2024-12-31-accounts - CPRE Norfolk

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CPRE Norfolk

Trustees’ Annual Report - Year ended 31 December 2024

CPRE Norfolk 15 Pigg Lane Norwich NR3 1RS 01603 761660 info@cprenorfolk.org.uk www.cprenorfolk.org.uk

Registered charity no. 210706

CPRE Norfolk

Trustees’ Annual Report - Year ended 31 December 2024

Index to Accounts

INDEX	Page Number
Report of the Executive Committee	3
Reference and Administrative Information	3
Structure, Governance and Management	4
Objectives and Activities	5
Achievements and Performance	6
Financial Review	8
Independent Examiner’s Report	9
Statement of Financial Activities	10
Statement of Assets and Liabilities	11
Notes to the Accounts	12
Analysis of Opening and Carrying Amounts	14
Outline Summary of Fund Movements	15
Acknowledgement of Donors, Patrons and Sponsors	16

CPRE Norfolk

Report of the Executive Committee - Year ended 31 December 2024

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name: CPRE Norfolk

Charity Registration Number: 210706

Address of Charity:

15 Pigg Lane Norwich Norfolk NR3 1RS

Further Contact Details of Charity:

Tel: (01603) 761660 Email: info@cprenorfolk.org.uk Web: www.cprenorfolk.org.uk

Trustees of the Executive Committee during 2024: Professor Tim O’Riordan (President, resigned 27th June 2024) Christopher Dady (Acting Chair) Kevin Jones (Vice Chair) George Ridgway (Treasurer) David Hook Pallavi Devulapalli Lisa-Marie Ashbury (co-opted 24th July 2024) Elliot Griffiths (co-opted 23rd October 2024)

Vice Presidents

Matthew Martin Lady Laurel Walpole Dr Ian Shepherd Professor Tim O’Riordan (from 27th June 2024)

Bankers:

CAF Bank Ltd Shawbrook Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill Lutea House, Warley Hill Business Park West Malling The Drive, Great Warley Kent Brentwood, Essex ME19 4JQ CM13 3BE

Reporting Accountants:

Make It Count Accountancy Services 3 Malleson Place East Carleton Norwich NR14 8JA

CPRE Norfolk

Report of the Executive Committee - Year ended 31 December 2024

Structure, Governance and Management

CPRE Norfolk is governed by its Constitution and Rules which were adopted in 1933 and registered with the Charity Commission (registration number 210706) on 5 August 1964. The Constitution was last updated in 2019.

A county tier of the national environmental organisation Campaign to Protect Rural England, CPRE Norfolk is part of and works alongside CPRE nationally and regionally but is a separate registered charity. It is a membership organisation with around 920 members and supporters who subscribe or give regular donations. They include individuals, families, parish and town councils and other local amenity bodies.

The charity has an Executive Committee of Trustees with a wide range of expertise, including planning, conservation, farming and landscape, as well as management and charity governance. Vacancies are advertised through regular e-bulletins and newsletters and in the local press.

CPRE Norfolk has an office in Norwich which is staffed by two part-time employees and a part-time Planning Campaigns Consultant.

The branch has a Volunteers Policy and actively encourages the contribution and involvement of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.

CPRE Norfolk

Report of the Executive Committee - Year ended 31 December 2024

Objectives and Activities

CPRE Norfolk (also known as The Norfolk branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England) exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural Norfolk by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. As an independent voice for the landscape, we monitor ‘the big picture’ of how the land, coast, skies and communities of Norfolk are being affected by development and we engage with decisionmakers on a regular basis. In particular we encourage Norfolk MPs, councillors, planning departments and other decision makers to support the countryside, safeguard precious and protected areas, promote urban renewal, restrict development on greenfield sites, protect country lanes and footpaths, and preserve rural tranquillity and dark skies. We focus on promoting positive solutions to support the long-term future of Norfolk and its precious countryside.

