Charity Number 1174989
The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England
Trustees’ Report & Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2023
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Report | 1- 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 14 |
The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Trustees’ Report
Objectives and activities
Our objectives
Our purpose, described in the Charity’s constitution, is to promote and encourage for the benefit of the public the improvement, protection and preservation of the countryside of North and East Yorkshire and its towns and villages and the better development of the rural environment.
Our activities
To support this purpose, the Charity undertakes the following main activities:
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We connect people and countryside , by reviewing and responding to local and national plans and related legislation on behalf of members and non-members, local groups, and parish councils and making sure that land is dedicated to green space and nature and otherwise used appropriately and efficiently;
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We empower communities , by engaging with and informing the public and working with volunteers to help them promote, enhance, protect and enjoy the 6,900 square miles of North and East Yorkshire countryside and environment;
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We promote rural life , by raising awareness and campaigning for a sustainable rural economy, robust and healthy rural infrastructure and services, new and sustainable models of farming, and countryside management which reduces Co2 emissions to net zero and mitigates the impacts of the climate emergency;
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We grow our capacity , by communicating our aims, activities and achievements to increase our profile, attracting more supporters, managing our Charity well, and securing our longterm financial arrangements.
The Trustees acknowledge the current Charity Commission guidance on ‘public benefit’ and are assured that the Charity’s objectives and activities are beneficial to the general public.
Achievements and performance
Connecting people and countryside
In 2023, we responded to 61 different planning consultations and enquiries, including following requests for help or advice from individual members of the public, community groups and parish councils, and provided evidence at 8 planning appeals. We also made 6 Interested Party representations to the Planning Inspectorate on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, including for large scale solar farms.
We also responded to 15 different policy consultations, with the professional support of our Planning and Heritage Consultants including:
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City of York Council – Local Plan Main Modifications;
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City of York Council – Strensall with Towthorpe Neighbourhood Plan;
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East Riding of Yorkshire Council – Local Plan Examination Questions;
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Trustees’ Report
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Hambleton District Council – Dark Skies Supplementary Planning Document;
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Middlesbrough Council – Marton East Neighbourhood Plan;
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North York Moors National Park – Dark Skies Supplementary Planning Document;
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North Yorkshire Council - Pannal and Burn Bridge Neighbourhood Plan;
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Ryedale District Council – various stages of Local Plan;
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Scarborough Borough Council – Local Plan Housing Review;
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Yorkshire Dales National Park – Local Plan Housing Sites Consultation;
We anticipate the need for further responses to policy consultations in 2024 as the Local Planning Authorities across our area of interest, including the newly established North Yorkshire Council, continue to work towards adopting their Local Plans.
Anticipated areas of policy work include:
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City of York – Post Examination Modifications and Adopted documents;
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East Riding of Yorkshire Council – Post Examination Modifications;
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Middlesbrough Council – Preferred Options Local Plan;
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North Yorkshire Council – New Settlement Supplementary Planning Document for Harrogate area;
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North Yorkshire Council - Ryedale Local Plan Review, Publication Draft Local Plan;
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North Yorkshire Council – Selby District Local Plan Examination;
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North Yorkshire Council – Unitary Local Plan Issues and Options;
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Yorkshire Dales National Park – Management Plan Document Review and Publication Local Plan.
Empowering communities
We collaborated throughout 2023 with various community stakeholders to campaign for appropriate development in the most appropriate locations. These stakeholders included various parish councils, Neighbourhood Plan steering groups, Greenstuff Middlesbrough and Beyond, Thirsk Friends of the Earth, East Garton Parish VOICE, and the Hurgill Stables Objection Group.
We joined the NY Climate Coalition to add our voice to those of its other stakeholders to promote the consideration of climate change mitigation and adaptation and carbon reduction in all new development proposals in North Yorkshire as well as retrofit of solar PV panels on existing housing stock and commercial buildings. We also attended a meeting of residents in Middlesbrough to advise on the formation of a community group and initiation of a Neighbourhood Plan to help preserve and enhance their local area and how to assess and designate Local Green Spaces.
We collaborated with local interest groups and non-governmental organisations on a number of controversial issues, including:
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The proposed development of a new asphalt plant in East Riding; and
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The several large-scale developments proposed for the greenfield and former barracks land around Scotch Corner.
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Trustees’ Report
Promoting rural life
In 2023, we set up a research project, the first-of-a-kind for CPRE, to investigate local authorities’ commitments to mitigate and adapt to the climate emergency through their planning policies. Our project, which is managed and implemented by volunteers, also investigates the extent to which commitments are being fulfilled in practice through planning decisions. The research work is ongoing, but we aim to use the findings in 2024 to showcase and leverage examples of good practice and influence and lobby for improvements.
