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2023-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 01515143 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1105202

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

FOR

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP Chartered Accountants 20 Eversley Road Bexhill-on-Sea East Sussex TN40 1HE

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Page Page Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 3
Independent Examiner's Report 4
Statement of Financial Activities 5
Balance Sheet 6 to 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 14

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

To provide a community transport service for such inhabitants of Bexhill and its neighbourhood who are in need of such a service because of age, sickness or disability (mental or physical) or poverty or because of a lack of availability of adequate and safe public passenger services.

Public benefit

The Trustees have had due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission, and in their opinion the report on the achievements and performance demonstrates that they have complied therewith.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

The company has decided to invest in a new minibus, as replacement for the 2018 bus, in 2024. The new bus is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2024 and a deposit of £4,167 was paid in 2023.

It was particularly pleasing to see a large increase in passenger numbers in 2023 with a total of 33,260 passengers carried. This was an increase of 18% on 2022 and easily the best figure since 2019 (39,005). In view of the encouraging trend in passenger numbers and stable financial position the company was able to carry the £1.20 single fare structure into 2024. An increase is likely in 2025.

The company ran a passenger survey in January 2023. The overall satisfaction score of 9.70 (out of 10) was outstanding. There were several commendations for the service and numerous compliments for the drivers and conductors. A further survey will be conducted in 2024 or 2025.

The company will try to recruit further volunteers in 2024 to increase resilience when people are unable to fulfil their shifts through illness etc.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

Fare receipts have increased by 7% this year, thanks to the increase in passenger numbers, and fuel duty rebates have increased as well. Overall income has decreased by 5% as there has been a drop in legacy and grants receipts.

The costs of running, maintaining, taxing and insuring the vehicles has reduced slightly this year mainly due to a saving in fuel costs. Overall, the total expenditure of the charity as a whole has reduced by just over £4,000.

The overall deficit before the unrealised gain on the shares was £7,328 compared to £9,393 last year.

The charity has again been able to increase its investments during the year with a view to generating both additional income and capital growth by transferring surplus funds for investment in the Handelsbank Multi Asset Fund. These investments have been further boosted by an increase in the value of the portfolio of £7,109. However, there is a commitment to purchase a new bus next year which will result in part of the portfolio being withdrawn.

The overall deficit for the year was just £219 compared to £35,052 last year (£25,659 of which was unrealised losses in the investment fund).This deficit is deducted from the general fund to give a balance of £289,972 to carry forward to next year.

Page 1

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Investment policy and objectives

Spare capital has been invested to produce investment income in a safe environment and the portfolio is managed by Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, the Charity's stockbrokers. Income generated is currently being added to the capital in order to provide Capital growth towards the cost of new buses in the future.

Reserves policy

The Charity will retain sufficient reserves to enable it to deal with the timely replacement of buses and other working assets in line with its regular replacement policy. Reserves are invested with stockbrokers.

FUTURE PLANS

Plans for future periods

In 2024, the Company aims to:

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

The Company was incorporated on 1st September 1980, subsequently it was agreed in that any taxable profits made would be covenanted to Bexhill Council of Voluntary Services. Due to the winding up of this organisation, the Company sought Charity Commission approval for registration as a Charity in its own right. The application was approved and the Company was registered as a Charity on 29th July 2004. The Charity/Company is controlled by its Memorandum and Articles of Association as amended by Special Resolutions dated 13th May, 9th July 2004 and 16th March 2022.

Structure and management

The power of appointing new or additional Trustees/Directors is vested in the Trustees/Directors.

Any policy decisions are taken by the Trustees/Directors. There were no changes in policy during the year.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number

01515143 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1105202

Registered office

Unit 2 Beeching Close Bexhill-on-Sea East Sussex TN39 3YF

Page 2

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Trustees

A L Hymans S Hardie J Pacitti B Drayson Mrs L Langlands D Everiss P Brett (resigned 11/4/2023) Mrs E White A Smale (appointed 11/4/2023)

Independent Examiner

Samantha Whiting FCA Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP Chartered Accountants 20 Eversley Road Bexhill-on-Sea East Sussex TN40 1HE

Bankers

Lloyds TSB Bank 11/13 Devonshire Road Bexhill-on-Sea East Sussex TN40 1AQ

Solicitors

Gaby Hardwicke 34 Wellington Square Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1PN

Stockbrokers

Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management No 1 Kingsway, London WC2B 6AN

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 28th March 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

S Hardie - Trustee

Page 3

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Bexhill Community Bus Limited ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Samantha Whiting FCA

Gibbons Mannington & Phipps LLP Chartered Accountants 20 Eversley Road Bexhill-on-Sea East Sussex TN40 1HE

