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2022-12-31-accounts

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd

(Registered Charity 1120494)

Trustees’ Report and Accounts 31 December 2022

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd 2022 Report and Accounts

Contents

Page

2

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd Annual Report for year ended 31 December 2022

Legal and Administrative Details

Legal Status

Objects

The object of the Company is to provide a community bus and a community transport service, including private hire, for such of the inhabitants of East and West Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove 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.

Trustees/Directors Philip Montague Ayers Stewart Colin Fuller Andrew John Cottingham (to 11 November 2022) Nicholas Brian Price Susan Olave de Angeli Beryl Anne Smith Kevin Patrick Fryer (from 01 February 2022)

Principal Address Insurance Broker The Old Rectory Arthur J Gallacher Litlington 34 Tower View Polegate Kings Hill, West Malling East Sussex Kent BN26 5RB ME19 4UY

Bankers

Barclays Bank plc Co-operative Bank plc CCLA Fund Managers

Independent Examiner Nigel Butten FCA

3

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd Annual Review for year ended 31 December 2022

The Trustees, who are also Directors of the company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Review of Activities

Cuckmere Buses is the trading name for Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd (CCB), a charitable limited company based in Berwick, East Sussex. It has been running for 46 years supplementing existing bus services and providing bus links for village residents throughout the Cuckmere Valley area to their nearest towns for shopping, for appointments, or for social activities.

OUR VISION is being the Community Bus service of choice in our area, and OUR MISSION is providing a safe, reliable, and courteous local bus, serving those rural and urban communities in our part of East Sussex not served by commercial companies.

CCB is run entirely by volunteers; there are no employees. We have some 40 volunteer drivers and some 8 additional volunteers who all help run the fleet of 16-seater low-floor Mercedes mini-buses. The drivers are trained to MiDAS standards (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) and are reassessed every four years. They all have D1 classification on their licence. The value of volunteers to the organisation cannot be overestimated, in terms of community support and company viability. In addition to over 20 weekly timetabled services, requiring nearly twice as many half-day shifts, the company operates summer leisure services and offers private hire facilities. We also provide special annual services for the International Tennis in Eastbourne, and the Charleston festivals.

CCB remains a busy voluntary organisation and always needs new volunteers. The recruitment programme scheduled for the year has resulted in only a small increase in drivers. Some new drivers joined but others left. However, the Department for Transport’s review of the changing need for D1 licence requirements for minibuses is a positive move and may result in us being able to access a broader driver pool. We await the outcome of the consultation.

2022 showed a slow recovery of passenger numbers following the pandemic and by the year-end the numbers were some 25% below the 2019 pre-pandemic levels. For the year, we catered for some 60,900 passenger journeys (2021, 38,700), and ran some 122,700 (2021, 101,600) miles. We hope for a continued recovery of passenger journeys during 2023.

The charity took delivery of a new bus early in the year, having been delayed from 2021 owing to the global shortage of semiconductor parts. The fleet consisted of seven minibuses at the year-end. The ticket machines were upgraded during the year, supported by a capital grant, to provide enhanced features including the acceptance of credit cards.

Roadworks and road closures continued to present major challenges during the year, particularly along the A27 Polegate to Selmeston, Jevington Road from Wannock to Friston, and in Hailsham town centre. These were all for utility works and roadway patch repairs, which often resulted in delays, re-

4

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd

Annual Review

for year ended 31 December 2022 (cont)

scheduled and re-routed services, and regrettably, some cancellations. Hopefully these major schemes will shortly conclude and result in a smoother overall operation for all passengers and roadusers.

The sudden cold snap and snow fall in early December resulted in the cancellation of all our services, but we were only off the roads for half a day.

The charity operates efficiently to a high standard under the control of the Board of Trustees who met formally on four occasions during the year. They reviewed operations of the company, its financial position, and the outlook for the future. In addition, two Stakeholder meetings consisting of representatives of parish and town councils and company officers were held, plus the AGM in April. The annual social gathering of stakeholders and drivers was held in October in Arlington, after being cancelled the previous two years owing to coronavirus. Periodic drivers’ meetings were held during the year to review resource availability, services operated and passenger views. Drivers provide a vital first point of contact with passengers and their feedback is invaluable.

The trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the charity commission's public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.

Financial Performance

The financial statements are included on pages 8 to 13. All income and expenditure are related to unrestricted funds; there are no restricted nor endowment funds.

Central and local government continued financial support for bus operators generally during the year by continuing to pay fuel rebate grants and concessionary travel fares based on pre-covid levels, along with other support grants. These government support initiatives, together with our volunteer structure avoiding staff costs and related overheads, plus maintenance costs reflecting a relatively young fleet, all helped the charity maintain a viable operating financial position.

