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2024-12-31-accounts

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Annual Report and Accounts Year Ending 31st December 2024

Registered Charity No: 262865 Registered Charity in Scotland No: SC037841

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Introduction from the Chair and Chief Executive

In 2024, planning took centre stage amid a busy political year members and colleagues rose to meet the challenges of the moment. This set of financial statements shows that we continue to be on a strong financial footing with increased membership subscriptions and fees reflecting our historically high member numbers, healthy reserves that meet the trustees reserves policy and expenditure that invested in delivering for our members.

Ahead of and after the UK General Election, the RTPI was poised to provide a strong collective voice for planners, building on the strong foundations of our Planifesto campaign launched in September 2023. Thanks to that work, and the input of our members, we were well-positioned to undertake ambitious campaigning, communications and advocacy for well-resourced, effective planning functions throughout the course of 2024.

Just as Minister of State Matthew Pennycook noted in his August letter to RTPI President Lindsey Richards, planners are vital to the growth of the country and this year, RTPI members made it clear why that is. The expertise, talent and perseverance of planners was on display as volunteers organised to improve planning resources in the regions and nations; as our networks drafted new guidance for their specialty; and as members joined roundtables to respond to planning policy. Together with your help, we are raising the profile of the profession and promoting the role of planning as a solution, not a problem. resources offered by the Institute to advance their planning careers and pursue their professional development, demonstrating the high standard of professionalism and achievement among our members. 2024 saw soaring numbers of first-time APC applications to Chartered membership status, a sold-out Young Planners Conference, and high attendance at our networking events and Continuing Professional Development offerings online and in-person.

As we head into 2025, we know that our members are ready to rise to the challenge of unlocking growth and leveraging the power of planning to build sustainable, vibrant communities.

Dr Victoria Hills RTPI Chief Executive

Meeta Kaur RTPI Board Chair

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

T RTPI long with the group financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The RTPI is a registered dings of the financial statements. The group consists of the RTPI, its dormant trading subsidiaries plus the RTPI Trust, a separate registered charity, and is

The Trustees confirm that the Report and Financial Statements comply with the current statutory requirements of the governing document and the provisions of the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (second edition effective 1[st] January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, and applicable accounting standards.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Objectives and Activities

The objectives of the RTPI are to advance the science and art of planning (town and country and spatial guidance on public benefit when reviewing the aims and objectives and when planning future activities.

Vision

inclusive, economically, and environmentally sustainable places.

Mission

To advance the science and art of planning, working for the long-term common good and wellbeing of current and future generations.

What We Do

Our core objectives are:

We influence Stand up for planning and promote good planning policy and practice.

We are here for our members Represent, support, and promote planners and the profession.

We lead learning Educate, train, and maintain advance professional standards.

Our corporate strategy runs from 2020 to 2030. The strategy has support our core objectives. The Four Pillars are:

Foundations

The four pillars are held up by ten foundations: Member Services; Nations and Regions; International Strategy; Research and Policy; Brand; Diversifying Sources of Income; Professional Volunteering; Governance; the Right Home for the RTPI; and Business Planning.

Climate Action

Our response to climate action is a holistic one therefore the actions in response to this sit across all pillars of the strategy.

Further details on our 2020-30 strategy can be found on our website.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Objectives and Activities (continued)

Activities

Support for members and promotion of membership of the RTPI

Our Membership team support members from students though to those completing their application to become Chartered and beyond. They also look after member benefits and helping members engage with the wide range of services available.

The RTPI e

engagement work, to university accreditation and apprenticeships, to the Core Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Framework.

Our teams in the English regions and the nations, support members in their local area. Offering a range of services and support tailored to local requirements.

Promotion of planning

To promote planning we have a communications and external affairs team which now includes not just our public affairs work but includes our policy work to ensure that we are delivering the most for members in influencing governments and policy.

Our practice and research team commission research and award research grants.

Our national events and training teams work with the regions and nations to deliver a wide range of events, mainly aimed at members, including a range of CPD courses, our planning awards and social and other events.

Planning Aid England (PAE)

PAE is part of the RTPI and is built on the principle that that everyone should have access to the planning system, regardless of their ability to pay. PAE has been helping individuals and communities engage with the planning system for over fifty years and our services are guided by the following principles:

Being clear and knowledgeable

Being collaborative and supportive.

We aim to understand your needs and always try to address them in relation to planning.

Being volunteer-led

Our work is delivered by over 200 dedicated volunteers who are supported by our small staff team. All our volunteers are members of the RTPI and have a range of skills, interests and expertise.

Being independent

PAE is separate from both central and local government and provides completely independent and impartial professional planning advice.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and Performance

Support for Members and the Promotion of Membership and Professionalism

In 2024, the RTPI undertook significant projects to improve services, benefits, CPD offerings, digital security, and much more for our members. We saw record-high first-time applications to chartered membership and are proud to support our members throughout their professional journey as planners.

Membership

The highest ever membership figure of 27,311 was achieved at the end of 2024, despite the 7% increase in membership subscription fees due to the high inflationary environment. This represented a 0.35% growth . There has been a consistent upward trajectory in membership numbers, with almost 20% growth over the last decade and a steady 6.77% growth since the launch of the Corporate Strategy in 2020.

The main growth areas in membership in 2024 include:

Engaging volunteers

survey confirm how meaningful their contributions are in helping us support members and the planning profession. Through the course of the year, members helped us deliver in excess of 350 events, respond to our Planning Aid England enquiries, secured sponsors, judged our Awards for Planning Excellence (nearly 150 in total), sat on committees and steering groups, and helped us respond to government consultations. An overwhelming 98% of our volunteers would recommend the experience to others, highlighting the enriching nature of giving back to the profession.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and Performance (continued) Championing planning during the General Election

The RTPI launched its General Election 2024 Hub collective voice of planning during the 2024 UK parliamentary election campaign and to interpret and explain how each party manifesto might impact the planning profession. This included detailed manifesto analysis covering England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and public-facing that explore the political debates around key planning issues to appeal to non-planners.

