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The staff team as of 31% March 2025 were:

Andrea Griffiths — Director (from November 2024 following Dr Hilary Newport's retirement) Vicky Ellis - General Manager Richard Thompson — Planner Julie Davies — Planner

David Mairs — Communications and PR Manager

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The Charity is governed by the Board, supported by a structure of committees. Additional working groups are set up as required.

Achievements and performance

General planning

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) remains the key factor which underpins a great deal of our campaigning. The NPPF stipulates that local authorities must have an up-to-date Local Plan that identifies and allocates sufficient land to deliver houses according to a centrally derived target. It was introduced in 2012 and has been revised several times since then, with a major update having been published on 12% December 2024.

With the updates to the NPPF came increased targets and local authorities that cannot report successful delivery against these high housing targets or that cannot demonstratea five-year housing land supply, are subject to speculative applications for major developments on sites that have never been tested for sustainability through the Local Plan-making process.

Additional proposals to change the planning system still further continue to be a regular feature of the political landscape with policy changes being made into 2025 and pending. Many of these bills (such as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill — introduced to parliament on 11 March 2025) have the potential to endanger the countryside by relaxing planning and environmental law and to also threaten the security of designated areas of land and the flora and fauna it supports.

The whole CPRE movement is working together and campaigned to temper the worst of these proposed changes. Our campaigning work has been constant, and we continue to provide the experience that supports national CPRE’s campaigning on these important policy areas.

CPRE — now at the forefront of a Planning Coalition of environmental NGOs — is still leading the calls for a planning system that:

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CPRE county branches such as Kent are ideally placed to actively participate in ‘parish to parliament’ campaigns such as these and this continues to be a significant part of our work. Improved networks of communication between national and local CPRE planners have contributed immeasurably to our

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combined efforts to steer planning policy towards a course that better reflects environmental balance rather than profit. ,

National Policy/Local Plans

CPRE Kent continues to respond to consultations on national policy individually and as part of a national OneCPRE response. Consultations which have been responded to in the 24/25 period

include those on:

As well as national policy, CPRE Kent continues to respond during the consultation process for Local Plans. The Local Plans are essential for strategic planning and ensuring sustainable development and the protection of the countryside at this stage is arguably our most important role.

Over the course of the year, up to March 2025, district and specialist committee members have worked alongside CPRE Kent staff to participate and comment on 12 separate Local Plan consultations.

Our work on such local consultations is arguably the most important aspect of the work 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 effectively as well.

Planning Applications

Housing Developments

Some of the major applications that we have focused on during this 24/25 year include:

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;

Additional:

Additional proposals for new 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 Place (Sevenoaks), Hoo St Werburgh, and Faversham (where the applicant has applied for permission to build 2,500 homes on high quality farmland) are causing concern across the county.

Other Commercial Developments

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Major Infrastructure Developments

Lower Thames Crossing

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The first application or this scheme was withdrawn in 2020 following concerns raised by the Planning Inspectorate over inadequate consultation and traffic modelling. The current application was submitted in October 2022 under the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Scheme rules and underwent examination in summer 2023. We stood alongside other objectors maintaining our position that the proposals will cause significant environmental harm, increase harmful carbon emissions, and do little to alleviate congestion at the existing Dartford crossing. The project was given consent in March 2025. CPRE Kent will continue to liaise with the Thames Crossing Action Group and others in our objection to the scheme.

Energy Infrastructure

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;

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Other Campaign Themes

Climate Crisis

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We have worked alongside the wider CPRE network in developing an overarching strategy on the climate crisis that underpins the rest of CPRE’s policy positions in all other key areas. Many planning decisions 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. Taking action on climate change shouldn't and doesn't have to come at the expense of our countryside. We want the government to ensure that the movement to greener renewable energy (solar developments for example) doesn’t endanger our most beautiful and tranquil landscapes or reduce our best farmland.

Air Quality

The impact of major development and the concomitant 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 Government to meet its legal obligations to improve air quality. CPRE Kent continue to flag air quality in our responses to planning applications.

Water

We maintain our campaign position that serious measures must be taken 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 leakages, more water recycling and the consideration of transfers between water company areas to create a functioning water grid. The increased runoff of phosphate and nitrate pollutants into the river as the result of wastewater from housing and other development in the area is affecting the water quality of the nationally and internationally protected Stodmarsh Site, important for a range of aquatic habitats and the wildlife that depend upon them. Many developments remain on hold until

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developers can demonstrate there will be no increase in pollutants entering the Stour catchment. Some have invested in alternative on and off site treatment and mitigation facilities or are planning to purchase nutrients credits.

