Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2025
| £340,003 Total Income |
£269,601 Total Expenditure |
£110,791 Cash at Bank |
£75,827 Restricted Funds c/f |
£34,963 Unrestricted Reserves |
Contents
| Section | Page |
| 1 | |
| Trustees’ Report | |
| 5 | |
| Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) | |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| 8 | |
| Notes to the Accounts | |
| 12 | |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | |
40 Lidget Place, Bradford, BD7 2LP | Charity Number 1181634 | www.bettercommunities.org.uk
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025
Trustees' Report
For the year ended 30 June 2025
Reference and Administrative Details
| Item | Details | |||
| Better Communities Bradford | ||||
| Charity name | ||||
| Charity number | 1181634 | |||
| England and Wales | ||||
| Registered in | ||||
| Principal address | 40 Lidget Place, Bradford, BD7 2LP | |||
| Barclays Bank UK PLC, 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP | ||||
| Bankers | ||||
| te | es | Appointed appointed 26 September 2024 appointed 1 July 2024 appointed 19 April 2024 appointed 1 February 2024 appointed 11 July 2025 appointed 24 July 2025 |
||
| Name | Role | Appointed | ||
| Chair | appointed 26 September 2024 | |||
| Shabina Kausar | ||||
| Muhammad Touseef | Trustee | appointed 1 July 2024 | ||
| Trustee | appointed 19 April 2024 | |||
| Simra Akmal | ||||
| Nour El Houda Doudai | Trustee | appointed 1 February 2024 | ||
| Trustee | appointed 11 July 2025 | |||
| Mohammad Shoaib Ramzan | ||||
| Jamaal Hussain Naushahi | Trustee | appointed 24 July 2025 | ||
Trustees
No trustee held any other trusteeships during the year.
Mohammad Shoaib Ramzan and Jamaal Hussain Naushahi were appointed after the year-end and did not serve as trustees during the financial year covered by these accounts.
Structure, Governance and Management
Better Communities Bradford is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), established on 18 January 2019 and governed by a constitution. The charity is controlled by its trustee board, which is responsible for setting strategy, ensuring good governance, and overseeing the delivery of charitable activities. Trustees are appointed by the board at duly convened meetings in accordance with the constitution. The board meets regularly and safeguarding is a standing agenda item at all meetings.
Page 2
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025
Objectives and Activities
The charity's objects are:
-
To develop the capacity and skills of the people of Bradford, particularly in the City Ward, Lidget Green, Scholemoor and Great Horton areas, enabling them to better identify and meet their needs and participate more fully in society.
-
To promote urban regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation, including through the advancement of education, training and retraining; the provision of financial, technical or business support; the provision of recreational facilities; the provision of public health facilities and childcare; and other charitable means as approved by the Charity Commission.
In setting objectives and planning activities, the trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
Public Benefit Statement
The trustees confirm that the activities undertaken during the year were carried out in furtherance of the charity's objects and provided clear public benefit. Services were targeted at individuals and communities experiencing social, economic and health inequalities, with particular emphasis on women, young people, and minoritised communities.
Achievements and Performance
During the year ended 30 June 2025, Better Communities Bradford experienced a further period of growth in both scale and reach. The charity delivered a wide range of community-based services focused on mental health, wellbeing, education, physical activity, and community cohesion. Key programmes delivered during the year included:
| Programme | Description |
| Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (Reaching Communities). Providing sewing classes and counselling support for women, alongside permitted management and therapy costs. |
|
| Empowered Minds | |
| Project UNITY | Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (Reaching Communities) and the Sir Halley Stewart Trust. Delivering community-led education, dialogue and support to address anti-Muslim prejudice. |
| Supported by The Henry Smith Charity, Sir Halley Stewart Trust, Brelms Trust, and Smallwood Trust. |
|
| Mental Health and Wellbeing Services for Women |
|
| RISE Bradford | Funded through Awards for All (National Lottery). Supporting young people through mentoring and development activities. |
| Supported by Sport England. | |
| Physical Activity and Wellbeing | |
| Men's Mental Health Support | Supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation. |
| Supported by Lloyds Bank. | |
| Core and Unrestricted Programme Support |
|
Across all projects, delivery included therapeutic services, mentoring, wellbeing activities, research, and community engagement. Where services were delivered by Better Communities Bradford staff, restricted funding was transferred internally to unrestricted funds in line with funder agreements to recover eligible staff and delivery costs. The trustees are satisfied that the charity has continued to respond effectively to community need while maintaining high standards of safeguarding, governance and financial oversight.