Additionally, we adopted new campaigning and political activity guidance to ensure that the advocacy follows current Charity Commission and Electoral Commission guidance.

Chief Planning Officer guidance published in Scotland

In Scotland, the requirement for every planning authority to appoint a Chief Planning Officer became a statutory duty this April, following many years of successful advocacy by the RTPI, particularly our Scotland office.

Updated Planning Enforcement Handbook

In April, the RTPI launched an updated Planning Enforcement Handbook for England, written by members of our National Association of Planning Enforcement (NAPE) network. The updates came as new enforcement regulations went into force as part of the changes to the planning system introduced by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act.

Policy consultation responses

Throughout the year, the RTPI responded to 16 policy consultations, announcements and other developments affecting planning and communities across the UK including the Welsh Sustainable Farming Scheme consultation; the Flood Resilience Strategy consultation in Scotland; and the draft first revision of the National Planning Framework in Ireland.

On 24 September, the RTPI submitted a consultation response proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in England. The response expressed support for many of the changes but cautioned of the need for a clear plan for how local authorities will be able to manage high housing targets. Members shaped the response through a series of roundtables held across our regions, sharing their input on the NPPF changes.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and Performance (continued)

On 12 December, we responded to the UK outlining their planning overhaul. The RTPI ision to allocate additional resources to enhance the planning system, acknowledging the critical investment needed to hurdles.

Research

One report of note in the year was a joint research report by the RTPI and LandTech, highlighted a decade of missed opportunities in achieving sustainable housing. The report, Location of Development 4, revealed that new housing developments have remained cardependent, with minimal improvement in access to essential services by walking, cycling, or public transport. Full details of current research is available on our website.

Early Career Research Grants awarded

Three projects of £10,000 submitted to the RTPI Early Career Research grant scheme were awarded funding by an assessment panel. These included projects on the digital skills expectations of planning educators, students and employers, the mobility of planning policies within areas of England with a focus on fast food outlet regulation, and a project on planning for an ageing society.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and Performance (continued) Promotion of planning

As part of promoting planning our communications and public affairs teams continued to advocate for the planning profession. Of particular note in 2024 was our quick response to the announcement of a general election on 23 May 2024 and to the publication of the Labour , Liberal Democrat and Conservative party manifestos. In the 44 days following the announcement of the General Election, our press coverage had a reach of over 320 million, almost half of our entire previous year coverage.

Our Planifesto campaign and new video assets were promoted on social media throughout the election campaign to promote the role of planning as a solution, not just as a problem. This resulted in positive engagement across our channels including 4,500 impressions on LinkedIn for an animation on housing in our Planifesto.

We commissioned research that outlined the economic value of planning. It found that 300,000 homes delivered each year could generate £70bn more value if planned well and investigated opportunities to scale up housing delivery using development corporations and other models that have proven successful in the past.

Planning is Global

The RTPI launched Planning is Global 3, a publication highlights the crucial role of planning in addressing global water challenges. It was the latest in a series that promotes the role of members and the profession worldwide.

RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence

The 47[th] RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence took place in London on 26 November. They showcased and celebrated the best plans, projects and people and were the culmination of a year long process that includes judging and awards in the regions and nations. Our coveted awards recognise and highlight the positive contribution planning professionals make in the communities we serve around the world.

Digital access to historical archive of The Planner (1914-1993)

The RTPI released scans of the first 79 years of its by members, students and researchers. You can browse and search the journal at our Historical Archives page. The Planner promoted this new resource with an article looking at the history of the different iterations of the journal.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and Performance (continued) Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity

As part of supporting members and promotion of membership of the RTPI we are actively trying to make the planning profession as diverse as the communities it represents, to act inclusively, treat everyone fairly and seek to provide a culture which delivers the best outcomes for the diverse society in which and for whom we work. We employ an Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Manager to put this at the heart of everything we do. They oversee our CHANGE action plan, a 10 year plan to help members and employers achieve a more representative profession.

At the start of 2024 we began the second stage of our Education review that aims to broaden access to pathways into chartered membership and reach out to attract diverse talent. Put simply we wanted to remove unintended barriers for students, as well as universities and employers. Workshops have taken place with the Planning Schools Forum, and engagement and consultation with other stakeholders continued through the autumn. This stage will conclude in 2025.

Engaging young people

The second phase of the Building A Legacy and A New Community Equity Project commenced at the end of 2023. RTPI President Lindsey Richards formally launched the initiative as part of her inauguration in January 2024. Causeway Education helped the RTPI produce a new outreach strategy and implementation plan for engagement with young people, reviewed our careers promotional activity and recommended and tested effective options to engage pupils from underrepresented backgrounds.

In October, the President called on all members to dedicate two CPD hours in 2025 to visiting schools and speaking to young people about planning. To support members in this outreach, the RTPI launched updated materials and a toolkit for RTPI members to use in schools during volunteer Ambassador visits.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and Performance (continued) Planning Aid England (PAE)

PAE initiative provides a range of services to empower individuals and communities to engage in the planning process. These include a free planning guidance website that provides clear, simple explanations of how the planning system in England works; a volunteer-led email advice service that offers a limited amount of free, general planning advice; and bespoke casework support for individuals and groups who meet our eligibility criteria. We also work with local planning authorities to help communities in areas of high multiple deprivation engage in local planning activities for example public consultation on a Local Plan and influence planning strategy and decision-making locally.

il advice service, which is delivered by a team of 11 volunteers with staff support, received and responded to over 1,400 requests for planning advice, with an average first reply time of 28 hours and a full resolution time of under two days.

planning guidance website received over 400k unique page views across the year. Content is reviewed and updated in line with legislative changes and analysis of requests to lanning, guidance on using Local Planning Authority websites to obtain information on planning Additionally, PAE staff worked with a specialist planning consultant and the national charity Friends, Families and Travellers to produce a new guide: Planning for Gypsy and Traveller sites in England: A guide for Gypsy and Traveller communities .