Further to this however, in March 2024 CPRE Kent submitted comments to the Environment Agency about a Proposal to Discharge effluent into the River Beult system, rather than the Stour catchment (due to the limitations around the Stodmarsh Nutrient Neutrality issue). We have argued that environmental vandalism of one river system over another is not mitigation and a better solution to the sewage from the Chilmington Green development is required.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity Net Gain requirements became mandatory in February 2024. This means that developers are legally required to demonstrate a 10% improvement in biodiversity, either on site or elsewhere. This is a positive step forward but while it remains in its infancy there is some uncertainty over whether planning departments and regulators are adequately resourced to monitor or enforce these requirements. For now, CPRE Kent analyse the BNG proposals as part of planning applications to ensure they are adequate. We also continue to respond to planning applications via analysis of protected species on site and by checking the methodology used for surveying is correct and sufficient.

The recent Planning and Infrastructure Bill, introduced in March 2025, poses serious threats to our flora and fauna via the reduction of environmental laws and changes to the Habitat Regulation. CPRE Kent will continue to liaise with National CPRE and other NGOs in responding to this bill as it moves through parliament.

Litter and Waste

CPRE Kent campaigns against and often comments on fly tipping, litter and waste. Working with the local District Group and others, we are involved in the Hoads Wood Campaign where preparations for the cleanup of the 30,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste finally began in March 2024. CPRE Kent will continue to monitor and share information about this important clean up and hope to work with others in the future to restore the woodland.

District and Specialist Group activity

Wherever they have the capacity to do so, our district and specialist committees have continued with their core activities of reviewing and commenting on relevant planning applications. Our Planners have assisted the committees in submitting representations on Local Plan documents (see above for details of the year’s activity) and with the joint input of specialist planning skills and local knowledge of the District Committee members we have been able to 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 members of their councils.

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Media and publicity

We remain a significant contributor to broadcast and print media, both within Kent and beyond. We have provided interviews for local radio and TV channels on various subjects and we have continued to grow our presence on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Bluesky) and maintain a well-used website. At the beginning of 2025 we also started a monthly E-newsletter for members and supporters which has been well received. We are particularly keen to engage with younger potential members and supporters, and we are extending our ‘reach’ through these media considerably.

Links with outside bodies

We have continued to increase the strength of our links with many organisations, in particular the Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC), the Kent Downs and High Weald National Landscape Units (formally AONB units), Weald of Kent Preservation Society, the Kent School of Architecture and Planning and the Kent Planning Network for Nature. We have also continued to strengthen our links with other CPRE County Branches around the country, especially with Sussex and Surrey branches over matters such as aviation (the potential expansion of Gatwick) 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 environment groups, Rotary clubs etc. We have also participated at planning inquiries in support of Parish Councils and local community groups.

Collaborative working has beena significant theme throughout this period, with greatly strengthened links with other organisations improving our joint ability to campaign effectively. Organisations with whom we have strengthened our links include Kent Wildlife Trust, Buglife, RSPB, Natural England and local campaign groups, particularly over the Betteshanger and Lower Thames Crossing campaigns. We have also submitted a funding bid for funds to run a large hedgerow planting project and, if successful with the bid, we will be working with the Kent Countryside Partnership teams across Kent in the delivery of that project.

Through our General Manager Vicky Ellis, who is also a qualified ecologist, and via the new Director, Andrea Griffiths (who was involved via her previous position), CPRE Kent has been heavily involved in the Making Space for Nature partnership, led by Kent County Council, which was launched in October 2023. The Partnership 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. The consultation process for the Kent and Medway LNRS started in Jan 2025 and closed mid-March 2025.

Plans for future periods

The workload presented by consultations, local plan development and major infrastructure issues have continued unabated, and we have no reason to expect this to change. Most likely the influx of speculative planning applications and large-scale infrastructure projects is likely to increase. We will

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

continue to manage and use our resources to champion the Kent countryside: promoting its outstanding beauty, supporting thriving rural communities, and ensuring that the countryside is properly considered and given adequate weighi in planning decisions. ;

We will continue 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 genuine tocal housing needs and does not constantly undermine Local Authorities’ plan making processes.

Increasingly we are working as part of the ‘One CPRE’ network which has significantly enhanced our collective effectiveness in these strands of lobbying. The upcoming work includes (among other things) the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which is causing significant worry, namely around the suggested changes to how planning applications will be considered in future, with less local influence and around the Nature Recovery Fund elements which CPRE, along with many other NGOs, have serious concerns over. In its current form this looks set to seriously undermine environmental and protected species law.

We aspire to work in collaboration with other CPRE county branches to draft guidelines which can be used ‘on the ground’ to assist with responding to the many solar farm applications which are pending. CPRE Kent, along with National CPRE, welcome the move to renewable energy but we want the government to ensure that this movement doesn’t jeopardise our most beautiful and tranquil landscapes or reduce the quantity and quality of our food producing fields and biodiversity.