We continued to run our three competitions in 2023: Best Churchyard to celebrate the rich history and unique charm of North and East Yorkshire’s churchyards, School Writing to encourage creative expression by our younger supporters, and Photography to capture our appreciation for beauty of our landscapes and the talents of our supporters.
Our social media followers across Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cpreney), Twitter (http://twitter.com/cpre_ney), Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/cpre_ney), and - from 2023 - TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@cpre_ney) numbered 1,652 at the end of 2023 (an increase of almost 14% compared with the end of 2022).
Growing our capacity
Our members decreased in number in 2023. The Trustees are looking forward to gaining fuller access to the new membership system, designed and implemented by the National Office of CPRE, and therefore better insight and analysis of our membership trends. Nevertheless, the Trustees are concerned by the decrease in membership and in 2024 will be considering ways to reverse this trend, grow support and membership, and identify other sources of funding income.
The current Trustees have a diverse range of expertise, including planning, conservation, farming and landscape, dark skies, as well as human resources and financial management and charity governance. Given the turnover in Trustees in 2023, a skills-based recruitment process is under consideration for 2024.
The Charity has no employees.
The Trustees would like to thank our volunteers who give their time, skills and experience to generously support the activities of the Charity.
Financial review
In 2023, expenditure on charitable activities totalled £55,372 (2022: £62,928) and income totalled £18,668 (2022: £45,773). At 31 December 2023, the Charity held funds totalling £189,615 (2022: £226,319), comprising unrestricted funds of £108,393 (2022: £141,745) and restricted funds of £81,222 (2022: £84,574).
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Trustees’ Report
The Charity also works closely with CPRE, the national charity, to ensure the appropriate use of a designated fund for North Yorkshire reported in the accounts of CPRE. The fund, totalling £283,598 at 31 December 2023, comprises the balance of a legacy gift from the estate of Serena Moore, née Denholm-Young.
The Charity has reported net expenditure in each of the last three financial years. Given that its income in the year ended 31 December 2023 was less than £25,000, the Trustees were not required to arrange for independent examination of the Charity’s accounts. The Trustees nevertheless note the continuing need for robust strategic and financial planning for the Charity’s activities and rigorous oversight of its policies and activities and will continue to ensure this takes place.
Reserves policy
Our reserves policy requires that unrestricted funds should be sufficient to cover planned and unforeseen variations in operational net expenditure on a rolling two-year basis. The Charity’s unrestricted funds at the end of the year comply with its reserves policy.
Structure, governance and management
How our Charity is constituted
The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (referred to as CPRE North and East Yorkshire or CPRE NEY within these financial statements) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The CIO was registered at the Charity Commission on 4 October 2017 under a Trust Deed dated February 2017.
On 1 January 2018 the assets, liabilities and funds of The Campaign to Protect Rural England North Yorkshire Branch (an unincorporated registered Charity, reference 500333, which subsequently became inactive although remains registered) were transferred to this Charity. The two Charities have the same objects and beneficiaries, and two common Trustees.
How our Trustees are appointed
Our Board of Trustees must have at least three and no more than ten Trustees, including the Chairperson, up to two Vice-Chairpersons and the Treasurer.
Trustees may serve for a period of up to six years. The Chairperson may serve for a period of up to nine years. Trustees are elected and re-elected at general meetings of the Charity but may also be co-opted by the Board between general meetings.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Trustees’ Report
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS102);
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, applicable accounting regulations and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Reference and Administrative Details
| Name: | Campaign to Protect Rural England (County of North |
|---|---|
| Yorkshire Branch) | |
| Registered Charity Number: | 1174989 |
| Address: | PO Box 189, York, YO7 9BL |
| Website: | www.cpreney.org.uk |
Trustees during the period 1 January 2023 - December 2023 and at the date of signing the report
Mrs Jan Arger, Chair Mrs Katie Atkinson, Vice-Chair Mr Ron Healey Mr Morris Charlton Ms Clair Jones, Treasurer Ms Julie Chapman Appointed 15 February 2023 Ms Sally Learoyd Appointed 8 June 2023 Mr Christian Mackintosh Resigned 21 February 2023 Ms Erin Nicholson Appointed 24 February 2023, resigned 12 September 2023 Mr Charles Rowett Appointed 14 February 2023, resigned 8 November 2023
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Trustees’ Report
Legal Counsel: Robert Nieri Shoosmiths, The XYZ Building, 2 Hardman Boulevard, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3AZ Heritage Consultant: 1 Voyage Limited 6 Feversham Road, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5HN Planning Consultant : Katie Atkinson KVA Planning, 18 Westgate, Old Town, Bridlington, East Yorkshire, YO16 4QQ Bankers: HSBC 33 Market Place, Bedale, DL8 1EF CAF Bank Limited, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ
The Trustees’ Report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 3 May 2024.