In 2024 PAE also partnered with PLACED, an organisation specialising in place education and engagement, to assist Liverpool City Region Combined Authority with consultation events for their Spatial Development Strategy. PAE volunteers supported a series of pop-up events organised by PLACED, providing professional planning expertise and working alongside PLACED Ambassadors to help people engage with SDS policies.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and Performance (continued)

PAE is supported by over 200 registered volunteers all of whom are members of the RTPI. Figures from the 2024 biennial PAE volunteer survey (completed by 132 volunteers), revealed that of those who had actively volunteered with PAE over the last two years, over 80% felt that volunteering had benefitted them personally and/or professionally, highlighting the value of PAE as a member benefit as well as a public service. With comments including:

Plans for Future Periods

Our aims and objectives for 2025 and beyond are to continue to implement the 2020-2030 Corporate Strategy. To achieve this we will continue to deliver a range of services to our members support them on every step of their professional journeys whilst improving our systems and processes to make the RTPI more efficient and easier to engage with. In 2025 we plan to focus on upgrading our learning management system and website. We will continue to advocate for the planning profession and invest in research. We will start to implement our brand strategy.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Reference and Administrative Details

The Royal Town Planning Institute is a charity, registered in England and Wales (Charity number: 262865). The RTPI is also registered in Scotland (Charity number: SC 037841).

The principal and registered office of the RTPI is 41 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DL.

2024 Trustee Board (1 January 31 December unless otherwise stated) Chair: Meeta Kaur President Lindsey Richards (until 22 January 2025) Honorary Solicitor and Secretary: Richard Max Trustee for Young Planners: Simeon Shtebunaev Nations Trustee: Stefano Smith English Regions Trustee Andrew Taylor Chartered Trustees: Tony Crook (deceased 22 November 2024) Samer Bagaeen Elle Cass Robbie Calvert Nicola Linihan Co-opted Trustees: Alan Brown (Co-opted 10 July 2024) Jack Glonek 2025 Trustee Board (from 1 January 2025 unless otherwise stated) Chair: Meeta Kaur President Helen Fadipe (inaugurated 22 January 2025) Honorary Solicitor and Secretary: Richard Max Trustee for Young Planners: Simeon Shtebunaev Nations Trustee: Catherine McKinney English Regions Trustee Andrew Taylor Chartered Trustees: Samer Bagaeen Elle Cass Aidan Culhane Nicholas Gallent Nicola Linihan Co-opted Trustees: Alan Brown Jack Glonek

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Reference and Administrative Details (continued)

Senior Executive Team 2024:

Chief Executive Victoria Hills Chief Operating Officer Richard Patrick Director of Scotland and Ireland Caroline Brown Director of Wales and Northern Ireland Mark Hand (from March 1[st] ) Director of Education Andrew Close Director of Communications Simon Creer Chief Technology Officer Anil Ramdhan

Other Relevant Organisations:

The bankers are HSBC Bank PLC, City of London Commercial Centre, Level 6, 71 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4AY.

The RTPI Mac LLP, 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1AG.

The solicitors are Blandy and Blandy, One Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DA.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Structure, Governance and Management

The RTPI was established in 1914 and granted a Royal Charter in 1959 as amended by a Supplemental Charter granted in 1971 and by orders in Council from 1982 to 2022. The RTPI is a charity registered in England and Wales (262865) and Scotland (SC 037841).

The RTPI is also governed by its byelaws and regulations.

The General Assembly

The General Assembly (GA) acts as a forum for debate about the development of planning policy and practice and elects members to the Trustee Board. It comprises the following representatives, all elected following a call for candidates published to all members: 28 Fellow and Chartered members; 2 Legal members or Legal Associates; 2 Associate members; 6 Student members or Licentiates; one representative from each region in England, 2 from RTPI Cymru (Wales), 1 from RTPI in Northern Ireland, 1 from RTPI in the Republic of Ireland and 2 from RTPI in Scotland.

The Trustee Board

The Chair of the Board of Trustees is elected by the GA for a single term of three years. Trustees are elected by the General Assembly for terms of three years renewable once. Coopted Trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees for a two-year term renewed at the Trustees discretion.

The Vice President is elected annually by members. After serving one year in that role and attending the board as an observer, they take the position of President and serve as a Trustee during their presidential year. After which they take on a final year as Immediate Past President and again attend the board as an observer.

The General Assembly elects up to five Chartered members plus one Chartered member to represent the English regions, one to represent the nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and one Young Planner Trustee.

The Board of Trustees includes two co-opted Trustees to provide additional skills in finance and with expertise in business transformation.

Newly elected Trustees attend an RTPI induction session to understand an overview of the current work plans and structure of the RTPI. All Trustees are offered the opportunity to attend training on Trustee duties and legal responsibilities.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Group structure

The group comprises RTPI Services Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the RTPI, that ceased to trade with effect from 1 January 2019. Its assets and liabilities have been included in the group set of financial statements.

It also includes the RTPI Trust as the RTPI appoints its trustees. Its assets and liabilities have been included in the group set of financial statements.

Decision-making

The structure, governance and management section of the annual report outlines the formal roles of elected volunteers on the RTPI Board and the General Assembly.

The Board of Trustees have ultimate responsibility for governing the RTPI and directing how it is managed and run, the delivery and management of day-to-day activities is delegated to the Chief Executive and the Senior Executive Team as set out on page 12.

The work of the Trustees is supported by the following Committees, which report to the Board of Trustees:

Standing Committees and Panels

At least 5 members of the Standing Committees and Panel are expected to be elected General Assembly members.