Page 3
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025
Financial Review
| Total Income £340,003.25 |
Restricted Income £314,543.25 |
Unrestricted Income £25,460.00 |
The charity's total income for the year amounted to £340,003.25, comprising £25,460 of unrestricted income and £314,543.25 of restricted income. At 30 June 2025, restricted funds carried forward totalled £75,827.48, representing funding held for ongoing projects to be delivered in future periods in accordance with funder requirements.
Unrestricted reserves at the year-end amounted to £34,963.25. Cash held at bank at 30 June 2025 was £110,790.73. Income transferred from restricted to unrestricted funds during the year totalled £34,963.25, reflecting recovery of staff and delivery costs incurred by the charity in delivering restricted projects. Core costs were met in part through eligible cost recovery from restricted projects, in line with funder agreements.
Reserves Policy
The trustees have reviewed the charity's reserves position in line with Charity Commission guidance. The charity's policy is to hold free unrestricted reserves equivalent to approximately six months of core operating costs, including statutory redundancy and notice period commitments. At 30 June 2025, unrestricted reserves represented approximately three months of core operating costs. The trustees consider this to be a reasonable and improving position and will continue to work towards the charity's longer-term reserves target while prioritising service delivery.
Plans for Future Periods
The trustees will continue to focus on consolidating delivery, strengthening sustainability, and deepening impact within existing communities. Key priorities include:
-
Securing multi-year funding to ensure continuity of services
-
Embedding cost recovery and overhead contributions across projects
-
Maintaining robust safeguarding, governance and financial controls
-
Strengthening partnerships with funders, statutory bodies and community organisations
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
| Approved by the Board of Trustees on | Signed |
| 25 February 2026 | |
| Name: Muhammad Touseef | Position: Trustee |
Page 4
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025 Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA)
For the year ended 30 June 2025 (accruals basis in accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP)
Income
| Analysis Ledger | Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) |
| 25,000.00 | 314,543.25 | 339,543.25 | |
| Grant received | |||
| Consultants and service providers (income) | 300.00 | — | 300.00 |
| 160.00 | — | 160.00 | |
| Minibus (income) | |||
| Total Income | 25,460.00 | 314,543.25 | 340,003.25 |
Expenditure
| Analysis Ledger | Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) |
| 1,432.00 | — | 1,432.00 | |
| Accountants | |||
| Consultants and service providers | 10,261.60 | 5,919.00 | 16,180.60 |
| 30.00 | — | 30.00 | |
| Donations given | |||
| Equipment expensed | 9,221.87 | 3,830.30 | 13,052.17 |
| 1,469.34 | — | 1,469.34 | |
| IT and software | |||
| Insurance | 2,530.86 | 412.48 | 2,943.34 |
| — | 147.42 | 147.42 | |
| Marketing and advertising | |||
| Motor expenses | 11,339.71 | — | 11,339.71 |
| 4,690.44 | 412.48 | 5,102.92 | |
| Other staff costs | |||
| Payroll and subcontractors | 53,541.15 | 92,292.23 | 145,833.38 |
| 4,500.00 | 15,900.00 | 20,400.00 | |
| Premises / venue hire | |||
| Repairs and maintenance | 52.03 | — | 52.03 |
| 510.00 | — | 510.00 | |
| Subscriptions | |||
| Telephone and internet | 182.70 | 3,493.10 | 3,675.80 |
| 1,396.14 | 607.63 | 2,003.77 | |
| Travel | |||
| Venue costs | 5,500.00 | 25,770.00 | 31,270.00 |
| 15.00 | 65.98 | 80.98 | |
| Printing and stationery | |||
| Total Expenditure | 109,642.84 | 159,958.52 | 269,601.36 |
Net Income / (Expenditure) before Transfers
| Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) | |
| (84,182.84) | 154,584.73 | 70,401.89 | |
| Net income before transfers | |||
Page 5
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025
Transfers between Funds
| Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) | |
| 34,963.25 | (34,963.25) | — | |
| Transfers between funds | |||
Net Movement in Funds
| Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) | |
| (49,219.59) | 119,621.48 | 70,401.89 | |
| Net movement in funds | |||
Fund Balances
| Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) | |
| 9,952.00 | 43,746.00 | 53,698.00 | |
| Brought forward 1 July 2024 | |||
| Carried forward 30 June 2025 | 34,963.25 | 75,827.48 | 110,790.73 |
Page 6
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025 Balance Sheet
As of 30 June 2025
Cash Funds
| 2025 | 2024 Total (£) | |||
| Unrestricted | 2025 Rtitd £ |
2025 Total (£) | ||
| (£) | esrce () | |||
| 34,963.25 | 75,827.48 | 110,790.73 | 53,698.00 | |
| Cash at bank | ||||
| Total cash funds | 34,963.25 | 75,827.48 | 110,790.73 | 53,698.00 |
Debtors and Prepayments
2025 (£) — Prepayments — Total debtors and prepayments
Liabilities
| 2025 (£) | |
| — | |
| Accruals | |
| Total liabilities | — |
Net Assets at 30 June 2025
£110,790.73
The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 25 February 2026.
