ROCHESTER
BRIDGE TRUST
ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2024
Registered Charity No. 207100

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
CONTENTS
Page
Reference and administrative details
Annual report
2-15
Independent auditors, report
16-18
Statement of financial activities
19
Balance Sheet
20
Statement of cashflows
21
Notes to the financbal statements
22-38

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAXLS
Charity Name
The Wardens and Assistants of Rochester
Bridge in the County of Kent
also known as the Rochester Brldge Trust
Registered charity number
207100
Principal Address
Bridge Chamber
5 Esplanade, Rochester
Kent, MEI IQE
Administrative Office
st And￿w'S House
The Precinct, Rochester
Kent, MEI ISU
Court Members
Matthew Aidan Craig Balfour, Esq.
Derek George Butler, Esq.
Nominated (Kent County Council)
Nominated {Maidstone Borough
Council}
Appointed Member
Appointed Member
Nominated (Medway Council)
Appointed Member
Nominated Imedway Council)
Nominated (Kent County Council)
Nominated (Medway Council)
Appointed Member
Appointed Member
Appointed Member
Appointed Mernber
Appointed Member
Russell Graham Cooper, Eso. FRICS **
John Farmer, Esq.
Philip Filmer, Esq.
Paul Edward James Harriott, Esq.
Raymond Peter Harris, Esq.
Mrs Sarah Virginia Hohler
Alan Leslie Jarrett, Esq.
Lars Lemonius, Esq.
Dr Anne Frances Helen Logan
Dr Helen Pascoe***
Russell John Race, Esq. JP, DL
Richard George Thomby, Esq. MRICS
***
****
*****
Junior Warden to 31 May 2023. Senior Warden from l June 2023
Junior Warden from l June 2023
Court member from l June 2023
Senior Warden to 31 May 2023
***** Court member to 31 May 2023
***
****
Senior officers
Sue Threader BEng HonDSc CEng FICE
Paula Puxty BA (Honsl FCA
Tim Cathcart E+Sc (Hons) MRICS
Bridge Clerk (Chief Executive)
Chief Finance Officer
Chief Estates Officer
Principal Professional Advisors
Auditor - Saffery LLP
Banker - Lloyds Bank plc
Insurance Broker - Towergate Insurance Ltd
Financial Investment Manager - Rathbones Investment Management Ltd
Property Surveyors - Countrywide Residential Lettings Ltd- Savills plc- Bidwells LLP
Solicitors, Panel Cripps Pemberton Greenish LLP; H3 Solicitors Ltd- HCR Hewitsolls LLP,. Irwin
Mitchell LLP,. Roythornes Ltd

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Court of Wardens and Assistants of Rochester Bridge In the County of Kent presents its Annual
Fieport and Financial Statements of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 20241 prepared in accordance
with the Charities Act 2011 and the Financial Fieporting Stsndard 102.
The Rochester Bridge Trust was founded Sn 1399 to provlde and maintain a bridge across the River
Medway in Rochester in perpetuity. Benefartors gave land and money in trust to be used for this
purpose.
The Trust's mission is to provide a safe and well-maintsined crosslng of the River Medway at Rochester
Bridge in perpetuity in an efficlent way and apply any surplus funds to support educatlon and other
charitable projects.
The Twst's Values are integral to all its activities and how it carries out its work. They are.. Leadership.
Independence, the Long-term View and Environmental Responsibility.
OBJEcfIvES AND ACTIVITIES
The fom)al charitable objetts of the Rochester Bridge Tnjst are, in order of priority:
l. The maintenance and improvement of the bridges {known as Rochester Bridge) and the
approache5 thereto belonging to the Trust and of the banks and channel of the River
Medway so far as the conditions thereof may affect the maintenance of Rochester Bridge.
The promotion of the following purposes connerted with the Rlver Medway by means of
contributions to..
(al the execution and maintenance of works {including the approaches thereto,
whether or not belonging to the Trust) tending to facilitate passage over, under
or across the Fiiver Medway. andlor
Ib) the execution of works for the maintenance of the banks arsd channels of the River
Medway so far as the condition thereof may affect passage over, under or across
the River Medway.
3. The promotion of such other charitable purposes as may from tlme to time be determined
in the United Kingdom and primarily in the County of Kent.
Under its third objert, the Trust supports a range of charitable activities, including dellvery of
education projects, research and grants.
Summa
of Main Activities
Rochester Bridge
The Trust maintains its three bridges (the Old Bridge, New Bridge and Service Bridge) tD a high
standard to extend their useful life with the best achievable level of service and cleanliness, balancing
the needs of bridge users of all types. The bridges were refurbished in 2019-20. To deliver the
primary charitable objert, the bridges are kept open to all types Df traffic at all times except in an
emergency. Maintenance work to the carriageway is done under lane closures at night. Maintenance
staff are on site seven days per week. All maintenance is carried out with greenhouse gas emissions
as low as practicable. Maintenance activities have been undertaken with Net Zero Carbon emissions
since l April 2022.
Education
Under the third objert, civil engineering and agricultural education for young people is delivered
through scholarships and bursariesi grant5, free resources, events and other activities.
Grants & Other Charitable Projects
Grants are made to established organisations for charitable projetts for publlc benefit, and other
projerts are delivered directly by the staff.

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Grants Policies, which were reviewed as part of the 2023-29 Strategic Plan development process,
focus on activities which reflect the Trust's own history, values and work and Set out the charitable
purposes which will be considered for funding. These include education and research in civil
engineering, mathematics, art and furniture conservation, local history and agriculture. heritage
Structure restoration. traditional skills in the bullt environment and agriculture. and activities which
improve the environment and posltive use of the River Medway.
Exhibitions and lertures a￿ organised to disseminate information about Rochester Bridge and the work
and history of the Trust. Regular Open Days take place at the 8ridge Chapel and Chamber. Access to
the archives is available to the public by appointment.
Operations
The Bridge Chapel and Chamber are used as the meeting place of the Court, the home of the main
archive collettions and for events and exhibitions. The main administrative office is currently at
St Andrew's House, leased from Rochester Cathedral, with a Secondary office at l Gundulph House.
External Communicatioris and Local Engagement
News and Information about the Trust is published on its websites as well a5 In local, lifestyle and
national news publications. Positive coverage in the local media contributes particularly to the education
objects and raises the charity's profile in an open and transparent way. The Trust engages on social
media, primarily Twitter and Facebook, to gather infomiation and disseminate news and facts about
the charity.
Income Generation
The financial investment portfolio, held primarily in equities, is managed by Rathbone5 Investment
Management Ltd, with a small amount being direttly managed by the Trust.
The investment property portfolio includes a range Df land and buildings owned and managed for the
generation of funds to deliver the Trust's charitable purposes. Dirert property holdlngs are located
in Kent, Medway, West Sussex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and West Yorkshire. The
portfolio includes industrial. retail, residential, commercial property and over 6,800 acres of
agricultural holdbngs.
Carbon Reduction
A Carbon Reduction Plan was introduced in 2021. Bridge Maintenance (Scopes 1-31 has been Net Zero
Carbon since April 2022 and in-house activities (Scope 11 have been Net Zero since l April 2023.
Professional advisor and supplier travel are Carbon Neutral from l April 2024. Significant weight is
given to the opportunities to reduce carbon footprints in the procurement of goods, works and Servi￿5.
Pu
statem
nt
The Court has considered the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission and is
satisfied that Its work, primarily to provide facilities for the general public to cross the River Medway
with all the secondary benefits that thi5 freedom of movement enables, clearly meets the'public benefit
test" of the Charities Att 2011. In addition, further public benefit is delivered through grants, education,
free lectures and exhibitions, and other charitable projerts.
ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE
Rochester Brldge
The main objective is to ensure that the bridges remain serviceable for the longest possible time, v¥hile
ensuring maximum availability of the crossings for all users and giving attention to the appearance and
cleanliness of the struttures. The last 12 months have been focused on feasibility and design for future
projects, and seeking to improve maintenance of the third-party infrastructure carried by the bridges.
Continued attention has been given to malntaining the Net Zero Carbon status of bridge management
and reducing carbon emissions further.
The road brfdges cary over 12 million vehicle trips every year, almost one mllllon pedestrtan Joumeys
and approximately 200,000 cycling trips.

ROCHESTER BRfDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Attivity during the year has included..
taking on the management of the land between the New Bridge and the Railway Bridge from
Medway Council and making improvements to the appearance and security of these areas,.
further development of designs for remedial works to the Island Pier of the Old Bridge and Sts
access gantry and a solution for material loss from the Rochester Service Well,.
maintenance of third-party apparatus on the SeNice Bridge and surface water drainage;
installation of new steps for better access to the Rochester New Bridge box glrder gallery.
installation of further electric vehicle and plant charging points.
starting a feasibility study to explore options and costs to strengthen the New Bridge downstream
footway cantilever and add additional capacity for active travel modes,.
installation of additional ccrv for Surveillance of the Rochester end of the brldges.
cornpletion of load assessments for various structures.
tendering of a new 5ix-year contract for Bridge Inspections-
benchmarking of contract rates and approval to a new six-year Temi Maintenance Contract with
FM Conway with an improved specification ftscussed on low carbon operations;
removal of a redundant gas pipe and associated asbestos from the Strood Abutment Chamber;
and
initial investigations and risk assessment for the Rochester Esplanade Georgian parapet.
Focus has continued on making SU￿ the brldges a￿ always available for Ljsers to cross the River
Medway, In1Sne with the Trust's primary purpose. Maintenance work is carried out at night under single
lane restrictlons and applications for third-party closures are strongly resisted. The Tnjst did not
impose fijll closure of either road bridge in 2023124. Systems to control the use of the bridges by
abnormal loads are in place.
Engaging the public about the Trust's work on the bridges has continued with ￿gUlar soclal medla
posts and newly introduced engineer-led "Behind the Scenes" tours proving very popular. A number
of work experience placements were delivered to young people with an interest in engineering and
other aspect5 of the Trusys work.
Education
The Education Team has engaged with an audience of almost 8,000 during the year. For the fourth
year, the Trust sponsored and provided activities as part of the Lj'ving Land event for schools at Detling
Showground, organised by the Kent Agricultural Society. To encourage farnilies to learn more about
bridges, the adventure golf course and educational activities were ofFered at the Kent County Show in
July, which attrarted over 2,000 participants.
An updated and expanded verslon of the Trust's f￿e resources for prlmary schools, Learning about
Bridges, was published and distributed to schools and bridge engineering professionals. A new
education activity wa5 launched in association with FM Conway comprising a large-scale model of a
cable-stayed bridge which can be construrted by teams of young people. The Lets Build a Bridgel
project has engaged 200 young people so far, with plans to extend the reach in the coming years.
Three Rochester Bridge Trust Arkwright Engineering Scholars continued to be sUPPOrted in their second
year and enjoyed a very engaging -Behind the Scenes- visit to Tower 8r4dge. The alumni group of
former engineering scholars continue to be engaged, attending events with current scholars.
Two new Rochester Bridge Trust Harriott and Telford Engineering Scholarship Schemes were launched,
aimed at local SlKth-form students from non-selertive and selective schools respectively who plan to
study for university or degree-level apprenticeships in engineering. Three scholarships were awarded
and the schemes will be widely promoted for 2025.
Two Rochester Bridge Trust Spence Agricultural Scholars continued their studies at the University of
Nottingham, with one due to graduate in Summer 2024 and the other In Summer 2025.
In the year to 31 March 2024, a total of £7,950 was pald In scholarships (2023: £7,950).
The first biennial Phil Tindall Memorial Award, in association with the Worshipfijl Company of Engineers,
was awarded for excellence in the mentoring of early career civil enginee￿. A lerture was organised
by the prize-winner to share his expertise with other local engineering organisations.

