Charity number: 1130890
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 5 |
| Independent examiner's report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 15 |
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Trustees | Michael Lewin |
|---|---|
| Fiona Rogers | |
| John Mills | |
| Gary Ryan | |
| Susan de Candole | |
| Charity registered number 1130890 Principal office Cherryfield Cottage Newtown Tisbury Salisbury SP3 6SS Independent examiner Nicholas Weller FCCA Simmons Gainsford Professional Services Limited Chartered Accountants 14th Floor 33 Cavendish Square London W1G 0PW Bankers Coutts & Co 440 Strand London WC2R 0QS Solicitors Batt Broadbent Solicitors LLP Minster Chambers 42-44 Castle Street Salisbury Wiltshire SP1 3TX |
Page 1
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Deed of Trust dated 15 April 2009, 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 (FRS 102)” (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The charity's objective, as set out in the Charitable Trust Deed, is for the trustees to apply capital and income to the advancement and promotion for the public benefit of education in and appreciation and understanding of the art and science of music and musical education in particular by providing scholarships for exceptionally gifted students of classical guitar or the lute for all or part of their studies of these instruments, either at the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music or the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and commissioning and promulgating new original musical compositions for the classical guitar.
Public benefit
The Trustees have complied with their duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
The main objectives of the Trust continued to be met. Auditions were held in July at the 1901 Club in London for the first time, and was considered to be a very suitable venue for audition purposes. The auditions were attended by all trustees. After deliberation it was agreed the Trust would award scholarships to three students and bursaries were given to three further students. Having received reports from the RNCM, RCS, Trinity Laban and RBC, providing information on how the JBTrust donations had been spent, it was decided to donate a further £10,000 to each of the Colleges, which was very gratefully received by all.
Further donations were given to LIFEM (London International Festival of Early Music) in support of a Lute Festival and a donation was made to the Holy Sepulchre in London to help with the restoration of their organ.
Fees were agreed for Thibaut Garcia and Quatuor Arod who are to perform the first performance of Leo Brouwer’s Cuban Landscape and danzas at the Wigmore Hall on November 21st 2025.
Financial review
During the year the Trust generated incoming resources of £125,135 (2024: £124,415). This included a legacy of £25 (2024: £7,339) from Julian Bream’s estate.
The Trust received income from investments which amounted to £125,110 (2024: £117,076).
During the year the Trust expenditure was £148,704 (2024: £209,712) of which £121,984 (2024: 193,003) was on charitable activities.
As shown in Note 10, the loss on revaluation of investments amounted to £13,304 (2024: gain of £382,151) and the gain on sale of investments was £68,094 (2024: £147,750).
The Statement of Financial Activities shows the net gain in funds for the year of £31,221 (2024: 444,604).
The Trust ended the year with reserves of £5,111,433 (2024: 5,080,212), all unrestricted. The Trustees are satisfied with the year end position of the Trust.
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THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
a. Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted funds (free reserves) at a level which, on investment, generates sufficient income to meet annual expenditure and cover management and administration costs and to respond to emergency applications for grants which arise from time to time. In situations where the income is insufficient to meet annual expenditure, the reserves are required to make up any shortfall out of capital.
The unrestricted funds of the charity as at 31 March 2025 amounted to £5,111,433 (2024: £5,080,212).
b. Risk
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The key risk is the risk to the value of investments. This risk is mitigated through the appointment of a reputable and experienced investment manager (Coutts & Co.) who adheres to an investment policy and strategy approved by the Trustees and the regular monitoring of the manager’s performance against agreed appropriate benchmarks and the taking of appropriate action.
c. Investments policy
In order for the Trustees to maintain the value of the Trust fund, Coutts & Co advise them on their approach to their portfolio of investments, in particular on asset allocation so as to achieve a wide diversification of the Trust's investment portfolio in order to spread risk. The current investment policy is to adopt a balanced return from income and capital growth. The investment strategy is set by the Trustees and takes into account requirements, the risk profile and the investment manager’s views of market prospects in the medium and longer term. The purpose of the portfolio is to generate income to fund ongoing future activity. There are no restrictions on the Trust’s power to invest.
d. Fundraising practices
The Trust does not engage in fundraising from the general public - its funds are generated from the investments it has made from the personal donations and legacy of its founder Julian Bream.
e. Plans for future periods
Trustee Meetings will continue to be held each quarter and a search for a new Chairman is still in progress.
The Wigmore Hall will be asked for a date between 20th and 27th November 2027 for a concert. Projected costs of £10,000 - 15,000 have been agreed for an orchestral concert on September 19th 2025 at the Royal Academy of Music of works dedicated to Julian Bream by leading composers and performed by RAM students, including some JBT scholars.
George Benjamin, Thomas Ades, and Mark Antony Turnage have been suggested as possible composers to be approached regarding a commissioned work.
Also being discussed is that a recording is made of all JB Trust commissioned works - there are eight to date.
Trustees will discuss and decide which activities they wish to support with the surplus net income at the next Trustees meeting to be held on 12th September 2025, and thereafter.
Page 3
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Structure, governance and management
The Julian Bream Trust is registered with the Charity Commissioners (No 1130890) and constituted by Deed of Trust dated 15 April 2009.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Michael David Percy Lewin Fiona Walwyn Southey Rogers John Mills Gary Sean Ryan Susan Elizabeth de Candole
In accordance with the Trust Deed, the power to appoint new trustees lay with the founder Julian Bream until his death, and thereafter the power has been vested to the Trustees.
The Trustees serve for a term of five years. A retiring Trustee who is competent to act may be re-appointed at the end of the term of office. New trustees have an induction meeting with an experienced Trustee and the administrator of the Trust to learn about its history, activities and their role. They are referred to the Charity Commission website to learn about their responsibilities as a Trustee.