Signed:
Name: Muhammad Touseef Position: Trustee
Page 7
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025 Notes to the Accounts
For the year ended 30 June 2025
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
These accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis in accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP.
Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted Funds
Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
Taxation
As a charity, the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates. There have been no changes to the accounting policies since the previous year.
Motor Expenses
Motor expenses relate to vehicle and transport costs incurred in supporting programme delivery, including community transport where applicable.
2. Grants and Donations
| Funder | Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total (£) |
| 25,000.00 | — | 25,000.00 | |
| Lloyds Bank | |||
| Awards for All — RISE Bradford | — | 19,550.00 | 19,550.00 |
| — | 6,000.00 | 6,000.00 | |
| Brelms Trust | |||
| Garfield Weston Foundation | — | 15,000.00 | 15,000.00 |
| — | 64,100.00 | 64,100.00 | |
| The Henry Smith Charity | |||
| Reaching Communities — Empowered Minds (NLCF) | — | 126,953.25 | 126,953.25 |
| — | 35,790.00 | 35,790.00 | |
| Reaching Communities — Project UNITY (NLCF) | |||
| Smallwood Trust | — | 10,000.00 | 10,000.00 |
| — | 22,250.00 | 22,250.00 | |
| Sir Halley Stewart Trust | |||
| Sport England | — | 14,900.00 | 14,900.00 |
| 25,000.00 | 314,543.25 | 339,543.25 | |
| Total | |||
Note: The grant total above (£339,543.25) excludes £460 of other unrestricted income (consultancy income £300 and minibus income £160), giving total receipts of £340,003.25.
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BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025
Restricted grants include funding used to deliver services both by external providers and by BCB-employed staff. Where services were delivered internally, associated staff costs were recovered through transfers to unrestricted funds in line with funder agreements.
3. Restricted and Unrestricted Funds
3a. Opening Restricted Reserves Position
At the start of the 2024–2025 financial year, Better Communities Bradford held restricted reserves of £43,746, representing funds held for specific projects and activities in accordance with funder requirements. These balances were carried forward from the year ended 30 June 2024 and are consistent with the charity's published accounts for that period.
During the year, restricted income was received and applied in line with funder agreements. Expenditure charged to restricted funds relates directly to project delivery, including therapeutic services, mentoring, wellbeing activities, research, and community engagement. Where services were delivered by internal Better Communities Bradford staff, the relevant proportion of restricted income was transferred internally to unrestricted funds to meet salary and delivery costs. These transfers represent internal reallocations of funding and do not involve movements of cash.
