2025-03-31-accounts - Campaign For Better Transport Charitable Trust

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CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER TRANSPORT CHARITABLE TRUST
Charity No. 1101929
Registered number: 04943428
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31ST MARCH 2025
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Trustees

4943428 1101929

Bankers

Solicitors

xShamit Yaiger

02/12/2025

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STRATEGY

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need

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a National Bus Stop Standard, which would require all stops to provide a minimum level of
facilities and information, based on their size.
The report was widely covered in the press, and local authorities including Greater
Manchester and Blackpool have already used it in their reviews of bus stop infrastructure.
Best of all, the Government heeded our campaign. It announced that the Bus Services Bill
will provide powers for the Transport Secretary to issue statutory guidance on the design of
bus stops, and to require local authorities to improve bus stops. We will be helping to
develop the guidance.
Rail reform that works for passengers
The Government launched a major programme of rail reform, nationalising passenger
services and bringing track and trains together under the control of a new public body, Great
British Railways. We have long supported the establishment of such a body.
Some of the key things we asked for were written into the reforms from the start. For
instance, there will be a legal duty on Great British Railways to promote the use of rail
freight. Train tickets will come with a 'best-price guarantee’, so that you can be sure you are
getting the best deal wherever and however you buy your ticket.
We have long campaigned to reverse the worst effects of the Beeching cuts, and this year,
regular passenger services returned to the Northumberland Line for the first time in more
than 60 years. Final funds were also agreed to bring back the Portishead to Bristol line, as
we have called for, and work began on an additional, brand-new station on the reopened
Dartmoor Line.
We are calling for fundamental reform of rail fares and ticketing, but we are already seeing
progress in line with our campaigning. Pay-as-you-go ticketing will soon be introduced in
more places; and, after our 'Let Me Book' campaign called for people to be able to book train
tickets longer in advance, we learnt that the rail industry is working towards extending the
booking window to six months across the board.
Runways to railways
International rail travel could soon become more affordable, after charges were cut for train
operating companies to use the line which runs from London to the Channel Tunnel, in line
with our campaigning.
The Chancellor listened to our calls to raise Air Passenger Duty on domestic flights — we will
work to make sure the revenue raised will be used to make train travel an even better
alternative. We had another win — taxes were increased on private jet travel, which is up to
14 times more polluting than commercial flights.
Time for trams
Popular, accessible and zero-emission, trams have the potential to transform local and
regional transport networks and clean up our air. We launched Tram Network in partnership
with think tank Create Streets, to raise the public and political profile of trams. We published
"Time for Trams', which looks at how to speed up the delivery of more networks across the
country. We met with interested council officials in Hull, Bournemouth, Oxford and
Westminster, with more activities planned for 2025.
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Transport that works together
The Government is preparing an Integrated National Transport Strategy, painting a vision of
a "seamlessly integrated transport network" - something we have long called for.
We fed into the new strategy, highlighting the need for much better integration between
modes, but also between Government departments, and between central, regional and local
government. We also motivated hundreds of our supporters to respond to the Government's
‘call for ideas'. Our supporters put forward ideas for affordable, multi-modal tickets, safe
cycling routes, and more car clubs so we can use cars when we need to without them being
the default.
Better Transport Week
In June, we ran the second Better Transport Week — a celebration of sustainable transport in
all its forms.
More than 150 partners got involved, including transport operators, local councils and
charities. Twenty-one events took place around the country, starting with a launch at
Wolverhampton Station, ending with the first ever Better Transport Conference, which was
free to attend and attracted hundreds of passionate professionals, academics, local
campaigners and travellers.
The positive message spread across social media, with initiatives including a ‘scenic rail
view’ photo competition and a call for people to nominate Better Transport Heroes in their
communities.
Communications
We continued to promote sustainable transport — and call for it to be improved — across
national and local media. This year we were quoted in more than 4,000 news articles and
our spokespeople or name appeared more than 800 times on radio and TV, reaching
millions of people.
We were equally active across our social media channels, gaining more than 2,000 new
followers. This year, as well as X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, we began posting on
Bluesky. Social media is a key way in which we share our messages and generate support
for our campaigns.
Policy and external engagement
As the General Election approached, we published our manifesto for better transport, and
distributed it to all political parties and candidates. We encouraged our thousands of
supporters to write to their own local MP candidates, saying that transport is an important
issue for them as voters.
As the new Government took office, with its high-profile promises around rail and bus reform,
devolution, and the planning system, we pressed for those reforms to put passengers and
the planet front and centre.
We were heartened by the new Government's positive focus on public transport.
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At times, though, the Government did things that were unhelpful to sustainable transport, like
closing the Restoring Your Railway fund and increasing rail fares. When this happened, we
spoke out and held it to account.
We continued to engage with key government departments such as the Department for
Transport and HM Treasury, meeting and corresponding with Ministers, MPs, Peers and
officials. We supported many local authorities too; for instance, we worked with Greater
Manchester and Blackpool on improving the standard of bus stops, and with Hull,
Bournemouth, Oxford and Westminster to make the case for new and expanded tram
networks.
The new Government launched a large number of consultations, and we responded to no
fewer than 20, on subjects including rail reform, town planning, and integrated transport. We
were summoned to speak in front of the House of Commons Transport Committee on the
vital issue of rural buses. And we published reports on areas in need of change -— like how
rail fares should be reformed, how bus funding can be made fairer, and how bus stops
should be improved. Our recommendations are already influencing Government policies.
We continued to engage external stakeholders regularly, and amplified our messaging by
working collaboratively with like-minded organisations: we campaigned as part of the
Healthy Air Coalition; convened a group including CPRE and Sustrans to improve the way
housing is planned; and worked with Create Streets to call for more tram networks.
TRANSFORMING OUR CHARITY
2024 was the final year of a transformational three-year grant from the Foundation for
Integrated Transport. The grant has enabled our charity to change beyond recognition. Our
team has grown, our ability to fundraise has increased, and most importantly, our influence
and impact has rocketed. The end of the grant period sees us running larger campaigns,
with significant influence at the heart of government and real impact on the ground.
The grant has underpinned all the achievements outlined in this and earlier reports, leading
to tangible improvements in the transport system we all use every day and improving quality
of life and people’s life chances across the country. For instance, the grant enabled our
successful campaign for a cap on bus fares, helping to make bus travel more affordable for
millions, which in turn saved many at-risk bus services from being cut.
The changes to our charity took place under the leadership of our former Chief Executive,
Paul Tuohy. As Paul approached retirement, we entered a new period of change. We were
profoundly grateful that the Foundation for Integrated Transport — recognising our need for
financial continuity through the transition to a new Chief Executive — madea further bridging
grant to ensure that our momentum could continue.
Our new Chief Executive, Ben Plowden, took the reins in March 2025. Ben came with a
wealth of experience, having worked in the transport and charity sector for over 30 years. He
was the first Director of active travel charity Living Streets, and worked at a senior level at
Transport for London for almost 20 years, as well as being Chair of the Transport Planning
Society.
This year we also appointed a new Chair of Trustees, Shamit Gaiger OBE. Shamit has an
extensive career in rail, with over 20 years' experience in developing national and sectoral
policies and strategies. She has held leadership roles at the RSSB, the National Skills
Academy for Rail and AECOM, and led the Rail Sector Deal on behalf of the Government at
the Department for Transport. Shamit was appointed Managing Director of the West Coast
Partnership Development in 2022.
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FUTURE-