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
A number of small equipment and travel grants were awarded, enabling schools and youth groups to
purchase materials to explore bridge building or to bring groups to events and exhibitions organised
by the Trust.
Grants & other CharNtable Projects
A new £1 Milllon Fund was made available during the year for distribution under the thlrd charitable
object. In addltbon, over £160,000 was allocated from normal budgets to various grants.
The £1 Million Fund has been allocated under various themes as follow5. Some of this funding will be
distributed as grants under the Grants Policy, with other projects being delivered direttly over several
years.
Advancement of education and research in engineeringi maths & agricultu￿. Includes bridge
engineering research and education projects with the Universities of Sheffield and Kin9Ston.
Promotion of traditional skills
Promotion of health, equality and diversity in agriculture and engineering
River Medway - environmental protection, attive use, saving of lives
Promotion of carbon sequestration.
Restoration of historic structures. Includes projects to ￿stOre historic lantems in Rochester
Esplanade Gardens, a lychgate at St Nicholas, Church in Thanington near Canterbury.
Estates community development- and
Legal advice, administration and new software.
an additional £33,000 has been allocated to these purposes from the separate River Medway Fund.
Work has continued on the project with the Medway Aircraft Preservation Society to restore a Shorts
Scion Floatplane so that it can be placed on public display in Rochester Cathedral in Summer 2025 and
then at Rochester Airport. The Shorts fattory played an important part in the industrial history of the
River Medway yet there is no example of the aircraft on display locally.
Nearly 3,000 people visited the Bridge Chapel and Chamber in 2023124 to view two exhibitions..
Uncovering the Past - Archaeological Findings at Rochester Bridge and Rochester Bridge in Times of
Conflict, ès well as associated lectures and Heritsge Open Days. These events also give public access
to the art and furniture collections.
The archive catalogue is now available online at
www.rbt.org.uk/archives
Operations
The long-temi objective is to consolldate the Trust's office operations in a single location by
redeveloping two buildings owned by the Trust on the Esplanade and Gundulph Square, Rochester.
Feasibility studies and concept design work were completed in the year and a planning application and
Listed Building application made. A detemiination is awaited.
A full review of the staff establishment was completed, resulting in the creation of sorne new posts
including the Director of Charitable ProjeLts, and recruitment to some longer-term vacancies including
the position of Records Manager.
Carbon Reduction Plèn
The Carbon Reduction Plan sets out the objertives and targets to minimise the carbon footprint of all
activities to the lovvest practical level, and offset the small amount of remaining carbon through the
planting of t￿e5 and other sequestration activities on land controlled by the Trust.
The Trust planted a new mixed native species woodland of 8,000 t￿eS on 13 acres of land named
Wardens. Wood near Detling in Kent. Carbon emissions from the Trust's activities are first reduced to
the lowest practical level and then are offset by the allocation of an appropriate number of trees to
sequester this carbon over their assumed 50-year lifetime.
Rochester Bridge is believed to be the only bridge in the world which is managed and maintained wlth
Net Zero Carbon emissions.
Bridge management (Scope 1-3) has been Net Zero since l April 2022, with total ￿d￿ctionS in
ernissions of around 80Vo compared to the baseline year12018119)- The remaining emissions are offset
by the allocation of trees in the Trust's sequestration plantation in Wardens. Wood (Detling).

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
To offset the 2023/24 bridge management emissions, 82 trees have been allocated, making operations
Net Zero Carbon ryn￿ agaln.
The significant reduction in emlsslons has been achieved acmss all maintenance operations. Use of
dlesel for maintenance has been almost eliminated by changing to elertric plant and boats and, where
this is not yet possible, use of HVO fuel. All electricity for bridge lighting and systems, and for charging
vehicles and equipment, is procured from renewable Sources. The carbon footprint of alternative
options is given considerable weight in the option a55essment and procurement process.
The Bridge Clerk continues to be very active in disseminating the Trust's methodology and
achievements in Carbon Reduttion to other bridge owning organisations in partiCLJlar. The Trust won a
national award for its achievement in reducing the carbon emissions in bridge management at the
Bridges 2023 Awards and is recognised by the national Net Zero Bridges Group and Bridge Owners
Forum for its leadership in this area.
In-house activities (Scope 1-31 achieved Net Zero Carbon from l April 2023. The total carbon footprint
of these activities was estimated as 24 tC02e and 119 t￿e5 have been allocated in Wardens, Woo
(Detling) to sequester the emissions, making in-house operations Net Zero Carbon.
Work has been carried out to reduce the carbon footprint of the energy used in the Trust's own
premises. All elettricity is procured from renewable sources, reduclng the footprint significantly. The
gas supply was removed from the Bridge Chapel and Chamber as part of a refurbishment in 2021 and
heating is provided vla an alr source heat pump. The main office, St Andrew's House, is occupied under
a short lease and the work needed to change the existing gas-powered central heating within the short
term remaining would be disproportionate to the benefits. The use of energy has been reduced by
draught-prooffing windows and doors, Improving thermostatic control and lowering temperatures,
Installing thermal blinds and use of timer plugs and motion activated lighting. By 2026, the office
activities will be relocated to refurbished premises on the Esplanade and plans are in-hand for heating
by a combination of air source heat pumps and solar panels, which should redu￿ the Scope 2 footprint
significantly and make it prartical to achieve Net Zero Carbon status.
Overview
At the end of the first year of the 2023-29 Strategic Plan period, the Court was pleased to have
completed seven (16010) of its Strategic Objectives, with artivity undernay on a further 23 152D/o}.
There are no significant delays in delivering the plan of works, Other than in achieving planning
permission for the Trust's new office premises. The archive collection has not yet been returned to the
Bridge Chamber strongroom because of continuing issues with the performance of the heating and
environmental control systems.
Positive factors which have affected the Trust's achievements thls year include the continuation of
stable membership of the Court of Wardens and Assistants, and the commitment of highly motivated
an(J capable staff. There is a positive relationship between the Court and the senior staff.
unde￿tandIng of bridge performance and behaviour is continuing to improve, wlth additional inspection
and survey data being collected. Progress wlll continue into next year with the appointment of a longer-
temi bridge inspection consultant.
Income Is stable and inereasingi Wlth the prospert of further property land sales and development
receipts which will allow additional funds to be distributed for public benefit in the next few years.
Reorganisation of property management and the increase in internal resources are already delivering
good improvements in the quality of the management of the estate.
Market research was carried out to establish the extent of public awareness of the Trust's work. The
results showed that the Trust's reputstion is very good locally amongst those who are aware of its
responsibility for managing the bridges and or other Charitsble work. However, a large proportlon of
the public is not aware that the bridges are managed by the charity at no cost to the public and the
lack of wider understanding of the other charitable activities is restr(cting the reach and impact of work
to promote the objects. The Court is committed to openness and transparency about its activities and
improving awareness and understanding so a specialist external communications consultant has been
appointed to review activity and make recornmendations for a new Communicatitsn Strategy.

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Prin
IRI
in
ies
The Court is committed to sound risk management as part of its strategy to secure the Trust's long-
term ability to meet its objectives and deliver maximum public benefit,. preserve and enhance its
assets. and ensure the safety of the public, its staff and contrattors. A Risk Management Policy and
detailed Risk Register is in place, which wa5 fully reviewed by the Court in May 2023. An interim
review in October 2023 identified some additional temporary risks, which were added to the register,
with actions identified to mitigate and manage them.
The Court identifies the most significant risks in the Major Risk Matrix. A major risk is defined by the
trustees as an event with a high-scoring combination of medium to high likelihood and a moderate
to catastrophic impact on the Trust. Active management of risks has resulted in most risks falling
outside the definition of a Major Risk, other than the potential for significant flooding from the River
Medway or Strood to affect operation of the Bridges, particularly on the west bank of the river, and
some temporary risks awaiting more information from struttural inspertions and relating to the
reorganisation of estate management activity.
The Court is concemed about the risk of flooding to its bridge assets on the Strood bank, notably the
elertrical system. The Trust Is encouraglng Medway Councll and other bodies to seek satisfartory
solutions to these issues and in the meantlme has taken steps to install locallsed protection to the
bridges including protettion to the electrical distribution board. River level monitors are in place and
an emergency flood response protocol is rnobilised by the Term Maintenance Contractor as required.
Projects planned for the bridges in future years will mitigate the risks further. These projects will
include improvements to the access gantry to the Island Pier of the Old Bridge. a review of the
behaviour of Spring water on the Esplanade and possible further works,. ￿n0VatIon of the Georgian
balustrade on the Esplanade, Rochester and repairs to the Rochester Serviee Well.
Arrangements are in place for handling emergencies and disaster recovery. An emergency plan is in
place for the bridges. Insurance cover is obtained for most residual risks and the cover types and
levels are reviewed annually. All three bridges are insured for their full replacement value.
CoMp￿henSlve property-owners Insurance is in place.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Within the General Fund, income exceeded expenditure by £0.65 million. However, there were a
number of projetts and activities funded frorn reserves and, overall, expenditure exceeded income in
the year by £0.35 million.
There was a net realised and unrealised gain on investment property of £9.74 million, and realised and
unrealised gains on financial Investments totalling £3.20 million, giving a net total investment galn of
£12.94 million.
Takbng account of the artuanal gain and the ￿Strict10n on the surplus on the pension fund and the
revaluation of fbxed assets, the net movement in funds for the year was net income of £12.52 million.
Principal Source of Funds
The Trust Is 5elf-funded and generates income from its own assets, primarily from property rents,
realised gains on property sales, dividends, bank interest and realised gains on financial investment
disposals. It does not receive any PLJblic ftjnding from local or national government. It does not charge
tolls on the bridges Dr fees for its other services (apart from room hire and lerturer fees) and does not
raise funds from the public or grant-making bodies.
In line with the Charities {Protettion and Social Investment) Act 2016, the trustees have considered
implications for the Trust. As the Trust does not actively fundraise or solicit donations from the general
public, the trustees do not consider it necessary to have a formal fundraising policy in place. No
donations were received in the year nor any complaints in thi5 regard.

