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2023-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1150754 Company Registration No. 08013043 (England and Wales)

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Charity number 1150754 Company number 08013043 Directors and Trustees Current: Prof. Robert Beckford (University of Winchester nominee) Dr Alex Clayton (co-opted by trustees and appointed as Chair on 29 November 2022) Phil Gagg Sarah Gooding Christine Holloway (Secretary to the trustees) Tim Jackson (elected 26 November 2022) Penny Lawrence (elected 26 November 2022) Kelsie Learney (Winchester City Council nominee; co-opted by trustees 10 August 2022; re-elected at AGM on 26 November 2022) Danny Lee Hugh Lumby (Hampshire County Council nominee) Hugh McNaughtan (Treasurer) Andrew Sadler (Business Network representative) Sue Turner Sandra Unterhollenberg (elected 26 November 2022) Others during the year: David Jones (retired 26 November 2022) Bo Priestley (resigned 31 May 2022) Hannah Williams (former Winchester City Council nominee; resigned 5 May 2022) Principal address and Main Campus registered office: University of Winchester Sparkford Road Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4NR Independent Examiner Knight Goodhead Ltd Bankers Unity Trust Bank (main account); Triodos Bank; Nationwide

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

CONTENTS

Legal and administrative information 2
Trustees’ report 4-16
Statement of trustees’ responsibilities 17
Independent examiner’s report 18
Statement of financial activities 19
Balance sheet 20
Notes to the accounts 21-28

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The Company

Winchester Action on Climate Change Ltd (the “Company” or “WinACC”) is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 30 March 2012 and registered as a charity on 8 February 2013. The directors of the Company are charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and are generally referred to as trustees in this document. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed by its Articles of Association. In the event of the Company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. The Company was created to enable a previous unincorporated charity (Winchester Action on Climate Change, registered charity number 1126993) to convert into a charitable company. Legally, this required the creation of a new charitable company with the same charitable objectives, to which the unincorporated charity could transfer its assets and liabilities. This transfer took effect on 1 October 2013.

In recognition of the seriousness of the climate crisis, as emphasised by the August 2021 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), described by the UN’s Secretary-General as “a code red for humanity”, the trustees have approved the use in the Company’s communications of the trading name “Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis”.

Trustees

Trustees are appointed by member resolution at a general meeting or by resolution of the other trustees between general meetings. At each Annual General Meeting, a third of trustees must retire by rotation according to the Memorandum of Association. Any trustees appointed by a resolution of other trustees must retire at the next AGM and seek re-appointment.

Previously, formal trustee meetings tended to focus mainly on governance-related matters. A sub-committee of trustees and others, called variously over time the “Strategy Committee” and most recently the “Action Coordination Committee”, reviewed performance of projects against plans, considered proposals for major new projects, and ensured all parts of the Company work smoothly towards our priorities. With a broader group of trustees new to WinACC, it was felt change was needed to encourage closer involvement of trustees in our volunteer-led campaigns and projects (“Action Groups”). Accordingly, it was agreed after the last AGM to hold additional strategy-related trustee meetings, attended by Action Group leads and trustees, to take on the role of the former Action Coordination Committee.

From the start of 2023 eight trustee meetings per year have now been scheduled, focussed in alternate meetings on strategy-related matters, attended also by Action Group leads, and on governance-related matters. The Action Coordination Committee has been dissolved. The trustees held six meetings during the reporting period (compared to five in the previous year).

An Executive Group of 3 or 4 trustees, including the Company Secretary and Treasurer, provided governance oversight and decision-making in the first part of the year. After appointment of a Chair and a Secretary to the trustees at the 2022 AGM, the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary have met WinACC’s Executive Director, Jo Crocker, monthly to deal with operational matters requiring trustee input and to support Jo and her staff.

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

The Finance Committee, the remit of which includes monitoring of financial performance and fundraising, has extended the number of its meetings during the year to allow for additional fundraising focussed meetings.

Objectives and Mission

The Company has the following “objects” (charitable purposes):

where “sustainable development” means “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.

Our mission, approved by the trustees in February 2021 and refined and reconfirmed in February 2023, is to catalyse action to create a net zero carbon Winchester District.

WinACC’s aims and activities

Reflecting our mission, and as described in our Annual Plan for 2022/23, our aims during the year were to:

With that in mind, WinACC’s activities and resources have continued to be directed towards those areas where future actions may make the most difference in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Winchester District. Our four primary target areas for delivering on our aims in 2022/23 included:

We remain committed to working in partnership with other agencies to secure effective action. Our activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.

From our projects and events during the year, we have seen noticeable growth in climate change related interest and action by local communities and a stronger realisation by many residents that we need systemic change. While partly influenced by the economic and social challenges of the past year, this reassures us that our aims and focus remain appropriate.