With a gross income of £238,868 (2021, £220,739) and expenditure of £237,879 (2021, £187,978), the year ended with a modest surplus of £989 (2021, £32,761). Year-end net assets amounted to £265,302 (2021, £264,313) including cash at bank of £111,228 (2021, £149,005). The charity operates a policy of holding cash reserves to meet projected cash outlays taking account of sourcing requirements for acquisitions under its bus replacement programme. Funds not required in the short term are held in an appropriate deposit account. At the end of the year, Trustees agreed to transfer £12,000 to the unrestricted bus replacement reserve fund for future bus acquisitions. The fund stands at £55,000 (2021, £43,000)

A high-level five-year trend of finances, passengers and miles run is shown graphically on page 14. The Trustees have not identified any uninsured major risks to which the charity is exposed.

5

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd Annual Review for year ended 31 December 2022 (cont)

Going Concern

The Trustees have considered the consequences of the impact of covid and other events, particularly the relatively slow recovery of passenger numbers, and projections of inflation and levels of recession. They have determined that, whilst significant, they do not create a material uncertainty that casts major doubt upon the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Forward View

In addition to maintaining a strong operational business base for the charity, our focus over the coming year will again be threefold. First, to continue to rebuild patronage numbers so we can provide support to the same or greater level of deserving passengers we helped pre-pandemic. Secondly, to acquire a new bus in 2023, subject to passenger numbers increasing either from existing or new services, and thirdly, to continue with the recruitment programme to increase the overall number of volunteer drivers.

As a result of central government’s positive focus on the bus industry, a number of initiatives within East Sussex may provide the opportunity for CCB to increase current service levels leading to increased net revenues. We look forward to these possible developments during the coming year.

Changes in Trustees/Directors

In February 2022 we welcomed aboard Kevin Fryer as Trustee/Director. Kevin is also a volunteer driver.

In November 2022 we said farewell to Andrew Cottingham Trustee/Director who resigned on health grounds after serving the organisation for over over 20 years. Andrew was a volunteer driver.

Acknowledgements

We are a successful business in meeting our mission and as always, thanks go to our volunteer drivers, our regular passengers, to everybody involved in the day to day running of the organisation, and to Berwick Service Station for keeping the buses well maintained. Particular thanks also go to the individuals and local authorities who made donations to the charity during the year. A summary of donation support is listed on page 12 of this report. Thank you all.

Beryl Smith - Chairman 03 April 2023

6

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd Independent Examiner’s Report

I report to the Board of Trustees/Directors on my examination of the accounts of Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd for the year ended 31 December 2022.

As the Trustees of the Charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (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 in any material respect:-

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.

NA Butten Independent Examiner 20 March 2023

7

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd

Income & Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 December 2022

Notes
Income
Passenger Services
2
Grants & Donations
3
Private Hire & Special Events
Other income
4
Total Income
Expenditure
Servicing, Repairs & Cleaning
Depreciation
5
Licences & Insurance
Operations
Diesel (net of BSOG)
Administration
Total Expenditure
Surplus (Deficit) for the year
Opening reserves
Closing reserves(per Balance Sheet)		 £
2022
165,629
33,417
23,102
16,720
238,868
(60,637)
(67,814)
(26,482)
(23,403)
(31,793)
(27,750)
(237,879)
989
264,313
265,302		 2021
155,752
24,071
5,604
35,312
220,739
(49,549)
(60,360)
(22,610)
(27,329)
(15,956)
(12,174)
(187,978)
32,761
231,552
264,313

8

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd Balance Sheet

at 31 December 2022

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd
Balance Sheet
at 31 December 2022
Notes
Tangible Fixed Assets
7
Current Assets
Debtors
8
Cash at Bank
9
Prepayments and Accrued Income
Total Current Assets
Creditors due within one year
Amounts falling due within one year
10
Accruals and deferred income
Unamortised grants for purchase of assets
6
Total Creditors due within one year
Net Current Assets (liabilities)
Total Assets less current liabilities
Creditors due after one year
10
Total net assets
Funds of the Charity
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - asset replacement
Total Unrestricted Funds		 2022
346,166
9,206
111,228
120,434
7,421
127,855
(68,388)
(22,427)
(28,558)
(119,373)
8,482
354,648
(89,346)
265,302
210,302
55,000
265,302		 £
2021
314,732
5,745
149,005
154,750
13,182
167,932
(47,291)
(64,660)
(36,412)
(148,363)
19,569
334,301
(69,988)
264,313
221,313
43,000
264,313

The Report and Accounts were approved by the Board on 03 April 2023

Beryl Smith Trustee/Director

Stewart Fuller Trustee/Director

9

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd Funds Flow Statement

for year ended 31 December 2022

Notes
Surplus (Deficit) for the year
add back Depreciation (net)
5
less Other Income
4
Cash from Trading
Other Income
4
Capital Grants Received
Movement in fixed assets
Acquisitions
7
Proceeds of disposal (NBV before surplus)
7
Movement in Working Capital
Debtors
Prepayments
Creditors
Movement in Loans
New debt
Interest
Payments
Movement in Funds in the Year
Cash at Bank
Opening
Movement in Funds (as above)
Closing (per Balance Sheet)		 2022
989
67,814
(16,720)
52,083
16,720
19,367
(126,519)
50
(126,469)
(3,461)
5,761
(40,526)
(38,226)
84,000
8,879
(54,131)
38,748
(37,777)
---------------------
149,005
(37,777)
111,228		 £
2021
32,761
60,360
(35,312)
57,809
35,312
-
(101,700)
30,260
(71,440)
22,043
(10,238)
11,498
23,303
60,000
6,736
(57,453)
9,283
54,267
--------------------------------
94,738
54,267
149,005

