ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1194869
Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices
53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CONTENTS
| Page 3 | Legal and Administrative Information |
|---|---|
| Page 4 | Independent Examiner's Report |
| Pages 5 to 7 | Trustees' Report |
| Page 8 | Statement of Receipts and Payments |
| Page 9 | Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| Pages 10 to 14 | Notes to the Accounts |
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
CHARITY NUMBER 1194869 DATE OF REGISTRATION 21st June 2021 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st April 2024 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st March 2025 TRUSTEES AT 31ST MARCH 2025 James Rose Ian Fulton Marina Tarrant Stuart Gibbs Joanne Gibbs Mark Thomas
The existing trustees appoint any new trustees following the provisions laid out in the Charity's governing instrument.
GOVERNING INSTRUMENT
CIO - Foundation Registered 21st June 2021, As Amended on 22nd October 2022 and on the 27th October 2022.
OBJECTS
The object of the CIO is: The relief of financial hardship amongst people in Billericay and the surrounding areas in such ways as the Trustees from time to time may think fit, in particular but not exclusively by: a) Providing emergency food, essential toiletries, and other household items to individuals and families in need and/or for distribution by other Charities or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty. b) Such other means including (but not limited to) the provision of support or signposting to relevant information and other advisory services.
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS 22 Western Road Silver End Witham Essex CM8 3SF PRIMARY BANKERS CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the trustees/ members of Billericay Foodbank on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025 set out on pages 8 to 14.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
K. Collaku MAAT Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
Date: 25th June 2025
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Summary of the Main Activities
Donations of food, and other essential household items, are collected on a weekly basis from various locations across the town. These are then brought to the central Foodbank premises where volunteer teams sort and check them as suitable for distribution. After being packed into appropriate size bags for families or individuals, the food and other items are distributed to households in the local area.
Financial donations are accepted, acknowledged, banked, and used to meet essential overheads and to purchase additional foodstuffs, including fresh food.
All Trustees have signed the Trustee Declaration as required for registration as a charity with the Charity Commission.
Achievements and Performance
Billericay Foodbank (BFB) has been helping individuals and families in Billericay since 2018, becoming a registered charity in 2021. The charity’s Finance Committee, comprising the bookkeeper, treasurer and a trustee, hold regular meetings to monitor the charity’s financial position and provide monthly summaries to the Board of Trustees.
Funds have continued to be identified to pay for part-time administrative support to ensure the efficient completion of vital administrative duties and also to sustain our publicity profile and to network with local organisations. The latter role is essential to maintain public awareness of the ongoing needs of BFB for material and financial donations.
During the year we have developed a new website, thanks to the generosity and support of a local business and the expertise of a group of volunteers.
To boost the charity’s fundraising efforts we organise different social activities, attend local community events, and Trustees accept invitations to speak to various social organisations and local churches.
We are also fortunate to have partnerships with a number of local businesses and community groups that contribute to our cause. Their support has been invaluable not only in terms of donations but also in spreading awareness about our mission. Furthermore, our collaboration with local schools and youth organisations has enabled us to engage with younger generations, helping to foster a sense of community and social responsibility from a young age.
Hamelin Trust clients continue to volunteer at BFB on a regular weekly basis, building confidence, developing new skills and potentially helping towards entry into the world of work.
During the year, BFB has been privileged to have the loyal involvement of around 100 volunteers who come together in teams each week to ensure that the essential work required to achieve the core-business is successfully completed. The dedication of the volunteers is impressive; these people are the lifeblood of BFB, and their contribution is much valued and appreciated by the Trustees.
Looking ahead, BFB faces the challenge of an overall decrease in donations and an increase in demand for services as the population of the town increases. To respond to this challenge, the Trustees have commissioned a project to look at ways of ensuring the sustainability of core business whilst developing other options to assist our longer term families and individuals to become less reliant on foodbank support.
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Financial Review
The focus of the Trustees remains the financial resilience and sustainability of the BFB. During the year to 31st March 2025, the Foodbank performed in line with the budgeted expectations set out at the start of the financial year. There was a small reduction in reserves of £3,592, which was slightly less than had been expected. The demand for services has continued to increase (c. 6% year on year), especially in recent months, which coupled with evidence of reducing donations, both food and financial, and higher food prices will continue to put pressure on the reserves in the current year. This situation had been expected and planned for by the Trustees in the deliberate policy to build-up reserves in recent years. It is sustainable in the short to medium term and has been budgeted for in the coming financial year. The project referred to above will be part of the solution to attempt to reduce dependency and reduce demand on the Foodbank service where possible to do so.
Reserves remain at broadly 12 months gross expenditure, which the Trustees believe is the appropriate level considering the demand, cost and income pressures mentioned previously.
The Finance committee meet monthly to review the financial position and report on both a monthly basis and by way of a verbal report to the Trustees at each Trustee meeting.
The financial support of both the public and local organisations is vital for the Foodbank. In addition, in the financial year, the Trustees were especially grateful for grants received from:
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Essex Association of Local Councils
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M&G Plc Community Fund
However, there are also many other private donors without whose ongoing generosity the organisation would be unable to provide the service it does.
