THE BESOM IN WITNEY Accounts- 31st December 2024
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
(A company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital)
Charity number: 1146040 Company number: 7844402
Accounts – 31st December 2024
INDEX
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1-3. Report of the Trustees and General Information 4. Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees
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Statement of Financial Activities 6. Balance Sheet
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7-11. Notes to the Accounts
Registered in England and Wales No: 7844402
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
for the period ended 31st December 2024
The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report and financial statements of the charitable company for the period ended 31st December 2024 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and the charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland; FRS 102) issued in October 2019.
Reference and Administration Details
The charity’s name is The Besom in Witney.
Charity Registration Number: 1146040
Company Number: 7844402
Registered Office: 22b High Street, Witney, Oxon, OX28 6RB
Trustees and Directors
The Trustees of the charitable company (the charity) are its Directors for the purposes of company law. The Trustees and officers who served during the year and since the year end were as follows:
S Wingfield Digby D Taylor H St John S Grenfell R Honour-Smith (appointed 29[th] November 2023) T Gaskell (appointed 19[th] June 2024)
Objectives and Activities
The main objects of the charity are:
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i) To relieve persons in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or distressed ii) The advancement of education
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iii) The advancement of the Christian faith
In planning the activities of the charitable company, the directors have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.
The public benefit objective is achieved through our work in the community outlined below.
Achievements and Performance
This report covers the period 1[st] November 2023 to 31[st] December 2024 to reflect our change of financial year to the calendar year.
We have, overall, maintained food, housepack and furniture deliveries over the period compared to the previous year. We continue to respond to referrals from Citizens Advice, the West Oxfordshire Family Solutions, Connections, local school officers and other agencies. We have also taken a number of new initiatives as highlighted below.
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
for the period ended 31st December 2024 ( Continued)
Achievements and Performance (continued)
We saw the retirement of several key volunteers but God has provided able and committed new time-givers to replace them. We have recruited one new trustee this year who is making a substantial contribution, and we will use a skills matrix exercise as we consider further strengthening of the board.
The total number of food deliveries for 2024 was 356. Some 226 deliveries were to families, represented by 403 adults and 547 children. 130 deliveries were to single people. We delivered 19 parcels to Afghan families and this seems to be an increasing trend. As usual, there were over 30 donors to our Harvest appeal, either churches or schools and one or two separate individuals. We delivered Christmas hampers to 48 families (ranging from 2 to 10 members in size) and to 35 singles. This was an increase on 2023.
We also made up house packs and delivered them when possible, by car or left them ready for the van team if they were too big or heavy.
We made a total of 34 van runs encompassing 56 collections, 53 deliveries of furniture and 27 deliveries of house packs. We were able to support several refugee families moving into empty properties through close liaison with the WODC officer responsible.
Our long-serving newsletter editor was among those time givers to retire. Our first newsletter under new leadership came out in December 2024; after discussion it was decided henceforth to send it out four times a year rather than monthly. Our new editor has given it a new, fresher look which has been much appreciated.
We have tried to create more of a volunteer community through social events, as well as our regular Friday meetings, and we held our first event to bring together key Besom volunteers and representatives of our main referring agencies.
We held a Prayer and Vision Day in addition to our regular board meetings. Several new initiatives mentioned here came out of this day. In addition, we regularly review our mission and current strategy and on the basis of them make decisions about areas of work we can undertake and requests that we can respond to.
We have also worked behind the scenes on legacy issues; updating electronic document storage and sharing; and creating new policies.
Our new Trustee has taken on responsibility for Comms and has set up a Facebook page so that we now have a presence on social media.
As always, we are very grateful to our wonderful team of time-givers at the Besom in Witney. We also give thanks for the generosity of people in our area and to God for all his blessing and provision.
Finances and reserves
This year our financial year (1st Nov 2023 to 31st Oct 2024) was extended by 2 months to 31st Dec 2024, as we make the transition to a financial year that follows the calendar year. Our annual income was £46,808 and our expenditure for the year was £ 39,979.