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

Organisation and staffing

As explained last year, we took advantage of additional funds received in late 2021 and early 2022 to invest in recruitment of new staff to help us to deliver our objectives and projects in a more structured and consistent manner. This was important as we emerged from the Covid pandemic to assist us reconnect with partners and volunteers, re-establish our fundraising and campaigning programmes, and upgrade our administrative systems and records.

Jo Crocker, our Executive Director, now leads a team of five part-time staff (equating currently to three full-time equivalents), as follows:

Changes in working practices after the Covid pandemic highlighted the need to improve systems for information and contact management, both to support communications and engagement and to enhance our membership records and donor management. We hope to be able to identify and migrate to new improved systems by the end of 2023.

In September 2022 we completed an office move at the University of Winchester campus to Alwyn Hall East, room 38, on the first floor. We are grateful to the University for their continued valuable support with the provision of serviced office space and utilities.

Summary of main ongoing and new campaigns and initiatives

Working with local communities

Winchester Climate Action Network (WeCAN)

The second phase of our WeCAN project commenced in March 2022. This built on an earlier phase, working with The Centre for Sustainable Energy, to create the foundations of a network of local communities acting on the climate crisis. This second phase, with core funding from the South Downs National Park Authority and additional funding from Winchester Rotary Club and WCC, currently runs until May 2024. We hope to be able to further extend and broaden the project.

A key part of our focus is working with communities to help them understand the need for systemic change. Parish councils and community groups are supported to build their capacity, prioritise, and organise their climate change related activities and learn from each other. Over the first year we have become actively engaged with 15 parish councils and community

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

groups which have already set up climate action groups. We are also in regular communication with other communities keen to form their own climate action groups.

Quarterly Network Events have been held, in person or online, for anyone in the Winchester District working with others in their community to take action on the climate crisis. A recent event included an interactive presentation on the En-ROADS global climate simulator. The team, working with WinACC’s Communications Manager, produce monthly communications bundles, including case studies, social media copy, posters and other resources themed by different areas of climate action. A regular newsletter to a widening group of parish and community group contacts shares information, ideas and experience and promotes training and funding opportunities. Over 30 volunteers are regularly engaged in WeCAN activities.

Activities initiated or supported have included:

We have also worked with Winchester Food Partnership, whose Good Food Movement project, funded by Sustainable Food Places (a partnership programme led by the Soil Association), includes a workstream to support parish councils and community groups develop healthier, more sustainable food options and tackle food waste.

Winchester District Climate Assembly

WinACC continued to convene Winchester Together for Our Planet to create added value by facilitating joint activities by local organisations working together on the climate emergency. On behalf of Winchester Together for Our Planet, WinACC coordinated planning and delivery of a full day Winchester District Climate Assembly event, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and generously hosted by WCC. 70 people from communities across the district came together on Saturday 22 October 2022 at Winchester Guildhall to discuss shared solutions to the joint crises of climate change and the cost of living.

The Assembly was of one voice: ‘Everyone needs to play their part; there is no time to lose!’ Participants were clear on the changes they wanted, including:

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

The Assembly’s report, Win4TheClimate , was published in November 2022. Assembly representatives shared their ideas at the 16 January 2023 Decision Day hosted by WCC's Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency. This discussed next steps for the City Council to become a net zero carbon district by 2030. We maintain contact with participants and encourage them to input into events such as WCC’s Carbon Neutrality Open Forum.

Winchester Green Week

WinACC again supported Winchester Green Week, the fifth annual festival to celebrate and promote sustainable living, from 24 September to 2 October 2022. With a theme of ‘A greener future for us all’, the festival coincided with National Great Big Green Week. It involved over 70 events coordinated by around 50 organisations. More than 3,000 people took part in events such as a swap shop, sustainable fashion show, climate cafes, planting, art exhibitions, Recycle Sunday, the mass cycle ride, and Winchester Repair Café’s launch.

As reported by Jo Crocker, also one of Green Week’s organisers: “These are not voices of complacency, these are voices of insight, vision and action. Winchester Green Week is about participation, remembering or relearning our connectedness, collaboration in the face of something bigger than anyone can tackle alone and an expectation that something new can and will emerge. Thank you to everyone who has been part of it.” The sixth Winchester Green Week takes place from 23 September to 1 October 2023.

Incredible Edible Winchester

Incredible Edible Winchester provides support and practical advice to people to eat a more sustainable diet. They promote events, studies and other organisations devoted to reducing food waste, producing diverse and sustainable food, removing plastic packaging, and promoting biodiversity. They have been actively involved this year with Action Hampshire's Greening for Wellbeing health and wellbeing initiative.

They run a lively community allotment off Edington Road, Winchester and welcome individuals who are referred to the allotment by GPs’ social prescribers. They continue to maintain demonstration planters at the train station and in Winchester city centre; the Abbey Gardens planter has been re-built in brick following the refurbishment of the gardens and play area. They have also worked with WCC and residents on a project to enhance an ‘unloved’ plot of land in Winnall.