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRusr
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Reserve5 Policy
The Trust needs to ensure that it has sufFicient reserves to rneet the cost of maJor maintenance of the
bridges at the appropriate tlme and, in the very long-term, to ftjnd replacement of each bridge where
this is appropriate at no cost to the public. To determine whether reserves are sufficient to cover the
cost of maintaining and replaclng the bridges in perpetLJity, a formal Artuarial Opinion is taken at
appropriate inteNals to test assumptions and monitor financial performance. The latest actuarial
valuation was based on financial data to 31 March 2021. The Court is satisfied that it does have
sufficient resources in the long tem) to deliver its responsibilities and, subjert to various assumptions
being delivered, will have a small surplus whlch will be distributed for public benefit through educational
and other charitable activities and grants.
The total held in the Bridges ReseNe Fund and River Medway Fund at 31 March 2024 was
£128.2 milllon, an increase of 10.5% in the year. All the reserve funds are unrestricted. The Court is
satisfied that the Trust is viable to continue as a going concern.
'Free reserves, disclosure has been considered but is not deemed to be applicable to the Trust. All
Investment properties and financial investment assets are designated for the future use of the Trust.
Investment Policy
The Investment Policy sets out the approach to managing the investment assets to ensure the
charitable obletts will be achieved over the very long temi. When investlng charitable funds, the Trust
seeks to meet its charitsble duty by achieving the best total return, whether In the form of income or
capital, to generate sufficient funds to meet its annual running costs, including routine works,. and to
maintain and increase reserve funds for ftjture major capital maintenance and replacement worf<s.
The Investment Policy ensures that investments are made in an appropriate range of financial and
property asset classes to ensure diversification and a spread of risk,. that returns are maximised within
reasonable and prudent levels of risk. and that administrative and management costs are controlled.
The target for the overall balance of investment assets is 60010 property.'40010 finandal investments and
cash. The majorSty of the financial portfolio is In relatlvely higher rlsk asset types i.e. equltles, with the
remainder in cash and other financial investments. The investment property portfolio focuses largely
on lower risk, long-term holdings, with a high proportion of agricultural land. The property investment
portfolio provides a good level of fixed income and the￿fOre the Court does not consider it ne￿SSary
or appropriate to include financial Investments with a similar profile in the finanaal portfolio. Financial
investments exposed to the UK real-estate market are also avoided because of the relatively high
exposure that the direct property holdings represent.
During the year, the Court reviewed the newly published Charity Commission Guidance CC14
Investing Charity Money in the context of the Trust's primary purpose to maintain Rochester Brldge.
The guiding objettive of the Investment Policy was confirmed i.e. to seek the best financial return that
can be achieved, within the full range of available financial investment options in line with the level of
risk the Court has decided is acceptsble to the Trust and the requirements for diversification as set out
in the Policy. The Court also confirmed its policy of engagement rather than disinvestment and its
instructions to the Investment Manager to use the shareholder vote or other opportunities to influence
practice at companies in which the Trust is invested. A commitment was made to consider in due
course the option of positively investing in companies which promote the Trust's charitable objectives
(the Tertiary Objett Policy in particular) and the option of settlng up a Soclal Investment Fund.
particularly for research and/or to incentivise tenants to reduce their carbon footprint.
In the annual review of Investment Policy in Ortober 2023 some other adjustments were made to the
Investment Policy, which took effert from l January 2024. including the rernoval of the general
Alternatives Asset Class and its replacement with Commodities (Gold). a prohibition on cryptocurrency
investrnents,. and narrowing the allowable tactical range for cash holdings to encourage prompt re-
investment.
The Court also decided to equallse the target balance between UK and overseas equities to 47.5Wo in
each (from 65%.'36.50/0 previously) to recognise the proportion of UK Listed company income which
comes fmm overseas, the relatively small proportion that the UK market ￿p￿sents in the ￿SE AII
World Index and the lack of exposure of the UK market to important sectors including technology.

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
As a control on Over-exposu￿ to foreign currency, a Constraint to limit non-sterling assets to 500/0 of
the portfolio wa5 added. Following a workshop held with the Investment Manager, senior officers and
the Ctsurt, Infrastructu￿ Funds were included in the investment strategy as an allowable asset class,
with a Strategic Guideline of 50/0.
Investment Performan
The long-temi investment objective is to meet or exceed the return assumptions in the Artuarial
Valuation to ensure that the provision of Rochester Bridge can be funded in perpetuity, and to ￿lease
surplus value from the investments to fund grants and other charitable projects to promote the Third
Objett.
The total value of financial and property investments at 31 March 2024 totalled £125.2 mlllion, a 9.8%
increase compared with 2023. The growth was partly as a result of more stable financial investment
markets and improved bank interest, but prirnarily as a result of unrealised gains on investment
property arising from the grant of planning permission and rising rents for 50rne holdings.
The Court is pleased that the value of the long-term rese￿eS has remained strong, even though
slgnificant sums have been invested in the bridges and Bridge Chapel and Chamber in the past few
years. The cost of construttion work continues to rise ahead of inflation and it is essential that the
Trust accumulates a level of reserves which is compatible with its long-term liability to maintain
Rochester Bridge in perpetuity.
Total income for the year increased by 8.4% compared to the prevlous year to £3.70 million from
£3.42 million.
Financial Investment Portfolio
It was a more settled year for the financial investment portfolio with strong income, realised and
unrealised gains and less drastic fluctuations in response to national and geopolitical events and the
after-effetts of the Covid-19 pandemlc than in previous years.
The income target from the financial investments over the two-year budget period 2023-25 was set at
£2.079 million for the year. £1.014 million was achieved in 2023124, an increase of 7.5WD on the prior
year, and close to 500/u of the ￿0-year target, and the trustees are content that performance is
satisfattory. There has been a significant increase in bank interest received in the year, although this
represents a relatively small part of total income.
The overall perfomiance of the financial investment portfolio managed by Rathbones Investment
Management Ltd was measured against a bespoke composite index and a minimum target of RPl+3Yo
growth per annum to 3 1 December 2023, and CPl+40/D thereafter. CPl+4Wo for the year was 7.2010 and
the Composite Index was 14.3¥0. The financial portfolio total retum was I1.50h for the year. It was
notable that the Investment Manager exceeded by 1.20/D the average performance of its peers as
measU￿d by the ARC Charity Equity Risk Total Return index.
Given the nature of its liabilities, the Tmst takes a long-term view of Investments and keeps the
performance of the Investment Manager under close review. A formal ￿vieW of the Investment
Manager's performance was carried out in 2024 with the assistance of an independent Investment
Advisor and, in May 2024, the Court made the decision to continue Rathbones. appointment for a
further period, subjert to a review every three years.
Pmperty Investment Portfolio
The long-term total return target for the property investment portfollo is 6.250/0 gross (i.e. before
any deduction for investment expenses).
A revaluation of the property portfolio was carried out by qualified valuers from Savills plc and the total
value was £86. 121 million at 31 March 2024, an increase in value of 10.40k since 31 March 2023. On
a like-for-like basls and excluding major development properties, the underlying increase in estate
value was 2.4%.

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Two disposals were made during the year, ￿all$ing a total reeeipt of £1.5 million and a gain on Book
Value of £0.347 million. These We￿ land at Abbey Farm, Leeds and redundant farm buildings at Yew
Tree Farm, Farnley Tyas, the latter being the subject of a development option for which the increased
value upon the grant of planning pemiission of the otherwise redundant site had already been included
in the Book Value.
Achieving the required financial returns fmm the investment property estste relles on attlve
management of properties as w¥ell as any underlying rises in rents and land and property value5 due
to the market.
Attivltles in Ilne with the Estate Management Strategy have continued, including steps to maximise
rental returns, reduce liabilities and in-hand land, and ensure properties are in good order. Action
was taken to improve fencing* signage and to grant licences to deal with encroachment and
unauthori5ed use of the Trust's land in several rural locations. Several larger rent reviews and re-
lettings were concluded, increasing the rent mll by approximately 3.70/0 per annum during the year.
Major repairs were completed to the grainstore roof at Hall Farm, Springthorpe and floor at Bruce's
Castle Farm, Conington, and the replacement of the farmhouse roof at Bruce's Castle Farm. Work
to small sewage treatment plants to achieve compliance with the General Binding Rules was largely
completed, with one property outstanding at 3 1 March. Two houses on the West Yorkshire Estate
underwent full refurbishment and have been re-let.
A new Reinstatement Cost Assessment was carried out using an improved methodology and more
thorough approach than previously. The re-assessment, together wlth slgnificant increases in the
cost of building works in the UK generally, resulted in a significant Increase in the amount of building
insurance ctsver required.
Having Identified the condition of small bridges on the estates as a risk, an audit of all such structures
was carried out and inspectitsns of many of them have been undertaken by the in-house brldge team.
Fomial inspections by accredited bridge inspectors were included in the scope of work for a new
structural inspertion contract expected to be in place by the end of 2024.
The implementation of the strategy to bring rn0￿ aspects of estate management in-house progressed
with the creation of a new post of Property Manager (South and Commer¢iall- Oversight and
co-ordination of asbestos management has been brought in-house.
The longstanding contrart with Savills plc for the management of the Southern property estates was
ended. Following tendering exerc15es, Bidwells LLP wa5 appointed to manage the rural portfolio, and
Countrywide Residential Lettings Ltd was appointed to manage the residential portfolio. Savills
continues to manage the Central and North estates. A tendering exercise was also completed for
the appointment of a new supplier for cartographic services.
The property investment portfolio is held for the purpose of raising funds and in line with it5 fiduciary
duties, the Court has sought opportunities to develop appropriate land within the estates. Planning
permlssion was achleved by option-holclers for three significant developments during the year.
In Farnley Tyas, West Yorkshire, permission was granted for the development of vacant buildings at
Yew Tree Farm into 17 residential units. Sale of the land was concluded under the terms of an option
agreement already in place when the Trust acquired the property.
In Kent, planning permission was granted on appeal for two residential developments.. at Westmoor
Farm, Rainham 166 units) and Pond Farm, Newington { 135 units). Negotiations on price are in hand
with the option holder for the former, while the latter has been put to the open market in accordance
with the promotion agreement.
Elsewhere, major development prtsposals by others could have a significant impact. Representations
are being made regarding major proposals for solar energy developments in Lincolnshire and the
Lower Thames Crossing in Kent to ensure that the best interests of the charity are protected.
Expenditure on properties was lower than last year by £0.24 million 113Wol to El.59 million.
Maintenance and repair expenditure artually increased by £0. 13 million 1370/0) and insurance costs
increased by over 50Q/o, but these costs were offset by redurtions in professional fee5 and other staffing
costs and the release of a provision relating to the refurbishment of the Bridge Chapel and Chamber.
io