We end the year with our finances in a healthy state and carrying forward substantial funds of £33,575, although we are still monitoring our monthly expenditure having recently increased the amount we give away in food vouchers.
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
for the period ended 31st December 2024 ( Continued)
Finances and reserves (continued)
The trustees have considered the charity’s requirements for reserves and presently have a policy of maintaining funds equivalent to four months of average core expenditure. Based on 2023-24 expenditure this would be £6,400 currently. However, we also need to make additional provision of £15,000 to replace our ageing van in the foreseeable future. With the current level of funding, if there were significant and sustained drops in income, this would provide enough but this will be kept under review by the Trustees, taking account of whether any donations we have received have been ring-fenced for particular purposes. Our premises are rented on a 1 month notice arrangement. Our current healthy reserves provide flexibility to take on alternative suitable premises at short notice should that become necessary as we outgrow our current storage spaces.
Assuming our reserves will not dip substantially during 2025 we are actively looking at ways to disperse our £12,200 excess funds. Options include:
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Funding a new location for our storage facilities. At present we have 3 storage facilities in different locations. We would like to co-locate to a shared facility, preferably in Witney and possibly shared with another local charity, which has a very similar ethos to the Besom in Witney.
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Purchase of carpets/rugs. We are very aware that some families we deliver to who live in social housing have no carpets and are living with concrete flooring which is unsuitable, particularly where children in the household are young. We have been in discussion with a housing association about this issue and intend to explore options further.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The Besom in Witney is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 7th November 2011. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. Members of the charitable company guarantee to contribute amounts not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of winding up.
Appointment of Trustees
The trustees keep the composition of the board under review and will seek to appoint additional members with appropriate skills and expertise should the need arise. Interested parties are given details of the background of the charitable company in order to make them aware of current activities.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the Small Companies Regime within part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
Approved by the trustees on …………………. 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
……………………………
D Taylor - Trustee/Director
Witney
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Besom in Witney for the period ended 31st December 2024.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity’s trustees (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 charitable 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable company as required by section 386 of the 2006 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 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
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with 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.
A P Williams BSc FCCA A J Carter & Co Chartered Accountants
22b High Street Witney Oxon OX28 6RB
……………………. 2025
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
Statement of Financial Activities
(including an income and expenditure account)
for the period ended 31st December 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Investment income 4 Total incoming resources Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds for the year Transfer between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ 45,528 365 45,893 915 - 915 46,443 365 46,808 39,055 924 39,979 39,055 924 39,979 7,388 (559) 6,829 (559) 559 - 6,829 - 6,829 26,746 - 26,746 £33,575 £- £33,575 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 33,493 361 |
|---|---|---|
| 33,854 | ||
| 27,772 | ||
| 27,772 | ||
| 6,082 - |
||
| 6,082 20,664 |
||
| £26,746 |
There were no recognised gains or losses other than those shown in the Statement of Financial Activities.
The notes on page 7 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
Registered in England and Wales: 7844402
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
BALANCE SHEET
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 9 Total fixed assets Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Liabilities Creditors falling due within one year 10 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets 11 The funds of the Charity Restricted income funds 12 Unrestricted income funds 12 Total unrestricted funds Total charity funds |
2024 £ - - 34,295 34,295 720 33,575 33,575 £33,575 - 33,575 33,575 £33,575 |
2023 £ - |
|---|---|---|
| - | ||
| 27,430 | ||
| 27,430 684 |
||
| 26,746 | ||
| 26,746 | ||
| £26,746 | ||
| - 26,746 |
||
| 26,746 | ||
| £26,746 |
For the period ended 31st December 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors Responsibilities
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the act with respect to the accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the Small Companies Regime with Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
These accounts were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on: ……………… 2025 and are signed on their behalf by:
........................................