Other community activities

WinACC produced a series of blogs during last November’s Conference of the Parties (COP) 27 in Egypt devoted to the themes of each day’s COP meetings. These aimed to highlight for communities in Winchester District the key topics being discussed and our hopes for these themes. These included Decarbonisation, Climate Finance, Transport, Solutions, Agriculture and Land Use, Action for Climate Empowerment/Civil Society and Biodiversity.

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

With the Covid pandemic now largely behind us, we reinstated monthly ‘in person’ open meetings (on the last Saturday of each month). Meetings already held in 2023 include:

Members of WinACC participated in ‘The Big One’ peaceful action at Westminster over four days in April, alongside representatives from many other climate change organisations across the district. Jo Crocker reported: “It was inspiring to be part of such a huge calm, positive and purposeful crowd, together calling for the government, and all of us, to urgently take action for the climate and biodiversity crises. I was reminded that the climate action any of us do across Winchester District is part of a global community determined to do all we can to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create a thriving and heathy planet. It is important!”

It has also been doubly valuable to have Alex Clayton as Chair this year because it has enabled us to strengthen our relationship with Winchester College.

Increasing renewable energy generation

WinACC’s 2022 report, Renewable Energy in Winchester District , issued by our Renewable Energy Action Group, stated that by 2020 renewable energy installations in Winchester

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

District met only 16% of district demand for electricity. It emphasised the six-fold increase in solar farm capacity needed to meet decarbonisation targets. The Group’s May 2023 follow-up report flagged that 2022 events could hardly have done more to provoke greater ambition within UK households and businesses to reduce dependence on the national electricity grid.

Against this background, we were delighted to hear in March 2023 that the proposed solar farm at Locks Farm, Bishop’s Waltham had been given the green light by WCC’s Planning Committee. This represents a landmark for WCC’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030. It is also consistent with the U.K. Government's Energy Security Plan "Powering up Britain", which affirms that “solar and farming can be complementary, supporting each other financially, environmentally and through shared use of land.”

Recent years of patient advocacy by WinACC in visualising the reality of a zero-carbon electricity grid came through in the closing statements by Committee members. We were also heartened by those who took the trouble to express support for the plans through the formal planning channel. As WinACC explained to the Committee: “this single smallish solar farm will generate more electricity in any given period than all the rooftop solar that has been installed in our district in the two decades since the technology came to market. The maths tell us we have no choice.”

Decarbonisation of the National Grid by 2035 (the U.K. Energy Security Plan commits to a fivefold scaling up of solar power by 2035) will need to include significant expansion of solar farms in rural districts, and reintroduction of onshore wind. Accordingly, the Renewable Energy Action Group has continued to seek to influence WCC on the need to allocate sites for renewable energy with a view to rapid scaling up of the modest progress seen to date. It estimates that just 1.5% of Winchester District’s land area would be sufficient to deliver a fair contribution towards the UK solar goal, if combined with a full complement of rooftop solar.

During the year, we received a grant from Lloyd’s Register Foundation, an independent global charity with the mission of engineering a safer world. These funds have been used to create multi-media materials designed to help overcome community objections to the use of agricultural land for renewable energy installations, including poor understanding of risks to national food security inherent in such objections.

The Action Group has actively campaigned for other solar developments as well as other applications and proposals to replace fossil fuels with more sustainable energy, including:

WinACC welcomes the support of Energise South Downs and Community Energy South, both of which work with the local communities on community energy projects. We have also

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

referred supporters to the ‘Power for People’ campaign for a Local Electricity Bill which would encourage and enable the local supply of electricity.

Reducing emissions from buildings

Planning for a Sustainable Winchester District

WinACC, led by our Transport and Planning Action Group, works with policymakers and decision-makers to make Winchester more sustainable. This includes:

  1. Showing how to make Winchester more sustainable through our research and reports.

  2. Giving policy advice to WCC to help them develop their thinking.

  3. Responding to proposals/initiatives and encouraging the wider community to take part in public consultations on these issues.

Particular attention has been given this year to WCC’s Winchester District Local Plan 20192039, addressing the climate emergency, standards for environmental design of homes and commercial developments, affordable housing, low carbon methods of transport and the natural and historic environment. This will guide development in the district until 2039.

The first formal draft of the Local Plan was published for a six-week public consultation from 2 November to 14 December 2022. As well as seeking to influence elements of the draft Plan in advance where we could, WinACC actively contributed to the consultation, convened meetings, and provided guidance on responding. WinACC submitted a collective response.