3b. Restricted Funds Detail
| Restricted Fund | Bal b/f (£) | Income (£) | Expenditure (£) |
Transfers (£) |
Bal c/f (£) |
| 9,460.00 | — | (9,400.00) | — | 60.00 | |
| Albert Hunt Trust | |||||
| Awards for All: Dads and Lads * | 1,639.00 | — | (2,700.00) | — | — |
| — | 19,550.00 | (4,000.00) | (3,150.00) | 12,400.00 | |
| Awards for All: RISE Bradford | |||||
| Brelms Trust | 2,563.00 | 6,000.00 | (6,148.23) | — | 2,414.77 |
| 570.00 | 15,000.00 | — | — | 15,570.00 | |
| Garfield Weston Foundation | |||||
| The Henry Smith Charity | 24,967.00 | 64,100.00 | (68,742.10) | — | 20,324.90 |
| 2,822.00 | 126,953.25 | (100,919.15) | (26,923.25) | 1,932.85 | |
| Reaching Communities: Empowered Minds | |||||
| Reaching Communities: Project UNITY | — | 35,790.00 | (27,331.62) | — | 8,458.38 |
| — | 22,250.00 | (8,500.00) | (2,250.00) | 11,500.00 | |
| Sir Halley Stewart Trust | |||||
| Smallwood Trust | — | 10,000.00 | (10,000.00) | — | — |
| 1,725.00 | 14,900.00 | (9,757.32) | (2,640.00) | 4,227.68 | |
| Sport England | |||||
| Total | 43,746.00 | 314,543.25 | (243,498.42) | (34,963.25) | 75,827.48 |
* Awards for All — Dads and Lads shows an in-year overspend of £1,061 met from unrestricted funds. The balance is carried forward at nil.
Transfers represent internal reallocations of restricted income to unrestricted funds to recover eligible staff and delivery costs in line with funder agreements. Negative figures denote transfers out of restricted funds.
Page 9
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
3c. Purpose of Restrictions
| Funder | Purpose of Restriction |
| Mental health therapy | |
| Albert Hunt Trust | |
| Awards for All — RISE Bradford | Young people mentoring and support |
| Community-based activities and services for women | |
| Brelms Trust | |
| Garfield Weston Foundation | Men's mental health support |
| Delivery of mental health therapy and sewing classes for women | |
| The Henry Smith Charity | |
| Reaching Communities — Empowered Minds (NLCF) |
Provision of sewing classes and counselling for women, including permitted management and therapy costs |
| Community-led work addressing anti-Muslim prejudice through education, dialogue, and support |
|
| Reaching Communities — Project UNITY (NLCF) |
|
| Smallwood Trust | Support for women facing hardship through therapeutic and wellbeing services |
| Project FAITH — anti-Muslim prejudice, mental health and wellbeing support, including permitted contributions towards core costs |
|
| Sir Halley Stewart Trust | |
| Sport England | Physical activity, wellbeing, and health programmes |
3d. Restricted Funds Carried Forward at 30 June 2025
| Fund | Balance c/f (£) | Notes |
| 60.00 | Remaining to be applied to similar work in the following period. |
|
| Albert Hunt Trust | ||
| Awards for All — RISE Bradford | 12,400.00 | |
| 2,414.77 | ||
| Brelms Trust | ||
| Garfield Weston Foundation | 15,570.00 | |
| 20,324.90 | ||
| The Henry Smith Charity | ||
| Reaching Communities — Empowered Minds | 1,932.85 | |
| 8,458.38 | ||
| Reaching Communities — Project UNITY | ||
| Sir Halley Stewart Trust | 11,500.00 | |
| 4,227.68 | ||
| Sport England | ||
| Total restricted funds c/f | 75,827.48 | |
The following restricted funds were fully expended during the year and are carried forward at nil: Awards for All — Dads and Lads; Smallwood Trust.
Page 10
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024–2025
3e. Unrestricted Funds Summary
At 30 June 2025, unrestricted reserves totalled £34,963.25, consistent with the Statement of Financial Activities and balance sheet. These funds comprise unrestricted income received during the year together with income transferred internally from restricted funds to recover eligible staff and delivery costs in line with funder agreements.
Cash at bank at the year-end amounted to £110,790.73.
Unrestricted reserves represent approximately three months of core operating costs. The trustees consider this a reasonable and improving position.
4. Related Party Transactions
| Name | Nature of Transaction | Amount (£) |
| Payment for services as a subcontractor. Ms Momoniat resigned as a trustee on 17 October 2025 and is no longer affiliated with the charity. The payment was made in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. |
1,440.00 | |
| Ahminah Momoniat | ||
| Nour El Houda Doudai | Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred in carrying out trustee duties. | 57.60 |
No other trustees received remuneration or benefits during the year.
Page 11
BETTER COMMUNITIES BRADFORD .41111. ) Amanah AC¢A Better Communities Bradford Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Better Communities Bradford Charitsble Incorporated Organisation ('the CIO.) n• 2025. 56 Gr Lan 895C P8g8 12