Other Committees

In addition to the standing committees, the Trustees have set up the following committees to assist them in their work:

The Trustees are also assisted by other groups and panels that they choose to set up; currently these include ones covering Governance and also Education.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Risk Review

The Trustees are responsible for identifying and regularly reviewing the major risks to which the RTPI is exposed. They are supported in this role by the work of the Audit and Risk Committee.

The Trustees monitor the management controls and actions in place to manage the risks. The risks and the related controls are reviewed by the Senior Executive Team of the RTPI who make recommendations to the Trustees to consider on an ongoing basis. A Risk Register captures the risks, mitigations and actions and is updated accordingly with this being a standing item on the Board of Trustees meeting agenda.

The principal key risks on the risk register are:

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Other key risks on the register include:

Volunteers

Pay Policy for Senior Staff

Pay award levels for all staff excluding the Chief Executive will be recommended by the Chief Executive to the People and Culture Committee. The recommendation will then be considered by the Finance Committee and submitted to the Board of Trustees. The recommendation will be informed by the following:

Benchmarking against relevant market data, and the RTPI target market position.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Annual pay awards will normally be in the form of a percentage uplift applied across the organisation. However, there may be circumstances where it is appropriate to consider an alternative approach such as:

If a pay award is made, the salary ranges for each position will be uplifted by an agreed percentage.

basis the performance of the Chief Executive and recommends any annual pay award. The pay multiples, when recommending the level of the annual pay award for the Chief Executive.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Financial Review

Results for the Year

Group income increased by 0.1% to £8,375k (2023: £8,370k). Subscription rates were increased by 7% in 2024 and with growth in chartered members in 2023 positively impacting revenue in 2024. With good retention rates, subscription and fee income was up 4.8% to £6,159k (2023: £5,655k). Planner Jobs the most significant source of non-subscription income had a subdued year as broader economic issues hit the recruitment market. There was a reduction in restricted income in 2024 as there were less bursary programmes.

Group expenditure increased by 1.6% to £8,929k in 2024 (2023: £8,791k). There were less restricted projects in the year which offset increased spending of unrestricted funds; specifically there was investment in the education review and digital projects in the year.

The net deficit of the year was £385k (2023: £163k).

Investment Policy and Performance

The long-term objective of the investment performance is to achieve a return of inflation (CPI) plus 2% per annum (net of management fees) and to pursue a balanced overall long-term risk. Our ethical policy is to select investment managers that are committed to and expert in ethical investment and they are a signatory to the UN Principles of Investment. The focus is for our investment managers to identify and invest in businesses that are working towards a more sustainable future; with this strategy being based on a positive values assessment rather than negative screening. In addition, they are expected to consider such factors as carbon footprint, resource use, waste reduction and gender equality.

Gains on investments for the group was £169k (2023: £258k). The current investments are split between funds with different risk profiles and asset type. Investment income for the group was £116k (2023: £107k). This gave a total return for the group of 7% (2023: 10%).

Reserves Policy

The Trustees reserves policy methodology for the calculating the level of the general reserve required is based on an analysis of the financial risks faced by the RTPI. Based on this approach, the level of general reserves the Trustees have agreed appropriate to hold is £3.51million to £4.51 million (2023: £3.52 - 4.52 million). The Trustees consider 20% of operating income, 15% of operating costs plus £500k for unforeseen costs and up to £1 million to invest in unexpected opportunities closely reflects the risks of the RTPI. As at 31 December 2024 the general reserve is £4,500k. The RTPI is therefore within the reserves policy as at 31 December 2024.

The Trustees have agreed on a policy of maintaining a breakeven operating budget over the three-year planning period while allocating additional funds to approved projects from these

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

excess reserves. The principal projects underway relate to the Brand and the Digital Transformation projects.

Total group reserves at 31 December 2024 were £10,825k (2023: £11,210).

The reserves are invested in fixed assets, listed investments and short-term deposits. The fixed assets include the freehold property in London used for the charitable activities of the RTPI. A separate designated reserve has been created equal to the net book value of fixed assets not financed by restricted funds or other designated reserves. The tangible fixed asset reserve stood at £3,083k at the year end (2023: £3,356k).

Full details of designated funds created by the Trustees are in note 13.

Restricted funds are those received for specific purposes, details are provided in note 13. The total value of restricted funds at the year end was £905k (2023: 920k).

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales and Scotland requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS 102); make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and the group and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) the assets of the charity and the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Provision of Information to Auditors

The Trustees in office on the date of approval of these financial statements confirm that as far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditors are unaware. The Trustees have taken all of the steps they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.

Approved by the Trustees on 24 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Meeta Kaur Chair of the Board

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THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE (RTPI)

Opinion

ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Group and Charity Statement of Financial Activities, the Group and Charity Balance Sheet, the Group and Charity Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011, and section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those r the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

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 group'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 responsibilities 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 information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report of the Trustees. 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information; we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

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THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE (RTPI) (continued)

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees for the financial statements

20, 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.

ters related to going

concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are ort 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 error 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 misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Based on our understanding of the group and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to its bye-laws and charity law, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Charity SORP, Charities Act 2011, income tax, payroll tax and sales tax.

statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to revenue and management bias in accounting estimates. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the

24

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE (RTPI) (continued)

events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of o

Use of our report

section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act, and section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts trustees 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 ed.