We will continue to work with as many local groups and parishes as our resources allow, to help them engage in challenging planning situations, and we will continue to make representations on local plans, although to balance competing demands this will not be on all stages of every plan.

Communications will continue to be an essential part of our campaigning — our twice-yearly print magazine Kent Countryside Voice continues, and we also frequently update our website with our campaigning activities. We also engage through social media via Twitter, Facebook and Bluesky. At the beginning of 2025 we also started a monthly E-newsletter for members and supporters which has been well received. The wide range of situations and issues considered by our District Groups means that our part-time Communications team member will always have a lot to do, and the Branch Director and other team members 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 governance by our Honorary Treasurer and our General Manager, and on good oversight by trustees, and our management and finance and investment committees. Our

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future also depends on our supporters - our members, donors, volunteers and those who follow us on social media.

In 2026, National CPRE will celebrate its centenary, and plans are already under way for a series of events and publications to celebrate and raise the profile of the organisation and its work. CPRE Kent have agreed to be part of those celebrations. CPRE Kent’s own centenary year will be 2029, and we will use the lessons learned from the national CPRE celebrations to further cement our position as the largest county branch of CPRE. .

Turnden: Following the application for homes on the High Weald National Landscape being ‘called in’ and the previous objection overturned, permission was granted for our Judicial Review. The case was heard since the last financial year, on 18" and 19 June 2025 but there was a substantial amount of back-office work undertaken in the 24/25 period in bringing forward this JR.

The case was disappointingly dismissed from court on 20" June 2025. We remain very disappointed by the outcome but it has confirmed that a recent New Forest judgment sets the test that authorities must now use when considering the enhanced duty and so we are pleased some level of clarity has been achieved. However, we still believe that this stronger duty was not clearly followed in the Secretary of State's decision at Turnden. Although harm to the landscape was recognised, we do not believe there was adequate explanation of how this harm could be effectively reduced or compensated. Despite this, it has been decided (based mainly on weighing the ongoing costs against the low chance of success), not to appeal.

Investment policy and review

The majority of the Charity’s investments are professionally managed by Evelyn Partners and this is subject to periodic review. The Finance and Investment committee set certain benchmarks to be achieved by the investment managers to obtain a mix of income and capital growth in order to enable the Charity to fund its core activities and maintain its capital. When the Finance and Investment Committee met in April 2025 it was decided to maintain our growth benchmark to CPI +2% with an emphasis on income. .

We also have property which at 31st March 2025 was represented by Queen’s Head House and its tenanted flat, and a rental property in Maidstone. Queens Head House was revalued by Lambert and Foster as at 31st March 2025 at a figure of £425,000.

Financial review

The net deficit for the year before investment gains and losses was £84,656(deficit £65,890 in 2024). This sum includes £6,689 (2024 £38,885) of restricted net income. The global stock markets have again risen in 2024/25 and with potential reduction in UK interest rates, the UK markets continued to recover. There are though many uncertainties with the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine as well as the

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potential tariffs imposed by the US president, which could give rise again to volatile markets. Our investment portfolio during 2024/25 showed a net realized and unrealized gain for the year of £159,031 (2024 gain £314,261). This includes the gain on the flat at Queens Head House of £20,000. Full details of the financial position for the year can be found on page 20. This year we have again made capital transfers of £50,000 from the designated fund and this sum continues to be drawn in cash from the investment portfolio. The trustees are conscious that to safeguard the long-term future of the charity all its activities are planned to achieve campaigning objectives without depleting the long-term value of the charity’s designated fund. To fund the charity's cash flow, we are now making withdrawals of Capital from the Investment portfolio and these withdrawals can increase if the Trustees consider this necessary to maintain our activities

Membership

CPRE Kent remains one of the strongest branches within the CPRE Network, although recruiting new members is still challenging against a national pattern of declining membership. Our normal programme of attendance at events and country shows is spearheaded by the General Manager and a strong team of volunteers who undertake the process of raising the Branch’s profile and encouraging new members to join. Additional events, including CPRE Kent's first Countryside Day and a Woodland and Wildlife Walk for members, are also being planned by the new Director and an additional evening event has been added to the already busy events schedule. Volunteers are always welcome to help staff the CPRE Kent stands at such events.

Reserves policy

It is the long-term aim to maintain a level of liquid reserves which will be approximately sufficient for six months’ budgeted expenditure. Funds if required can be withdrawn from the investment portfolio at short notice (around 1 week).

As at the year end the Charity held total reserves of £6,145,201 of which £83,817 was held in unrestricted free reserves. The Charity has five restricted funds at the end of the year with a year-end balance of £50,707. The Charity is currently holding free reserves equivalent to approximately four months’ overhead expenditure, but the Charity continues to withdraw cash funds every month from the designated endowment fund.