Other activities during the past 18 months have included:

We have updated our published material on what we look for in planning for a sustainable district, including greater emphasis in big developments on refurbishment of buildings rather than demolition and replacement. We have also recommended the professional report, ‘ The Climate Crisis: A Guide for Local Authorities on Planning for Climate Change ’ (January 2023), produced by Town and Country Planning Association and Royal Town Planning Institute, which shares three key messages for planners and the wider community:

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

  1. Ensure that tackling the climate crisis is at the heart of the vision for the future of our communities.

  2. Recognise how vital planning is to securing that vision – both directly, through facilitating the extension of renewable energy generation, and strategically, through practical nature-based solutions and design actions that can promote sustainable travel, urban cooling, or natural flood defences.

  3. Finally, recognise how many of the actions necessary to tackle the climate crisis are also key in creating healthy, ecologically rich, prosperous and beautiful places for us and for future generations.

We are also discussing with WCC planning guidance on historic homes with a view to identifying practical solutions to retrofitting such buildings.

Winchester Area SuperHomes project

Our SuperHomes project has continued to help homeowners across the District reduce the carbon footprint of their homes through arranging a Whole House Retrofit Plan to identify potential retrofit measures such as improved insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and other solutions. This project partners with the National Energy Foundation (NEF) and Petersfield Community Action Network, with funding from the Energy Redress Scheme managed by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of Ofgem.

The project team produced a marketing film last Summer and have provided interviews to various local radio and TV shows and articles for local newspapers and parish magazines. They have also worked with NEF to train and develop additional retrofit surveyors. The team hosted the Winchester Green Homes Fair in June 2022 to enable attendees to talk to industry experts and hear from homeowners on a range of topics. Several low carbon open home events have been organised, enabling visitors to see in operation various carbon and energy saving measures, including heat pumps and roof and ground mounted PV solar panels, and to discuss with homeowners their experiences.

In March 2023 we were pleased to accept an invitation from NEF to extend the SuperHomes contract by a further six months to the end of October 2023, with commensurate additional funding. By July 2023, 144 homeowners had signed up to the project, with 124 Whole House Retrofit Plans issued. A substantial number of homeowners have gone on to install one or more retrofit measures. We have continued to attend various local green fairs this Summer and on 29 July held an open meeting focussing on retrofitting heritage buildings.

Reducing emissions from transport

Our Transport and Planning Action Group has also continued to focus on reducing traffic blight, transport emissions and air pollution in the district. Amongst the many transportrelated developments that it has monitored, commented on and/or sought to influence during the year are the following:

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

Other activities during the year included further campaigning on the M3 Junction 9 plans; supporting campaigners against the Southampton Airport runway extension, which has now moved on to consultation on the noise impact; supporting a campaign by 20’s Plenty for Us for 20mph speed limits in Hampshire towns (and encouraging participation in HCC’s online survey on 20mph limits in Hampshire), and evaluating and commenting on Transport for the South East’s ‘Strategic Investment Plan’ , published in March 2023. WinACC continues to actively coordinate activities and campaigns with Cycle Winchester and is active on the Winchester Walking Strategy Group and the Council’s Air Quality Steering group, including consultation on the Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan.

Other lobbying and campaigning

The year began with a news release summarising the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report ‘Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change’ published on 4 April 2022, warning that humanity is in danger of slipping into climate catastrophe. Commenting on it, WinACC Trustee Danny Lee said: “We have to reduce our reliance on gas and oil, not find new ways to take more of it out of the ground.”

WinACC was also a joint signatory on a 6 May 2022 letter sent to senior members of the UK Government calling for the UK to continue to demonstrate leadership on methane reductions, both domestically and internationally. In the local context, WinACC emphasised the significant increase needed to renewable electricity generation in the district, replacement of fuel use in transport with greater support for walking, cycling and public transport, and the need for our Councils to update their climate and biodiversity action plans.

A WinACC briefing using Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy data on national greenhouse gas emission statistics from 2005 to 2020 illustrated the recent history and current state of emissions in Winchester District. For the first time, the data included estimates not only of CO² emissions, but also of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, including those from livestock and soil. As we reported in November 2022, almost 8% of the district’s emissions are contributed by livestock. While the data showed a substantial drop in total 2020 emissions, reflecting reduced transport emissions during the Covid pandemic, provisional 2021 national data indicated a return to previous emissions trajectories. Pathways identified to reduce emissions to zero by 2030 (in line with WCC’s Declaration of Climate Emergency) show significant acceleration of emissions reduction will be needed. A separate briefing produced on Hampshire-wide emissions data at district level, presented to HCC’s

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

Expert Stakeholder Forum on the climate, suggested opportunity to tailor emissions reduction activity to reflect better local information about where and how most emissions occur.