The Foodbank invests surplus cash balances in fixed term deposit accounts of no more than 12 months duration and also with the Foodbank’s own bankers in an instant access variable interest rate bearing account. All investments are made with UK institutions covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) guarantee, such that no reserves are at risk. This is part of a prudent investment policy, which is reviewed regularly, but which enables us to benefit from the current higher rate of interest being paid in the market. This income can then be used to support the Foodbank’s core objectives.
Summary
Billericay Foodbank has a clear set of principles and values which inform every aspect of the charity’s work. These values aim to ensure that the services provided are easily accessible, non-bureaucratic, i.e. do not require copious forms to be completed or documentation from a referring body to be shown, and are consistently delivered in a non-judgemental and friendly way.
Building and maintaining relationships with those who use the Foodbank and across the whole community are key features of how we understand our core business. We recognise the often complex, multiple problems facing the families and individuals who seek our help, and we continue to explore ways of identifying alternative means of providing support to families and individuals.
This has been a year of change and growth for the Foodbank, presenting challenges to which we have tried to respond by sustaining good governance whilst retaining the essential spirit and values of the charity and maintaining the enthusiasm and commitment of our large volunteer team.
The Trustees are immensely grateful for all the support provided by the volunteers and those who have given so generously with donations of food, essential household items and money.
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BILLERICAY FCX)DBANK TRUSTEES. REPORT IC¢ntinued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025 TnJ•twJ' R•w•lblllll•• T In19e5 Ore r•5Fxb18 for Tte95. R•w)rt arxl tto fin&rtiDI siatonnts in accordarto vAth applKabl8 Law Bnd +lc£eptsd AccwrthrJ Pr3 IGMP) Fir4Jnc•l Rep)rting Stantl8rd 102.. The Fir0r1 RoFortyrYJ siathtsNlgppIKatife UKaTrJ (Unled GqfjeraHy Accvrtsd AcwJming Prxtrel. ThB Ch•ritr•s kt 2011 ¥equire tr¢ Ir86$ to prepare fina1 •gch finaKial whth gNe a tfL and lair ¥ of th& ststs d aff8ws (4 ao aTrJ of surplL¢ or ¢Jefits1 of tr C) for tlt por%¥J. In prfyp3fins t80 %r4rKo1 ci suitab sctory apptytlwn ch¥0 ffletWsarttS pfwKipb% in Chath5 50RP.. MokèjuJeM ar •stims ttt are r•850robl& arKI PnKI stste wFBthgr Ul( &ThJards havo fdbyd subit to afty rfi•lèfi•l deparbjres styj tro ¥131Brr Prepare finarK5è1 sr•rrrtson ge1rd t4)reM tsts $S rt fd irAppYoprkts to sxesume ttstthe Clo will Tho In£stoes are keoFiffj suffitiertac£oJrw r•cords t1 dck} Wlh reasob actJJr¥y at any tr rtrAncil of Ihe ctorty emble th9m to erre thè st&t6Trxnts comply With 2011. Char¢y IAu)xmts aTrJ ReFNtsi Regu1 2008 the prry15• rf the ¢knrirg C¥)wff•nL They ar? a pnn5rf0kn for ¥afryaTlrJ tho ets dlho •r¥l lr¢• tlbj prEvontx 8TrJ detectic APprj byth•Tiirw8¢vi......."Lo Svjngd on thek bolMbyTrusg........... .. Prffttad
BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Notes RECEIPTS : Grants, Donations & Legacies 2a Investment Income 2b Activities for Generating Funds 2c TOTAL RECEIPTS PAYMENTS : Costs of Charitable Activities 3a Governance Costs 3b TOTAL PAYMENTS NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES Balances Brought Forward Transfer Between Funds BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ £ £ £ 111,284 - 11,984 123,268 135,510 1,997 - - 1,997 1,021 - - - - 6,974 113,281 - 11,984 125,265 143,505 114,592 - 13,125 127,717 121,495 1,140 - - 1,140 900 115,732 - 13,125 128,857 122,395 (2,451) - (1,141) (3,592) 21,110 127,110 - 920 128,030 106,920 (221) - 221 - - 124,438 - - 124,438 128,030 |
|---|---|
The Charity's operations are classed as continuing operations.