HaysMac LLP Statutory Auditors

10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG

Date 31/07/2025

HaysMac LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

25

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(including group income and expenditure accounts)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
INCOME FROM:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Membership subscriptions
and fees
Grants and sponsorship
towards the promotion of
planning and membership
Support for members
Investments
4
Total income
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Support for members and
promotion of membership
of the RTPI
Promotion of planning
Planning Aid
Total expenditure
5
Net expenditure before
investment gains
Net gains on investment
assets
Net expenditure
Transfers between funds
13
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Fund balances at 1
January
Fund balances at 31
December		 Unrestricted
Fund
£'000
5,957
354
1,555
193
8,059
5,379
2,932
267
8,578
(519)
149
(370)
(370)
10,290
9,920		 Restricted
Funds
£'000
1
202
68
45
316
319
6
26
351
(35)
20
(15)
(15)
920
905		 Total
2024
£'000
1
6,159
422
1,555
238
8,375
5,698
2,938
293
8,929
(554)
169
(385)
(385)
11,210
10,825		 Unrestricted
Fund
£'000
5,655
346
1,634
219
7,854
4,819
3,071
235
8,125
(271)
237
(34)
(34)
10,324
10,290		 Restricted
Funds
£'000
6
507
3
516
627
29
10
666
(150)
21
(129)
(129)
1,049
920		 Total
2023
£'000
6
5,655
853
1,634
222
8,370
5,446
3,100
245
8,791
(421)
258
(163)
(163)
11,373
11,210

The notes on pages 30 to 47 form part of these accounts.

26

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

CHARITY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Notes
INCOME FROM:
Charitable activities
Membership subscriptions and
fees
Grants and Sponsorship
towards the promotion of
planning and membership
Support for members
Investments
4
Total income
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Support for members and
promotion of membership of the
RTPI
Promotion of planning
Planning Aid
Total expenditure
5
Net income/(expenditure)
before investment gains
Net gains on investment assets
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
13
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Fund balances at 1 January
Fund balances at 31
December		 General
Fund
£'000
5,957
354
1,555
193
8,059
4,743
2,888
267
7,898
161
149
310
(642)
(332)
4,823
4,491		 Designated
Funds
£'000
633
44
677
(677)
(677)
642
(35)
5,455
5,420		 Restricted
Funds
£'000
202
68
38
308
292
6
26
324
(16)
(16)
(16)
595
579		 Total
2024
£'000
6,159
422
1,555
231
8,367
5,668
2,938
293
8,899
(532)
149
(383)
(383)
10,873
10,490
Total
2023
£'000
5,655
873
1,634
219
8,381
5,414
3,100
245
8,759
(378)
237
(141)
(141)
11,014
10,873

The notes on pages 30 to 47 form part of these accounts.

27

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

CHARITY AND GROUP BALANCE SHEETS

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Charity Group
2024 2023 2024 2023
Notes £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Fixed assets:
Tangible fixed assets 9 3,083 3,220 3,083 3,220
Intangible fixed assets 9 11 11
Investments 10 4,132 3,704 4,445 3,997
Total fixed assets 7,215 6,935 7,528 7,228
Current assets:
Debtors 11 762 961 762 967
Short term deposits 502 1,752 502 1,752
Cash at bank and in hand 5,400 4,456 5,423 4,487
Total current assets 6,664 7,169 6,687 7,206
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amounts falling due
12 3,389 3,231 3,390 3,224
within one year
Net current assets 3,275 3,938 3,297 3,982
Total assets less current liabilities 10,490 10,873 10,825 11,210
Total Net Assets 10,490 10,873 10,825 11,210
The funds of the charity
General 4,491 4,823 4,500 4,835
Designated 13 5,420 5,455 5,420 5,455
Restricted 13 579 595 905 920
Total charity funds 10,490 10,873 10,825 11,210
----- End of picture text -----

The notes on pages 30 to 47 form part of these accounts. Approved by the Trustees on 24 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

______ Meeta Kaur Chair of the Board

28

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

CHARITY AND GROUP STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Charity Group
2024 2023 2024 2023
Note
£'000		 £'000 £'000 £'000
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
Net cash provided by operating activities a (254) (382) (269) (435)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Dividends, interest and rents from investments 232 219 239 221
Purchase of property plant and equipment (5) (34) (5) (35)
Proceeds from sale of investments 308
Purchase of investments (279) (28) (279) (308)
Net cashprovided by investing activities (52) 157 (45) 186
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year (306) (225) (314) (249)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of
the year		 6,208 6,433 6,239 6,488
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the
year		 b 5,902 6,208 5,925 6,239
NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Charity Group
a
Reconciliation of net income to net cash
inflow from operating activities
Net income before transfers		 2024
£'000
(383)		 2023
£'000
(141)		 2024
£'000
(385)		 2023
£'000
(163)
Depreciation charges 153 159 153 159
Gains on investments (149) (237) (169) (258)
Dividends, interest and rents from
investments (232) (219) (239) (222)
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 199 (378) 205 (382)
Increase in creditors 158 434 166 431
Net cash used in operating activities (254) (382) (269) (435)
Charity Group
b
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents		 2024 2023 2024 2023
Cash in hand
Notice deposits (less than 3 months)		 £'000
5,400
502		 £'000
4,456
1,752		 £'000
5,423
502		 £'000
4,487
1,752
Total cash and cash equivalents 5,902 6,208 5,925 6,239
Cash equals net funds so no further reconciliation required.

29

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1. Structure and Basis of Consolidation

30

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2. Accounting Policies

Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when receipt is probable, there is entitlement, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Member subscriptions are recognised in the calendar year to which they relate. Amounts received in advance for future periods are deferred.

Government grants are recognised using the performance model, as permitted by SORP. Where donations and grants are received for a specific purpose and their usage is restricted, they are credited to a restricted fund.

Bank deposit interest is stated on a receivable basis.

Investment income is recognised when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably which is usually on notification of the dividend payable.

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis and includes irrecoverable VAT. Charitable expenditure includes the direct costs of pursuing the objectives of the RTPI together with an allocation of overheads. Governance costs include the direct costs of the Governance Office, an appropriate allocation of central overheads (where these relate to the strategic work of the RTPI) and the direct costs of compliance with statutory requirements.

The RTPI is a registered charity and is therefore potentially exempt from taxation of its income and gains to the extent that they are applied for charitable purposes. No charge has arisen during the year.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donors or which have been raised by the charity for specific purposes. Further details are given in the notes to the financial statements.