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order to increase our reserves.
Reserves Policy
The reserves policy set in April 2021 stated that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted
reserves equivalent to a minimum of six months’ expenditure with a maximum of 12 months.
This was reviewed during the year and remains unchanged.
As at 31 March 2025, the unrestricted reserves of £360,374 represent approximately 5
months of forecast expenditure for 2025-26, which is below the threshold that the charity
aims for, being 6 months of forecasted expenditure. The trustees review the level of reserves
held at regular intervals. With this in mind, the level of expenditure will be reduced during
2025-26 so that the charity can achieve the target set by the trustees by 31 March 2026.
The restricted reserves of £24,000 relate to income received for a project that is ongoing and
expected to be completed during 2025-26.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The trustees consider there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to
continue as a going concern.
Continued applications for long-term grants will enable the charity to grow in line with the
strategy, and the re-alignment of staff posts will help to strengthen and diversify the income
streams. Cashflow forecasts and current risks are reviewed by trustees on a quarterly basis
and updated as necessary.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT
The charity confirms the trustees have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities
Act 2011, to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission in
determining the activity undertaken by the charity. The charity's aim is to bring benefits to all
sectors of the public by influencing transport policy to improve access to public transport and
reduce the need to drive, allowing a better quality of life and an improved environment.
There is no detriment or harm associated with our activities. The beneficiaries of our
activities are all members of the public, regardless of geographical location and ability to
pay, as we do not charge any fees to any members of the public. Our work benefits those
who are socially excluded or isolated, and those whose access to education and
employment is hindered, as it seeks to address transport poverty and improve connectivity. It
benefits all by seeking to address the causes of pollution from transport that impact on
health. There are no private benefits of our work, beyond the reasonable compensation of
our staff for their work.
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xShamit Yaigur