10

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd Notes to the Accounts for year ended 31 December 2022

1. Accounting Policies

1.2 Income - is recognised in the accounts when the charity becomes entitled to the resources and is shown exclusive of VAT. The significant value of voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report. Debtors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

1.3 Expenditure - liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources, and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty. Creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

1.4 Tangible Fixed Assets - are recorded at cost and subsequently stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the prudent useful economic life of that asset on a straight-line basis. Capital grants supporting fixed asset acquisitions are released to revenue account on a straight-line basis over the life of the related asset class and reduce the annual total depreciation charge.

1.6 Fund Accounting - unrestricted funds (including designated funds) may be used in accordance with the charitable objectives of the charity at the discretion of the trustees.

11

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd Notes to the Accounts

for year ended 31 December 2022 (cont)

2 Passengers Services
Concessionary Fares
Ticket Fares
Support from:
East Dean & Friston PC
ESCC/B&H
Hailsham Town Council
Polegate Town Council
3 Grants and Donations
Town and Parish Councils
Alfriston
Arlington
Berwick
Chalvington & Ripe
Cuckmere Valley
East Dean & Friston
Heathfield & Waldron
Herstmonceux
Long Man
Pevensey
Polegate
Seaford
Westham
Willingdon & Jevington
ESCC
Wealden District Council
Passenger donations
Other donations
4 Other Income
Covid Support from DfT
Surplus on disposal of fixed assets
Bank interest
Timetable and other adverts
5 Depreciation
Charge in year
less amortisation of grant in year (note 6)
6 Unamortised Grants
at start of year
grants received in year
released during year (note 5)
at end of year		 £
2022
2021
122,784
123,912
19,594
11,523
2,641
1,568
13,630
12,591
6,680
5,858
300
300
165,629
155,752
2022
2021
200
200
100
100
100
100
150
-
250
250
500
500
500
500
500
1,000
150
150
150
-
200
200
2,000
2,000
120
100
850
800
5,770
5,900
9,948
2,430
5,125
5,500
9,403
6,898
3,171
3,343
33,417
24,071
2022
2021
14,369
25,900
1,325
9,407
429
5
597
-
16,720
35,312
2022
2021
95,035
82,752
(27,221)
(22,392)
67,814
60,360
2022
2021
(36,412)
(58,804)
(19,367)
-
27,221
22,392
(28,558)
(36,412)

12

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd Notes to the Accounts

for year ended 31 December 2022 (cont)

7 Tangible Fixed assets
Cost
at start of year
additions in the year
disposals in the year
at end of year
Cumulative Depreciation
at start of year
charges in the year (note 5)
disposals in the year
at end of year
Net Book Value
8 Debtors
Accounts receivable
VAT reclaimable
9 Cash at Bank
Barclays current account
Co-operative current account
Charities deposit account
Petty Cash
10 Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Hire purchase contracts
Amounts falling due after one year
Hire purchase contracts (1-5 years)		 £
2022
2021
591,295
660,828
126,519
101,700
(27,178)
(171,233)
690,636
591,295
276,563
334,784
95,035
82,752
(27,128)
(140,973)
344,470
276,563
346,166
314,732
2022
2021
7,087
2,694
2,119
3,051
9,206
5,745
2022
2021
60,671
96,058
6,553
9,288
44,004
43,579
-
80
111,228
149,005
2022
2021
(11,026)
(9,319)
(57,362)
(37,972)
(68,388)
(47,291)
(89,346)
(69,988)

11 Audit: Expenditure is after charges for Independent Review £960 (2021, £960) and other professional services £300 (2021, £300)

13

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd

Graphs - 5 year trends

----- Start of picture text -----
Financials (£'000)
Income Expenditure
300
250
239 238
200 221 223 229 219
201
188
150 177 177
100
50
0
2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Statistics ('000)
Miles Run Passenger Journeys
140
126 128
120 123
100 102
80 82 81
68
60 61
40 39
30
20
0
2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
Axis Title
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Expenditure (£'000)
Servicing, etc Depreciation Licence & Ins Operations Diesel Admin
250
28 16
200 22
32 13
12
29 25
23 16 15
6
150 26 27 29 31 27
23 27
30
100 55
68
60 46 47
50
76
61 50 52 62
0
2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
All-in Cost per Key Factor (£)
per Mile per Passenger Journey
7.00
6.00
5.90
5.00
4.86
4.00
3.91
3.00
2.80
2.00 2.62 2.47
1.94 1.85 1.81
1.00 1.58
0.00
2022 2021 2020 2019 2018
----- End of picture text -----

14

Our Current Fleet

Bus28

Bus25

Bus27

Bus26

Bus22

Bus 24

Bus20

15