**SEEND COMMUNITY BUS Charity Registration No. 1157309 VAT No. 188 807063** 34 Seend Cleeve Seend Melksham Wiltshire SN12 6PY Telephone 07734303919 Email: seendshuttle@gmail.com ## **SEEND COMMUNITY BUS REPORT 1[st] March 2025 TO 28[th] February 2026** ## **OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR** The mission of the charity is to provide transport in the rural areas of Seend and Bromham for those who have limited or no access to public transport. This service relies entirely on volunteers, not only to drive the vehicle but to keep it clean, monitor maintenance, keep proper records of usage, income, expenditure and liaise with service users and hirers. Two of our volunteers are registered as Trustees with the Charity Commission. The MOT Centre at Bowerhill is an invaluable port of call, where Class 5 MOTs, regular safety inspections and general maintenance are carried out, sometimes at short notice. The charity also benefits from a good relationship with Wiltshire Council and Community First who support all Wiltshire Community Transport Groups. As a member of the Wiltshire & Swindon Community Transport Association we are part of a broad, supportive group of organisations. We are also grateful to Seend Parish Council for their financial support. We have been able to meet other operators face to face on several occasions. Meetings are hosted by Urchfont Village Hall on a regular basis. A representative from Wiltshire Council has occasionally been in attendance and we continue to be kept informed about regulations and guidance for transport operators. Equally important has been the opportunity to compare experiences with other groups and to keep up enthusiasm and morale. We are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission. Seend Community Bus, 34 Seend Cleeve, Seend, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6PY Telephone: 01380 828757 Mobile: 07734 303919 e-mail seendshuttle@gmail.com Established June 4[th] 2014 Charity Commission No. 1157309 VAT No. 188 807063 Our services are run entirely by volunteers and we are always looking to strengthen our base of drivers with D1 eligibility on their licence. This has been a challenge for most operators in the sector as we rely on an aging team of volunteers. From age 70 drivers have to undergo a medical examination and eye test every 3 years in order to maintain their D1. The cost varies but D4 Drivers charge less than local GPs and we cover the cost of this for our volunteers. At the moment we have a good team of drivers but we are always looking ahead. One of our drivers was unable to drive for us while awaiting cataract replacements. He has now been approved by DVLA and is back on the school run rota. ## **SERVICES** The Seend School morning term-time service has been operating successfully all year collecting pupils from Seend, Bulkington and Bowerhill. The team of drivers now have an extra member, operate on a rota basis and have covered 2988 miles catering for 3544 passenger trips. The Tuesday shopping run to Melksham and the Thursday market day Devizes Shuttle continue successfully. The Thursday Shuttle has been even more popular than last year averaging around 25 passenger trips every week and a high of 44.The Tuesday shopping run averages 16 passenger trips. The first Wednesday of the month Section 19 outings to Salisbury have again been popular, running on 9 occasions. The March run was full, as was the pre-Christmas outing, which was fully booked weeks in advance. In total the Salisbury runs have catered for 87 passengers. To summarise, it has been a very successful year for our regular service runs. All services other than the school run have covered a total of 4248 miles and catered for 2337 passenger trips; 635 more than the previous year. ## **FUNDING** Wiltshire Council supported the charity with an annual grant of £2744. We are extremely grateful to the Council for continuing to help fund community transport as we understand their ability to do so is at the mercy of a dwindling budget. To qualify for the Wiltshire Council grant the Trustees have to provide annual accounts and demonstrate that the service provided meets their criteria. To this end, a record is kept of the mileage for every trip made by the bus and the number of passengers it carries. CT groups have been assured by Council that they are determined to support the sector. Wiltshire Council also support us through the Concessionary Fares scheme. Monthly figures are provided by us and we are reimbursed accordingly based on a complex formula which takes into account the actual number of passengers using a bus pass on our services. Other funding is from donations. The Parish Council again showed their support and appreciation with a generous donation of £570 for which we are extremely grateful. Seend Theatre Club, who hire the bus regularly, made a generous contribution of £50. Seend Community Bus, 34 Seend Cleeve, Seend, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6PY Telephone: 01380 828757 