Company registration number: 08834787 Charity registration number: 1157392
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
(A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
Edmund Carr LLP Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 0AW
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Contents
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 17 |
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Reference and Administrative Details
| Chairman | A G Davies |
|---|---|
| Trustees | D C D Dignum |
| A Martin | |
| C I McArthur | |
| P A Roberts | |
| W H Robinson | |
| A E Ruggles-Brise | |
| A C J Wood | |
| J M Burch | |
| Principal Office | Dairyley Farmhouse |
| Spains Hall Road | |
| Finchingfield | |
| Braintree | |
| Essex | |
| CM7 4NL | |
| The charity is incorporated in England & Wales. | |
| Company Registration Number | 08834787 |
| Charity Registration Number | 1157392 |
| Bankers | CAF Bank |
| 25 Kings Hill Avenue | |
| Kings Hill | |
| West Malling | |
| Kent | |
| ME19 4JQ | |
| Independent Examiner | Colin Andrew Barker FCA |
| Edmund Carr LLP | |
| Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor | |
| 146 New London Road | |
| Chelmsford | |
| Essex | |
| CM2 0AW |
Page 1
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Trustees' Report
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present their annual report together with the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 May 2021.
The company is a registered charity under number 1157392 and is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee from 7 January 2014. The activities are governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the company commenced trading on 20 August 2014.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014.
This annual report also includes the requirements of a directors’ report, as required by company law.
Organisation
The directors who served as trustees during the year are set out on page 1.
Objectives and activities
Our objects for which the charity is established are:
-
to conserve, protect, rehabilitate and improve the rivers, streams, watercourses, groundwaters and water impoundments of the catchments comprising the rivers in Essex and East Suffolk, including adjacent estuarine and coastal areas, for the advancement of environmental protection or improvement for the benefit of the public, and secondly
-
to advance the education of the public, or any institution, voluntary organisation, company, local authority or public body, in the understanding of rivers and their catchments, including the need for and the benefits of conservation, protection, rehabilitation and improvements of aquatic environments.
Review of activities and future developments
The board has a strong and diverse membership able to provide advice and give direction on work areas, drawing membership from consultancy, businesses, banking, agriculture, water companies and voluntary conservation bodies. The board has met every three months during the last year. We have two part-time members of staff in addition to the Director. We have no liabilities such as ownership of buildings, so we can closely manage our finances with a high degree of certainty and prudence. This policy will be reviewed as we grow as an organisation.
As with many organisations and businesses, restrictions and lockdowns as a result of the Covid pandemic seriously impacted our work. This prevented us from having any face-to-face meetings throughout the year and severely hampered our ability to get out on the ground to investigate and develop new projects. Access to new funding also became a major issue as so many funding sources either suspended their grant giving activities or redirected their priorities to emergency funding.
Page 2
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Trustees' Report
Our new Director, who started in March 2020, took the opportunity to develop and produce a new three-year Business Strategy which was approved and adopted by the Board in September 2020.
Despite restrictions on holding meetings in person, we were able to achieve a great deal in maintaining and developing our working relationships with partners and stakeholders throughout Essex and Suffolk using video conference applications. We continued to build on our work as hosts of the East Suffolk Catchment Partnership, thanks to continued support from DEFRA and the Environment Agency, holding three successful partnership meetings and issuing two newsletters in the year. In January 2021 we took on the hosting of the Essex Combined Catchment Partnership (also known as Essex Rivers Hub) from Essex Wildlife Trust, again with financial support from DEFRA through the Environment Agency.
Project development work included:
• A suite of river restoration projects in East Suffolk for submission to DEFRA’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. Whilst this was unsuccessful due to huge competition, we aim to take forward some of the projects through other funding sources.
• A riparian tree planting and river restoration programme for submission to the Environment Agency’s Water Environment Investment Fund. This was successful and achieved the full funding requested for delivery in 2021/22.
• We developed a project to tackle the invasive, non-native Himalayan balsam plant which is a significant ecological problem on many riverbanks. The project focusses on the Colne, Brett and Box rivers and was submitted to Essex and Suffolk Water’s (part of the Northumbrian Water Group) Branch Out Fund. This was successful and will be delivered in 2021 and 2022.
• Continued work on the development of the final phase of the Layer Brook project as part of the Topsoil programme supported by the EU Interreg Programme and Essex and Suffolk Water.
We played an active role in the development of a new Regional Water Resources Management Plan for the East of England, led by Water Resources East (WRE). We participated in a number of strategic meetings and workshops as members of WRE’s Strategic Advisory Group. Also, we joined the newly formed Environment Subgroup which is part of the Regional Flood Coastal and Communities Committee.