The notes on pages 10 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK IbhniTrlllbkn Inrrtm)vAtod OTguni&iliDnl STATEMENT OF ASSETS ANO LIABILITIES AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025 vrestn(tsl R8Stricted Fund Ftmd TOTAL 31-Mar-25 TOTAL 31.Mar-24 Not• CaJh FuNI$: Cash ot Bank aThJ in Hand 124.438 124,438 128.030 124.43B 124M36 128.030 Ch•rlty Fund& General Funds Cs4rAied FUTKIS Restrictsd Furrtl$ 124.438 124.438 127.110 920 124A38 124A38 128.030 As••ts R•tsirwd hrth• Ch•rfty%Own U•• krf¥ ve) Crt 20.400 20.400 TOTAL 31-Mar-75 TOTAL 31-Mar-24 FLtrnl Fw LL4BiUllES Irdwndgnt E¥Amirnrs Fe 840 1,200 1200 1.140 TRLISYEES RESPONSIBIUnES 111 REIATION TO H14ANCIALSTATEMENTS Charlty i• requires Tru518e$ prepare financi818tstèmerts for each fmncHI ypor wPKh Wilh re9ulakn¥ set out in the Charities Act 2011. Th8 Tntstoes the to take tho pr¢Ni5)ns that appty to smau chareS and Preparj a Rethipts èrrfj P4yry%nts ALEount and Sl8tem&rt rA Assèts ond Liabil0¥ whth ore sei out on pa985 8 aA 9. Z£)........TvAJ É ApPrtr byih8TtWaeèson.......... ..... 9onth91r behaLfbYTr.......... .. Prirted Namw.
BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
The accounts have been prepared under the “Receipts and Payments” basis as prescribed by the Charity Commissioners and the documents meet the appropriate legal requirements.
2. RECEIPTS
| a) Grants, Donations & Legacies Gift Aid Tax Gifts & Donations Grants Received 4 b) Investment Income Bank Interest c) Activities for Generating Funds Rental Income Sponsorship Income |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ £ £ £ 6,653 - - 6,653 5,194 102,331 - - 102,331 99,227 2,300 - 11,984 14,284 31,089 111,284 - 11,984 123,268 135,510 1,997 - - 1,997 1,021 1,997 - - 1,997 1,021 - - - - 5,832 - - - - 1,142 - - - - 6,974 |
|---|---|
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
3. PAYMENTS
| a) Costs of Charitable Activities Administrative Costs Advertising & Publicity Bank Charges Equipment Costs 4 Food Costs 4 Fundraising & Events Insurance Costs Motor Vehicle Expenses Relocation Costs Rent & Rates Services Sundry Expenses Telephone Costs Training Costs Utility Costs Volunteers Expenses Winter Hardship Payments b) Governance Costs Independent Examiners Fees 9 Legal & Professional Fees |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ £ £ £ 40,671 - - 40,671 23,334 943 - - 943 - 76 - - 76 61 6,473 - 1,000 7,473 525 39,975 - 12,125 52,100 51,067 725 - - 725 2,210 760 - - 760 606 3,206 - - 3,206 3,388 - - - - 7,437 14,305 - - 14,305 20,903 958 - - 958 1,166 4,207 - - 4,207 6,481 359 - - 359 407 54 - - 54 - - - - - 1,755 1,584 - - 1,584 882 296 - - 296 1,273 114,592 - 13,125 127,717 121,495 840 - - 840 650 300 - - 300 250 1,140 - - 1,140 900 |
|---|---|
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
4. RESTRICTED FUNDS
CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
| Essex Association of Local Councils Fund Winter Warmth Fund EALC Container Fund |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-24 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-25 £ £ £ £ £ - 10,984 11,160 176 - 920 - 965 45 - - 1,000 1,000 - - 920 11,984 13,125 221 - |
|---|---|
PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR
| Douglas Allen Fund Essex Association of Local Councils Fund Julia & Hans Rausing Trust National Lottery Fresh Food Fund Winter Warmth Fund EA Food & Winter Warmth Fund National Lottery Cost of Living Fund Yellow Car Charitable Fund |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-23 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ £ - 3,000 3,000 - - 300 - 300 - - 880 - 880 - - 9,100 - 9,100 - - - 2,000 1,080 - 920 - 5,000 5,000 - - - 9,404 9,404 - - - 7,000 7,000 - - 10,280 26,404 35,764 - 920 |
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Restricted funds are wholly represented by the charity's cash reserves and are to be expended as specified above.
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
5. DESIGNATED FUNDS
CURRENT FINANCIAL PERIOD
| Van Running Cost Fund PREVIOUS FINANCIAL PERIOD Van Running Cost Fund |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-24 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-25 £ £ £ £ £ - - - - - - - - - - Balance Balance 01-Apr-23 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ £ 720 - 720 - - 720 - 720 - - |
|---|---|
Designated funds are wholly represented by the charity's cash reserves and are to be expended as specified above.
6. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
The Charity employed no members of staff during this or the previous financial period.
7. TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES
During the financial year Trustee Marina Tarrant received £12,976 (2023/24:£10,420) for providing administrative and financial services to Billericay Foodbank in furthering the Charity's objects. All conflicts of interest have been identified, documented and managed in accordance with the Charity's Governing Document.
During the financial year Trustee Stuart Gibbs received £21,816 (2023/24:£10,993) for providing promotional and operational support services, including fundraising and developing external relationships for Billericay Foodbank in furthering the Charity's objects. All conflicts of interest have been identified, documented and managed in accordance with the Charity's Governing Document.
No other payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No other material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.
8. RISK ASSESSMENT
The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
9. RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the CIO's needs. This is based on the CIO's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the CIO will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
10. PUBLIC BENEFIT
The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.
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