31

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

g) Tangible Fixed assets

All assets are capitalised where the useful life is expected to exceed 2 years and the cost is over £1,000. Depreciation is charged on a straight-line basis at a rate, which will write off the cost of the assets over their useful life. The depreciation rates charged are as follows:

Asset class Depreciation rate
Freehold land 0%
Freehold property excluding
land 2%
Refurbishment of freehold
property 4%
Plant and machinery 4%-10%
Office equipment and
furniture 20%
Computer equipment 33.33%

h) Intangible Assets

All software assets are capitalised where the cost is over £1,000. Depreciation is charged on a straight-line basis at a rate of 33.33%, which will write off the cost of the assets over their useful life.

i) Fixed asset investments

j) 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.

l) 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 discounts due.

m) Pension costs

The RTPI operates a defined contribution scheme. Pension costs charged in the financial statements represent contributions payable by the RTPI during the year. We operate a salary sacrifice scheme.

32

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The RTPI makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.

There are no critical estimates or judgements included in these financial statements.

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are recognised initially at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.

3. Government Grants

Included within income from Grants and Sponsorship and Supporting Members is government grants totalling £61k (2023: £1,497k) This includes a grant from Scottish Government for bursaries £50k (2023: £nil), a grant to support Scottish Government Digital Planning £nil (2023: £153k) and a grant for bursaries from DUHLC £9k (2023: £322k) and Planning Handbook £5k. There were no unfulfilled conditions in relation to government grants at the year end.

4. Investment income


Investment income
Interest receivable on short term deposits
Investment income receivable
Total investment income -charity
RTPI Trust
Investment income
Total investment income -group		 2024
£'000
122
109
231
7
238		 2023
£'000
115
104
219
3
222

33

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5. Analysis of Expenditure on Charitable Activities

Charitable expenditure - Group
Support for members and promotion
of membership of the RTPI
Direct costs
Governance Costs
Allocation of overheads
Promotion of planning
Direct costs
Governance Costs
Allocation of overheads
Planning Aid
Direct costs
Governance Costs
Allocation of overheads
Total charitable expenditure		 People
Other
Total
related
costs
2024
costs
£'000
£'000
£'000
2,530
1,254
3,784
72
72
144
766
1,004
1,770
3,368
2,330
5,698
1,067
1,134
2,201
28
27
55
295
387
682
1,390
1,548
2,938
145
15
160
5
5
10
53
70
123
203
90
293
4,961
3,968
8,929		 Total
2023
£'000
3,788
147
1,479
5,414
2,248
77
775
3,100
135
10
100
245
8,759

People related costs include all the costs of recruitment, employment and training of members of staff employed by the RTPI. The allocation here relates to people related costs of members of staff in central services. Governance "other" costs represent the audit fees, expenses of the trustees in undertaking their trustee duties, costs associated with trustee, general assembly and other governance meetings. Overheads of the central services and registered office are allocated based on FTE staff numbers.

There is no material difference between the group and charity figures.

34

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5. Analysis of Expenditure on Charitable Activities (continued)

Prior Year Comparatives
Charitable expenditure - Group
Support for members and promotion
of membership of the RTPI
Direct costs
Governance costs
Allocation of overheads
Promotion of planning
Direct costs
Governance costs
Allocation of overheads
Planning Aid
Direct costs
Governance costs
Allocation of overheads
Total charitable expenditure		 People
Other
Total
related
costs
2023
costs
£'000
£'000
£'000
2,369
1,450
3,819
97
51
148
618
861
1,479
3,084
2,362
5,446
1,051
1,197
2,248
51
26
77
324
451
775
1,426
1,674
3,100
123
12
135
7
3
10
42
58
100
172
73
245
4,682
4,109
8,759

Allocation of overheads under "other costs" above comprise:

Premises related costs
Office services
ICT
Legal and professional fees (excluding audit)
Irrecoverable VAT
Allocated overheads
total		 2024
2023
£'000
£'000
192
187
455
474
499
367
201
169
114
174
1,461
1,371

35

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6. Analysis of Staff Costs and the Cost of Key Management Personnel

2024
2023
£'000
£'000
Wages and salaries
3,552
3,371
Pension costs
619
590
Social security costs
378
353
4,549
4,314
Agency staff
62
38
4,611
4,352
Wages and Salaries includes redundancy and termination payments - £3k (2023: £nil).
Average number of staff employed
2024
2023
Support for members and promotion of membership of
the RTPI
60
56
Promotion of planning
24
21
Planning Aid
5
4
Governance
1
3
90
84		 2024
£'000
3,552
619
378		 2023
£'000
3,371
590
353
4,314
38
4,352
84

The number of staff whose emoluments, including taxable benefits but excluding pension contributions and before salary sacrifice, from The Royal Town Planning Institute exceeded £60,000 was:

No of
employees
Earnings band
2024
£60,000 to £69,999
2
£70,000 to £79,999
2
£80,000 to £89,999
3
£90,000 to £99,999
2
£100,000 to £109,999
1
£150,000 to £159,999
£160,000 to £169,999
1
11		 No of
employees
2023
4
2
2
1
1
10

Pension contributions made during the year for these employees were £100k (2023: £109k).

36

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6. Analysis of Staff Costs and the Cost of Key Management Personnel (continued)

The key management personnel of the parent charity and the group comprise the trustees, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Scotland, Ireland and the English regions, the Director of Wales, Northern Ireland and Planning Aid England, the Director of Education and the Profession, the Director of Communications and the Chief Technology Officer. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £816k (2023: £752k).

7. Related Party Transactions

Transactions with Trustees and Connected Persons

No payments are made to Trustees in respect of their time spent on trustee activities or to compensate for loss of earnings. The Trustees only receive reimbursement for expenses actually incurred in attending meetings and representing the RTPI at events. During the year 9 trustees were reimbursed or had expenses paid on their behalf totalling £15k (2023: 8 trustees were reimbursed £14k) in respect of expenses actually incurred for travel, accommodation and subsistence plus £19k (2023: £16k) was paid on behalf of the president for travel, accommodation and subsistence for carrying out their role as president.