Mobile: 07734 303919 e-mail seendshuttle@gmail.com Established June 4[th] 2014 Charity Commission No. 1157309 VAT No. 188 807063 Hiring the vehicle to local groups boosts our income. We are getting frequent enquiries from a wide range of not-for-profit groups. Schools, clubs, scouts, guides, youth and sporting groups are among those who find the vehicle an asset. All hirings are on a selfdrive basis and the driver is required to have D1 eligibility, complete a declaration form and be familiarised with the vehicle. ## **MAINTENANCE** Weekly inspections of the bus are made by our in-house mechanic. His skill and knowledge are invaluable. Ensuring that the vehicle is maintained in a safe condition and with all levels topped up has to be a priority. The MOT centre at Bowerhill carries out regular ten-weekly full safety inspections of the vehicle in compliance with the Section 19 and 22 Permit requirements and undertakes any repairs and servicing needed. Annual servicing of the on-board fire extinguishers is carried out by Devizes Fire. ## **CLEANING** Our area of operation is predominantly rural. Some of the roads are often muddy. Anita has been vigilant in making sure the bus is clean and presentable inside and out. ## **HIRINGS** During the year there were 51 bookings. These covered a total of 3513 miles and catered for 954 passengers. Bookings are charged at a fixed rate per mile plus VAT. Hirers pay 85p per mile plus VAT. The charge for hire is based on the principal of Full Cost Recovery rather than profit. This helps to cover all the expenses inherent in keeping the vehicle in top condition and fit for service. We believe we are getting it right but will continue to monitor costs. ## **ACCOUNTING** A meticulous record of accounts is kept using a system of spreadsheets. This system was examined and approved by HMRC shortly after we voluntarily registered for VAT. All the following figures are given excluding VAT. The accounting system automatically totals VAT on hirings and VAT relating to expenditure and these are recorded separately on the balance sheet. In accordance with the HMRC “Making Tax Digital” regulations, quarterly returns are made using free bridging software. A spreadsheet template is used. As expected, ANNA started charging for reading this spreadsheet and submitting it to Seend Community Bus, 34 Seend Cleeve, Seend, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6PY Telephone: 01380 828757 Mobile: 07734 303919 e-mail seendshuttle@gmail.com Established June 4[th] 2014 Charity Commission No. 1157309 VAT No. 188 807063 HMRC. We now use another free bridging service called MyTax Digital. So far this is working reasonably well, although the spreadsheet it reads derives figures from the main accounting sheet and MyTax Digital is unable to process these formulae. This means the figures have to be entered manually. Full accounts are prepared annually and submitted to Wiltshire Council to support the Annual Grant Application and to the Charity Commission along with this annual report. Accounts are also forwarded to Seend Parish Council as a courtesy in return for their annual donation. ## **EXPENDITURE** Total expenditure for the year was £6331.15 compared to £6502.54 for the previous year. 1. Office Expenses were £170.11: £66.66 for AVAST VPN subscription, £99.99 for Microsoft Office and £3.46 for printer paper. 2. There were no claims for expenses by any of our volunteers. 3. Insurance/Licences cost £2071.03 compared to the previous year’s £2141.14. This comprised £1800.03 Insurance, £106 for 2 MOTs paid in the year and £165 Road Tax, 4. Maintenance costs were £781.15 compared to last year’s £415.00. This covered regular safety inspections, two new front tyres at £225.70, a full service at £224.00 and service of the fire extinguishers at £49.95. 5. Fuel costs were £2086.38. Last year was £2437.73 6. One volunteer driver needed a D1 medical at a cost of £66.67 7. No hire of other vehicles was needed this year. 8. Other costs totalled £52: £25 CHAPS payment re new bus / £2.50 Dartford Crossing re delivery of new bus from Essex / £14.50 for a mop & bucket to keep in the bus and £10 for membership of W&SCTA. 9. Postage for the year was £2.80 relating to the Council Grant application. 10. Other Expenditure was £170 to VK Graphics for Bus logo and lettering. £10 was also paid for membership of W & S CTA. ## **INCOME** Seend Community Bus, 34 Seend Cleeve, Seend, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6PY Telephone: 01380 828757 Mobile: 07734 303919 e-mail seendshuttle@gmail.com Established June 4[th] 2014 Charity Commission No. 1157309 VAT No. 188 807063 Total income for the year was slightly down: £11689.29 compared to £11790.79 last year. 1. Income from Hirings was considerably less, down to £2962.05 from £4,184.80. 2. Bus Fares for the “School” Run reflect the fluctuating school population. £823.25 compared to £904.00. 3. Fares for the Salisbury trips were £435 compared to last year’s figure of £400. 