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Pension
At 31 March 2024 there was a penslon surplus of £1.319 mlllion {2023'. £1.021 million). However, any
pension surplus arising at the year-end is not recognised in the balance sheet as the surplus does not
meet the Financial Reporting Standard (FR51021 criteria for recognition as an asset. A fvll actuarial
pension valuation was carried out at 31 March 2022 and updated to 31 March 2024 by a qualified
independent artuary.
Tax
The Trust incurs Value Added Tax on all of its expenditure, where applicable. Input tax incurred on
bridge or other charltable expenditure cannot be reclaimed as these are deemed to be non-business
attivities because the Trust does not charge for its public services. Only a proportion of the VAT on
expenditure on the property estate can be recovered, i.e. where taxable supplies are being made. The
amount of VAT that can be recovered on support costs is restritted accordingly. Therefore,
irrecoverable VAT represents a very large cost, particularty in years with substantial investment in
bridge maintenance. In 2023124, the cost of irrecoverable VAT was EO.35 million.
STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
structure
The Warden5 and Assistants of Rochester Bridge in the County of Kent is a charitable trust originally
estsblished as an incorporated body by letters patent granted by Klng Richard Il in 1399 and confsrmed
by a ststute of Henry V11422). The Trust is now regulated by the following Acts and instruments..
the Rochester Bridge Art 1965,.
the main Scheme of the Charity Commissioners of l June 1999-
Schemes of the Charity Commissioners of 20 June 2006 and 30 December 2013.
Statutory Instnjment 2000 No. 3098, The Charitles ffhe Rochester Bridge Trust) Order- and
the Medway Tunnel Act 1990.
The 1999 Charity Commission Scheme has been amended by resolutions dated 31 July 2006,
29 October 2007, 19 November 2012 (two amendments), 30 December 2D13, 1 September 2014,
I l January 2018, 12 March 2018, 19 February 2019, 1 March 2021, 23 May 2022 and 20 May 2024.
Governance
The board of trustees is referred to as the Court of Wardens and Assistants of Rochester Bridge {"the
Court￿.
The Court has thirteen members (trustees). six nominated by local authorities, known as "Nominated
Members~ and seven co-opted, known as"Appointed Members- Every two years the Court eletts from
its membership a Senior Warden and a Junior Warden, usually to hold office for a period of two years
in each role.
Appointed Members are appointed by the Court for a term of five years, with new appointees serving
maximum of three terms. The Court attempts to secure that collertively the members of the Court
possess an appropriate spread of expertise having regard to the objects of the charity, the nature of
its property and its activities.
Following a Skills Audit, the thirteenth trustee position {and seventh Appointed Member position} was
added to the Court from l June 2023 to provide an opportunity to introduce a new member with
particular skills and experience in science education In schools, and improve the diversity of Court
membership.
PLJblic advertisement and competitive interviews were undertaken, resulting in the
appointment of Dr Helen Pascoe, a science teacher and school senior leadership team member.
The Court's longest-serving member, Paul Harrlott, retired from the Court in May 2023, having served
for 43 years, since 1999 as an Appointed Member. Mr Harriott was the eighth longest-serving trustee
in the history of the Trust and the Court expressed its gratitude for his commitment and faithful service.
The remaining year of Mr Harriott's term was filled by the appointment of John Famier, a civil engineer.

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNVAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Nominated Members are appointed by Medway Council {th￿e), Kent County Council (two) an
Maidstone Borough Council (one). Each appointment is for a period of four years, with new appointees
serving a maximum of three terms.
Nominated Members are not necessarily members of the
appointing body and do not ￿present the views of that body.
All new trustees re￿1ve Indurtion training from the Senior Management Team and are offe￿d support
from the Senior Warden. A tsvo-year Trustee Information and Training Programme is in place including
briefing events on current issues, property estate visits and bridge tours. Members of the Court have
access to the onlbne Members, Informatlon Portsl.
No trustee remuneration was paid in the year.
Details of trustee expenses and related party
transactions are disclosed in notes 10 and 20 to the accounts.
In March 2024, elections were held for three, five-year Appointed Member positions which were due to
fall vacant at 31 May 2024. Russell Cooper, Russell Race and John Farmer were elerted. Mr Cooper
and Mr Race have both served more than nine years as members of the Court, but the new temi of
appointment will be their last following the introduction of a maximum allowable total term of service
in 2023. Mr Cooper is the current Junior Warden and may be appointed as the next Senior Warden
{Court willing) from I lune 2025 to 31 May 2027. Given his current position and the value of continuity
of leadership of the Trust, the Court considered it appropriate to re-Appoint him for a further term.
Mr Race is a very longstanding mernber of the Resources Committee with a professional background
as a stockbroker. Mr Cooper and Mr Race will not be eligible for reappointment at the end of their
current terms.
The Court holds th￿e Ordinary meetings each year. Additionally, Special Court Meetings may be called
at any time by a Warden or by any two Members of the Court. The appointment of Members,. setting
budgets,. and matters of policy and strategy are reserved to the Court. Members are required to make
declaration of their interests and loyalties which are recorded In the Register of Members, Interests
made available at every meeting.
There are five Committee5 that meet a minimurn of twice a year to di5CUS5 key areas of the Trus¥s
attivities and oversee delivery and budget monitoring within their area of responsibility. Each
committee has detailed Terms of Referen￿ and a Scheme of Delegated Authority in place which is kept
under continual review. The Committees are the Bridge,. Resources. Property. Education, Grants &
Archives- and Wardens, Committees. The Committees oversee delivery, management of budgets and
other matters delegated to them by the Court. Executive functions and operational matters within
policy and budget a￿ delegated to senior officers in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation and
Scheme of Financial Delegation approved by the Court.
Equality, Divet5ity and Inclusion
An Equality, Diversity and Inclusion IEDI) Policy is in place and the Court has identified a wish to further
improve the diversity of Court Membership in future trustee recruitment. A Board Effectiveness Review,
completed in late 2023, identified EDI as an area of focus for the Court in the coming year.
Management
The Executive Leadership Team comprises three experienced officers. The Bridge Clerk (Chief
Executive) is Sue Threader, a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers with
extensive public and private sector experience. The Chief Finance Officer, Paula Puxty, is a Chartered
Accountant with both corporate and charity experience. The Chief Estates Officer, Tim Cathcart, is
Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer with extensive commercial property management
experience. The Court considers the Court of Wardens and Assistants and the ExecLJtive Leadership
Team as the key management personnel in charge of dirertion, control and operation of the Trust.
At the end of the financial year, the Senior Management Team was strengthened by recruitment to the
new post of Director of Charitable Projects, who will be responsible for delivery of the artivities under
the third charitable objert including education, exhibitions and grants. Recognising the primary
objective of the charity, the Bridge Manager was promoted tts an enhanced role as Director of Bridges
and also joins the Senior Management Team. The Executive Leadership Team are also members of
the Senior Management Team.
12

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
other staff support the operatlDns and administration of the Trust and the provision of bridge
engineeringi education and estate management services. During the year there was an average of 16
staff in the establishment (13 full-time equivalents).
The Tnjst does not generally engage volunteers. As required a number of freelance and casual paid
staff are engaged on short-term appointments to work on projects and events.
A Staff Remuneration Policy is in place. Staff salaries, including for senior officers, are regularly
benchmarked against data for similar-sized charities in the South East and against profession
benchmarks as relevant. Salaries are reviewed annually and approved by trustees. Subject to
affordability, an annual "Cost of Uvlng" pay award is based on the Consumer Prices Index (including
housing) for eligible staff.
The gender pay gap shows the differen￿ between the average (mean) earnings of men and women.
It is expressed as a percentage of men's eamings. The mean gender pay gap for the Senior
Management Team comprising two women and two rnen, was -38010 {i.e. overall male senior managers
have lower pay than female senior managers).
The Trust is a Living Wage Employer, meaning that the Tnjst has committed to paying all staff and
casual workers the real Living Wage as a minimum.
The Court makes use of professional advisors on the management and control of Its assets and a
number of its other activities, althoLJgh artivities are increasingly being moved in-house in the interests
of quality of delivery, management of risk, efficiencyi Cost and better accountsbility for perforrnan￿.
FUTURE PLANS
Rochester Bridge
Detailed designs and contract documents are in preparation ft>r improved access to the Island Pier-
preventing 1055 of material in the Rochester SeNice Well. and repalnting the upper sections of the
bowstring trusses arnong many other minor repair and maintenance tasks. Two six-year contracts wlll
be awarded for structural inspections of all bridges and suNeys of road and footway condition.
A feasibility study is underway to investigate options for strengthening the downstream cantilever of
the New Brfdge and widening the footway to enable segregation bel￿een pedestrians and cyclists.
Discu55ions continue with statutory undertakers to improve maintenance and management of plant
carried by the servi￿ 8ridge.
Attention will continue to be paid to reducing Carbon emissions in bridge management. Thls will include
the design for installation of electric power points at variou5 IDCations on the bridges, powered by
renewable energy.
Education
The focus will be on ensuring that education artlvitles are avallable to Snterested young people and
families outside the school setting as well as in schools. Use of the"Let's Build a Bridgel" cable-stayed
bridge kit will be maximised. A residential summer school for bridge and highway engineenng for
young people aged 14-15 will be delivered in association with the Smallpe1￿ Trust and the University
of Kingston.
The engineering and agricultural scholarship programmes will be reviewed and adjusted as needed to
maximise their impact in encouraging yoijng people to study and undertake careers in those areas.
Attention will continue to be given to providing high-quality experfences and supporting the alumni
group of scholars. Work experience placements will be offered.
13