D Taylor - Trustee/Director
The notes on pages 7 to 11 form part of these financial statements
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
for the period ended 31st December 2024
1. Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
a) Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 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)) (issued in October 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Public Benefit Entity
The Besom in Witney meets the definition of a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
Going Concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern
b) Income Recognition Policies
Items of income are recognised and included in the accounts when all of the following criteria are met:
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The charity has entitlement to the funds;
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any performance conditions attached to the items of income have been met or are fully within the control of the charity;
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there is sufficient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable; and
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the amount can be measured reliably.
Income received in advance of a specific performance or provision of other specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.
c) Donated Services
In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) the general time of volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.
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d) Interest Receivable
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Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
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e) Fund Accounting
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Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the Charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the Charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for the particular areas of the Charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the Charity.
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
for the period ended 31st December 2024
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f) Expenditure and Irrecoverable VAT
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Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:
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Expenditure on Charitable activities.
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Other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading.
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Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
g) Tangible Fixed Assets
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on the straight-line basis as follows:
| Asset | Annual |
|---|---|
| Category | Rate |
| Motor vehicles | 25% |
h) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amounts due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any trade discounts due.
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i) Cash at Bank and in Hand Cash at bank and cash 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.
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j) Creditors and Provisions
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Creditors and provisions 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 and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
2. Legal Status of the Charity
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £10.
- Income from donations
| Gifts and donations Grants |
2024 £ 43,793 2,100 £45,893 |
2023 £ 33,493 - |
|---|---|---|
| £33,493 |
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the period ended 31st December 2024
4. Investment income
| Interest 5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Supporting those in need Motor and travel Administration and publicity Property Insurance Sundry Independent examiner's fee Depreciation Total 6. Net income/(expenditure) for the year This is stated after charging: Depreciation Independent examiner's fee |
2024 £ 915 £915 2024 Total £ 16,800 2,001 831 18,328 957 342 720 - £39,979 2024 £ - 720 |
2023 £ 361 |
|---|---|---|
| £361 | ||
| 2023 Total £ 25,452 742 393 - 501 - 684 - |
||
| £27,772 | ||
| 2023 £ - 684 |
7. Related party transactions
During the year there have been no transactions with any of the trustees which require separate disclosure within the financial statements.
No trustees received any remuneration or were paid any expenses during the year (2023: £Nil).
8. Corporation tax
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS for the period ended 31st December 2024
9. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost: As at 1 November 2023 Additions As at 31 December 2024 Depreciation: As at 1 November 2023 Charge for year As at 31 December 2024 Net book value: As at 31 December 2024 As at 31 October 2023 10.Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals 11.Analysis of net assets between funds |
Motor Vehicles £ 9,784 - 9,784 9,784 - 9,784 £- £- 2024 £ 720 £720 |
Total £ 9,784 - |
|---|---|---|
| 9,784 | ||
| 9,784 - |
||
| 9,784 | ||
| £- | ||
| £- | ||
| 2023 £ 684 |
||
| £684 | ||
| Tangible fixed assets Cash at bank and in hand Other net current assets/(liabilities) Total |
General Designated Restricted Fund Funds Funds £ £ £ - - - 34,295 - - (720) - - £33,575 £- £- |
Total £ - 34,295 (720) |
|---|---|---|
| £33,575 |
12. Analysis of charitable funds Analysis of movements in restricted funds
| Christmas hampers Total |
Balance Incoming Resources 01.11.2023 resources expended Transfers £ £ £ £ - 365 (924) 559 £- £365 £(924) £559 |
Funds 31.12.2024 £ - |
|---|---|---|
| £- |
THE BESOM IN WITNEY
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
for the period ended 31st December 2024
- Analysis of charitable funds
Analysis of movements in restricted funds
| General fund Total |
Balance Incoming Resources 01.11.2023 resources expended Transfers £ £ £ £ 26,746 46,443 (39,055) (559) £26,746 £46,443£(39,055) £(559) |
Funds 31.12.2024 £ 33,575 |
|---|---|---|
| £33,575 |