The Trustees review reserves policy annually, at the time when the budget is approved. Should it prove necessary to supplement the reserves (to reflect heightened levels of activity, for example) 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

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authorisation of expenditure and to ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers and visitors. The strategy is updated quarterly in consultation with the Board.

Potential difficulty in the future recruitment and retention of effective Trustees and key staff is one of the key risks the Charity faces. The decline in membership numbers as also a key risk. CPRE Kent is running an active branch events program. Membership engagement at national level continues through an active programme of campaigns and appeals. For thefirst time, a trial in the use of professional membership recruiters took place in the summer of 2024 but the results were not advantageous.. Social media campaigns and face to face via events are likely to bear more fruit.

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 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 incoming/outgoing resources for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

,

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable 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 statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the provisions of the charitable company’s constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other

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jurisdictions. The following statements have been affirmed by each of the Trustees of the charitable company:

Committees

The Charity has a structure of committees to organise and oversee its work. For the period ending March 2025, the following committees were active:

The branch additionally holds quarterly meetings of the chairmen 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 work that they do. The work of volunteers in the districts is supported by advice from the branch office.

Fundraising Approach and Performance

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, social media, at events and by engaging with those members of the public who approach the branch for advice on planning matters. We normally take stands at events in Kent throughout the year including the Kent County Show, ploughing matches and other rural and farming events to raise awareness and engage with the wider public. Our own Countryside Day event is currently being planned for later in 2025.

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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 nationally and is available througha link to our national website.

In addition to standard fundraising as outlined above, in February 2025, CPRE Kent also submitted a funding bid to National CPRE for a hedgerow project. If successful, this fund will cover the expenses of the project but also cover some in-house costs such as running the office and staff time. We will know if this bid was successful later in 2025. Plans are also underway to look for external funding for a new ‘Dark Skies’ project in the Medway area.

Work has continued throughout the reporting period to ensure that, in line with CPRE’s national organisation, the branch remains in compliance with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulations which came into force in May 2018.

Remuneration Policy

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 terms and conditions apply to the principal officers as all other staff.

Auditor

Kreston Reeves LLP were re-appointed as the charitable company’s auditor during the year’.

Approved by the Trustees on 25" July 2025

OIG Pree.

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

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Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Kent Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account), the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

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 concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material 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 performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement 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

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INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

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Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Report including the Strategic Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ Responsibilities Statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial! statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors’ Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

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

PAGE 18

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with 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 audit in detecting irregularities, including fraud

Based on our understanding of the charity and the sector as a whole, and through discussion with the Trustees and other management (as required by auditing standards), we identified that the principal risks 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 considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Charities SORP (FRS 102) Second Edition (released October 2019), the Companies Act 2006, taxation and pension legislation. We communicated identified laws and regulations 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 financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries and management bias in accounting estimates and judgemental areas of the financial statements. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. 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 irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

Kreston Reeves LLP

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Notes|Unrestricted|Restricted|Designated|Total|Total| |Funds|Fund|Funds|2025|2024| |£|£|£|£|£| |Income|from| |Donations|and|Legacies|2|49,054|13,874|-|62,928|93,596| |Other|trading|activities|2,991|-|-|2,991|4,772| |Investment income|3|1,378|-|165,189|166,567|153,641| |Total|Income|53,423|13,874|165,189|232,486|252,009| |Expenditure|on| |Raising|funds|4|1,709|-|23,121|24,830|21,563| |Charitable|activities|5|289,927|7,185|(4,800)|292,312|296,336| |Total|Expenditure|291,636|7,185|18,321|317,142|317,899| |Net (Expenditure)Income|(238,213)|6,689|146,868|(84,656)|(65,890)| |Net|gains|(loss)|on|investments|-|-|159,031|159,031|314,261| |Net|income/(expenditure)|(238,213)|6,689|-|305,899|74,375|248,371| |Transfers|between funds|192,068|-|(192,068)|-|-| |Net movement|in|funds|(46,145)|6,689|113,831|'|74,375|248,371| |Reconciliation|of funds| |Total|funds|brought forward|129,962|44,018|5,896,846|6,070,826|5,822,455| |Total|funds|carried|forward|16|83,817|50,707|6,010,677|6,145,201|6,070,826| |All|of the|charity's|activities|are|continuing.|

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There are no gains and losses other than those shown above.