We provide independent responses to large-scale planning issues, ensuring that development and growth proposals take into account the social, aesthetic, environmental and economic benefits of the countryside. Backed by in-depth research and many years of collective experience, we give evidence at Public Inquiries into complex and long-running Norfolk planning debates and we provide planning support to parish councils, conservation groups and individuals across the county, running seminars and conferences on planning and other issues affecting the countryside. Through the CPRE Awards we reward excellence in best practice of countryside conservation and architectural design which limits the carbon footprint and we work to highlight and improve public understanding of exemplary environmental projects.

Further information on the charity’s history, objectives and current activities is available from our website www.cprenorfolk.org.uk

CPRE Norfolk

Report of the Executive Committee - Year ended 31 December 2024

Achievements and Performance

2024 started as a continuation of our campaigning from 2023 - seeking a better solution to transporting energy across the countryside via pylons, work that continued the whole way through the year.

We completed our research into delivery of social housing in Norfolk, which upheld our expectation that it was at a level far below where it could begin to meet demand, being close to zero in rural areas. This research is invaluable in supporting our calls for a new approach to housing delivery.

We remained a partner in the alliance against the North West Link Road proposal running through the very sensitive Wensum Valley, and continued to press for a different approach.

Consultation responses included commenting on the proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, with concerns around a number of issues.

Fund- and profile-raising events including attending a pop-up event at Sandringham with our gazebo, supporting the ‘Wild about Mannington’ countryside day and hosting a Bishop’s Open Garden event at the Cathedral in Norwich, which included a talk on dark skies and a pollinator trail for children. We also sold CPRE Norfolk Christmas Cards at the St Peter Mancroft charity card shop in Norwich.

We held a flooding conference in Dereham in May. This looked at how local communities can engage with the various statutory and other bodies, and land owners, to provide local solutions to flooding issues. This included drafting a guide that could be shared more widely. Primarily aimed at parish councils, the conference was very well attended and was hailed as a great success.

The major event in 2024 was the General Election, with a change of government plus many new MPs. We produced and distributed our own ‘manifesto’ to try to influence each party’s priorities. The change in government created the need to understand new policies, as well as to develop new relationships by meeting the new MPs. These meetings creating opportunities to brief them on the key issues being faced by Norfolk from a continuing increase in development of green spaces and agricultural land. Labour MPs from rural constituencies are in a small minority.

We were delighted that two of our trustees received national CPRE awards, as did our President who stood down during the year after very many years of sterling service, but fortunately still remains very active as a Vice President. We have also welcomed some new trustees to the Executive committee and look forward to working with them in 2025.

Our media profile in the traditional channels - newspapers, television and radio - remains strong, but we have identified a need to increase our online and social media profile further if we are to reach a younger audience. A new media plan has been produced as part of this work, as well as a series of meetings to draw up the campaign and engagement plan for 2025.

We finished the year with increasing concerns about the direction of travel of the new government in terms of many issues that will impact on Norfolk’s countryside.

These include new and increased housing targets not focused on the need for social housing, mega solar farm proposals rather than rooftop solar, and a continuing weakening of the ability of communities to challenge poorly thought through development aimed at maximising short term profit.

We also noted the continued lack of any regional land use planning proposals and we expect this lack to lead to increased pressures on Norfolk in 2025 and beyond.

Our small team of staff continues to provide the volunteer trustee team with a very high and professional level of support, and much of our success in 2024 is a result of their hard work and dedication.

Christopher Dady Acting Chair, March 2025

CPRE Norfolk

Report of the Executive Committee - Year ended 31 December 2024

Financial Review

The Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 indicate a deficit of £29,406 [2023 deficit - £28,374]

Income and Expenditure

CPRE Norfolk continues to champion the countryside of our county and in 2024 a number of campaigns and projects were continued or initiated that highlight the pressures on the environment and very nature of Norfolk. While we have unrestricted financial reserves, created from the past generosity of our supporters, the Trustees and volunteers pursue our medium- and longer-term objectives. But our income is insufficient to continue to support the current level of activity unless we can raise more funds or increase the membership.