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
other Charitable Projects
Planning will take place for a major event in Rochester Cathedral in Summer 2025 to display the
restored Shorts Floatplane, restored with a grant from the Trust, alongside engineering education
artivities for young people.
Other projects a￿ in development to restore memorials to past Wardens and create a new exhlbltion
about the lives of some of the most significant.
Grants
A budget of £1 mlllion has been allocated for 2023-25 for distributlon for grants and other charttsble
projects under the Tertlary objert pollcy.
Revised policy documents and grant programmes will be launched, together with a new online grant
application prO￿S5.
Carbon
Net Zero Carbon status for bridge management and in-house activities will be sustained.
A new carbon sequestration plantation will be planted to offset construction carbon for the Yew Tree
Farm development by other5, and also ernissions relating to management of the West YO￿hlre Estate.
Estate Management
Further steps will be taken to improve management of the estate by bringing MO￿ activities in-house.
Artive management of the estate in line with the Estate Strategy is expected to increase the rent roll
ftjrther and release additional capital to fund the primary purpose and for distnbution under the third
objert.
Supplementary heating will be installed in the Bridge Chapel and the environmental control systems in
the Strongroom will be modified.
The project to convert l Esplanade and Senlac House into the Trust's permanent office home, to be
known as Sir William Cubitt House, will continue provided planning and Listed Building Consent
applications are approved.
Pmgress by external developers on the Lower Thame5 Crossing proposal and solar developments on
the Springthorpe Estate will be dosely monitored and the Trust's interests protected.
14

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF WARDENS AND
ASSISTANTS OF ROCHESTER BRIDGE
The Member5 of the Court of Wardens and Assistants of Rochester Bridge are responsible for preparing
the Annual Report and the flnancial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards (Unbted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requi￿5 the Members of the Court (who are the
trustees) to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the
state of affairs of the Trust and of the incoming resour￿5 and application of resource5 of the charity
for that period. In preparing these financlal ststements, the Members of the Court are required to=
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,.
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS1021,'
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subjert to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the f5nancial statements,. and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the trust will continue in business.
The Members of the Court are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with
reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable thern to ensure that the financial
statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, applicable accounting regulation5 and the prc*visions
of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for
taking reasonable steps for the preventlon and detertion of fraud and other irregularities.
The Members of the Court fulfil their responsibilitie5 explained above by appointing an appropriately
qualified and experienced Chief Finance Officer who undertakes to maintain the Trust'5 financial
records on a day to day basis. The Members of the Court review these records at least twi￿ a year.
The Members of the Court are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and flnanctal
Infomiation included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other 3urisdictions.
On behalf of the Members of the Court of Wardens and Assistants of Rochester Brfdge
Derek Butler
Senior Warden
14 October 2024
15

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF WARDENS AND
ASSISTANTS OF ROCME5TER BRIDGE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Oplnlon
We have audited the financial statements of Rochester Bridge Trust for the year ended 31 March
2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet, statement of cash flows
and notes to the financial statements, including 51gnificant accounting policies. The financial reporting
framework that has been applied in thelr p￿paratIOn is applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards, including Financlal Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepte(f Accgunting
Practice).
In our opinion the flnancial statements..
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affalrs as at 31 March 2024 and of its
incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended,.
have been propedy prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Prartice. and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit In accordance with International Standards on ALJditing (UK) (ISAS IUKII
and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's
responsibilities for the audit of the ffinancial statements section of our report. We are independent of
the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial
statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilitles in accordance with these requ1￿mentS. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basls for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees. use of the going concern
basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is approprfate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to
events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's
ability to continue as a going Concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial
statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibillties and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are
described in the relevant sections of this report.
other information
The trustees are responsible for the other inforrnation. The other information comprises the
information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report
the￿On. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except
to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance
conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the
course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material
inconsistencies or apparent material misststements, we are required to determine whether this gives
rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves.
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there Is a material mi55tatement of this
other information; we are reqUI￿d to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on whlch we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relats'on to which the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion..
the infom)ation given in the Trustees, Annual Report is inconsistent in any material respect
with the financial statements; Dr
16

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRLisr
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF WARDENS AND
ASSISTANTS OF ROCHESTER BRIDGE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
the charity has not kept sufficient accounting ￿cOrdS,. or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting ￿cordS and retums. or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audlt.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Responsibilities of the Members of the Court set OLJt on
page 15, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being
satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine
is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assesslng the charity's ability
to continue as a going concern, disclosing* as applicable, matters related to going concern and using
the going concem basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditors. responslbllltles for the audlt of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditors under the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with
regulations made under that Act.
Our objectives are to obtsin reasonable assurance about whether the f1nancial statements a5 a whole
are free from material rnisstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors. report
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee
that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or errDr and are considered material if, individually
or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users
taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line with our responsibilities, Outlined above, to detect material misstatement5 in
respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent
to whlch these are capable of detetting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below.
Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities..
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement and
how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the informed management, discussions
within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls and ensuring these
controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent
manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations that are of significance
in the context of the charity by discussions with informed management and updating our
understanding of the sertor in whlch the charity operates.
Laws and regulations of direct Significan￿ in the context of the charity include the Charities Act
2011, the Charities (Accounts an(J Reports) Regulations 2008 and guidance issued by the Charity
Commission for England and Wales.
Audlt response to risks identified:
We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and ￿gUlationS as part of our auélt
procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement
disclosures. We reviewed the charity's records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of
meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities to identify potential material misstatement5
arising. We discussed the charity's policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations
with members of management responsible for compliance.
During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key
areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of
management whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulatlons
or knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud.
17

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF WARDENS AND
ASSISTANTS OF ROCHESTER BRIDGE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the
appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or
outside the normal course of business.
We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible
indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner's
review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional
sceptlclsm and thus the capaclty to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-
compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transartions reflected in the financial
statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not deterting a mater(al
mi5Statement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not deterting one resulting from error, as fraud
may involve deliberate concealment byi ftsr example, forgery or intentional misrepresentatlDns, or
through collusion.
A further description of our responslbllities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website
at- www.frc.or
-uk
auditors
This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use ol our report
This report is rnade solely to the charity's trustees, as a body. in accordance with Part 4 of the
Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we
might state to the trustee5 those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and
for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the trustees as a body, for our audit work, ftsr
this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Saffery LLP
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditors
71 Queen Vittoria Street
London EC4V 4BE
Date..
i] Io
Saffery LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
18

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfIviTfES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
General
Fund
River
Bridges
Medway
Reserve
Fund
Fund
Designated Deslgnated
2024 Total 2023 Total
Note
Xnvestments
Rents receivable
Dividends receivable
Bank and other interest
2,550,842
1,014,204
138,224
2.550,842
1,014,204
138,224
2,458,913
943,327
14,168
Total income
3,703,270
3,703,270
3.416,408
Ex
ndi
Ralslng funds
Investment management
Expenditure on propertie5
196,781
1,296,793
196,781
1,592,358
190,681
1,833,483
295,565
Charitable Actlvlties
Maintenance of bridges
Grants payable
Other charitable activities
1,266,466
16,289
275,524
426,381
34,509
244,543
1,692,847
50,798
520,067
1,571,601
82,250
443,291
1,558,279
705,433
2,263,712
2,097,142
Total expenditure
3,051,853
1,000,998
4,052,851
4.121,306
Net income/{expenditure) before
investments gains/(losses)
Unrealised gain/(loss) on
financial Investment assets
Realised gain/llossl on
financial investment assets
Unrealised investment
property gain
Realised gain/(loss} on
investment property sales
651,417
(1,000,998)
(349,581)
{704,898)
13b
2,733,145
2,733, 145
(572,3871
13b
467,513
467,513
(751,914)
13a
9,391,002
9,391,002
2,061,039
13a
346,945
346,945
{14,680)
Net incomal(expendlture)
651,417
11,937,607
12,589,024
17,160
Transfers between Fund5
18
1328,648)
328,648
other recognised gains/{losses}
Actuarial gain on pension
fund
li
Restriction of surplus on
pension fund
Unrealised loss on fixed
assets
69,000
69,000
1,598,000
(118,0001
1118,0001 <1,201,000)
12a/
12b
120,000)
{20,0001
(73,000}
Net rnovement In funds for the
year
322,769
12,197,255
12,520,024
341,160
Total funds brought forward
£3,423,117
£33,164 £115,998,052 £119,454,333 £119, 113,173
Total funds carrled forward
18 £3,745,886
£33, 164 £128, 195,307 £131,974,357 £119,454,333
All transactions are derived from continuing artivities. All recognised gains and losses are included In the
statement of financial artivities. The notes on pages 22 - 38 form part of these financial statements.
19

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AT 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Note
Flxed assets
Tangible assets
Heritage assets
Investment properties
Investments
12{a)
121b)
13(a)
131b)
2,291,213
813,576
86,121,154
39,050,895
2,225,091
812,080
77,989,152
36,018,281
128,276,838
117.044,604
Current assets
Debtors
Short temi deposits
Cash at bank and in hantl
14
545,639
2,500,406
1,810,716
413,092
1,913,663
1,541,886
4,856,761
3,868,641
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
15
(1,159,242)
(1,458,912)
Net current assets
3,697,519
2,409,729
Net assets excludin9 penslon Ilablllty
131,974,357
119,454,333
Pension liability
li
Net assets including penslon Ilablllty
£131,974,357 £119,454,333
Funds
Bridges Reserve Fund {Designated)
General Fund
River Medway Fund {Designated)
18,19
18,19
18,19
128,195,307
3,745,886
33,164
115,998,052
3,423, 117
33,164
Total fund balances
£ 131,974,357 £119,454,333
The financial statement5 were approved and authorised for issue by the Court of Wardens and
Assistant5 on 14 October 2024 and were slgned below on its behalf by..
Derek Butler
Senior Warden
The notes on pages 22 to 38 form part of these financial statements.
20

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
STATEME14T OF CASHFLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Note
Cash flows from operating activities
(4,508,420)
13,551,641)
Cash flows from investlng activities
Dividends and interest
Purchase of property¢ plant and equipment
Purchase of heritage assets
Proceeds from sale of heritage assets
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from sale of investments
3,703,270
18,77D)
{1,4961
3,416,408
136,188)
(270)
{6,978,871)
7,665,476
{3, 181,6401
4,926,714
Net ush provided by tnvesting activities
4,379,609
5,125,024
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
1128,811)
5,580,328
1,573,383
4.006,945
Cash and cash equlvalents at the end of the year
£5,451,517
£5,580,328
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement
2024
2023
Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash Flow from
Operating Activities
Net Income
Gains on investment5
Depreciation charges
Loss on the sale of fixedlheritage assets
(Increasel/decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Pension costs
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
12,589,024
{12,938,6051
25,300
348
1132,547}
{299,670}
(49,000)
(3,703,270)
17,160
{722,0581
26,377
120,825
248,463
174,000
13,416,408)
Net cash used in operating activities
(4,508,420) (£3,551,641)
2024
2023
Analysis of Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
Short term deposits
Cash held by investment managers
1,810,716
2,500,406
1,140,395
1,541,886
1,9L3,663
2,124,779
£5,451,517
£5,580,328
Analysis of Change5 in Net Debt
At l April
2023 É
Ca5hflow5
At 31 March
2024 É
Cash
Cash held by investment managers
Cash equivalents
1,541,886
2,124,779
1,913,663
268,830
(984,384)
586,743
1,810,716
1,140,395
2,500,406
Total
É5,580,328
1£128,8111
E5,451,517
21