02/12/2025

Trust

03/12/2025

�Campaign�for�Better�Transport�Charitable�Trust

Statement�of�Financial�Activities�(including�the�Income�Expenditure�Account) For�the�year�ended�31st�March�2025

Note Incomefrom Donationsandlegacies 2 Charitableactivities 3 Investments 4 TotalIncome Expenditureon Raisingfunds 5 CharitableActivities 6 TotalExpenditure NetMovementinFundsfortheyear ReconciliationofFunds Totalfundsbroughtforward Totalfundscarriedforward 13	Unrestricted Funds £ 706,522 - 7,749 714,271 278,683 472,400 751,083 (36,812) 397,186 360,374	Restricted Funds £ 26,739 77,872 - 104,611 1,400 89,661 91,061 13,550 10,450 24,000	Total Funds 2025 £ 733,261 77,872 7,749 818,882 280,083 562,061 842,144 (23,262) 407,636 384,374	Total Funds 2024 £ 623,421 50,010 11,297 684,728 233,109 669,035 902,144 (217,416) 625,052 407,636

The�statement�of�financial�activities�includes�all�gains�and�losses�in�the�year. All�incoming�resources�and�resources�expended�derive�from�continuing�activities.

The�notes�on�pages�15�to�20�form�part�of�these�financial�statements.

	Note	2025	2025	2024	2024
		£	£	£	£
Fixed Assets	10		4,949		-
Current Assets			4,949		-
Debtors	11	101,150		65,584
Cash at bank and in hand	16	331,602		395,574
Creditors: Amounts falling due		432,752		461,158
within one year	12	(53,327)		(53,522)
Net Current Assets			379,425		407,636
Total Assets less Current Liabilities			384,374		407,636
Creditors: Amounts falling due
aftermore thanone year			-		-
			384,374		407,636
The Funds ofthe Charity
Unrestricted Funds			360,374		397,186
Restricted Funds	13		24,000		10,450
TotalCharityFunds			384,374		407,636

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02/12/2025
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Chairman Treasurer

	2025	2024
	£	£
15	(71,721)	(227,538)
4	7,749	11,297
	7,749	11,297
	(63,972) 395,574	(216,241) 611,815
16	331,602	395,574

Campaign�for�Better�Transport�Charitable�Trust Notes�to�the�Financial�Statements�for�the�year�ending�31st�March�2025

1 Accounting�Policies The�charity�is�a�company�limited�by�guarantee�and�has�no�share�capital.�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.

a) Basis�of�Preparation

The�financial�statements�have�been�prepared�in�accordance�with�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� (FRS102)�(effective�1�January�2019)�-�Charities�SORP�(SORP�2019),�the�Financial�Reporting�Standard�applicable�in�the�UK�and�Republic�of� Ireland�(FRS�102)�and�the�Companies�Act�2006.

The�Campaign�for�Better�Transport�Charitable�Trust�meets�the�definition�of�a�public�benefit�entity�under�FRS102.�Assets�and�liabilities�are� initially�recognised�at�historical�cost�or�transaction�value�unless�otherwise�stated�in�the�relevant�policy�note(s).

