ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2026
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 2025 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st March 2026 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 2026 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: 13th May 2026
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2026
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 donations 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 then used to meet essential overheads and 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, to sustain our public 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.
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 local businesses and community groups that contribute to our cause. During the year we have established a Food Club, which local businesses are invited to join and to contribute on a regular basis to the purchase of items of fresh food, thereby giving greater predictability to our donations. The Club was launched at a wellattended ‘business breakfast’, held at the Foodbank premises and introduced by a trustee with a video and presentation of the work of BFB. This idea has been a tremendous success, not only in terms of increases in donations but also in spreading awareness about our mission. A follow-up breakfast is planned to give feedback to those businesses already involved and to encourage new participants in the scheme.
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 ‘Guests’ continue to volunteer at BFB on a regular weekly basis. Their involvement helps to build their confidence, develop new skills and give them a sense of contributing to meeting the needs of some people in the local community.
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.
We are in the process of replacing our 4 year old transit van, obtaining an excellent quoted price for our older vehicle and we will be investing in the new financial year in a cost-saving purchase of an electric vehicle, which will also have less of an environmental impact.
Looking ahead, BFB faces the challenge of an overall decrease in donations and a potential increase in demand for services as the population of the town increases. To respond to this challenge, we have continued to consider how we might develop the scope of BFB’s work, in line with our Mission objectives, to maintain the sustainability of core business whilst developing other options to assist our longer-term families and individuals to become less reliant on foodbank support. To facilitate this, we are proposing to purchase a portacabin in which we can meet people in greater privacy and potentially host sessions from providers aiming to help our service users become more self-sufficient. A survey of potential needs is being undertaken as well as approaches to agencies that are keen to assist. The cabin will also give us additional space for other meetings, along with much needed office space.
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2026
Financial Review
The focus of the Trustees remains the financial resilience and sustainability of the BFB. During the year to 31st March 2026, the Foodbank performed slightly better than the budget set out at the start of the financial year. This was a largely result of the additional income from the newly created Food Club initiative.
As a result, cash reserves increased by £11,530 in the year. The level of reserves at year end represents just over 12 months of expenditure. This level of reserve is very prudent but it should be noted that, as mentioned above, the Foodbank intends to replace its existing van as well as investing in a portacabin to support its ongoing development. While there will be some income from the sale of the existing van and grant income from Basildon District Council for the portacabin, subject to planning permission, there will be a net cost to the Foodbank which will reduce the level of reserves by the end of the new financial year.
The outlook for use of the Foodbank remains unchanged from last year. The cost of living continues to remain high due to world events, with employment and low income continuing to make our service vital for those that need it in our community.
Reserves will 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 or reserved from:
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Essex Association of Local Councils
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The Asda Foundation
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Basildon District Council (awarded but subject to planning permission)
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
The operations of Billericay Foodbank are founded on a clearly defined set of 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, friendly way. So, building and maintaining relationships with those who use the Foodbank, and those who support us, remain key features of how we address the stated objectives for the charity.
In responding to the challenges of sustaining our core business whilst reviewing our future direction of travel, we understand that there may be a need to reorganise structures and roles within the charity. In achieving this, however, it is essential to uphold the spirit and values on which we are founded, and to preserve 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 FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2026
| 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 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2025/26 2024/25 £ £ £ £ £ 129,941 - 6,100 136,041 123,268 2,338 - - 2,338 1,997 458 - - 458 - 132,737 - 6,100 138,837 125,265 120,067 - 6,100 126,167 127,717 1,140 - - 1,140 1,140 121,207 - 6,100 127,307 128,857 11,530 - - 11,530 (3,592) 124,438 - - 124,438 128,030 135,968 - - 135,968 124,438 |
|---|---|
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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81LLERICAY FOOOBANK STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIA8IUTIES AS AT 31ST MARCH 2026 uNncle0 Re&tncl>Y FL¥J TOTAL y1¥T.28 TOTAL 31.M•r-?S ASSETS Cash Funds.. Cash hl 6nk and In Hand 135,969 124,438 135.968 135.968 1Z4.4J8 ¢h•rfty Fundb.. Gantral Funds Oes¥ryai•d Fund• R•¥iria•d Funds 135.988 13SW6 124,438 135.960 135.968 124,438 A••t• R•t•kn•d l(trlh• Chvlrf O¥¥n lh• Motor Vohid• Co 20.41XI 20.4fyJ R•wrf(A•d TOTAL Fd 31.IAar.26 TOTAL 31.Mr.25 F1 LIANLITIES ffl4ncy Fw• Ind•p•hd•ni Ex•miMrn F•• 3C 1.260 1.280 1200 TRUSTÉES AESPONsfAIuTIES IN RaATKJII TO FINAWCIALSTATÉklENTS Charity Law r•wirw5 ttKI Twste88 lo pw•r• fir111 Staterf for ••th fina y•¥ ttich cthnpty lh• r•gul(Xl¥ let txrt in the ch81iti Act 2011. The Tru8 hm qlwcted 10 rake thYwrt•g• ol lh8 ¢t •pth lo srnal cha05 TrJ hab wtp•r•d • PK•pts and AccwN cd •rnJ ball(thts •re 861 on pagets 8 1TrJ 9. lh8 Tns#eeg m................................................................................................................................ &gnad cffl fvir b•l4YbyTnJ#••....... Nem
BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2026
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 Sponsorship Income |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2025/26 2024/25 £ £ £ £ £ 8,057 - - 8,057 6,653 121,884 - - 121,884 102,331 - - 6,100 6,100 14,284 129,941 - 6,100 136,041 123,268 2,338 - - 2,338 1,997 2,338 - - 2,338 1,997 458 - - 458 - 458 - - 458 - |
|---|---|
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2026
3. PAYMENTS
| a) Costs of Charitable Activities Administrative Costs Advertising & Publicity Bank Charges Equipment Costs Food Costs 4 Fundraising & Events Insurance Costs Motor Vehicle Expenses Rent & Rates Services Sundry Expenses Telephone Costs Training Costs Volunteers Expenses Winter Hardship Payments b) Governance Costs Independent Examiners Fees 9 Legal & Professional Fees |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2025/26 2024/25 £ £ £ £ £ 43,980 - - 43,980 40,671 350 - - 350 943 75 - - 75 76 - - - - 7,473 45,983 - 6,100 52,083 52,100 530 - - 530 725 752 - - 752 760 4,561 - - 4,561 3,206 14,625 - - 14,625 14,305 1,648 - - 1,648 958 5,411 - - 5,411 4,207 188 - - 188 359 - - - - 54 1,964 - - 1,964 1,584 - - - - 296 120,067 - 6,100 126,167 127,717 840 - - 840 840 300 - - 300 300 1,140 - - 1,140 1,140 |
|---|---|
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BILLERICAY FOODBANK
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2026
4. RESTRICTED FUNDS
CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
| ASDA Foundation Essex Association of Local Councils Fund |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-25 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-26 £ £ £ £ £ - 600 600 - - - 5,500 5,500 - - - 6,100 6,100 - - |
|---|---|
PREVIOUS 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 - |
|---|---|
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 2026
5. DESIGNATED FUNDS
The Charity held no Designated Funds during this or the previous financial period.
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 £14,880 (2024/25:£12,976) 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 £22,680 (2025/25:£21,816) 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.
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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