RTPI Trust

At the year-end £nil was due from RTPI Trust and is included within other debtors (2023: £2k) and £2.8k was due to the Trust (2023: £5k).

RTPI Services Ltd

Details of the transactions and balances with RTPI Services Ltd are shown in note 15.

There were no other related party transactions during the year (2023: none).

8. Remuneration of Auditor

The audit fees for the RTPI were £23k during 2024 (2023: £20k) and for non-audit work were £1.9k (2023: £nil).

37

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

9. Fixed Assets Charity and Group

Tangible Fixed Assets

Cost
At 1 January 2024
Additions
At 31 December
2024
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 December
2024
Net Book Value
At 31 December
2024
At 31 December
2023		 Freehold
land
£'000
300
300
300
300		 Freehold
building &
plant
£'000
3,631
3,631
(798)
(118)
(916)
2,715
2,833		 Office
Equipment
&
Furniture
£'000
113
5
118
(26)
(24)
(50)
68
87		 Total
Tangible
Fixed
Assets
£'000
4,044
5
4,049
(824)
(142)
(966)
3,083
3,220		 Intangible -
Software
Total
fixed
assets
£'000
£'000
61
4,105
5
61
4,110
(50)
(874)
(11)
(153)
(61)
(1,027)
3,083
11
3,231

10. Investments

Group
Market value of listed investments at 1 January
Acquisitions at cost
Disposals at market value
Gains on investments
Market value of investments at 31 December
Charity
Market value of listed investments at 1 January
Acquisitions at cost
Gains on investments
Market value of investments at 31 December		 2024
£'000
3,997
279
-
169

4,445
2024
£'000
3,704
279
149		 2023
£'000
3,739
308
(308)
258
3,997
2023
£'000
3,439
28
237

4,132		 3,704

38

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11. Debtors

1. Debtors
Prepayments
VAT
Other debtors		 Charity
2024
2023
£'000
£'000
309
223
10
22
443
716
762
961		 Group
2024
£'000
309
10
443
762		 2023
£'000
223
22
722
967

12. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Receipts in advance
Other taxes and social security costs
Other creditors and accruals
Amounts due to subsidiary		 Charity
2024
2023
£'000
£'000
2,818
2,489
100
1
466
733
5
8
3,389
3,231		 Group
2024
£'000
2,818
100
472
3,390		 2023
£'000
2,489
1
734
3,224

Receipts in advance represent member payments received in advance for 2025 membership and monies received for events being held in 2025 all of which are expected to be recognised as income in 2025.

Charity and Group
Receipts in advance bfwd
Amounts recognised in the year
Income deferred in the year
Receipts in advance cfwd		 £'000
2,489
(2,489)
2,818
2,818

39

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13. Outline Summary of Fund Movements

Designated Funds
Charity and group
Fixed assets
Property and maintenance
Research
Regions
Corporate Strategy
Implementation Plan
Digital Transformation
HR and compliance
Brand strategy
Education policy review
Governance Review
Designated Funds
Charity and group
Fixed assets
Property and maintenance
Research
Education Research
Regions
Corporate Strategy
Implementation Plan
Digital Transformation
HR and compliance
Brand strategy
Education policy review		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
Expenditure
Transfers
Fund
balances
carried
forward
1 January
2024
31 December
2024
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
3,079
(153)
157
3,083
1,034
1
1,035
144
(29)
55
170
254
(37)
(19)
198
64
(23)
(17)
24
453
(192)
235
496
67
(17)
(20)
30
20
(16)
221
225
340
(184)
156
(27)
30
3
5,455
(677)
642
5,420
Fund
balances
brought
forward
Expenditure
Transfers
Fund
balances
carried
forward
1 January
2023
31 December
2023
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
3,356
(311)
34
3,079
34
1,000
1,034
190
(46)
144
245
9
254
78
(152)
138
64
442
(108)
119
453
67
67
36
(16)
20
340
340
4,448
(624)
1,631
5,455

40

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13. Outline Summary of Fund Movements (continued)

Fixed assets

The Trustees have decided to create a designated reserve equal to the net book value of fixed assets not allocated to restricted funds or another designated fund, which represents assets in use for charitable purposes.

Property and maintenance

The trustees have set aside monies for future repairs and maintenance and is based on the cost of replacing current plant as and when it has reached the end of its useful life.

Research

During 2022, the Trustees allocated funds for the RTPI research programme for 2022-2024. The matched funding where appropriate.

Regions

These reserves were accumulated under the previous regional funding arrangements, which ended in January 2018.

Corporate Strategy Implementation Plan

This fund was set up to realise the content of the Corporate Strategy 2020-2030.

Digital Transformation

This fund represents the next phase in the RTPI investment in its online presence and IT systems. £192k was added to the fund in 2024 and £235k of the allocated fund was spent.

HR and compliance

This fund represents monies set aside by the trustees to spend on future HR and compliance work.

Brand strategy

This fund represents monies set aside by the trustees to implement the new brand strategy.

Education policy review

This fund represents monies set aside by the trustees to review the education policy.