Reconciliation�with�previously�General�Accepted�Accounting�Practice:�in�preparing�the�accounts,�the�Trustees�have�considered�whether in�applying�the�accounting�policies�required�by�FRS102�and�the�Charities�SORP�FRS�102�the�restatement�of�comparative�items�was� required.

b) Going�Concern

After�due�consideration�of�all�relevant�factors,�the�trustees�have�a�reasonable�expectation�that�the�charity�has�adequate�resources�to�continue�in� operational�existence�for�the�foreseeable�future.�Accordingly,�they�continue�to�adopt�the�going�concern�basis�in�preparing�the�annual�report�and� accounts.

c) Incoming�resources

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Where income has related expenditure, the income and�related�expenditure�are�reported�gross�in�the�Statement�of�Financial�Activities.

Income from legacies is taken on a case by case basis at the earlier of the date on which: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finliased and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distributin is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity�has�been�notified�of�the�executor’s�intention�to�make�a�distribution.�

Donations, grants and gifts are recognised when receivable. In the event that a donation is subject to fulfilling performance conditions before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. Income from Gift Aid tax reclaims is recognised for any donations with relevant Gift Aid certificates recognised in income for the�year.�Any�amounts�of�Gift�Aid�not�received�by�the�year-end�are�accounted�for�in�income�and�accrued�income�in�debtors.

Interest on deposit funds held is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity which is normally upon notification�of�the�interest�paid�or�payable�by�the�bank.�

d) Resources�expended All expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis. Wherever possible costs are allocated directly to the appropriate activity; other costs common to all activities are apportioned between those activities on the basis of the proportion of staff time spent during each year in connection�with�each�activity�(see�Note�6).

Fundraising expenditure comprises costs incurred in asking people and organisations to donate to the charity's work. This includes the cost of advertising�for�donations�and�the�staging�of�special�fundraising�events.

Expenditure�incurred�in�connection�with�the�specific�objects�of�the�charity�is�included�under�the�heading Charitable�Activities.

e) Donated�Services�� Donated�services�are�recognised�as�income�when�the�receipt�of�economic�benefit�from�the�use�by�the�charity�of�the�item�is�probable�and�that� economic�benefit�can�be�measured�reliably.
f) Interest�Receivable Interest�on�funds�held�on�deposit�is�included�when�receivable�and�the�amount�can�be�measured�reliably.

Judgements�and�key�sources�of�estimation�uncertainty g) In�preparing�the�financial�statements,�the�Trustees�have�considered�how�best�to�apply�the�Charity's�accounting�policies�and�make�estimates��in�the� preparation�of�the�financial�statements,�where�relevant.�The�Trustees�have�not�made�any�significant�estimates�in�these�financial�statements.

h) Pension�costs

The charity operates a defined contribution scheme with a charity contribution of 8% of salary costs. The cost of providing pensions for employees�is�charged�to�the�Statement�of�Financial�Activities�in�the�year�in�which�the�contributions�are�paid.�

i)� Value�Added�Tax�(VAT) VAT is subject to partial exemption and VAT not recovered by the charity is included in relevant costs in the Statement of Financial�Activities.

j) Operating�Leases The�charity�has�no�current�operating�leases.

k) Funds

l) Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within part 10 of the Income Tax Act 2007 or section 252 of the Taxation of

m) Depreciation

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Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
706,522 26,739 733,261
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
623,421 - 623,421
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
- 77,872 77,872
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
30,680 19,330 50,010
Unrestricted Unrestricted
Funds Funds
2025 2024
£ £
7,749 11,297
Unrestricted
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
222,025 222,025 180,122
15,323 1,400 16,723 17,750
41,335 - 41,335 35,237
278,683 1,400 280,083 233,109
2025 2024
£ £
6,147 5,161
15,820 12,097
19,368 17,979
- -
41,335 35,237
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
335,594 70,107 405,701 456,845
25,577 19,554 45,131 80,114
111,229 - 111,229 132,076
472,400 89,661 562,061 669,035
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|||| |---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Restricted|Total| |Funds|Funds|2024| |£|£|£| |450,814|6,031|456,845| |70,521|9,593|80,114| |130,600|1,476|132,076| |651,935|17,100|669,035| |2025|2024| |£|£| |44,235|47,616| |28,125|29,617| |34,431|44,018| |4,438|10,825| |111,229|132,076|