4th April 2024

Page 4

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
1,374
Charitable activities
Fare receipts
34,057
Fuel duty rebates
3,699
Garage rents
2,000
Other trading activities
3
-
Investment income
4
1,621
Total
42,751
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
5
Community buses
35,354
Office and other costs
9,493
Garage costs
5,232
Total
50,079
Net gains/(losses) on investments
7,109
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(219)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
290,191
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
289,972
Restricted
fund
£
826
-
-
-
-
-
826
826
-
-
826
-
-
-
-
2023
Total
funds
£
2,200
34,057
3,699
2,000
-
1,621
43,577
36,180
9,493
5,232
50,905
7,109
(219)
290,191
289,972
2022
Total
funds
£
8,167
31,823
2,040
1,600
80
2,067
45,777
40,139
10,386
4,645
55,170
(25,659)
(35,052)
325,243
290,191

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 5

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
11
47,179
Investments
12
229,511
276,690
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
13
6,200
Cash at bank and in hand
9,816
16,016
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
14
(2,734)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
13,282
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
289,972
NET ASSETS
289,972
FUNDS
16
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2023
Total
funds
£
47,179
229,511
276,690
6,200
9,816
16,016
(2,734)
13,282
289,972
289,972
289,972
289,972
2022
Total
funds
£
62,372
210,843
273,215
2,424
15,707
18,131
(1,155)
16,976
290,191
290,191
290,191
290,191

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st December 2023.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The notes form part of these financial statements

continued...

Page 6

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET - continued 31ST DECEMBER 2023

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 28th March 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

D Everiss - Trustee

S Hardie - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Government grants are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

For legacies, entitlement is when probate is granted, the amount known, there are sufficient funds available for distribution or when a distribution is received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Leasehold property - Straight line over the life of the lease Bus equipment - 20% on cost Office furniture and fittings - 20% on cost Community buses - 25% on reducing balance

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

continued...

Page 8

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Cash at bank

Cash at bank includes cash and short term highly liquid investments.

Debtors

Debtors are recognised at their recoverable amounts to which the charity is entitled.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement value.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Passenger and other donations
Gift aid tax recoverable
Legacies
Grants
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
East Sussex County Council
Government fuel grant
3.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Profit from raffle
4.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends and interest
2023
£
941
133
-
1,126
2,200
2023
£
826
300
1,126
2023
£
-
2023
£
1,621
2022
£
430
-
3,000
4,737
8,167
2022
£
4,737
-
4,737
2022
£
80
2022
£
2,067

continued...

Page 9

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Direct Support
Costs (see costs (see
note 6) note 7) Totals
£ £ £
Community buses 36,180 - 36,180
Office and other costs 8,435 1,058 9,493
Garage costs 5,232 - 5,232
49,847 1,058 50,905
6. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2023 2022
£ £
Vehicle tax and insurance 3,481 3,693
Fuel and oil 9,459 9,962
Vehicles repairs and servicing 6,063 5,890
Annual ticket software 1,584 -
Office rent, rates, light and heat 5,550 4,853
Office repairs 170 181
Garage expenses 5,232 4,645
Stationery, postage, computer expenses and advertising 920 1,057
Telephone (inc. broadband) 498 470
Sundry expenses 564 932
Professional fees - 170
Fuel card charges 634 278
Medicals - 110
Training costs - 1,292
Depreciation 15,692 20,594
49,847 54,127
7. SUPPORT COSTS
Governance
costs
£
Office and other costs 1,058
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
Governance costs
2023 2022
Office
and other Total
costs activities
£ £
Annual return fee 13 13
Accountancy 705 620
Independent examination fees 340 330
1,058 963

continued...

Page 10

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

8. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2023 2022
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets 15,692 20,594

9. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st December 2023 nor for the year ended 31st December 2022.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st December 2023 nor for the year ended 31st December 2022.

10. STAFF COSTS

There were no staff costs for the year ended 31st December 2022 nor for the year ended 31st December 2021.

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST
At 1st January 2023
Additions
At 31st December 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1st January 2023
Charge for year
At 31st December 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31st December 2023
At 31st December 2022
Leasehold
property
£
58,976
-
58,976
58,976
-
58,976
-
-
Bus
equipment
£
3,206
-
3,206
810
599
1,409
1,797
2,396
Office
furniture
and
fittings
£
1,406
499
1,905
1,406
99
1,505
400
-
Community
buses
£
175,980
-
175,980
116,004
14,994
130,998
44,982
59,976
Totals
£
239,568
499
240,067
177,196
15,692
192,888
47,179
62,372

The leasehold property consists of a garage to house community buses on land leased from Rother District Council for a period of twenty one years from 23rd October 2000 at an initial rent of one peppercorn (if demanded).

continued...