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(al Basls ol preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the
revaluation of fixed assets, and in accordance with the 'Statement of Recommended Practice:
Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial
Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. (FRS 102) second edition and the
Financial Reporting Standard applicable In the Unlted Kbngdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and
the Charities Act 2011.
The accounts have been prepared to give a 'true and fairf view and have departed from the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair
view,. This departure ha5 involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing thelr
accounts in actordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of
Ireland IFRS 1021 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of
Recommended Prattice effective from l April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
The Court is satisfied that the Trust ha5 sufficient reserves to continue as a going concem for the
foreseeable future.
(b) Fund accounting
Designated funds comprise unrestrirted funds that have been set aside by the Court for particular
purposes. The aim and use of the designated funds are set out in note 18.
The General Fund is an Un￿StrI￿ed fund which is available to use at the discretion of the Court in
furtherance of the general objertives of the Trust and which has not been designated for other
purposes. The General Fund includes income arising from the General Fund's short-term cash
investments which tan be used by the Court to finance the Trust's expenditu￿. Additional funding is
provided by way of transfer from the Bridge ReseNe Fund as applicable. The penslon reserve fomis
part of the General Fund.
{¢) Income and expenditure recognition
Incorne
Rental income is accounted for in the period to which the rent relates.
Dividend income is accounted for in the statement of financial attivltSes Sn the perlod In which the
harity is entitled to receipt.
Bank and other interest are ineluded in the statement of financial activities when received.
Expendlture
Expenditure is included on an accruals basis.
Costs of raising funds comprise the costs directly attributable to managing the investment portfolio
and raising income.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer Is committed. Grants offered subjett to
conditions which have not been met at the year-end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued
as expenditure.
Expenditu￿ on properties is expenditure in relation to the maintaining of the investment and
operational properties.
The maintenance of Bridges is detailed in note 5.
Support Costs comprlse costs for the running of the charity and are apportioned between charitable
activities and costs of raisSng funds on the basis of time spent by staff.
Governance Costs are not treated as an artivity of the Trust for the purpose of allO￿tioN of Support
Costs but are reallocated across the main activities of the charity in the same way as Support Costs.
Governance Costs consist of those costs which ￿late to the overall running of the Trust, including
meeting statutory and regulatory requirements.
22

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
(d) Tangible fixed assets (including Herltage Assets)
Freehold and long leasehold land and buildings are included in the financial statements at the Court's
best estimate of their open market value. Further details are shown in note 12.
Dep￿CIatIOn Ss not charged on these buildings occupied by the Trust which is not in accordance with
the Charities, SORP or FR5102. How¥ever, in the opinion of the Court, the buildings have a life in excess
of 50 years and consequently any depreciation charge and ￿Sultant accumulated depreciation, would
be immaterial.
An item is deemed to be a Flxed Asset when its purchase value (ex. VAT) is equal to or eX￿edS £250
and where its estimated useftjl life is more than one year. The following depreciation terms are applied
to write down the value of an asset over its useful life..
motor vehicles17 years)- and
fumiture, fixtures & exhibition assets, office equipment, plant & machinery (5 years).
The three bridges, (the tr40 road bridges and the service bridge) that are known colleciively as
Rochester Bridge are included in Freehold Land and Buildings at a norninal cost of £1. All maintenance
and improvement costs are written off as incurred. The Court believes that the bridges should continue
to be included within the asset base at £1 as their Continued use by the public is fundamental tts the
aims and objectives of the Trust.
The Trust maintains archives and historical records in support of its objertives. The Court considers
that owing to the irreplaceable nature of the arehives and historical records, conventional valuation
approaches lack sufficient reliability. As a result, no value is reported for these assets in the Trust's
Balance Sheet. Further details are shown in note 12.
A collertion of fine art, furniture, silverware and other historic artefacts is owned by the Trust and
reported in the Balance Sheet as Heritage Assets. Disposals from this collection are not anticipated
apart from in exceptional circumstances. Occasional acquisitions are made where these add to the
body of knowledge of the history of the bricsges and the Trust or for exhibition purposes.
The Assets are preserved to the best of the Trust's ability, using profe55ional conservators where
appropriate. The collettion is privately held by the Trust, however public access is permitted during
periDdic open days and exhibitions.
As described in note 12 a full valuation of the heritage assets is regularly Ca￿led out. In the inteNenlng
years the heritage assets are reviewed annually for impairment. An irnpairment charye is made if a
significant impairment is found to have occurred.
{e) Investments
Quoted investments a￿ included In the financial statements at market value at the balance Sheet date.
Property investments are included at fair value at the balance sheet date. A "desktop" revaluation of
the property investment portfolio was carried out by qualified valuers from Savills plc at 31 March
2024 (the last full -Red Book" revaluation was carried out at 31 March 20211-
Realised and unrealised gains and losses on revaluation and disposals occurring in the year are
reported in the statement of financial attivities.
(Q Pension scheme
The Trust contributes to the Kent County Council defined benefit scheme. This scheme 15 a multi-
employer scheme. The charity's share of surplus or deficit of the scheme is recognised on the balance
sheet. Changes in the assets and liabilities of the scheme in the year are disclosed and allocated as
follows:
Changes relating to current or past service costs and gains and losses on settlements and
curtailments, and pens￿On finance costs arising from changes in the net of the interest costs and
expected return on assets, are allocated to the relevant activity heading based on staff costs of
employees within the scheme. Pension finance income arising from similar changes is recognised as
an incoming resource. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised below net income.
23

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The assets, liabilities and movements in the surplus or deficit of the scheme are calculated by
qualif1ed independent actuaries as an update to the latest full actuarial valuation. Details of the
scheme assets and liabilities and major assumptlons are shown in riote I l.
Any pension surplus arising at the year-end is not recognised in the balance sheet as the surplus
does not meet the FRS102 criteria for recognition as an asset. See note 11 for further details.
(g) Deferred income
Deferred income comprises property rental income demanded in advance which relates to the following
year.
(h) Flnancial Instruments
Basic financial instruments are initially recogni5ed at transattion value and subsequently measured
at amortised cost with the exception of investments which are held at fair value.
Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash at bank and in hand, together with trade and
other debtors. A specific provision is made for debts for which recoverability is in doubt.
Cash at bank and In hand Is defined as all cash held in instant access bank accounts and used as
working capitsl. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise all creditors except social security
and other taxes and provisions.
Financial instruments are detabled note 23.
(i)
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount
offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Accrued
income comprises property rental income which relates to the year but not yet demanded.
(i) Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments.
(k) Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a
past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to
settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally
recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discount5 due.
(l) Employee benefits
Short-term benefits
Short-term benefits including holiday pay are recognised as an expense in the period in which the
service is received. No holiday pay accrual is required in line with FR5102 as the Trust's holiday year
is co-terminus with the financial year and any holiday carried forward has to be used within six
months and cannot be paid.
Employee termination benefits
Termination benefits are accounted for on an accrual basis and In Ilne with FRS 102.
(rn) Critical estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgernents,
estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily
apparent from other 50urce5. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical
experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these
estimates.
The estimate5 and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accoLJnting
estimates are recognised in the penod in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects
only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both
current and future period5.
24

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {contlnued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Court believes that the bridges should continue to be included within the asset base at a nominal
value of £1 as detailed in accounting policy note Idl. SLJPPOrt costs {including governance costs) are
allocated across the activities of the Trust, based on a judgement of resources spent on each activity
during the year.
A"desklop- revaluation of the property investment portfolio vyas carried out by qualified valuers from
Savills plc at 31 March 2024.
The major assumptions made by the qualified independent attuary in relation to the pension scheme
are provided in note 11.
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net movement in funds are stated after charges for audit fees of £17,900 (2023.. £17,550).
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEES
2024
2023
Investment management fees
Direct staffing cost (note 81
Support costs {note 81
129,775
28,946
38,060
122,917
29,753
38,011
£196,781
£190,681
The investment management fee Is related to the value of the portfolio.
EXPENDITURE ON PROPERTIES
2024
2023
Professional and other fees
Maintenance and repairs
Operational Property
Ground rents
Compliance costs
Vacant property cost5
Bad debts
428,685
474,435
(23,193}
17,387
49,271
22,380
2,874
87,365
117,770
179,440
235,944
447,909
345,608
275,126
21,802
40,998
19,054
L6,437
56,592
149,793
202,048
258, 116
Insurance
VAT Irrecoverable
Direct stsfffing costs (note 8)
Support costs (note 8)
£1,592,358
£1,833,483
Operational property expenditure relates to the refurbishment of operational buildings. A provision
relating to the final account of the Bridge Chamber refurbishment was released during the year.
25

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
MAIf4TENANCE OF BRIDGES
2024
2023
Professional fees
Maintenance and repairs
Bridge Management and Operations
One-off Projects
Recharged costs
Insurance
189.487
539,452
39,284
10,018
(6,191)
63,107
151,957
304,867
400,866
173,290
494,663
25,444
87,843
(4,5521
44,752
157,457
260,243
332,461
VAT irrecoverable
Direct staffing costs (note 8)
Support costs (note 8)
1,692,847
£1,571,601
Recharged costs relate to Setvice Bridge costs ￿Charged to statutory undertakers in accordance with
the 1965 Rochester Bridge Act.
GRANTS PAYABLE
General
Fund
Rlver
Medway
Fund
2024
Total
2023
Grants
29,983
4,526
7,037
9,252
29,983
4,526
7,037
9,252
56,351
7,936
7,887
10,076
Other grant costs
Direct staffing costs (note 81
Support costs (note 8)
£50,798
£50,798
£82,250
A grant of £10,000 was awarded in the year to St Nicolas Church, Thanington towards the cost of
repairs to the 19th Century lychgate. There were no other grants of more than £10,000. Unspent
grant balances of £7,422 were written back in the year. No grants were awarded in the year from
the River Medway Fund 12023.. one grant, £500).
staff continued to support ongoing grant projects and distribute small grants for engineerlng
education to youth groups and schools.
The total number of grants awarded in 2024 was 22 (2023.. 19) in addltbon to scholarships awarded
under the Rochester Bridge Trust's Arkwright Engineering Scholarship and Spence Agricultural
Scholarship schemes.
All grants awarded during the current and preceding year were in the furtherance of the Trust's
third object (the promotion of such other charitable purposes as may from time to time be
determined in the United Kingdom and primarily the County of Kenti.
26