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

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|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Notes|2025|2024| |£|£|£|£| |Fixed|Assets|:| |Tangible|assets|11|220,598|211,694| |Fixed|asset|investments|12|5,180,612|5,236,543| |Freehold|Investment|Property|13|550,000|5,730,612|530,000|5,766,543| |Total|fixed|assets|5,951,210|5,978,237| |Current|Assets| |Stocks|1,597|1,629| |Debtors|14|7,741|15,829| |Investments|12|128,130|3,954| |_|Cash|at|bank|and|in|hand|82,144|104,214| |Total|current|assets|219,612|125,626| |Creditors:|Amounts|falling|due|within| |one year|15|(25,621)|(33,037)| |Net|current|assets|193,991|.|92,589| |Net assets|6,145,201|6,070,826| |Charity Funds| |Designated|Funds|16|6,010,677|5,896,846| |Restricted|Fund|16|50,707|44,018| |Unrestricted|funds|16|83,817|129,962|-| |Total|charity funds|18|6,145,201|6,070,826|

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These financial statements were approvedand authorised for issueby ther Board of Trustees on

,

25thJuly 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Michael J Moore FCA (Treasurer)

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Benedict Moorhead (Chairman)
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The notes on pages 23-33 form partof these accounts.

.

Company Registration No. 04335730

THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

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STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025 2024
£ £
Net cash provided by operating activities (see Note 23) (251,666) (208,834)
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interest and rents from investments 164,713 152,343
Bank and other interest received 1,854 1,298
Purchase oftangible fixed assets (2,757) (5,784)
Investment movements made byAdvisers
Movement in cash held by Investment advisers (124,176) 8,982
Sale ofinvestments 3,688,790 691,320
Purchase ofinvestments (3,498,828) (618,507)
Net cash from investing activities 229,596 229,652
Net increase (decrease) in cash and Cash equivalents (22,070) 20,728
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2024 104,214 83,496
Cashandcash equivalents at31 March 2025 82,144 104,214
Cash and cash equivalents consists of
Cash at hand and in bank 82,144 104,214
Cashandcashequivalentsat31stMarch2025 82,144 104,214

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

aoe 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:

a) General information and basis of preparation

The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention modified to include certain items at fair value.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. There are no materiat uncertainties related to events or conditions which would cast doubt on the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern. The Trustees have considered relevant information, including the annual budget, forecast future cash flows and the impact of subsequent events in making their assessment. The Charity's income from investments (dividend income) is likely to increase compared to recent years. The Trustees have again sought advice from their investment advisors on what the income is likely to be and and although we continue to look at total return there is an emprasis on income from the investment portfolio, although again in 2024/25 only £50,000 has been transferred from the designated endowment fund further sums have been withdrawn from the Portfolio, the Trustees consider depending on cash flow additional withdrawals may be required in 2025/26. The global stock market have continued to rise in early 2025/26 . The charity has substantial capital reserves and so this shouldn't affect the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Based on these assessments and having regard to the resources available to the entity, the Trustees have concluded that there is no material uncertainty and that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.

b) Income recognition

Donations are recognised as incoming resources when receivable, except insofar as they are incapable of financial measurement. Subscriptions relates to the amounts received from the CPRE National Office. These are included on a cash basis as members pay at different rates and cover a year from the date the member pays the subscription. The Charity's trustees’ opinion is that the cost of calculating any accrual or deferred income outweighs any benefit, and the amount would not be material.

Legacy income is recognised at the earlier of the charity being notified when estate accounts are settled and there is notification of a distribution, or when the legacy is received. On occasion legacies will be notified to the Charity however it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occasions, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed.

Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the Charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services in order to raise funds and is recognised when entitlement has occurred.

Investment income is eared through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends, interest and rent. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably. Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend and rent income is recognised as the Charity's right to receive payment is established.

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies (contd) c) Expenditure recognition

Expenditure is recognised in the period in which it is incurred. Expenditure includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.

Costs of operating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of the Lottery Club prizes and investment management fees.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs include the costs of human resources, IT, finance and governance. Overhead costs include depreciation and office costs.

Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity and include audit fees and estimated costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity.

d) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets other than freehold land are stated at cost or valuation less depreciation. Depreciation provided are rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expended useful life, as follows:

Freehold buildings 2% on cost integral building features 10% on cost Fixtures and fittings 20% on cost Computer & office equipment 25% on cost

Land and buildings were previously valued using chartered surveyor's valuation as disclosed in note 11.

e) Pensions

f) Company Status

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee. In the event of the Charity being wound up the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Charity. The address of the registered office is given in the Charity information on the Legal & Administrative Information page of these financial statements.

g) Fund Accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

:

The Designated Fund, which is treated like an expendable endowment fund, was created by the Trustees. Investment income arising on the endowment fund and investment management charges are initially allocated to the designated fund, but a transfer is made to the unrestricted fund which represents the income and expenses. Any capital gains or losses arising on the investments form part of this fund.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been ‘raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Current asset investments are short term highly liquid investments and are held at fair vatue. These include cash on deposit and cash equivalents with a maturity of less than one year.

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

k) Key judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty

Investment properties are professionally valued based on comparable sales within the local area. This uses the sales on similar

local rental properties but there is an inevitable degree of judgement involved in that the investment properties are unique.