The Trustees meet to assess grant applications, agree commissions, agree programmes for performance, review investments, and review and accept general policies during the year. The Trustees must hold a minimum of two meetings each year.
No trustee has received any remuneration during the year (2024: None), however 4 trustees were reimbursed expenses during the year (2024: 6 trustees).
Related party relationships
Michael Lewin is Head of Guitar at the Royal Academy of Music. Gary Ryan is Head of Strings and Guitar Professor at the Royal College of Music. John Mills is Guest Tutor for Guitar at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. All three institutions put forward nominees for scholarships from the Trust. These trustees do not take part in the decisions on such awards.
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THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Michael Lewin Susan de Candole Trustee Trustee Date: 29/1/2026 | 08:52 GMT Date: 29/1/2026 | 09:24 GMT
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THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The Julian Bream Trust ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes.
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
Responsibilities and basis of report
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').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts 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 (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
Signed: Nicholas Weller FCCA
Dated: 29/1/2026 | 08:52 GMT
Simmons Gainsford Professional Services Limited Chartered Accountants 14th Floor 33 Cavendish Square London W1G 0PW
Page 6
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Investments 4 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities 6,7 Total expenditure Net gains on investments Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 25 125,110 125,135 26,720 121,984 148,704 54,790 31,221 5,080,212 31,221 5,111,433 |
Total funds 2025 £ 25 125,110 125,135 26,720 121,984 148,704 54,790 31,221 5,080,212 31,221 5,111,433 |
Total funds 2024 £ 7,339 117,076 124,415 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16,709 193,003 209,712 |
|||
| 529,901 444,604 |
|||
| 4,635,608 444,604 5,080,212 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| 2025 | 2025 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed assets | ||||||
| Investments | 10 | 5,044,634 | 4,891,790 | |||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Debtors | 11 | 3,372 | 4,772 | |||
| Cash at bank | 71,706 | 194,233 | ||||
| 75,078 | 199,005 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one | ||||||
| year | 12 | (8,279) | (10,583) | |||
| Net current assets | 66,799 | 188,422 | ||||
| Total net assets | 5,111,433 | 5,080,212 | ||||
| Charity funds | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 13 | 5,111,433 | 5,080,212 | |||
| Total funds | 5,111,433 | 5,080,212 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Michael Lewin Trustee Date: 29/1/2026 | 08:52 GMT
Susan de Candole Trustee Date: 29/1/2026 | 09:24 GMT
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. General information
The Julian Bream Trust is a registered charity. The principal address is Cherryfield Cottage, Newtown, Tisbury, Salisbury, SP3 6SS.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
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 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The Julian Bream Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 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.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
2.3 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing these financial statements.
2.4 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Legacies are accounted for as incoming resources either upon receipt or where the receipt of the legacy is probable.
Investment income received net is stated gross with the relevant tax deducted included under 'cost of raising funds'.
Page 9
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
2.6 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of financial activities.
2.7 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Page 10
THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.9 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
2.10 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Legacies | 25 | 25 | 7,339 |
4. Investment income
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Interest and dividends | 125,110 | 125,110 | 117,076 |
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THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
5. Raising funds
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Investment management fees 21,248 Platform service fees 5,472 26,720 |
Total funds 2025 £ 21,248 5,472 26,720 |
Total funds 2024 £ 12,157 4,552 16,709 |
|---|---|---|
6. Analysis of expenditure
| Grants and | Support | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Events | donations | costs | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable activities | - | 108,407 | 13,577 | 121,984 | 193,003 |
Analysis of Events
| Concert expenses Commissions |
Events 2025 £ - - - |
Total funds 2025 £ - - - |
Total funds 2024 £ 4,575 24,824 29,399 |
|---|---|---|---|
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THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
6. Analysis of expenditure (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| Accountancy fees Administration fees Website support Trustee expenses |
Support costs 2025 £ 6,600 5,595 762 620 13,577 |
Total funds 2025 £ 6,600 5,595 762 620 13,577 |
Total funds 2024 £ 15,679 6,780 1,188 395 24,042 |
|---|---|---|---|
7. Analysis of grants and donations
| Grants and donations |
Total funds Total funds |
|
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025 2024 |
|
| £ | £ £ |
|
| Donations | 68,407 | 68,407 103,062 |
| Grants to individuals | 40,000 | 40,000 36,500 |
| 108,407 | 108,407 139,562 |
8. Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination of the Charity's annual accounts | 6,600 | 6,600 |
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THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
9. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).
During the year ended 31 March 2025, expenses were reimbursed or paid directly to 4 Trustees (2024 - to 6 Trustees) broken down as follows:
| Travel 10. Fixed asset investments Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals Revaluations At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 11. Debtors Due within one year Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 620 2025 £ 3,372 |
2024 £ 395 Listed investments £ 4,891,790 3,594,290 (3,428,142) (13,304) 5,044,634 5,044,634 4,891,790 2024 £ 4,772 |
|---|---|---|
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THE JULIAN BREAM TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 8,279 | 10,583 |
13. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Balance at | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | Gains/ | 31 March | |||
| April 2024 | Income | Expenditure | (Losses) | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General Funds - all funds | 5,080,212 | 125,135 | (148,704) | 54,790 | 5,111,433 |
| Statement of funds - prior | year |
| Balance at | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | Gains/ | 31 March | |||
| 1 April 2023 | Income | Expenditure | (Losses) | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General Funds - all funds | 4,635,608 | 124,415 | (209,712) | 529,901 | 5,080,212 |
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