CIO registration number: CE020351 Charity registration number: 1187433
Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Lanham & Francis 77a Cheap Street Sherborne Dorset DT9 3BA
Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Contents
| Trustees' Report | 1 to 4 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 16 |
Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Trustees' Report
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the CIO for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The object of the charity is to provide for the relief of physically and mentally disabled, aged or infirm persons by providing transport upon terms appropriate to their means. Transportation is provided by way of a bus service and associated amenities, specifically designed or adapted to meet the disabilities and requirements of such persons in Sherborne and District.
Public benefit
The bus is on the road seven days a week, transporting the elderly and those with disabilities to lunch clubs, shopping trips, society meetings and day trips to a variety of destinations. As well as outings for pleasure, the bus is vital in providing transport for people to do their weekly shopping in Sherborne or Yeovil. People are collected from their homes, or care home, and taken into town or to their club or outing, and returned safely at the end of the trip. Often the bus makes two or three trips in a day. The users, from the local area, benefit hugely from the social support and interaction provided by the service offered.
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.
Achievements and performance
Bus Hire
2024 has seen the bus hire maintain the level of the previous year. Care Homes have continued to book outings and the trips to the coast and surrounding places of interest have been well received. Weekly shopping trips to Sherborne and Yeovil are very important to users who cannot access the shops independently.
The mileage charge to users of £1 per mile which was introduced in May 2022, following years at 80p, has been maintained.
Maintenance costs for the bus were lower this year (compared to 2023), as there was only one significant breakdown which necessitated the bus being off the road for several days.
Donations
We continue to be very grateful for donations from local organisations and people, including bus users. We were particularly touched to be the recipient of donations made at several funerals. We are also very grateful for small donations, (such as £10), made by bus users who are on low incomes but value the difference the bus makes to their lives and independence. We have also been fortunate to be successful with applications to charitable trusts and these have been greatly appreciated. Donations for the year are slightly lower as the income from grants was less.
Fund-Raising
Our regular events took place in 2024, namely the Bridge Tea, Cake Stall and Turing Ride and were well supported as usual. We arranged a talk by a local celebrity (Sir Mark Sedwell) in March 2024, which was well attended. Due to the purchase of an electronic card reader, we are able to offer on-line ticketing, which works very well. We also used our card reader at the Cake Stall. We have recently purchased a new card reader which works on Wi-Fi and does not need to be linked to a mobile phone.
Social Media
We have been able to develop our website and social media presence in 2024 and recently acquired the services of a digital champion. We see this as being an important step forward in improving the website and accessing other means of accepting donations. We shall be able to promote activities and accept on-line payments and donations more easily. There is still work to do is this area but we are pleased with the results so far.
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Trustees' Report
Financial review
The surplus for the year before unrealised gains amounted to £20,393 (2023 : £20,011). At the year end the total reserves were £250,974 (2023 : £210,557). All funds are unrestricted.
Policy on reserves
The current level of reserves is maintained in order to purchase a new bus within the next few years, once the current vehicle is deemed to be in need of replacement.
Investment policy and objectives
We have continued to receive investment advice from a financial adviser from St James’ Place and made further deposits into our fund. During the year, on our adviser’s advice, we moved our investment from a basket of unit trusts into one consolidated managed unit trust. Our investment is now starting to perform well, following the period of volatility due to the war in Ukraine, rising inflation and political instability. We are confident that the long-term will show investment success.
Plans for future periods
Aims and key objectives for future periods
Purchase of a New Bus
It has always been the intention of the Trustees to work towards purchasing a replacement bus in 2025/26. The current bus is over ten years old and will soon start to need more in the way of maintenance. Current time scale for delivery of a new bus is 12 – 18 months. Research was carried out, by a small group (including the bus drivers), in the summer of 2024. Their recommendation was to purchase the same make as currently (Iveco) and to use Courtside Conversions to carry out the necessary conversions as previously. At a Special Meeting of the Trustees in July 2024 it was agreed to purchase a new Iveco bus. The order was placed and a 25% deposit made with the expectation that the bus would be ready for service in late 2025/early 2026.
Activities planned to achieve aims
We are hopeful that the operation of the bus during 2025 will continue to provide the service for which it is well-known. The charity intends to continue to operate the bus as previously i.e. to provide transport for the elderly and those with disabilities, living within Sherborne and the local area, to lunch clubs, shopping trips, society meetings and day trips to a variety of destinations.
Established fund-raising events, such as the Bridge Tea, Cake Stall and Turing Ride will continue and we are always mindful of new opportunities. Dates for future events during 2025 have been agreed and it is hoped that these will generate the usual level of funds.
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Trustees' Report
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustees: Jane Yorke (resigned 19 March 2024) Pauline Morgan Sharon Scarlett Lt. Col. Richard Watson Dr Charles Middle Angela Coward Camilla Wakeley Joanne Powell Catherine Pyke Michael Norton (resigned 16 July 2024) Delia Lord (appointed 16 July 2024) James Massey (appointed 5 September 2024)
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO was founded as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 17 January 2020, and operates in accordance with its governing document dated 1 July 2020. The members liability is limited to £1. The charity reference number is 1187433.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Trustees are appointed, in accordance with the Constitution, for a term of five years, by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. In seeking individuals for appointment, the charity trustees have regard to skills, knowledge and experience required for the effective administration of the charity.