The Charity meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax

Unrestricted Restricted Designated
2 Income from donations and legacies Funds Funds Funds 2025 . 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Membership subscriptions _ 40,730 - - 40,730 41,257
Donations
Lottery		 4,988
3,336		 13,874
-		 -
-		 18,862
3,336		 49,077
3,262
49,054 13,874 - 62,928 93,596
Unrestricted Restricted Designated :
3 Incomefrom investments Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Dividends receivable - - 75,092 75,092 74,618
Interest on fixed interest bonds - - 65,607 65,607 54,539
Other Interest receivable 1,378 - 476 1,854 1,298
Rental income - - 24,014 24,014 23,186
1,378 - 165,189 166,567 153,641
Unrestricted Restricted Designated
4 Expenditure on raising funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Investment management fees - - 14,949 14,949 14,232
Purchases for resale and fund raising costs 759 - - 759 1,597
Lottery Club prizes 950 - - 950 1,724
Property rental costs - - 8,172 8,172 4,010
1,709 - 23,121 24,830 21,563

THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

Page 26

:

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted Restricted Designated
5 Expenditure on charitable activities Funds Fund Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Direct costs
Staffcosis 165,112 - - 165,112 167,989
Campaigning -Legal costs - 7,185 - 7,185 4,138
StaffTravelling 1,505 - - 1,505 934
Contribution to campaigns 2,983 - 2,983 2,500
Publicity and printing 635 - - 635 2,302
Events 4,790 - - 1,790 1,612
Newsletters
.		 10,673 - - 10,673 10,787
Volunteering activities 361 - - 351 230
Subscriptions publications and Donations 1,542 - - 1,542 1,620
Support costs
General office staff 51,657 - - 51,657 54,611
Premises costs 13,723 - - 13,723 9,938
Staff recruitment and support costs 4,347 - - 4,347 §,324
Stafftraining 1,194 - - 1,194 240
Liability insurance 1,788 - - 1,788 1,744
Printing, postage and stationery 1,361 - - 1,361 1,608
Telephone 2,473 - - 2,473 2,256
Computer, website and equipment maintenance 3,237 - - 3,237 3,898
Consultancy and professional costs 1,495 - - 1,495 -
Depreciation and write off 3,653 - (4,800) (1,147): 5,283
Sundry expenses 1,945 - 1,945 1,221
Governance costs (See note 6) 18,463. : - 18,463 18,101
. 289,927 7,185 (4,800) 292,312 296,336
6 Governance costs 2025 2024
£ £
Staff costs 7,427 8,301
Auditors’ remuneration 2024-25 (note 10) 10,200 9,000
Other costs 836 800
18,463 48,101

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

en 7 Employee information

The average monthly number of employees and full time equivalent (FTE) during the year was:

2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 .
Number FTE 0 FTE
Charitable activities 5 4 5 4
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 195,751 202,415
Social security costs 16,377 16,437
Other pension costs 12,068 12,049
224,196 230,901
Analysis of StaffCosts
The number ofemployees whose total employee benefits excluding pension contributions exceeded £60,000was
2025 2024
No No
£60,000-£70,000 0 4

8 Pension costs

The company operates a contributory pension scheme. This is a defined contribution scheme and contributions are charged in the statement of financial activities as they accrue. The charge for the year was £ «12,068 (2024- £12,049).

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year,(2024 - none) and none were reimbursed travelling or other incidental expenses in the year, (2024 -none)

The total amount of remuneration (including employee benefits in kind) received by key management personnel is £121,806 (2024 £132,805), The Charity considers its key management personnel to comprise the Trustees, Branch Director and General Manager.

10 Auditor's Remuneration The amounts payable to Kreston Reeves

2025 2024
£ £
Audit ofthe financial statements 10,200 9,000
10,200 9,000

Audit fees are shown within governance costs (note 6), non-audit services are shown as part of staff support costs within expenditure on charitable activities (note 5).

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11 Tangiblefixed assets Freehold Computers Fixtures, Totai
land & & office & fittings
buildings equipment .
£ £ £ £
Cost or valuation
As at 1 April 2024 210,000 25,056 18,061 253,117
Additions - 1,191 1,566 2,757
Revaluation and disposals 5,000 (2,286) (5,187) (2,473)
As at 31 March2025 215,000 23,961 14,440 253,401
Depreciation
As at 1 April 2024 4,800 19,076 17,547. 41,423
Disposals and Revaluation (6,000) (2,286) (5,072) (13,358)
Chargefortheyear 1,200 3,074 464 4,738
As at 31 March 2025 - 19,864 12,939 32,803
Net book values
As at 31 March 2025 215,000 4,097 1,501 220,598
Asat31March2024 205,200 5,980 514 211,694

Tangible Fixed Assets purchase to the value of less than £500 are written off to revenue in year of Purchase

At 31 March 2025 the net book value of freehold land and buildings contained £150,000 of land at cost which is not depreciated.