Our Project Support Officer, Kirsty Wilmot, moved on to a new role in February 2021 and was replaced by Katie Phillips in the role of Admin Support Officer. We developed a new role of Projects and Catchments Officer and successfully appointed Andrew Went in early May 2021.
Whilst the Covid pandemic continues, the welcome development and roll-out of vaccines has afforded some relaxation of restrictions and more confidence in the future. We move into the 2021/22 financial year with new projects under development and promising funding opportunities in prospect and see the next two years as a period of development and expansion of the Trust’s activities.
Our thanks go to all trustees of the Trust for their considerable support and unremunerated assistance throughout the year as well as to all our partners and stakeholders during what, for everyone, has been a very difficult and challenging year.
Page 3
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Trustees' Report
Financial review
The details of our finances show that we have a net surplus for the year of £10,287 (2020: net deficit of £8,281). This is with income of £57,239 and expenditure of £46,952. It should be noted that the difference from year to year is largely due to timing differences between income and outgoings related to specific projects. Our balance sheet shows total funds of £34,491 (2020: £24,204).
Income streams are normally from project financing sources and donations, with only modest funds raised in our own right. Our banking arrangements with CAF Bank are robust and accountable, with two signatories required on all significant transactions. We are confident we will remain a going concern and currently have a number of additional projects being implemented.
Policy on reserves
The total reserves amount to £34,491. These reserves come to more than three months of total expenditure, in line with the reserves policy.
Risk management
The trustees continue to monitor risk and map out a sustainable future for the trust.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. They have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities as demonstrated above.
Structure, governance and management
Small companies provision statement
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 14 February 2022 and signed on its behalf by:
A G Davies
.................................... A G Davies Chairman
Page 4
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust ("the Company")
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 May 2021 which are set out on pages 6 to 17.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (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 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
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
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the 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.
C A Barker
...................................... Colin Andrew Barker FCA 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 0AW
15 February 2022
Page 5
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 May 2021 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Other Comprehensive Income)
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 14 |
Unrestricted £ 4,021 4,021 29,115 29,115 (25,094) (25,094) 24,268 (826) |
Restricted £ 53,218 53,218 17,837 17,837 35,381 35,381 (64) 35,317 |
Total 2021 £ 57,239 57,239 46,952 46,952 10,287 10,287 24,204 34,491 |
Total 2020 £ 36,914 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36,914 | ||||
| 45,195 | ||||
| 45,195 | ||||
| (8,281) | ||||
| (8,281) 32,485 |
||||
| 24,204 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods.
Page 6
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
(Registration number: 08834787) Balance Sheet as at 31 May 2021
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 10 Current assets Debtors 11 Cash at bank and in hand 12 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity: Restricted funds 14 Unrestricted funds Total funds 14 |
2021 £ 1,171 1,404 35,263 36,667 (3,347) 33,320 34,491 35,317 (826) 34,491 |
2020 £ 157 1,403 27,665 |
|---|---|---|
| 29,068 (5,021) |
||
| 24,047 | ||
| 24,204 | ||
| (64) 24,268 |
||
| 24,204 |
For the financial year ending 31 May 2021 the charity 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 charity 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 accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements on pages 6 to 17 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 14 February 2022 and signed on their behalf by:
A G Davies
......................................... A G Davies Chairman
Page 7
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
1 Charity status
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the members is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
2 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.
Income and endowments
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Page 8
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure 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.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activities based upon the proportion of directly attributable activity costs.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including independent examination costs.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Significant individual fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
| Asset class | Depreciation method and rate |
|---|---|
| Computer equipment | 33.33% straight-line |
Page 9
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Trade debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any discounts due.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, bank accounts and bank deposits.
Trade creditors
Creditors and accruals 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 accruals are normally recognised at their settlement amount.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees's discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Pensions and other post retirement obligations
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.
Financial instruments
Classification
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
Page 10
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
3 Income from donations and legacies
| 3 Income from donations and legacies |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Donations receivable Grants receivable Donations receivable Grants receivable 4 Expenditure on charitable activities Suffolk CPF Colne WFD Topsoil Suffolk CPF Colne WFD Topsoil |
Unrestricted funds £ 4,021 - 4,021 Unrestricted funds £ 8,405 - 8,405 Activity undertaken directly £ 10,015 2,737 2,855 15,607 Activity undertaken directly £ 9,123 377 20,598 30,098 |
Restricted funds £ - 53,218 53,218 Restricted funds £ - 28,509 28,509 Activity support costs £ 19,886 5,261 6,200 31,347 Activity support costs £ 5,526 344 9,227 15,097 |
Total 2021 £ 4,021 53,218 |
| 57,239 | |||
| Total 2020 £ 8,405 28,509 |
|||
| 36,914 | |||
| 2021 £ 29,901 7,998 9,055 |
|||
| 46,954 | |||
| 2020 £ 14,649 721 29,825 |
|||
| 45,195 |
Page 11
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
5 Analysis of governance and support costs
Support costs allocated to charitable activities
| Suffolk CPF Colne WFD Topsoil Suffolk CPF Colne WFD Topsoil |
Governance costs £ 2,315 537 960 3,812 Governance costs £ 1,893 31 1,683 3,607 |
Administration costs £ 17,571 4,724 5,240 27,535 Administration costs £ 3,633 313 7,544 11,490 |
Total 2021 £ 19,886 5,261 6,200 31,347 Total 2020 £ 5,526 344 9,227 15,097 |
|---|---|---|---|
6 Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources for the year include:
| Independent examination fees Other non-audit services Depreciation of fixed assets |
2021 £ 1,340 1,000 743 |
2020 £ 1,250 970 158 |
|---|---|---|
7 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year. No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year.