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Mrs Jan Arger Chair
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2023
| Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investments 8 Other 4 Total Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 Total Net gain/(loss) on investments 8 Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 12 Total funds carried forward 12 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2023 £ £ £ 17,055 90 17,145 1,523 - 1,523 - - - - - - 18,578 90 18,668 51,930 3,442 55,372 51,930 3,442 55,372 - - - (33,352) (3,352) (36,704) - - - (33,352) (3,352) (36,704) 141,745 84,574 226,319 108,393 81,222 189,615 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2022 £ £ £ 18,248 - 18,248 2,000 2,500 4,500 60 - 60 22,965 - 22,965 |
|---|---|---|
| 43,273 2,500 45,773 |
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| 55,867 7,061 62,928 |
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| 55,867 7,061 62,928 |
||
| (131) - (131) (12,725) (4,561) (17,286) - - - |
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| (12,725) (4,561) (17,286) |
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| 154,470 89,135 243,605 |
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| 141,745 84,574 226,319 |
All of the Charity’s activities are continuing.
There are no recognised gains and losses other than those reported above.
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Balance sheet
As at 31 December 2023
| Notes Fixed assets Investments 8 Current assets Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors 10 Provisions 11 Net current assets Net assets The funds of the charity: Unrestricted funds 12 Restricted funds 12 Total funds 12 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2023 £ £ £ - - - 4,193 - 4,193 105,654 81,222 186,876 (398) - (398) (1,056) - (1,056) 108,393 81,222 189,615 108,393 81,222 189,615 108,393 - 108,393 - 81,222 81,222 108,393 81,222 189,615 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2022 £ £ £ - - - 3,661 - 3,661 138,910 84,574 223,484 (826) - (826) - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 141,745 84,574 226,319 |
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| 141,745 84,574 226,319 |
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| 141,745 - 141,745 - 84,574 84,574 |
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| 141,745 84,574 226,319 |
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 3 May 2024 and signed on its behalf
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Mrs Jan Arger Chair
The notes on pages 9 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2023
1. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention modified to include the revaluation of investments, 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 (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019) , also known as the ‘Charities SORP (FRS102)’, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, as the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. The Trustees have reviewed the level of liquid assets available and expect to continue to be able to meet the Charity’s liabilities as they fall due in the coming year.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds: These are funds which can be used at the discretion of the Trustees in accordance with the objects of the Charity.
Restricted funds: These are funds that can only be used for purposes which have been specified by the donor within the objects of the Charity.
Income
Income is from donations, legacies, grants, and interest on investments and is recognised gross in the year in which it is receivable.
Expenditure
All expenditure is charged in the year in which it is incurred. Cost are allocated directly to the activity to which they relate.
Investments
Fixed asset investments are stated at market value. Investment income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. Realised and unrealised gains and losses on investment assets are shown net in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Financial instruments
The Charity has only financial assets and financial liabilities which qualify as ‘basic financial instruments’. Basic financial instruments are recognised initially at transaction value and subsequently at settlement value.
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2023
Taxation
The Charity is not required to pay tax on its income as this is used only to fund its charitable expenditure.
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Regular donations from members Other donations Legacies |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2022 £ £ £ £ £ £ 16,119 - 16,119 16,900 - 16,900 936 90 1,026 1,348 - 1,348 - - - - - - |
|---|---|
| 17,055 90 17,145 18,248 - 18,248 |
3. Income from charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | 2023 | funds | funds | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Grants | 1,523 | - | 1,523 | 2,000 | 2,500 | 4,500 |
Two unrestricted grants of £500 and £1,023 were received from the CPRE Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Group.
A restricted grant of £1,056 was received from the #iwill Fund with the support of the Two Ridings Community Foundation. Given implementation challenges, it is likely that this grant will be reimbursed, and a full provision has been made in this respect. See also Note 11.
4. Other income
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | 2023 | funds | funds | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Other income | - | - | - | 22,965 | - | 22,965 |
In 2022, the Charity extended its ‘area of interest’ to include East Yorkshire and received £22,965 from CPRE, the national charity, representing the balance of funds held by the former CPRE East Yorkshire (and Hull) when it ceased its activities in 2021.