The offices at Queen's Head House were revalued as at 31st March 2025 by Katie Hurley MRICS FAAV of Lambert and Foster. The entire net book value of Freehold land & buildings represents the fair value of this property. The historic cost equivalent of these assets is £205,000, which is the deemed cost recognised on transition to SORP (FRS 102).

12 Fixed asset investments 2025 2024
£ £
Marketvalue at 1 April 2024 5,236,543 5,055,005
Acquisitions at cost 3,498,828 618,507
Disposal proceeds (3,688,790) (691,230)
Change in value in the year:
Reaiised 213,367 (22,261)
Unrealised (79,336) 276,522
Market value at 31 March 2025 5,180,612 5,236,543
Historical cost at 31 March 2025 4,863,206 4,839,802
Investments are represented by:
Fixed interest bonds 1,222,161 1,154,990
Multi asset and Alternative Investment Funds 3,958,451 4,081,553
Total fixed asset investments 5,180,612 5,236,543
Current asset investments: Cash held by Investment Advisers pending re- investment 128,130 3,954
TotalvalueofPortfolio(includingcurrentassetinvestments) 5,308,742 5,240,497

The fair value of listed investments is determined by reference to the quoted price for identical assets in an active market at the balance sheet date.

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12 Fixed asset investments (contd)

Included within the above are the following investments which represent more than 5% of total market value:

Holding 2025
£		 2024
£
714 SSGA SPDR ETFS Eu 306,078 -
12,016 Invesco Markets Ill PLC Invesco FTSE RAFI US 307,978 -
306877 Thesis Unit Trust, Redwheel UK equity - 341,247
21,350 CQG Global UCITS ICAVGQG Partners US Equity - 368,714
13 Freehold Investment Property 2025 2024
£ £
7 Grant Drive Maidstone 340,000 340,000
Flat
1 Queen's Heads House Charing		 210,000 190,000
550,000 530,000

7 Grant Drive was revalued on the 12th August 2024 by Nicholas A H Rooke BA MSc MRICS of Finns (1985) Ltd.

Flat 1 Queen's Head House was revalued as at 31st March 2025 by Katie Hurley MRICS FAAV of Lambert and Foster. The trustees do not consider the fair value to be materially different between the date of valuation and the balance sheet date.

14 Debtors 2025 2024
£ £
Tax repayable 1,610 666
Other debtors 75 5,047
Prepayments and accrued income 6,056 10,116
7,741 15,829
15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024
£ £
Trade creditors 2,259 5,204
Other creditors 1,873 1,955
Accruals 20,519 24,984
Deferred income 970 894
25,621 33,037
—————___——--——==—SS==——====x—
Deferred income consists of rent received in advance relating tothe following accounting year,
2025 2024
£ £
Balance broughtforward 894 884
Amount recognised in year (894) (814)
Amount deferred in year
Balancecarriedforward		 970
970		 894
B84,

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

16 Funds
Statement of Funds - Current Year
Balance at
01.04.24		 Income Expenditure Gains
Gains		 Transfers Balance at
31.03.25
£ £ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds 129,962 53,423 (291,636) - 192,068 83,817
Restricted Funds
Bettshanger 38,033 3,361 (4,200) - - 37,194
Swanscombe 210 - - : - - 210
Minster Marshes 3,058 3,318 - - - 6,376
Highland Court
Turnden		 2,717
-		 2,695
4,500		 (2,985)
-		 -
-		 -
-		 2,427
4,500
Designated Funds
Arthur IvorRead Legacy 5,141,211 165,189 (18,321) 134,031 (330,899) 5,091,211
Fairvalue reserve 755,435 - - 20,000 134,031 909,466
Revaluation reserve 200 - : 5,000 4,800 10,000
6,070,826 232,486 (317,142) 159,031 - 6,145,201

Restricted Funds

The Betteshanger Fund represented monies donated towards legal and Professional costs relating to the planning application, concerning a proposal to build an Hotel and other developments at Betteshanger Country Park..

The Swanscombe Fund represents donations paid to the charity to fight the inappropriate development of Swanscombe peninsular.

The Minster Marshes Fund is a fund created to stop inappropriate development and protect the natural diversity of the marshes.

The Highland court Fund is fund created to challenge the planning application for a winery at Highland Court Farm.

The Turnden Fund is a fund created to Challenge inappropriate development near Cranbrook

The Designated Funds

The Arthur Read Legacy Fund was created by the Trustees and represents the current value of the amounts received from the Estate of Arthur Ivor Read (Deceased). The Trustees intend to transfer the investment income from the managed investment funds, plus the sum of £50,000 of capital, to unrestricted funds every year. The Trustees, in 2014, also agreed to transfer the depreciation and any other reduction in value on Queen's Head House to the designated fund from the date of purchase and

The money we have received enables the charity to have a campaign reserve and an investment fund. The investments are managed as if it were an endowment and provide funds for CPRE Kent to deliver its campaigning objectives. We are very grateful for Mr Read's generosity and we will ensure that the money is spent in the way he would have wished.