During 2024, we invested £51,881 directly into our charitable activities while minimising costs and still achieving important gains. However, income from members and fund-raising, although more than the previous year including a grant from regional funds, was only £23,999. After other costs of fund raising and moderate governance costs, our unrestricted reserves fell by £29.406.

2024 was challenging for most charities in United Kingdom and there are calls on our supporters from many other causes but the Trustees of CPRE Norfolk have resolved to continue their key programmes while they are able to fund them.

As in 2023, we are asking for more members and volunteers to lend a hand by supporting our programme and particularly in influencing the way in which development, infrastructure and climate change can be addressed in Norfolk in a sustainable and nature friendly manner.

Reserves

Our total charitable funds stand at £141,016 [2023 - £170,422]

Plans for future periods

It remains the Trustees’ intention to maintain the current high-profile policies to safeguard and protect the countryside of Norfolk and our reserves policy, as indicated in the funds statement, is set to provide for continuing and longer-term support for those objectives.

Independent Examination of Accounts

The trustees are grateful to Shirley Webb, MAAT, of “Make It Count” who is the Independent Examiner. Shirley has also assisted with preparation of these Financial Statements and provided accountancy advice. The Trustees will seek to reappoint Shirley Webb as the Independent Examiner for 2025 and a resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

George Ridgway FCA ACiM Honorary Treasurer, April 2025

CPRE Norfolk

Independent Examiner’s Report to the members - Year ended 31 December 2024

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

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

It is my responsibility to

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b)) of the Charities Act; and
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commission.

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed _________ Date ______ 14th March 2025

Shirley Webb MAAT Director Make It Count (Accountancy Services) Ltd 3 Malleson Place East Carleton NR14 8JA

CPRE Norfolk

Statement of Financial Activities for year ended 31st December 2024

Restricted £ 0 0 1,000	Unrestricted £ 23,999 4,205 1,057 29,261 50,881 5,443 1,343	Total Funds 2023 £ 20,096 726 650
		21,472
		46,736 1,900 1,210
1,000	57,667	49,846
(1,000) (743)	(28,406) 743	(28,374)
(1,743)	(27,663)	(28,374)
1,743	168,679	198,796
0	141,016	170,422

CPRE Norfolk

Statement of Assets and Liabilities - Year ended 31 December 2024

Note Fixed Assets Intangible Assets Tangible Assets 7 Heritage Assets Investments Total Fixed Assets Current Assets 8 Stocks Debtors & Prepayments Investments: Cash at Bank and in hand Total Current Assets Current Liabilities 9 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Accrued Accounting fees Other Accruals Total Current Liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year Total Net Assets or Liabilities The Funds of The Charity Endowment Funds Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Total Charity Funds	Restricted £ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0	Unrestricted £ 41,536 41,536 154 99,889 100,043 563 0 563 141,016 141,016 141,016	Total Funds 2024 £ 41,536 0 0 41,536 154 99,889 100,043 563 0 563 0 141,016 0 0 141,016 141,016	Prior year 2023 £ 44,028 0 0
				49,172
				1,022 126,056
				152,828
				630 54
				600
				0
				170,422
				0 1,743 168,679
				170,422

CPRE Norfolk

Notes to the Accounts - Year ended 31 December 2024

Restricted £ 1 Donations and Legacies Membership: CPRE subscription Legacies Friends Donations Appeal / Awards Grants Miscellaneous 2 Fundraising Income Sales of Goods Events (incl flooding conference) 0 3 Investment Income Bank interest 0 4 Charitable Activities Salaries Rent/Rates & Utilities Insurance Repairs and renewals Stationery / Computer costs Postage Telephone / Broadband Bank Charges Employee expenses Volunteer expenses Recruitment advertising Fundraiser commission & expenses Small Grants 1,000 Legal & Professional (exceptional) Project Consultants Fees Planning Consultant Fees Planning Consultant Expenses	Unrestricted £ 15438 0 0 2,791 0 5,770 0 23,999 553 3,652 4,205 1,057 1,057 31,194 2,167 668 221 184 74 380 66 99 93 0 0 0 0 4,000 8,193 287	Total 2024 £ 15438 0 0 2,791 0 5,770 0 23,999 553 3,652 4,205 1,057 1,057 31,194 2,167 668 221 184 74 380 66 99 93 0 0 0 0 4,000 8,193 287	Total 2023 £ 15,341 0 0 2,336 0 2,000 419
			20,096
			646 80
			726
			650
			650
			29,686 2,096 1,308 65 14 16 362 61 148 100 0 420 1,000 0 9,080 387