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2023
5. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2022 £ £ £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds 2022 £ £ £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| Connecting People & Countryside / Empowering Communities - Planning Consultation Activities 39,274 612 39,886 33,670 - 33,670 - Other activities 629 - 629 - - - Sub-total 39,903 612 40,515 33,670 - 33,670 |
|
| Promoting Rural Life - Yorkshire Post Country Week Conference - Competitions - Social media, website, newsletter - Other activities Sub-total |
- - - 3,702 2,500 6,202 2,122 - 2,122 2,531 - 2,531 2,182 616 2,798 1,914 540 2,454 321 91 412 482 136 618 4,625 707 5,332 8,629 3,176 11,805 |
| Growing Our Capacity - Governance - Administration Sub-total |
4,925 1,389 6,314 6,634 1,871 8,505 2,477 734 3,211 6,934 2,014 8,948 7,402 2,123 9,525 13,568 3,885 17,453 |
| 51,930 3,442 55,372 55,867 7,061 62,928 |
Independent examination fees of £nil (2022: £800) are included in governance expenditure.
6. Trustee expenses
Reimbursement of travel expenses totalling £317 was made to two Trustees during the year (2022: £483 to two Trustees). None of the Trustees received remuneration for their role as Trustee.
Trustee indemnity insurance was arranged at a cost of £376 (2022: £252).
7. Related party transactions
The Charity contracted and received planning consultancy services during the year with a total cost of £37,116 (2022: £33,670) from KVA Planning Consultancy, established by Mrs Katie Atkinson, a Trustee of the Charity. These services and the related payments are permitted by section 6.2 of the Charity’s constitution. At the 31 December 2023, none of these payments were outstanding (2022: £nil).
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2023
8. Investments
Current year
| 1 | January | Additions | Disposals | Revaluation | 31 December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Gain/(Loss) | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| CAF UK Equity Fund | - | - | - | - | - |
| Comparative for prior year | |||||
| 1 | January | Additions | Disposals | Revaluation | 31 December |
| 2022 | Gain/(Loss) | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| CAF UK Equity Fund | 3,378 | - | 3,247 | (131) | - |
As part of an ongoing review of its reserves and investment policies, the Charity disposed of its investment in the CAF UK Equity Fund in 2022.
9. Debtors
| Prepayments & accrued income | 2023 2022 £ £ 4,193 3,661 |
|---|---|
| 4,193 3,661 |
10. Creditors
| Trade creditors Accruals |
2023 2022 £ £ 393 20 5 806 |
|---|---|
| 398 826 |
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2023
11. Provisions
| Provision for grant to be reimbursed (see also Note 3) | 2023 2022 £ £ 1,056 - |
|---|---|
| 1,056 - |
12. Analysis of movements in total funds
Current year
| 1 | Income | Expenditure | Gain/(Loss) | Transfers | 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | On | December | ||||
| 2023 | Investments | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted Funds | 141,745 | 18,578 | (51,930) | - | - | 108,393 |
| Paton Estate | 84,052 | - | (2,830) | - | - | 81,222 |
| Harrogate Area | 522 | - | (522) | - | - | - |
| Two Ridings | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Hurgill Stables | - | 90 | (90) | - | - | - |
| Restricted Funds | 84,574 | 90 | (3,442) | - | - | 81,222 |
| Total Funds | 226,319 | 18,668 | (55,372) | - | - | 189,615 |
| Comparative for prior year | ||||||
| 1 | Income | Expenditure | Gain/(Loss) | Transfers | 31 | |
| January | On | December | ||||
| 2022 | Investments | 2022 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted Funds | 154,470 | 43,273 | (55,867) | (131) | - | 141,745 |
| Paton Estate | 88,613 | - | (4,561) | - | - | 84,052 |
| Harrogate Area | 522 | - | - | - | - | 522 |
| Regional Group | - | 2,500 | (2,500) | - | - | - |
| Restricted Funds | 89,135 | 2,500 | (7,061) | - | - | 84,574 |
| Total Funds | 243,605 | 45,773 | (62,928) | (131) | - | 226,319 |
Comparative for prior year
Paton Estate: This restricted fund relates to a legacy donation from the Isabel Paton Estate in 2006. The fund is restricted for use for the Charity’s activities in the Yorkshire Dales. As well as any directly attributable costs of activity, the Trustees allocate 2/9ths of the
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The North Yorkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 December 2023
administrative costs of the Charity to this restricted fund, being their estimate of the costs of the activity of the two branches in the Yorkshire Dales area.
Harrogate Area: This restricted fund relates to a donation made for the Charity’s activities in the green belt of Harrogate Area.
Two Ridings Community Foundation: The Charity received a grant from the #iwill Fund through the Two Ridings Community Foundation to support its delivery, together with Bok Bok Books, of ‘Poetry for Climate Action’ sessions in primary schools in Hambleton District.
Hurgill Stables: The Charity worked alongside a residents group to solicit local support and crowdfund financial donations towards the cost of engaging legal counsel to advise on the judicial review of a planning application.
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