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2024-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From Period start date 01 April 2023 To Period end date 31 March 2024

Charity name: Houghton Regis Community Development Charity

Charity registration number: 1186865

Objectives and Activities
SORP
reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 The objects of the CIO are:
1) To further or benefit the residents in and around
Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire without distinction
of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political,
religious or other opinions by associating together
the said residents and the local authorities,
voluntary and other organisations in a common
effort to advance education and to provide facilities
in the interests of social welfare for recreation and
leisure time occupation with the objective of
improving the conditions of life for the residents.
2) The advancement of the Christian Religion in and
around Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire for the benefit
of the public, mainly but not exclusively, by Christian
outreach activities to enlighten others about the
Christian religion
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or services
identified in the accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 Securing the establishment of a community centre and
co-operating with statutory authorities in the
maintenance and management of such a centre for
activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the
charities objects. In addition to this, the employment of
a Pioneer Community Worker to facilitate the
establishing of community within Bidwell West (new
development to the North of Houghton Regis).
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public benefit		 Statement
confirming
whether the
trustees have
had regard to
the guidance
issued by the
Charity
Commission
on public
benefit		 The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by
the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference N/A Para 1.38 Policy on grant making N/A Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Graham Seaton is helping advise on the building project and we have pro bono input from the architects Para 1.38 Contribution made by firm ‘Rock Townsend’, and law firm, ‘Osborne Clarke LLP’. Ali Boulton, consultant, researcher in New volunteers Housing Engagement has been a volunteer advisor to the pioneer community worker. Tim Keightley is advising on fundraising Mark Sprigs is advising on community centre good practice, sustainability, and the building project David Hallworth is advising on finances Other

Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 The charity's work has significantly impacted both the
circumstances of its beneficiaries and the wider
society. The establishment and growth of the
Community Association, led by the Pioneer
Community Worker and residents, have fostered a
robust community spirit. Key achievements include
successful events like summer family fun days which
have engaged around 800 residents and included
representatives from various community groups.
Partnerships with local businesses, such as Amazon,
Tesco, Esquires Coffee, The Cod Father, and the
establishment of connections with the new care home
highlight the charity’s role in broadening community
engagement beyond residential areas to include
business, retail, and social care sectors. This holistic
approach has strengthened the community's cohesion
and support networks.
The charity's vision for building a community center at
Bidwell West has progressed significantly. The
proposal to Central Bedfordshire Council was
unanimously supported, securing over £1 million in
funding and land transfer, contingent on a fully costed
business plan. Temporary community facilities using
converted shipping containers are within storage ready
to be installed once the land has been transferred. The
charity’s faith-driven mission is evident in the
emergence of a worshiping community, facilitated by
the Pioneer Community Worker in a Community
Chaplain role, providing spiritual support and
officiating milestone life events. Successful
community events, such as Children Easter Egg Hunts,
Summer fun days and Christmas Markets, and the
formation of various resident-led groups such as a
running club and women's social group, have further
strengthened community bonds, introduced neighbors,
and raised awareness of the charity's initiatives. The
charity are regularly engaging with over 3000 residents
a month. This multifaceted approach has not only
improved the immediate circumstances of residents but
also contributed to a more connected and supportive
society.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against
objectives set
Para 1.41 During the financial year the key objective was to
support and embed the Pioneer Community Worker
while continuing the negotiations with potential
stakeholders to advance the building project.
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41 Due to further funding, we were able to increase the
Pioneer Community Worker contract from 0.8FTE to
full time. As the year progressed additional grants were
obtained to support the development of community
activities.
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41 N/A
Other

Financial Review

inancial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end of
the period		 Para 1.21 The charity was able to secure additional funding in
this current year which was used to fund the continuing
post at Full Time.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 N/A
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 NIL
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 As a charity we currently do not hold any reserves due
to all income being restricted to fund the Pioneer
expenses.
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24 N/A
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23 There are no current uncertainties in regards the
charity continuing as a going concern.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 Admin Grant South Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit
South Bedfordshire
Methodist District Grant South Bedfordshire
Methodist Circuit Grant
Central Baptist Grant
Baptist Insurance Company Grant
HRCC salary grant
HR Baptist Church Pioneer Funds
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46 N/A
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 The charity has carried out a risk assessment in relation
to the construction of the building. This is where the
charities largest risks and expenditure exist. There is
also a risk in the delay in land transfer and building
development, which can hinder service provision and
project progress. Financial sustainability is a risk as the
charity depends on continuous fundraising and
economic stability, although we have secured funding
for 5 years to employ the pioneer community worker to
at least 0.65 time. Maintaining community engagement
and strong partnerships with local businesses and
stakeholders is essential, while governance and

compliance must be rigorously upheld to avoid legal and reputational issues. Operational challenges, including staffing and logistics, along with the need to adapt to changing community needs, pose additional risks. Furthermore, external economic and political factors can impact the charity’s ability to operate effectively and secure necessary resources. Other