National policy - WinACC cooperates with The Climate Coalition and others to create a stronger voice on national policy. This includes lobbying our local MPs; encouraging supporters to write to MPs and sign petitions; and publicising our reactions to Government and UN climate policy announcements. As referred to earlier, WinACC has continued to coordinate a coalition of Winchester based climate change action groups and the University of Winchester (Winchester Together for Our Planet) to develop initiatives to raise community awareness about climate change imperatives and influence our politicians.

Winchester City Council – WinACC maintains a constructive working relationship with WCC. The Council Cabinet member for the climate emergency is nominated to our Board of Trustees; we hold regular meetings with officers responsible for planning and implementing WCC’s responses to the climate emergency and regularly attend or present at relevant Council meetings. These included the Air Quality Steering Group and the Carbon Neutrality Open Forum. A particular focus has been development of WCC’s Carbon Neutrality Action Plan, including review of advisory work by external consultants and ongoing consultations.

Hampshire County Council – HCC nominates a Councillor to our Board of Trustees, and we maintained contact with their Executive Member for the climate.

Hampshire Climate Action Network (HampshireCAN) – WinACC is responsible for financial management of HampshireCAN, which brings together people active on climate change in their communities in the local government areas of Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. The aim is to learn from each other, coordinate activities and facilitate projects to mitigate climate change, and present a joint voice to HCC and other cross-border agencies (eg, M3 LEP and Transport for the South East). WinACC provides one of the two HampshireCAN’s representatives at HCC’s Expert Stakeholder Forum on the climate.

Hampshire Pension Fund Divest (HPF Divest) – WinACC works through HPF Divest to encourage Hampshire Pension Fund to divest from fossil fuels. HPF Divest focussed on working with others, including the local government trade union, UNISON, to have a presence outside as well as at meetings of the Hampshire Pension Fund Panel and Board. We were pleased to see the Fund taking a positive step forward from their previous position.

Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel

The Panel continues to produce valued scientific and technical reports and blogs. Volunteer authors combine expertise in their field with a passion to help combat climate change. In an article issued in July 2022, the Chair of the Panel emphasised that the unprecedented temperatures experienced during last Summer’s heat wave were “a sadly ominous sign of what may be to come for us and future generations.”

Blogs released by the Panel during the year included:

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

The year ended with a news release by the Panel on the 20 March 2023 IPCC synthesis report setting out current assessments on the state of the climate. Expected emissions from existing coal, oil and gas infrastructure alone will drive global temperatures beyond 1.5c warming, which will see devastating species loss and mass migrations of people as parts of the world become inhospitable. However, while some future changes to the climate are already unavoidable and/or irreversible, they can still be limited by substantial, rapid and sustained reductions in harmful global greenhouse gas emissions.

As emphasised by WinACC’s Chair: “We have a duty to ensure that we do all we can for future generations, so they do not suffer the consequences of our inaction.”

Financial Review and Reserves Policy

Our donations for 2022/23 returned to previous levels after a one-year increase because of a generous one-off donation in 2021 from Oak Foundation. This left us at the start of the year with a healthy level of unrestricted reserves. After careful consideration of the appropriate level of reserves for the Company and increased pressure arising from challenging economic conditions in 2022, the trustees decided to partly reduce these reserves by building up staff infrastructure in the year. This has meant a delivering a planned negative result for the year.

Income from charitable activities increased by around 38% compared to the previous year. As well as ongoing service income and grants from National Energy Foundation and Sustainable Food Places, WinACC was able to recognise additional grant income during the year from South Downs National Park Authority, the main funder of the WeCAN project, and The National Lottery Community Fund for the Winchester District Climate Assembly. Our Real Estate Action Group also received a grant from Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

The Company’s total income for 2022/23 fell back from £123,453 to £107,212, whilst expenditure increased from £92,545 to £149,193. The expenditure increase was mainly due to increased staffing levels to enable us to deliver our new grant funded projects and to enhance WinACC’s organisational capabilities. It is worth noting that the Company is substantially protected from increases in energy prices and other property costs due to the donation of our serviced office by University of Winchester – the financial impact of this is included within the Statement of Financial Activities with an equal amount in income (as a benefit in kind) and expenditure reflecting an estimate of the commercial value of the benefit received.

Unrestricted reserves decreased during the year from £61,017 as at 31 March 2022 to £27,291 at 31 March 2023. This figure is now towards the lower threshold of our reserves policy, which seeks to maintain unrestricted funds not designated for a specific use at a level equivalent to between three and six months’ typical unrestricted expenditure (excluding non-

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

cash benefits in kind). Taking into account our budget for 2023/24, recent inflation levels and uncertainty of future fundraising in the current economic climate, the trustees consider this to be an adequate level of reserves. It is recognised, however, that if we do not achieve expected levels of new fundraising then we will need to manage down our expenditure levels.

This level of reserves is intended to help the Company manage financial uncertainty and to give assurance to funders and creditors about its capacity to meet its commitments and manage any unforeseen financial difficulties. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Company’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised or future expenditure reduced. The Trustees are also concerned that reserves should be sufficient to meet additional costs associated with winding up the Company, should that course of action ever be deemed appropriate.