The fair value reserve represents accumulated unrealised gains on fixed asset investments and investment property. An annual transfer is made to adjust for unrealised gains and losses recognised during the year. This balance remains as part of the Arthur Ivor Read Legacy.

The revaluation reserve represents unrealised gains on tangible fixed assets subsequently recognised using the revaluation model. The balance represents accumulated differences between the latest valuation of assets and the historic cost / deemed cost on transition to FRS 102, less depreciation that is recycled by annual transfers to unrestricted general funds over the life of the assets.

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

;

;

a a a a a a a a a a
17 Funds
Statement ofFunds - PriorYear
Balance Balance
at Gains / at
01 0423 23 Income Expenditure (losses) Transfers 31 0324
£ £ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds 183,537 60,781 (298,457) - 184,101 129,962
,
Restricted Funds
Betteshanger 4,963 33,070 - - : 38,033
Swanscombe 170 40 - - - 210
Minster Marshes - 3,058 - - - 3,058
Highland Court - 2,717 - - - 2,717
Designated Funds
Arthur IvorRead Legacy		 5,191,211 152,343 (19,442) .
314,261		 (497,162) 5,141,211
Fair value reserve 441,174 - - - 314,261 755,435
Revaluation reserve 1,400 - - - (1,200) 200
5,822,455 252,009 (317,899) 314,261 - 6,070,826
18 Analysis ofnetassets between Unrestricted Restricted Designated Total
funds -CurrentYear funds fund funds 2025
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets . 5,598.00 - 215,000 220,598.00
Investment assets - - 5,730,612 5,730,612
Current assets 103,840 50,707 65,065 219,612
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (25,621) - - (25,621)
83,817 50,707 6,010,677 6,145,201
19 Analysis ofnetassets between Unrestricted Restricted Designated Total
funds - PriorYear funds Funds funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 6,494 - 205,200 211,193
Investment assets 75,107 - 5,691,436 5,766,543
Current assets 81,608 44,018 - 125,626
Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear (33,037) - - (33,037)
130,172 44,018 5,896,636 6,070,325.

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

20 Contingent assets

The Charity is an eventual beneficiary from the estate of Norah Lawrence, the entitlement is a one fifth share of the residue. The estate consisted of a property which was subject to a life interest, this property has now been sold and the life tenant has moved into residential care. The proceeds of sale are being used to finance the residential costs and therefore any amount eventually receivable is uncertain and therefore no asset has been quantified and recognised.

22 Related party transactions

:

During the year the Trustees made Cumulative donations to the Charity amounting to £1,000 (2024 £2,000) There were no other related party transactions during the year (2024 £nil)

23 Reconciliation ofnetexpenditure to net cash flowfrom
operating activities 2025 2024
£ £
Netincome fortheyear 74,375 248,371
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges and amount recovered on revaluation (1,147) 5,283
(Gains) loss on investments (159,031) (314,261)
Dividends, interestand rents from investments
(Increase)/Decrease in stock		 , (166,567)
32		 (153,641)
469
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 8,088 (5,668)
(Decrease)Increase in creditors (7,416) 10,613
(251,666) (208,834)
Analysis ofchanges in net debt
2024 Cash flows 31.03.2025
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 404,214 (22,070) 82,144
Debt
104,214 (22,070) 82,144

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THE KENT BRANCH OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT RURAL ENGLAND

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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|||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |a| |24|statement|of|Financial|Activities|(2024)| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Designated|Total|Total| |Fund|Funds|Funds|2024|2023| |£|£|£|£|£| |Income|from| |Donations|and|Legacies|54,711|38,885|-|93,596|66,283| |Other trading|activities|4,772|-|-|4,772|7,476| |Investment|income|1,298|-|152,343|153,641|127,495| |Total|income|60,781|38,885|152,343|'|252,009|201,254| |Expenditure|on| |Raising|funds|3,321|-|18,242|21,563|21,130| |Charitable|activities|295,136|-|1,200|296,336|268,959| |Total|Expenditure|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)| |Net|income/(expenditure)|(237,676)|38,885|447,162|248,371|(370,704)| |Transfers|between|funds|184,101|-|(184,101)|-|-| |Net|movement|in|funds|(53,575)|38,885|263,061|248,371|(370,704)| |Reconciliation|of funds| |Total|funds|brought|forward|183,537|5,133|5,633,785|5,822,455|6,193,159| |Total funds|carried|forward|129,962|44,018|5,896,846|6,070,826|5,822,455|

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