Structure, Governance and Management
Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Constitution
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 CIO
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled to
appoint one or more trustees		 Para 1.25 •
Apart from the first charity trustees, every
trustee must be appointed by a resolution
passed at a properly convened meeting of the
charity trustees.
•
In selecting individuals for appointment as
charity trustees, the charity trustees must have
regard to the skills, knowledge and experience
needed for the effective administration of the
CIO.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction and
training of trustees		 Para 1.51 Safeguarding training required for new trustees.
GDPR compliance required.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51 The charity has one Chair, One Secretary and One
Treasurer.
Relationship with any related
parties		 Para 1.51 N/A

Other

Reference and Administrative details
Charity name Houghton Regis Community Development Charity
Other name the charity uses HRCDC
Registered charity number 1186865
Charity’s principal address 14 Sedgwick Street
Haddenham
AYLESBURY
Buckinghamshire
HP17 8FF

Name of the charity trustees who manage the charity.

Trustee Name Office (If Any) Dates acted if not for
whole year		 Name of person (or
body) entitled to
appoint trustee (if any)
Harry Beaumont Treasurer
Stephen Copson Chair Retired
Samantha Frey Secretary
Patrick Kandeh
Andrew Openshaw Chair Appointed 1 January
2024
David Skinner

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of
adviser
Name
Address		 Type of
adviser
Name
Address		 Type of
adviser
Name
Address
Planning and
Buildings
 Graham Seaton
Financial
 David Hallworth
7		 Windsor Close Flitwick MK45 1PT
Buildings
 Mark Spriggs
Fundraising T im Keightley

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other o tional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

----- Start of picture text -----
Signature(s)
Full name(s) Andrew Openshaw
Position (eg
Chair
Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date 27 Jan 2025
----- End of picture text -----

Houghton Regis Community Development Charity Houghton Regis Community Development Charity Houghton Regis Community Development Charity 1186865

31/03/2024		 CC16a
Receipts and payments accounts
For the period
from		 01/04/2023 To
Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest
£		 Restricted
funds
to the nearest £		 Endowment funds
to the nearest £		 Total funds
to the nearest £		 Last year
to the nearest £
South Bedfordshire Methodist District Grant
South Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit Grant
Central Baptist Grant
HRCC salary grant
HR Baptist Church Pioneer Funds
Baptist Insurance Grant
Dagnall Street Baptish Church
Central Beds Council Grant
Donations / Grants
The neighbourly foundation VM02 Together fund
Contribution for Phone & Broadband
BWCA
Pension Refund
Community Development
Sub total(Gross income for AR)		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 7,000
13,582
28,213
3,000
5,921
6,000
6,075
-
-
7,250
-
77,041		 - 7,000
13,582
28,213
3,000
5,921
6,000
-
-
6,075
-
-
7,250
-
-
77,041		 6,996
- 13,910
- 19,250
- 3,000
- 5,087
-
-
-
200
1,000
23
1,500
911
-
- 51,877
-
-
-
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
-
-
-		 - -
-
-
- -
Sub total - -
Total receipts
A3 Payments
- 77,041 - 77,041 51,877

H3G		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 222
22,639
1,105
3,085
1,000
4,247
909
401
16,200
-
1,661
428
8,797
4,420
65,114		 - 222
22,639
1,105
3,085
1,000
4,247
909
401
16,200
-
1,661
-
-
428
8,797
4,420
65,114		 228
Tim Haines Salary - 17,857
Tim Haines Expenses - 2,716
Pensions - 6,057
Tim training andprofessional development
National Insurance - 2,783
Methodist Insurance - 930
Pure Broadband - 401
Rent - Central Baptist - 16,200
Colosseum Drive water Bills - 149
Council Tax 3,532
Travel 59
Website and Design Costs 112
Sundry expenses -
BWCA -
David Skinner -
**Sub total ** - 51,024
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) -
-
-
-
-
-		 - -
-
-
-
**Sub total ** - -
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end		 65,114
- 65,114 - 51,024
- 11,928 - 11,928 853
-
-		 -
12,623		 - -
12,623		 -
- -
- 24,550 - 24,550 853

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

11/05/2024

1

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Houghton Regis Community Development Charity (Charity No: 1186865)

I report to the Trustees on the accounts of the above Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Respective Responsibilities of Charity Trustees and Examiner

As the charity’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention:

Ryan Parkins, ACCA

16 January 2025