Disclosure of information to independent examiner

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no relevant information (as defined by s.418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which they are aware which is relevant to the examination, but of which the examiner is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the examiner is aware of such information. This report has been prepared in accordance with the small company regime (Section 419(2) of the Companies Act 2006).

Our thanks to everyone who contributes to WinACC

Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude to all of the many people and organisations who contribute to WinACC in so many ways. This includes our members, those who participate in our open meetings, and the many volunteers who offer their time and energy to our Action Groups and projects. We are particularly grateful to those who donate to the charity – the platform on which our activities are built relies heavily on the regular donations we receive from our supporters and organisations like Winchester City Council. A special thanks also to our dedicated staff, who keep the whole thing running and help us deliver so many great initiatives.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees:

Dr Alex Clayton, Chair

Dated: 10 August 2023

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees, who are also directors of Winchester Action on Climate Change Ltd for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Reports and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company, including the income and expenditure for that year.

In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the Trustees are aware:

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

FOR THE TRUSTEES OF WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

I report on the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2023, which are set out on pages 19 to 28.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charitable Company’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 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 report

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:

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.

Name: CJ Goodhead FCA, Knight Goodhead Ltd, Chartered Accountants

Address: 7 Bournemouth Road, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 3DA Dated: 29 August 2023

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WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 (Including Income and Expenditure account)

Notes
Income
Donations
and legacies
Charitable
activities
3
Investment
income
Total income
Expenditure
Cost of
raising funds
Charitable
activities
5
Total expenditure
Net income /
(expenditure) for year
Transfers 9
Total fund balances
brought forward
Total fund balances
carried forward
2023
2022
2023
2022
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
33,088
6,300
39,388
34,720
32,587
67,307
517
0
517
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
£
£
£
62,139
12,449
74,588
40,879
7,945
48,824
41
0
41
68,325
38,887
107,212
180
0
180
101,871
47,142
149,013
103,059
20,394
123,453
96
0
96
80,130
12,319
92,449
102,051
47,142
149,193
(33,726)
(8,255)
(41,981)

0
0
0
61,017
23,304
84,321
80,226
12,319
92,545
22,833
8,075
30,908
1,302
(1,302)
0
36,882
16,531
53,413
27,291
15,049
42,340
61,017
23,304
84,321

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

19

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
6
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS: amounts falling due within
one year
8
NET CURRENT ASSETS
CREDITORS: amounts falling due after
more than one year
8
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
General funds
Restricted funds
9
TOTAL FUNDS
£
5,003
70,771
2023
£
142
47,008
(4,810)
2022
£
£
0
12,757
129,366
75,774
(28,766)
142,123
(26,432)
115,691
(31,370)
42,340 84,321
27,291
15,049
61,017
23,304
42,340 84,321

For the financial year ended 31 March 2023 the Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006; and no notice has been deposited under section 476. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records, which comply with section 386, and preparing accounts, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the year and of its surplus or deficit for the financial year, in accordance with the requirements of section 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the company.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by the Trustees on 10 August 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Hugh McNaughtan, Treasurer

Dated: 10 August 2023

20

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Accounting Convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Financial Reporting Standard 102 applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102); the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102 (Charities SORP (FRS 102)); and the Companies Act 2006.

The charity meets the definition of the public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost of transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis. There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue.

b) Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds are funds earmarked by the trustees for a particular project, but which remain part of unrestricted funds.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor when making the gift or resulting from the terms of the application for the funds.

Fund transfers are made when restricted funds have been lawfully released and transferred to unrestricted funds or where charity law permits the proceeds of restricted funds to be spent for an alternative purpose.

c) Income

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income, receipt is probable, and the amount of the income can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Donations and legacies received by way of grants, donations, legacies and gifts are normally included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable. Associated Gift Aid, where the donor has confirmed in writing that it can be claimed, is recognised on successful submission of claims to HMRC.

Grant income where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of performance-related conditions is recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Grant income where entitlement is conditional on the delivery of substantive performancerelated conditions contained in the funding agreement is recognised only when the conditions are met. Such conditions can include specification of the time period over which related expenditure of resources on the services funded can take place.

Where terms and conditions of a grant have not been met or uncertainty exists as to whether the charity can meet the terms or conditions otherwise than under its control, grant income is not recognised but is deferred as a liability until it is probable that the terms or conditions imposed can be met. A grant subject to performance-related conditions received in advance

21

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

of delivering the services required by those conditions is accounted for as a liability and shown on the balance sheet as deferred income. Where the conditions extend over a period of more than one year, then the amount of the liability is disclosed as being due after more than one year. Deferred income is released to income in the reporting period in which the performance-related conditions that limit recognition are met.