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRusr
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
OTHER CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
2024
2023
Education & Scholarship Artivities
Archive Projects & Exhibitions
Other Charitable Activities
Direct staffing costs (note 81
Support costs {note 8)
82,466
50,436
29,913
154,328
202,924
15,805
36,997
29,430
158,533
202,526
£520,067
£443,291
SUPPORT AND GOVERNANCE COSTS
2024
Flnanclal
Bridges Propertles Invest-
ments
Other
Grants Charitable
Activities
Total
Dirert
Wages and salaries
304,867
179,440
28,946
7,037
154,328
674,618
£304,867 £179,440
£28,946
£7,037 £154,328 £674,618
Support
Wages and salaries
Insurance
Office and adrninistration
149,499
35,509
215,858
87,993
20,900
127,051
14, 194
3,371
20,495
3,450
820
75,678
17,975
109,271
330,814
78,575
477,657
4,982
£400,866 £235,944
£38,060
£9,252 £202,924 £887,046
Support costs are allocated to activities based on an estimate of the time spent by staff on each
activity.
2023
Flnanclal
Brldges Propertles Invest-
rnent5
Other
Grants Charitable
Artivlties
Total
Dirert
Wages and salaries
260,243
202,048
29,753
7,887
158,533
658,464
£260,243 £202,048
£29,753
£7,887 £158,533 £658,464
Support
Wages and Sala￿e5
Lnsurance
Office and administration
143,370
29,840
159,251
111,310
23,166
123,640
16,392
3,412
18,207
4,345
904
87,337
18, 178
97,011
362,754
75,500
402,936
4,827
£332,461 £258,116
£38,011 £10,076 £202,526 £84 1, 190
Included in the above 5UPPOrt Costs are the following:
27

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
GOVERNANCE COSTS
2024
2023
Salanes and wages
Meeting costs
Auditors. remuneration in respect of the audit
Trustee Training
Charity Legal Advice
FRS102 Pension Report
96,660
4,846
17,900
1,484
1,255
828
102,836
3,566
17,550
753
£122,973
£124,705
Governan￿ Costs are reallocated across the maln actbvitles of the charity in the same way as Support
Costs.
EMOLUMENTS OF EMPLOYEES
2024
2023
Salarles and wages
Employer national insurance
Superannuation
Net interest and service costs of defined beneffit pension scheme
818,549
90,812
145,071
{49,0001
663, 175
74,423
109,620
174,000
£1,005,432
£1,021,218
The increase in salaries and wages reflerts an Increase in staff resources plus the normal effects of
pay awards and cost of living increases.
2024
2023
No.
Average number of employees (headcount)
16
15
No.
No.
Average number of employees {full time equivalents)
13
12
The Trust considers the Court of Wardens and Assistants and the Executive Leadership Team (Bridge
Clerk, Chief Flnance Officer and Chief Estates Officer) as comprisin9 the key management personnel of
the Trust. The total employment benefits, including ernployer pension contributions, of the key
management personnel were £360,796 (2023.. É311,320)-
The number of employees of the Trust earning over E60,000'.
2024
2023
No.
£120,000-E130,000
£110,000-£120,000
£ioo,ooo-£iio,000
£90,000-£100,000
E80,000-É90,000
£70,000-£80,000
£60,000-£70,000
28

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (contlnued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10. EMOLUMENTS OF THE COURT
No member of the Court received any remuneration from the Trust. Expenses paid {e.g. travel and
subsistence) for trustees attending meetings, training and events on behalf of the Trust during the
year amounted to £8,311 for thirteen trustees (2023: £3,866 for twelve trustees).
11. PENSION COST
The Trust is a participant in the Kent County Council defined benefit multi-employer pension scheme.
The scheme remains open to new entrants and Is compliant with Auto-Enrolment rules.
A full actuarial valuation was carried out at 31 March 2022 and updated to 31 March 2024 by
qualified independent actuary.
Employer contribution5 payable for the year ended 3 1 March 2025 are projetted to be £153,000.
The pension surplus of £1,319,000 as at 31 March 2024 has not been recognised In the balance sheet
as it does not meet the FRS102 criteria for recognition as an asset and as such has been written off
to reserves.
Changes In the present value of the defined beneflt obligatlon are as follows:
2024
2023
Opening deffined benefit obligation
Current service cost
Contributions by scheme participants
Interest Cost
Change in financial assumptions
Change In demographic assumptiC•ns
Experience gain on deffined benefit obligation
Benefits paid net of transfers in
2,267,000
153,000
67,000
i i 1,000
183,0001
131,0001
7,000
31,000
3,295,000
276,000
53,000
88,000
(1,927,000)
{85,000)
410,000
L57,000
Closing defined beneflt obll9atlon
£2,522,000
£2,267,000
Changes In the falr value of plan assets are a5 follows:
2024
2023
Openlng falr value of plan assets
Interest on assets
RetLJrn on assets less Inte￿St
Administration expenses
Contributions by employer
Contributions by scheme pèrticipants
Estimated benefits paid net of transfers in
Other actuarial gains1(losses)
3,468,000
172,000
(38,0001
13,0001
144,000
67,000
31,000
3,072,000
84,000
142,0001
(2,0001
108,000
53,000
157,000
38,000
Closlng falr value of plan assets
£3,841,000
É3.468,000
29

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are as follows:
2024
2023
Present value of funded obligations
Fair value of plan asset5 {bid value}
(2,522,000)
3,841,000
(2,267,000)
3,468,000
Net assevlliabilityl
£1,319,000
£1,201,000
Restriction on pension surplus
1£1.319.000)
1£1,201,000}
Net asseV(Ilabillty) recognised in the balance sheet
The amounts recognised in the Statement of Flnanclal Activities are:
2024
2023
Service cost
Net interest on the defin￿ Ilabllity/{asset}
Administration expenses
153,000
(61,0001
3,000
276,000
4,000
2,000
Total
£95,000
£282,000
Remeasurement of the net assets/
(defined Ilablllty)
2024
2023
RetLJrn on Fund assets in excess of interest
Other actuarial gains/{losse5) on assets
Change in financial a55UmPtions
Change in demographic assumptions
Experience gain on defined benefit obligation
(38,000)
{42,000)
38,000
1,927,000
85,000
(410,000)
83,000
31,000
17,000)
Total galn In the year
£69,000
£1,598,000
The major categories of plan assets as a percentage of total plan assets are as follows:
2024
580/0
7QJo
14¢k
9010
20
5010
50/0
2023
640/0
1¢
Equities
Gilts
other Bonds
Property
Cash
Absolute Return Fund
Infrastructure
iOO/o
20/0
7%
The assets In the scheme were:
Value at
31 March 2024
Value at
31 March 2023
Equities
Gilts
other bonds
Property
Cash
Absolute Return Fund
Infrastructure
2,235,000
28L,000
553,000
345,000
61,000
194,000
172,000
2,214,000
19,000
455,000
346,000
62,000
254,000
118,000
Total market value of assets
£3,841,000
£3,468,000
30

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The return for the year to 31 March 2024 is calculated to be 3.76% (2023-. 1.30Vol across all asset
classes.
The major assumptions of the actuary were:
At 31 March 2024
2.900/0
3.90Q/o
4.95%
At 31 March 2023
2.90010
Pension increases {CPI)
Salary increases
Discount rate
Assumed life expectancies at age 65 are..
Retiring today
Males
Females
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
20.8
23.3
21.1
23.5
Assumed life expertancies at age 65 are:
Retirtng in 20 years
Males
Females
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
22.0
24.7
22.3
25.0
12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
(a) Assets recognlsed Sn the
balance sheet
Freehold
Land and
buildings
Offlce
Furnlture,
Plant and
Equipment Fixtures and Machinery
Exhibition
Assets
Total
Valuation/cost
At l April 2023
Additions
Revaluation
Reallocations
Disposals
2,159,001
63,644
8,425
67,993
345
16,650
2,307,288
8,770
{20,000)
103,000
{12,0611
120,000)
103,000
(12,061)
At 31 March 2024
2,242.001
60.008
68,338
16,650
2,386,997
Depreciation
At l April 2023
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
39,646
10,393
(11,713)
30,063
11,577
12,488
3.330
82,197
25,300
111,713)
At 31 March 2024
38,326
41,640
15,818
95,784
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2024
£2,242,001
£21,682
£26,698
£832 £2,291,213
At l April 2023
£2, 159,001
£23,998
£37,930
£4,162 £2,225,091
The net book value of tangible fixed assets represents fixed assets used for general management
and administration of the Trust. Included in freehold land and buil(Jings are the bridges at a nominal
value of £1.
31

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The freehold land and buildings were valued at 31 March 2024 as part of a "desktop" revaluation of
the Trust's property portfolio carried out by qualified valuers from Savblls plc and as a result the
value decreased by £20,00012023'. decreased by £73,000).
During the year the Trust rea11ocated 13.8 acres of land with a value of £103,000 from the
investment property portfolio to operational property, as this is required for the planting of new
woodland for carbon offsetting.
(b) Heritage assets recognised in the balance sheét
The Trust owns a portfolio of heritage assets: artwork, furniture and silverware, which is reported
in the Balance Sheet at the most recent insurance valuation, carried out by Tim Ritchie and
Associates in 2022. Gain5 and losse5 on revaluation are recognised in the Statement of Financial
Activities.
The Trust intends to maintain its collection of the above mentioned heritage assets. These items are
deemed to have Indeterminate lives and the Court does not therefore consider it appropriate to
charge depreciation. Disposal of any item from this would happen only in exceptional circumstances.
Summary analysls of herltage asset transactions
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Balance brought fornard
Purchases
Disposals
Revaluation
812,080
1,496
811,810
270
586,971
16,519
594,013
558
(7.600)
592,908
1,105
208,320
Balance carried forward
£813,576 £812,080
£811,810
É586,971
£594,013
(c) Heritage assets not recognised In the balance sheet
Following the construction of the medieval stone bridge during the last decade of the 14th century
Sir Robert Knolles and Slr John de Cobham obtained royal patents for the incorporation of the
Wardens and Commonalty of Rochester Bridge. Since that time the records of Rochester Bridge,
beginning with the 14th-century wardens, account rolls and estate records, have been rnaintained
at the Bridge Chamber.
Reeords arising from the current business of the Rochester Bridge Trust continue to be added to the
archive. Researchers may consult the Rochester Bridge archives by appointment with the Archives
& Records Manager.
13. INVESTMENTS
2024
2023
(a) Investment properties
Valuation at l April
Acquisitions
Disposals at net book value
Reallocation to operational property
Revaluation
77,989,152
76,451,113
(I, L56,000)
(103,0001
9,391.002
(ioo,000)
(423,000)
2,061,039
At 31 March
£86,121,154
£77,989,152
32