Page 11

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

12. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Listed
investments
£
MARKET VALUE
At 1st January 2023 210,843
Additions 11,559
Unrealised gain/(loss) 7,109
At 31st December 2023 229,511
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31st December 2023 229,511
At 31st December 2022 210,843

At the year end there were no investment assets outside the UK.

The historical cost of the listed investments is £188,585.

13.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Other debtors
VAT
Prepayments
14.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accrued expenses
2023
£
4,215
192
1,793
6,200
2023
£
1,686
1,045
3
2,734
2022
£
-
303
2,121
2,424
2022
£
202
950
3
1,155

15. LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

2023 2022
£ £
Between one and five years 5,850 8,775

continued...

Page 12

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1/1/23
£
290,191
290,191
Net
movement
in funds
£
(219)
(219)
At
31/12/23
£
289,972
289,972

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming
Resources
Gains and

resources
expended
losses
£
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
42,751
(50,079)
7,109
Restricted funds
Electronic ticket machines
826
(826)
-
TOTAL FUNDS
43,577
(50,905)
7,109
Comparatives for movement in funds
Net
Transfers
movement
between
At 1/1/22
in funds
funds
£
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
325,243
(37,825)
2,773
Restricted funds
Electronic ticket machines
-
2,773
(2,773)
TOTAL FUNDS
325,243
(35,052)
-
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
Resources
Gains and

resources
expended
losses
£
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
43,004
(55,170)
(25,659)
Restricted funds
Electronic ticket machines
2,773
-
-
TOTAL FUNDS
45,777
(55,170)
(25,659)
Movement
in funds
£
(219)
-
(219)
At
31/12/22
£
290,191
-
290,191
Movement
in funds
£
(37,825)
2,773
(35,052)

continued...

Page 13

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Restricted funds

Electronic ticket machines fund - A grant was received from East Sussex County Council towards the cost of the annual software fees.

17. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
2023 2022
£ £
Contracted but not provided for in the financial statements 109,147 -

The charity is committed to purchase a new bus during 2024. A contract was signed and deposit paid on 3 July 2023. The charity have agreed to trade in its GX18 ABV bus in part exchange with an agreed value (subject to inspection) of £45,000.

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st December 2023.

19. LIMITED LIABILITY OF MEMBERS

The liability of the members is limited to a sum of £10 being the amount that each member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the Charity in the event of its being wound up while he, she or it is a member or within one year after he, she or it ceases to be a member, for

(1) payment of the charity's debts and liabilities incurred before he or she or it eases to be a member;

(2) payment of the costs charges and expenses of winding up;

(3) adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves.

20. SCHEDULE OF BUSES

SCHEDULE OF BUSES
GX18ABV RX20RNJ Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1st January 2023 85,400 90,580 175,980
Addition during the year 0 0 0
Disposal during the year 0 0 0
At 31st December 2023 85,400 90,580 175,980
Depreciation
At 1st January 2023 66,185 49,819 116,004
Charge for the year 4,804 10,190 14,994
On disposal 0 0 0
At 31st December 2023 70,989 60,009 130,998
Net book value
At 31st December 2023 14,411 30,571 44,982
At 31st December 2022 19,215 40,761 59,976

Page 14

BEXHILL COMMUNITY BUS LIMITED

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

21.Investments
At 1st January 2023
Acquisitions
Sales
Market
Number
Value
Number
Cost
Number
Proceeds
£
£
£
UK Funds
Managed Property Funds
Hb Cautious Multi Asset
Fund C Accumulation
146,816.716
210,843
02.03.22
0.000
1,559
Conversion B to C
23.06.23
(4,045.506)
0
Hb Cautious Sustainable Multi
Asset Fund C Accumulation
0
0
24.02.23
4,980.498
5,000
14.12.23
4,970.060
5,000
210,843
11,559
0
21.Investments
At 1st January 2023
Acquisitions
Sales
Market
Number
Value
Number
Cost
Number
Proceeds
£
£
£
UK Funds
Managed Property Funds
Hb Cautious Multi Asset
Fund C Accumulation
146,816.716
210,843
02.03.22
0.000
1,559
Conversion B to C
23.06.23
(4,045.506)
0
Hb Cautious Sustainable Multi
Asset Fund C Accumulation
0
0
24.02.23
4,980.498
5,000
14.12.23
4,970.060
5,000
210,843
11,559
0
Realised
Gains/
(Losses)
£
0
Unrealised At 31st
Gains/
(Losses)
Number
£
6,952
142,771.21
158
9,950.558
7,109
December 2023
Market
Historical
Value
Cost
£
£
219,354
178,584.83
10,158
10,000.00
229,511
188,584.83
December 2023
Market
Historical
Value
Cost
£
£
219,354
178,584.83
10,158
10,000.00
229,511
188,584.83
0 229,511 188,584.83

Page 15