The reasonably estimated value to the charity of office space, associated utilities and other services used by the charity which are donated by the University of Winchester is treated as donation income and the same cost is included in expenditure.

The charity relies on the contribution of unpaid general volunteers in carrying out its activities. However, it is impractical to measure their contributions reliably for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the contributions of general volunteers are not included as income in the financial statements. However, a description of the role played by general volunteers is provided in note 4 to these accounts.

Investment income is included when receivable.

d) Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. It includes any VAT paid.

Costs are apportioned in line with the income received from that source during the year.

Expenditure on charitable activities comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly.

e) Pension Costs

Contributions in respect of the defined contribution scheme used by the Company (the Nest workplace pension scheme established by the government) are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities for the year in which they are payable to the scheme. Differences between contributions payable and contributions actually paid in the year are shown as either accruals or prepayments at the year end.

f) Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £100. They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt, less depreciation. Depreciation is provided on fixed assets to spread the cost over the estimated useful lives of the relevant assets at the following rates:

Computer equipment: 33.3% straight line

2. LEGAL STATUS

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The charitable company was incorporated on 30 March 2012 in the United Kingdom and was registered on 8 February 2013 with the Charity Commission in England and Wales. The charity is a public benefit entity.

22

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

The registered office of the charitable company is Main Campus, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO22 4NR.

3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Charitable activities
Core activities
Fundraising
Supporting communities
Projects
Sales of services
Unrestricted Restricted
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
0
0
0
1,831
0
0
0
0
5,783
10,552
16,335
10,464
27,365
22,035
49,400
36,529
1,572
0
1,572
0
34,720
32,587
67,307
48,824

Income arising on core activities in 2022 represented that received from the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (2023 £nil).

4. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension expenses
Other
2023
£
105,211
4,505
2,152
0
111,868
2022
£
62,217
280
1,175
609
64,281

The average number of staff employed during the year was 4.8 (2022 3.4). No employee received emoluments of £60,000 or more during this year or the prior year. During the year one employee was considered to be key management personnel (£19,228 emoluments for part-time employment; 2022 £7,614 from November 2021 to March 2022).

During the year no trustee was paid; one trustee was reimbursed for £101 of travel expenses (2022 £nil).

Various unpaid services are provided by general volunteers, including trustees. These services have not been measured for the purposes of these accounts but include general management, project and action group leadership, academic research and report writing, planning and organisational, company secretarial, treasury and financial management, fundraising and partnership activities.

23

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

5. EXPENDITURE

.EXPENDITURE
Costs directly allocated to activities
Staff costs (see note 4)
Direct project costs
Training and recruitment
Support costs allocated to activities
Serviced office
Marketing, Communications and IT
costs
Finance
Depreciation
Other costs
Governance costs
Accountancy and examination fees
Trustee and AGM costs
Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
81,315
30,553
111,868
64,281
6,992
11,439
18,431
11,837
635
92
727
453
88,942
42,084
131,026
76,571
8,692
0
8,692
11,520
1,428
73
1,501
1,695
1,076
0
1,076
1,587
47
886
0
4,985
47
5,871
0
352
12,129
5,058
17,187
15,154
700
0
700
620
100
0
100
104
101,871
47,142
149,013
92,449

Serviced office is the “in kind” donation of serviced office space from the University of Winchester. This has also been included in donation income.

Other costs for 2023 include £4,847 incurred in connection with a substantial upgrade to the charity’s website, the majority of which has been allocated to restricted funds kindly received from anonymous donors.

Included within accountancy and examination fees above are amounts due to the independent examiners of £700 and £620 for 2023 and 2022, respectively.

24

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost as at 1 April 2022
Additions
Cost as at 31 March 2023
Depreciation as at 1 April 2022
Depreciation charge for the year
Depreciation as at 31 March 2023
Net book value as at 31 March 2023
Net book value as at 31 March 2022
£
530
189
719
530
47
577
142
0

7. DEBTORS

.DEBTORS
Trade debtors
Accrued income and prepayments
2023
2022
£
£
2,086
2,528
2,917
10,229
5,003
12,757

8. CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
Amounts falling due after more
than
one year:
Deferred income
2023
2022
£
£
0
629
4,018
628
24,748
25,175
28,766
26,432
4,810
31,370
33,576
57,802