Page 12
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
8 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| The aggregate payroll costs were as follows: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Pension costs |
2021 £ 37,354 605 37,959 |
2020 £ 26,089 345 |
| 26,434 |
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management team) employed by the charity during the year expressed by head count was as follows:
| Average number of staff employed | 2021 No 3 |
2020 No 3 |
|---|---|---|
1 (2020 - 1) of the above employees participated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes.
Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £605 (2020 - £345).
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.
9 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
Page 13
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
| 10 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 June 2020 Additions At 31 May 2021 Depreciation At 1 June 2020 Charge for the year At 31 May 2021 Net book value At 31 May 2021 At 31 May 2020 11 Debtors Prepayments 12 Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals |
Computer equipment £ 2,322 1,757 |
Total £ 2,322 1,757 4,079 2,165 743 2,908 1,171 157 2020 £ 1,403 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,079 | ||||
| 2,165 743 |
||||
| 2,908 | ||||
| 1,171 | ||||
| 157 | ||||
| 2021 £ 1,404 2021 £ 35,263 2021 £ 782 225 2,340 3,347 |
||||
| 2020 £ 27,665 |
||||
| 2020 £ 319 2,242 2,460 |
||||
| 5,021 |
Page 14
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
14 Funds
Current year:
| Current year: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds General Restricted Suffolk CPF Colne WFD Topsoil Total restricted Total funds Prior year: Unrestricted funds General Restricted Suffolk CPF Colne WFD Topsoil Core Total restricted Total funds |
Balance at 1 June 2020 £ 24,268 9,071 1,674 (10,809) (64) 24,204 Balance at 1 June 2019 £ 28,033 4,883 2,234 (3,165) 500 4,452 32,485 |
Incoming resources £ 4,021 15,000 15,000 23,218 53,218 57,239 Incoming resources £ 8,405 15,000 - 13,509 - 28,509 36,914 |
Resources expended £ (29,115) (11,259) (2,970) (3,608) (17,837) (46,952) Resources expended £ (12,670) (10,812) (560) (21,153) - (32,525) (45,195) |
Transfers £ - - - - - - Transfers £ 500 - - - (500) (500) - |
Balance at 31 May 2021 £ (826) 12,812 13,704 8,801 |
| 35,317 | |||||
| 34,491 | |||||
| Balance at 31 May 2020 £ 24,268 9,071 1,674 (10,809) - |
|||||
| (64) | |||||
| 24,204 |
Page 15
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:
Suffolk CPF - This fund is for projects the charity is managing as hosts of the East Suffolk Catchment Partnership.
Colne WFD - This is to fund projects in Essex, mainly Water Framework Directive projects on the River Colne.
Topsoil - This consists of two projects which are part of the EU Project Topsoil. One project looks at sediment in Layer Brook in Essex and one trials Managed Aquifer Recharge in the Sandlings area in Suffolk.
15 Analysis of net assets between funds
Current year:
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds £ 1,171 343 (2,340) (826) |
Other £ - 36,324 (1,007) 35,317 |
Total funds 2021 £ 1,171 36,667 (3,347) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34,491 |
Prior year:
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds £ 157 26,331 (2,220) 24,268 |
Restricted £ - 2,737 (2,801) (64) |
Total funds 2020 £ 157 29,068 (5,021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24,204 |
Page 16
Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2021
16 Prior year Statement of Financial Activities
| 16 Prior year Statement of Financial Activities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 Total expenditure Net expenditure Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 14 |
Unrestricted £ 8,405 8,405 12,670 12,670 (4,265) 500 (3,765) 28,033 24,268 |
Restricted £ 28,509 28,509 32,525 32,525 (4,016) (500) (4,516) 4,452 (64) |
Total 2020 £ 36,914 |
| 36,914 | |||
| 45,195 | |||
| 45,195 | |||
| (8,281) - |
|||
| (8,281) 32,485 |
|||
| 24,204 |
Page 17