Induction and training of trustees
Trustees are inducted by the Chair and given written copies of the Constitution and Trustee Responsibilities. Training is undertaken as appropriate to their existing skills and experience. All Trustees receive Safeguarding training and a copy of the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
Trustees are also required to sign a Trustee Eligibility Declaration.
Organisational structure
The day-to-day running of the charity operation is administered by the Bus Manager, Mr John Miller, in consultation with the Chair and a designated trustee. The trustees meet every three months or more frequently if required, and an AGM is held annually, in accordance with the Constitution.
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Trustees' Report
Major risks and management of those risks
Assessment of risk
The principal risk to the CIO is that the bus ceases to be roadworthy, or is rendered unusable for any other reason, and a replacement needs to be purchased sooner than anticipated. The CIO manages this risk by regular maintenance of the vehicle, as well as ensuring adequate cash reserves are held to finance a replacement. A secondary risk is that the current Bus Manager and volunteer drivers are unable to continue in their roles and new drivers have to be found in order to be able to continue the service. The CIO manages this risk by ensuring there is an adequate pool of available drivers to mitigate for any departures.
Reference and Administrative Details
| Charity Registration Number: | 1187433 |
|---|---|
| Company Registration Number: | CE020351 |
| Registered Office: | Grove Medical Centre |
| Wootton Grove | |
| Sherborne | |
| Dorset | |
| DT9 4DL | |
| Independent Examiner: | Mr I D Dodds CA FCA |
| Lanham & Francis | |
| 77a Cheap Street | |
| Sherborne | |
| Dorset | |
| DT9 3BA | |
| Bankers: | National Westminster Bank plc |
| 2 Hendford | |
| Yeovil | |
| Somerset | |
| BA20 1TN |
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 27 March 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Angela Coward Trustee
Page 4
Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO ('the charity')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2011 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.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.
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 Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO as required by section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; 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)].
Mr I D Dodds CA FCA Lanham & Francis
77a Cheap Street Sherborne Dorset DT9 3BA
3 April 2025
Page 5
Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investment income 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 7 Total expenditure Gains/losses on investment assets Net income Other recognised gains and losses Unrealised gains/(losses) on investments Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 19 |
Unrestricted funds £ 18,767 9,009 7,218 219 35,213 (1,048) (15,245) (16,293) 1,473 20,393 20,024 40,417 210,557 250,974 |
Total 2024 £ 18,767 9,009 7,218 219 35,213 (1,048) (15,245) (16,293) 1,473 20,393 20,024 40,417 210,557 250,974 |
Total 2023 £ 22,546 12,195 4,066 329 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39,136 | |||
| (414) (22,376) |
|||
| (22,790) 3,665 |
|||
| 20,011 10,954 |
|||
| 30,965 179,592 |
|||
| 210,557 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 19.
The notes on pages 8 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6
Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
(Registration number: CE020351) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 Investments 15 Current assets Debtors 16 Cash at bank and in hand 17 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 18 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity: Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total funds 19 |
2024 £ 4,311 209,466 213,777 26,095 11,961 38,056 (859) 37,197 250,974 250,974 250,974 |
2023 £ 5,143 188,947 |
|---|---|---|
| 194,090 | ||
| 3,069 13,614 |
||
| 16,683 (216) |
||
| 16,467 | ||
| 210,557 | ||
| 210,557 | ||
| 210,557 |
The financial statements on pages 6 to 16 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 27 March 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Pauline Morgan Trustee
Dr Charles Middle Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 7
Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1 Charity status
The charity was formed on 17 January 2020 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England and Wales. The principal activities are to provide for the relief of physically and mentally disabled, aged or infirm persons by providing, upon terms appropriate to their means, transport and associated amenities specifically designed or adapted to meet the disabilities and requirements of such persons in Sherborne and District.
The address of its registered office is: Grove Medical Centre Wootton Grove Sherborne Dorset DT9 4DL
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 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO 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.
The financial statements are prepared in Sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in the financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.
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.
Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement
The charity opted to adopt Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements.
Income and endowments
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity becomes legally entitled to the income, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Donations and legacies
Donations received for the general purposes of the charity are included as unrestricted funds.
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Donated services and facilities
The value of donated services is recognised as income in the Statement of Financial Activities, with a corresponding expense being disclosed as appropriate.
Investment income
Interest on cash deposits is based on amounts receivable.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis.
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
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.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees' meetings and reimbursed expenses.
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
Tangible fixed assets transferred from Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance Limited are stated at their net book value at the date of transfer, being deemed cost. Assets are state at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment.
Assets with a value of less than £100 are not capitalised, and are written off to the Statements of Financial Activities as incurred.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its expected useful life:
Asset class Ambulance Wheelchair
Depreciation method and rate 25% per annum, reducing balance basis 20% per annum, reducing balance basis
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments, other than programme related investments, are included at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their market value at the start of the year, or their subsequent cost, and are charged or credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period of disposal.
Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the Statement of Financial Activities based on the market value at the year end.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies: Donations from individuals Donated services and facilities Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 17,327 1,440 18,767 22,546 |
Total funds £ 17,327 1,440 |
|---|---|---|
| 18,767 | ||
| 22,546 |
4 Income from charitable activities
| Hire of ambulance Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 9,009 9,009 12,195 |
Total funds £ 9,009 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,009 | ||
| 12,195 |
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
5 Income from other trading activities
| Events income: Other events income Total for 2024 Total for 2023 6 Investment income Interest receivable and similar income: Interest receivable on bank deposits Total for 2024 Total for 2023 7 Expenditure on charitable activities Manager's salary Fuel Vehicle maintenance Insurance Sundry expenses Depreciation Legal fees Governance costs Travelling |
Activity undertaken directly £ 1,320 3,404 2,579 1,306 1,145 1,400 978 1,440 1,673 15,245 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 7,218 7,218 4,066 Unrestricted funds General £ 219 219 329 2024 £ 1,320 3,404 2,579 1,306 1,145 1,400 978 1,440 1,673 15,245 |
Total funds £ 7,218 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,218 | |||
| 4,066 | |||
| Total funds £ 219 |
|||
| 219 | |||
| 329 | |||
| 2023 £ 3,960 3,965 6,297 1,238 645 1,715 3,116 1,440 - |
|||
| 22,376 |
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
8 Analysis of governance and support costs
Governance costs
| Independent examiner fees: Examination of the financial statements Total for 2024 Total for 2023 9 Net incoming/outgoing resources Net incoming resources for the year include: Depreciation of fixed assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ 1,440 1,440 1,440 2024 £ 1,400 |
Total funds £ 1,440 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,440 | ||
| 1,440 | ||
| 2023 £ 4,000 |
10 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.
11 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries |
2024 £ 1,320 |
2023 £ 3,960 |
|---|---|---|
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:
| Manager No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year. 12 Independent examiner's remuneration Examination of the financial statements |
2024 No 1 2024 £ 1,440 |
2023 No 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 £ 1,440 |
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The Independent Examiner has not charged a fee for services provided. The above expenses comprise donated services as shown in note 3.
13 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
14 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 January 2024 Additions At 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Charge for the year At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Furniture and equipment £ 29 568 597 17 117 134 463 12 |
Motor vehicles £ 13,031 - 13,031 7,900 1,283 9,183 3,848 5,131 |
Total £ 13,060 568 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13,628 | |||
| 7,917 1,400 |
|||
| 9,317 | |||
| 4,311 | |||
| 5,143 |
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
15 Fixed asset investments
Other investments
| Cost or Valuation At 1 January 2024 Revaluation Additions Disposals At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 16 Debtors Trade debtors Other debtors 17 Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank 18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors |
Listed investments £ 188,947 20,024 13,000 (12,505) 209,466 209,466 188,947 2024 £ 1,338 24,757 26,095 2024 £ 11,961 2024 £ 859 |
Listed investments £ 188,947 20,024 13,000 (12,505) 209,466 209,466 188,947 2024 £ 1,338 24,757 26,095 2024 £ 11,961 2024 £ 859 |
Total £ 188,947 20,024 13,000 (12,505) 209,466 209,466 188,947 2023 £ 1,478 1,591 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 209,466 | ||||
| 209,466 | ||||
| 188,947 | ||||
| 2024 £ 1,338 24,757 26,095 2024 £ 11,961 2024 £ 859 |
||||
| 3,069 | ||||
| 2023 £ 13,614 |
||||
| 2023 £ 216 |
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| 19 Funds Unrestricted funds General Unrestricted funds General |
Balance at 1 January 2024 £ 210,557 Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 179,592 |
Incoming resources £ 35,213 Incoming resources £ 39,136 |
Resources expended £ (16,293) Resources expended £ (22,790) |
Other recognised gains/(losses) £ 21,497 Other recognised gains/(losses) £ 14,619 |
Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 250,974 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 210,557 |
20 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Tangible fixed assets Fixed asset investments Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ 4,311 209,466 38,056 (859) 250,974 Unrestricted funds General £ 5,143 188,947 16,683 (216) 210,557 |
Total funds at 31 December 2024 £ 4,311 209,466 38,056 (859) |
|---|---|---|
| 250,974 | ||
| Total funds at 31 December 2023 £ 5,143 188,947 16,683 (216) |
||
| 210,557 |
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Sherborne Voluntary Ambulance CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
21 Analysis of net funds
| 21 Analysis of net funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash at bank and in hand Net funds Cash at bank and in hand Net funds |
At 1 January 2024 £ 13,614 13,614 At 1 January 2023 £ 23,790 23,790 |
Financing cash flows £ (1,653) (1,653) Financing cash flows £ (10,176) (10,176) |
At 31 December 2024 £ 11,961 |
| 11,961 | |||
| At 31 December 2023 £ 13,614 |
|||
| 13,614 |
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