25

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

9. RESTRICTED FUNDS

Administration Fund
Branding & Publicity
Buildings & Transport Action
HampshireCAN
HCC Councillor Grants:
Safer Streets
Retrofit
Lloyds Register
Foundation
Policy & Partnerships
Fund
Project Z
Retrofit crowdfunding
National Lottery
Community Fund
(Climate Assembly)
The Soil Association/Sustainable
Food Places grants:
Food for the Planet
/Good Food Funds
WeCAN: South Downs National
Park Authority
Winchester Rotary Club
WCC: Winchester Together for
our Planet
Winchester Green Week:
- Individual donations
- The Climate Coalition: The
Great Big Green Week
-
Paris Smith
Funds
b/fwd
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
Funds
c/fwd
£
£
£
£
£
3,595
0
(83)
0
3,512
2,510
0
(2,510)
0
0
2,275
0
(203)
0
2,072
323
50
(152)
0
221
522
0
(120)
0
402
900
0
(900)
0
0
0
4,600
(102)
0
4,498
6,250
(6,250)
0
0
3,128
0
(3,128)
0
0
1,709
0
0
0
1,709
0
9,320
(9,320)
0
0
80
6,000
(6,080)
0
0
1,599
11,667
(11,940)
0
1,326
4,800
0
(4,800)
0
0
215
0
(215)
0
0

198
0
(198)
0
0
1,450
0
(1,141)
0
309
0
1,000
0
0
1,000
23,304 38,887
(47,142)
0
15,049

26

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

Explanation of Funds:

Administration Fund is an anonymous donation to be used for administrative support and staff training, or as otherwise agreed with the donor.

Branding and Publicity Fund was an anonymous donation to be used for marketing, branding & publicity work, including development of the charity’s website.

Buildings & Transport Action is an anonymous donation to be used for buildings or transport campaigning and projects.

HampshireCAN is the Hampshire Climate Action Network, with which WinACC has an agreement for the provision of support services without charge (for the collection of revenues and payment of expenses).

HCC Councillor Grants refers to grants from individual Hampshire County Councillors. This includes ‘Safer Streets’ to promote safer streets in Winchester, ‘Retrofit’ to contribute towards production of a video about retrofitting homes (fully utilised by June 2022).

The Lloyds Register Foundation grant is for the creation of media to address solar farm objections that cite a threat to national food security.

The Policies & Partnership Fund was an anonymous donation to be used to partially fund in the first year the new Partnerships Manager post.

Project Z was an anonymous donation to be used for various projects agreed with the donor, including development of the SuperHomes project bid and further development of the charity’s website.

Retrofit crowdfunding – individual donations were received through a crowdfunding scheme for which expected match funding was not received; donors of £840 agreed that their donations could be transferred for WinACC’s general activities; the remainder is held to provide additional support as needed, for example for low-income household retrofits, in connection with the SuperHomes project.

The National Lottery Community Fund grant was received and used to fund the organisation and execution of a Winchester District Climate Assembly held in October 2022.

The Soil Association grants collected on behalf of the Winchester Food Partnership (WFP) include the grants under SFP’s ‘Good Food Movement’ programme for work by WFP in connection with WinACC’s WeCAN project and SFP’s ‘Food for the Planet’ programme on which WFP are working with Winchester City Council and Incredible Edibles.

Winchester Climate Action Network (WeCAN) is an ongoing campaign to support local communities achieve net zero carbon. It was funded during the year by the South Downs National Park Authority (over a period of 2.25 years) and Winchester Rotary Club. Additional funding has been received in April 2023 from Winchester City Council, which will be accounted for in the year ending 31 March 2024.

Winchester City Council’s grant contributed to the costs of events being planned by WinACC and other Winchester based climate change action groups in the run up to COP27 under the ‘Winchester Together for Our Planet’ banner.

Winchester Green Week is a festival of eco events and is supported by WinACC (for the collection of revenues and payment of expenses). In addition to various individual donations received in the previous year and utilised during 2022/23, grants have been received from

27

WINCHESTER ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE LTD Company number: 08013043

The Climate Coalition (The Great Big Green Week Community Grant to) and Paris Smith Winchester.

10. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

0.UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 0.UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 0.UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Funds
b/fwd
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
Funds
c/fwd
£
£
£
£
£
Designated Fund (WeCAN
project safety net, pending
confirmation of additional
match funding)
5,000
0
0
(5,000)
0
General funds
56,017
68,325(102,051)
5,000
27,291
61,017
68,291
(102,051)
0
27,291
1.ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Unrestricted
Restricted
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
Fixed Assets
142
0
142
0
0
0
Debtors &
accrued income
4,183
820
5,003
12,757
0
12,757
Bank and Cash
23,752
47,019
70,771
49,517
79,849
129,366
Creditors and
accruals
(786)
(32,790)
(33,576)
(1,257)
(56,545)
(57,802)
27,291
15,049
42,340
61,017
23,304
84,321
Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
£
£
£
142
0
142
4,183
820
5,003
23,752
47,019
70,771
(786)
(32,790)
(33,576)
Unrestricted
Restricted
2022
£
£
£
0
0
0

12,757
0
12,757

49,517
79,849
129,366
(1,257)
(56,545)
(57,802)
27,291
15,049
42,340

61,017
23,304
84,321

11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions during the year.

28