V4N Expenses Subscriptions/regional levy Light Pollution Election Manifesto expenses Depreciation/Amortisation 1,000 5 Raising Funds Meetings Gifts & Prizes Printing (Incl. communications) Planning Awards Events 0 6 Governance costs Committee expenses inc Misc AGM Accountancy Legal & Professional 0	V4N Expenses Subscriptions/regional levy Light Pollution Election Manifesto expenses Depreciation/Amortisation 1,000 5 Raising Funds Meetings Gifts & Prizes Printing (Incl. communications) Planning Awards Events 0 6 Governance costs Committee expenses inc Misc AGM Accountancy Legal & Professional 0	124 0 13 626 2,492 50,881 630 0 0 0 0 4,813 5,443 296 417 630 0 1,343	124 0 13 626 2,492 51,881 630 0 0 0 0 4,813 5,443 545 35 630 0 1,210	2,387 20 3 0 2,540
				46,736
				205 406 679 0 0 1,037
				1,900
				613 35 630 0
	0			1,210

CPRE Norfolk

Analysis of Opening and Carrying Amounts - Year ended 31 December 2024

Notes 7 Tangible Fixed Assets Cost or Valuation At beginning of the Year Additions Disposals Revaluations Transfers At End of the Year Depreciation and Impairment At beginning of the Year Disposals Depreciation Impairment Transfers At End of the Year Net book value at beginning of the year Net book value at end of the year 8 Current Assets Current Assets Debtors Cash and Bank Deposits Prepayments 9 Current Liabilities Current Liabilities Accruals	Freehold Land and Buildings Leasehold Land and Buildings Plant and Machinery Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment £ £ £ £ 58,712 0 0 4,427	Total £ 63,139 0 0 0 0
	58,712 0 0 4,427	63,139
	15,259 0 3,852 2,348 144	19,111 0 2,492 0 0
	17,607 0 0 3,996	21,603
	43,453 0 0 575 41,105 0 0 431 Willows Insurance 24th September 2024 Accounts & Independent Examiners Fee PAYE 2023	44,028 41,536 0
		0
		99,889
		99,889
		154
		154
		630 (67)
		563

CPRE Norfolk

Outline Summary of Fund Movements - Year ended 31 December 2024

Fund name	Fund balances brought forward	Income	(Expenditure)	Transfers	Gains and (Losses)	Fund Balances Carried Forward
	£	£	£	£	£	£
Designated for the operational offices and headquarters	43,453		(2,348)			41,105
Projects incl. V4N, Planning & Consultancy 2017 - 2024	25,235		(12,604)			12,631
Exceptional Fund	0					0
Restricted Fund for Pre-School Wilding	1,000		(1,000)			0
Restricted fund CPRE Grant for renewal	743			(743)		0
All Other Unrestricted Funds	99,991	29,261	(42,715)	743		87,280
Total Funds	170,422	29,261	(58,667)	0	0	141,016

CPRE Norfolk

Acknowledgement of Donors, Patrons and Sponsors - Year ended 31 December 2024

CPRE Norfolk would like to thank all our members, friends, supporters and volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the charity’s success in 2024.

Patrons 2024

Sir Nicholas Bacon Bt. Charles Barratt Ivor Braka The Marquess of Cholmondeley Thomas Cook The Reverend Paul Gismondi The Earl of Leicester Sir Rupert Mann Professor Timothy O’Riordan, OBE Lady Walpole

Other Patrons have asked to remain anonymous.

Ambassadors 2024

Patrick Barkham John Bullard Kit Martin CBE Gerard Stamp