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
A'desktop" revaluation of the property portfolio was carried out by qualified valuers from Savills plc at
31 March 2024. An uplift in value of £9.4 million was recorded, with significant increase5 in value at
some properties as a result of planning consent being achieved at development Sltes.
It is not possible to give the historical cost of investment properties as some were acquired over 600
years ago.
b) Quoted investments
2024
2023
Market value of investments at l April
Additions
Disposals at net book value
Unrealised gain/(10ssl on revaluation
33,893,502
6,978,870
15,695,017)
2,733,145
36,877,557
3,181,640
{5,593,308)
1572,387)
Market value of investments at 31 March
Cash held by investment managers
37,910,500
1, 140,395
33,893,502
2,124,779
E39,050,895
£36.018,281
Historic cost at 31 March (excluding cash)
£29,412,123
£27,142,127
Realised gainlllossl Dn disposals
467,513
(£751,914)
2024
2023
The portfolio is made up as follows..
UK Equities (including Private Equity}
Overseas Equities
Infrastructure Funds
Indirect Property Funds
Commoditie5
Cash
15,762,096
19,843,245
1,437,050
77,229
790,880
1,140,395
19,210,867
13,889,914
77,281
715,440
2,124,779
£39,050,895
£36,018,281
14. DEBTORS: Amounts falllng due within one year
2024
2023
Trade debtors including rents receivable
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other debtors
96,322
193,928
145,398
109,991
65,230
124,551
135,349
87,962
£545,639
£413,092
33

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (contlnued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
15. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Trade and other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income (note 161
Grants allocated but unpaid {note 17)
other taxes and social security
Pension contributions payable
210,084
493,544
324,805
37,760
74,145
18,904
240,333
767,787
293,347
72,483
70,770
14, 192
£1,159,242
£1,458,912
16. DEFERRED INCOME
alance at l April 2023
Amount released to property income
Amounts deferred in the year
£293,347
1293,347)
324,805
Balance at 3 1 March 2024
£324,805
17. GRANTS ALLOCATED BUT UNPAID RECONCILIATION
Balance at l Aprll 2023
Paid in the year
Grants expired or no longer required
Awarded in the year
£72,483
164,705)
(7,4221
37,404
Balance at 31 March 2024
Falling due within one year
£37,760
18. FUNDS
River
Medwav
Fund
Deslgnated
Bridges
Reservo
Fund
Deslgnated
2024
General Fund
Total
Balance at l Aprll 2023
Net expenditure before investments
gains and losses
Unrealised gain on investments
Realised gain on investments
Unrealised property gain
Realised gain on property sales
Transfers between Reserve Funds
Artuarial gain on pension fund
Restriction of surplus on pension
fund
Unrealised loss on tangible assets
3.423,117
651,417
33,164
115,998,052 119,454,333
(1,000,998)
(349,581)
2,733,145
2,733,145
467,513
467,513
9,391,002
9,391,002
346,945
346,945
328,648
69,000
(118,0001
(20,0001
1328,6481
69,000
{118,000)
(20,000)
Balance at 31 March 2024
£3,745,886
£33,164 £128, 195,307 £131,974,357
34

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (contlnued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
River
Medway
Fund
Deslgnated
Bridges
Reserve
Fund
Deslgnated
2023
General Fund
Total
Balance at l April 2022
Net expenditure before Investments
gains and losses
Unrealised loss on investments
Realised loss on investments
Unrealised property gain
Realised losses on property sales
Transfers between Reserve Funds
Attuarial gain on pension fund
Restriction of surplus on pension
fund
Unreollsed loss on tangible assets
3,838,297
266,594
33,664
(500)
115,241,212 119,113,173
(970,992)
(704,898)
(572,387)
1572,387)
(751,914)
(751,914)
2,061,039
2,061,039
114,680}
(14,680)
681,774
1,598,000
1,598,000
11,201,000) (1,201,000)
{73,0001
(73,000)
{681,774)
Balance at 31 March 2023
£3,423,117
£33,164 £115,998.052 £119,454,333
DESIGNATED FUNDS
There are two designated funds as follows-
Bridges Reserve Fund
The Bridges Reserve Fund provides for the repair, improvement, ￿buIlding or replacement of the
bridges and related assets and investment management costs (including maintenance of investment
property}. Any surplus in the Fund may be used to fund grants and other charitable projects under
the third charitable object. The Fund and all the assets of the Charity are managed to deliver sufficient
income to provide funds to the General Fund as ￿quired to meet its obligations. A transfer is made
each year to rebalance the General Fund to equal the closing value of the Tnjst's operational assets
and liabilities. Ftsr the year ended 31 March 2024 an amount of £328,648 {2023: £681,774) was
transferred from the General Fund to the Bridges ReseNe Fund.
River Medway Fund
The Trust maintains the River Medway Fund with a view to distributing the remaining funds from
a previous dissolved charity, the Medway Heritage Centre Trust IMHcf} in line with the objectives
agreed at the time of the dissolution of the MHCT.
19. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND
River
Medway
Fund
De5rgnated
Bridges
Reserve
Fund
Designated
2024
General
Fund
Total
Tangible fixed assets
Heritage assets
Investment properties
Investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
2,291,213
813,576
2,291,213
813,576
86,121,154
39,050,895
4,856,761
11, 159,242}
86,121,154
39,050,895
3,359,513
{336,2551
1,459,974
{818,8771
37,274
(4,110)
Total net assets at
31 March 2024
£3,745,886
£33,164
£128,195,307
£131,974,357
35

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
River
Medway
Fund
l>esl9nated
Bridges
Reserve
Fund
Designated
2023
General
Fund
Total
Tangible fixed assets
Heritage assets
Investment properties
Investments
Current assets
Current Ilabllities
2,225,091
812,080
2,225,091
812,080
77,989,152
36,018,281
3,868,641
(1,458,912)
77,989, 152
36,018,281
2,283,966
1293,347)
1,547,401
(1, 161,455)
37,274
(4,110)
Total net assets at
31 March 2023
£3,423,117
£33,164
£115,998,052 E119,454,333
20. RELATED PARTIES
Two 12023.. two) of the Wardens and Assistants who seNed during the year are members of or
nominated by Kent County Council. During the year ended 3 1 March 2024, the Trust paid £145,071
12023.. £109,620) in employer penslon contributions to the Kent County Council Pension Scheme, a
Local Govemment Pension Scheme adminiSte￿d by Kent County Council. The balance of pension
contributions outstanding as at 31 March 2024 was £18,904 (2023- £ 14, 1931. The Trust also paid
£864 12023: £711) during the year for other services in relation to the pension fund.
Three (2023: th￿e} of the Wardens and Assistants who served during the year are members of, or
nominated by Medway Council.
One {2023.' one} of the Wardens and Assistants who served during the year is a member of Rochester
Cathedral Council and two 12022: two) are a member of the Rochester Cathedral Trust.
Durlng the year ended 31 March 2024, Rochester Cathedral charged the Trust £21,194 12023-
£20,575), primarily relating to the rent and service5 ftsr the administrative office, St Andrew's House.
One of the Wardens and Assistants is Chairman of the Kent Wildfowling and Conservation Association.
During the year ended 31 March 2024, the Trust received fees in respect of Sporting Leases of
£23,356 {2023'. £20,700) from the Kent Wildfowling and Conservation Assoclation.
21. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS
Lease Commitments
2024
2023
Lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases
falling due..
within one year
within two to five years
32,335
25,030
31,121
14,954
Total lease payments under nOn-Can￿lIable operating leases
£57,365
E46,075
The total commitment includes a lease for offfice accommodation {St Andrew's House) and parking,
ground rent on a long leasehold investment property and offfice equipment operating lease payments.
36

ROCHESTER BREDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (contlnued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
22. OPERATING LEASE RECEIPTS
2024
2023
Minimum lease receipts under non-cancellable
operating leases to be recelved:
not later than one year
later than one year and not later than five years
later than five year5
2,010,330
4,243,617
3,691,460
1,830,252
3,373,330
4,375,578
Total lease receipts under non-cancellable operating
leases
£9.945,407
£9,579,160
23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
2024
2023
Financial assets measured at fair value
Investment properties
nvestments
86,121,154
39,050,475
77,989,152
36,018,281
37

ROCHESTER BRIDGE TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued}
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
24. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - PRIOR YEAR COMPARATIVE
General
Fund
Rlver
Brldges
Medway
Reserve
Fund
Fund
Designated Designated
2023 Total
Note
om
Investments
Rents receivable
Dividends receivable
Bank and other interest
2,458,913
943,327
14,168
2,458,913
943,327
14,168
Total income
3,416,408
3,416,408
Ex
en
Itu
Raising funds
Investment management
Expenditure on properties
190,681
1,363,250
190,681
1,833,483
470,233
Charitable Activities
Maintenance of bridges
Grants payable
Other charitable activities
1,223,884
17,964
354,035
347,717
63,786
89,256
1,571,601
82,250
443,291
500
1,595,883
500
500,759
2,097,142
Total expenditure
3,149,814
500
970,992
4,121,306
Net income/(expendlture) before
investments gains/{losses)
Unrealised loss on financial investment
assets
Realised loss on financial investment
assets
Unrealised investment prtsperty gain
13a
Realised loss on Investment property sales 13a
266,594
1500)
(970,992)
(704,898)
13b
1572,387)
(572,387)
13b
1751,9141
2,061,039
{14,680)
(751,9141
2,061,039
114,6801
Net Income/(expendlture)
266,594
15001
(248,934)
17,160
Transfers between Funds
18
(681,774)
681,774
other recognised gains/(losses)
Actuarial gain on pension fund
Restrittion on surplus on pension fund
Unreali5ed loss on fixed assets
1,598,000
1,598,000
(1,201,0001 11,201,000)
{73,0001
173,0001
12a/
12b
Net movement in funds for the year
Total funds brought forward
1415,180)
£3,838,297
{500)
£33,664 £115,241,212 £119, 113,173
756,840
341,160
Total funds carried forward
18 £3,423,117
£33,164 £115,998,052 £119,454,333
38