4. Bus Pass Reclaims total depends on when payments are made in the year. This year we received a reimbursement of £3780.24 compared to last year’s £2352.23. 5. Donations Total £620.26: Seend Parish Council kindly increased their annual gift from £550 to £570. Seend Theatre Club donated £50 and a hirer rounded up their invoice by £0.26. 6. The Wiltshire Council Grant remained at £2744. 7. The surplus of income over expenditure for the year was £6331.15 compared to last year’s £6502.54. 8. Interest earned on the deposit account was, as expected, lower than last year’s figure of £572.70 at £324.49. Quite simply, less money in the account and a reduction in the interest rate. ## **VAT** VAT is accounted for separately. All above figures are excluding VAT. During the year we reclaimed a total of £654.84 and collected £529.41 on income. The balance of VAT over the year was £62.43 in the charity’s favour. ## **SUMMARY** Seend Community Bus is in a sound place in all ways. Confidence in public and community transport continues to improve. Passenger numbers are increasing and our services are all running smoothly. Bookings have been frequent and income overall has been good. With about £31,000 in the reserve we are in a good position to move into another successful year. Those who use our services really appreciate what we do and Seend Shuttle is firmly established as part of the community. We are grateful to all the people who help to keep things running smoothly and who give up there time voluntarily. Without volunteers there would be no service but we are fair set to continue the work we do, serving the communities of Seend, Bromham and elsewhere. Seend Community Bus, 34 Seend Cleeve, Seend, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6PY Telephone: 01380 828757 Mobile: 07734 303919 e-mail seendshuttle@gmail.com Established June 4[th] 2014 Charity Commission No. 1157309 VAT No. 188 807063 This concludes the annual report of the Trustees of Seend Community Bus. Report dated 24th April 2026 Prepared by P. Wallis (Chair of Trustees) Seend Community Bus, 34 Seend Cleeve, Seend, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6PY Telephone: 01380 828757 Mobile: 07734 303919 e-mail seendshuttle@gmail.com Established June 4[th] 2014 Charity Commission No. 1157309 VAT No. 188 807063 ## **Seend Community Bus Accounts 2025 to 2026** ## **Statement of operating income and expenditure (excl VAT) 1/3/25 to 28/2/26** |_2024-25_
**EXPENDITURE**
2025-26
_71.66_
Office expenses
170.11
_6.40_
Misc including drivers expenses
0.00
_2141.14_
Vehicle insurance and licences
2071.03
_415.00_
Maintenance and Repairs
781.15
_2437.73_
Fuel
2086.38
_156.47_
Medical tests
66.67
_0.00_
Vehicle hire
0.00
_7.85_
Postage
2.80
_52.00_
Other
180.00
_5288.25_
5358.14
_6502.54_
**6331.15**
**_11790.79_**
**11689.29**
**Surplus carried down to General Fund**|_2024-25_
**INCOME**
_4184.80_
Private hire
_904.00_
School Service
_400.00_
Other Services
_2352.23_
Bus pass claims
_572.70_
Bank interest
_633.06_
Donations and fundraising
_2744.00_
Wilts Council Grant
**_11790.79_**|2025-26
2962.05
823.25
435.00
3780.24
324.49
620.26
2744.00| |---|---|---| |||**11689.29**| ## **General Fund Movement to 28/02/2026** |**_2023-24_**
_5004.75_
General Fund at Year End
**_5004.75_**
_29.78_
Cash in hand
_2512.40_
Cash at bank - current account
_22112.42_
Cash at bank - deposit
**_24654.60_**
Balance C/F
**Balance checker>>**|**_2023-24_**
_5004.75_
General Fund at Year End
**_5004.75_**
_29.78_
Cash in hand
_2512.40_
Cash at bank - current account
_22112.42_
Cash at bank - deposit
**_24654.60_**
Balance C/F
**Balance checker>>**|**2025-26**
30923.32
_2236.96_
_-14853.32_
_-12616.36_
**30923.32**
**Balance sheet at 28/2/26**
76.83
3472.01
27436.91
**30985.75**
**0.00**
|**_2024-25_**
**2025-26**
_75294.42_
Balance brought forward
**24654.60**
_6502.54_
Surplus of income over expenditure
6331.15
_-64175.85 _
VAT collected
592.41
VAT on purchases
-654.84
_-12616.36_
-62.43
-62.43
**_5004.75_**
**30923.32**
_14853.32_
VAT reclaimed
654.84
_-2203.47_
VAT to HMRC
-592.41
62.43
62.43
_5004.75_
General fund
30923.32
_7000.00_
_<**_24654.60_**
**30985.75**
_(<>**|**0.00**
||| |**Bank reconciliation 28/2/26**
**Balance from bank statement**
**3627.52**
Turnpike Account paid 02/03/26
-195.61
VAT REPAY 06/03/26
40.10
VAT running balance
**Adjusted bank balance(self-calculating)**
**3472.01**|**Bank reconciliation 28/2/26**
**Balance from bank statement**
**3627.52**
Turnpike Account paid 02/03/26
-195.61
VAT REPAY 06/03/26
40.10
VAT running balance
**Adjusted bank balance(self-calculating)**
**3472.01**|**Bank reconciliation 28/2/26**
**Balance from bank statement**
**3627.52**
Turnpike Account paid 02/03/26
-195.61
VAT REPAY 06/03/26
40.10
VAT running balance
**Adjusted bank balance(self-calculating)**
**3472.01**| |---|---|---| ||**Adjusted bank balance(self-calculating)**|**3472.01**| |||| |---|---|---| |**VAT RETURN BALANCE**||| |SCB to
HMRC|HMRC
to SCB|| |107.06||MAY| ||74.88|AUG| ||54.51|NOV| |40.10||FEB| |**147.16**|**129.39**|**TOTAL**|