41

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13. Outline Summary of Fund Movements (continued)

Restricted Funds
Degree Apprenticeships
Prof A Hall Legacy
Practitioner Research Fund
Scottish Government
Digital Planning 2022-23
George Pepler International
Julie Cowan Memorial
Trust
Scottish Government
Bursaries
Lichfield Memorial Lecture
Peter Suttie Award
Other
Planning Aid
Grants and Donations
West Midlands Planning
Aid
Gypsy and Traveller
Training
Regional Assembly
Charity
Michael Welbank Fund
RTPI Trust General Fund
Group		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
Income
Expenditure
Gains/
(losses)
Fund
balances
carried
forward
1 January
2024
31
December
2024
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
202
(198)
4
139
11
(3)
147
118
10
128
70
(21)
49
52
5
57
37
3
(1)
39
15
52
(50)
17
8
8
7
1
8
37
15
(25)
27
80
9
(23)
66
25
25
4
(3)
1
3
3
595
308
(324)
579
43
2
(4)
41
282
6
(23)
20
285
920
316
(351)
20
905

42

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13. Outline Summary of Fund Movements (continued)

Prior year comparatives

Restricted Funds
Prof A Hall Legacy
Practitioner Research Fund
Scottish Government Digital
Planning 2022-23
George Pepler International
Julie Cowan Memorial Trust
Scottish Government Bursary
Fund
Lichfield Memorial Lecture
Peter Suttie Award
Future Planners' Bursary Fund
National Planning Framework 4
Engagement
Scottish Government Digital
Planning 2021
Other
Planning Aid
Grants and Donations
West Midlands Planning Aid
Gypsy and Traveller Training
Regional Assembly
Charity
Michael Welbank Fund
RTPI Trust General Fund
Group		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
Income
Expenditure
Gains/
(losses)
Fund
balances
carried
forward
1 January
2023
31 December
2023
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
141
(2)
139
128
(10)
118
134
153
(217)
70
52
52
38
(1)
37
15
15
13
(5)
8
7
7
1
1
17
(17)
6
(6)
6
374
(344)
36
110
(30)
80
25
25
4
4
3
3
700
527
(632)
595
49
(6)
43
300
9
(48)
21
282
1,049
536
(686)
21
920

The RTPI has received the income shown above, which is restricted to the purposes for which it has been received. The projects are:

Degree Apprenticeship

The RTPI received fees for providing the end point assessment for the level 7 planning apprenticeship. The fees can only be spent on providing the assessment.

43

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13. Outline Summary of Fund Movements (continued)

George Pepler International Award

This biennial award is made to anyone their first 10 years of post-qualification planning experience who wishes to visit another country to that of their residence for a short period in order to study some particular aspect of town and country planning. The Award was established by Sir George Pepler, one of the founder members of the RTPI, and offered for the first time in 1973.

Lichfield Memorial Lecture

In 2011, the RTPI received a grant from Dalia Lichfield to fund a series of annual lectures in memorial of Professor Nathaniel Lichfield. The first lecture was held in October 2011.

Peter Suttie Award

This award is organised by the Scottish Young Planners' Network and supported by RTPI Scotland, Heads of Planning Scotland and the Aberdeenshire Council. It is awarded to young planners to undertake a comparative study into planning issues. It was first awarded in July 2013.

MHCLG Future Planners Funds

Bursary awards from this fund are restricted to Planning students at English Universities.

RTPI Future Planners Bursaries (Scotland)

The Scottish Government have provided funding for bursary awards at Scottish Universities.

Practitioner Research Fund

A restricted fund set up in 2017 to manage the funds established by the closure of the Town and Country Planning Summer School (TCPSS). The fund will be used to make a biennial research award.

Planning Aid Grants and Donations

This fund includes the balance of DCLG grants and donations for Planning Aid activities received prior to April 2013.

West Midlands Planning Aid Service

Donations received in the West Midlands specifically for the furtherance of the Planning Aid programme. A review of the monies held in the restricted and the appropriate use of the remaining funds is ongoing.

Scottish Government Digital Planning

Funds were granted in 2020 and 2021 for research projects into the digital transformation of the Scottish planning system and further funding was awarded in 2023.

Professor A Hall Legacy

This legacy was received in 2022 without a broad restriction on its use so the Trustees agreed to use it to fund an annual lecture in Wales and for education.

Julie Cowan Memorial Trust

This fund was donated to the RTPI in 2021 in memory of Julie Cowen to be used to provide an annual bursary for the Young Planner of the Year.

Gypsy and Traveller Training

Funds are being held for training activities in the context of current and emerging legislation.

Michael Welbank

Funds received for a student scholarship programme to commemorate Michael's work in the profession.

RTPI Trust General Fund

The general reserves of the RTPI Trust.

44

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

14. Analysis of Group Net Assets Between Funds

Fixed assets
Listed investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets
Prior Year Comparatives
Fixed assets
Listed investments
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets		 General
Fund		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Total
2024
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
3,083 3,083
4,110 335 4,445
3,780 2,337 570 6,687
(3,390) (3,390)
4,500 5,420 905 10,825
General
Fund
£'000
3,682
4,348
(3,195)
4,835		 Designated
Funds
£'000
3,231
2,253
(29)
5,455		 Restricted
Funds
£'000
315
605
920		 Total
2023
£'000
3,231
3,997
7,206
(3,224)
11,210

15. Investment in Subsidiaries

RTPI Services Limited

The RTPI holds 100% of the issued share capital of the RTPI Services Limited (RSL), a company registered in England, whose primary activities are to provide conferences and publications.

The registered address and place of business is 41 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DL. The company ceased to trade on 1 January 2019.

At 31 December 2024 RSL had debtors of £2k (2023: £2k) and cash at bank of £9k (2023: £9k). Called up share capital was £1k (2023: £1k) and the profit and loss account balance was £10k (2023: 2023: £11k). There was no trading activity in the year (2023: none).

RTPI Trust

The RTPI Trust is a separately registered charity. provide of support and financial assistance to members of the RTPI, commission planning research and any other charitable support related to town planning.

The registered address and place of business is 41 Botolph Lane, London EC3R 8DL.

45

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

At 31 December 2024 the Trust had investments of £314k (2023: £293k), debtors of £3k (2023: £9k) and cash at bank of £14k (2023: £22k) and creditors of £6k (2023: £1k); total funds were £325k (2023: £323k). Income was £11k (2023: £6k), expenditure was £29k and investment gains were £20k (2023: £21k).

Others

All other consolidated entities were dormant in 2023 and 2024 and had £nil balances.

16. Operating Leases

Charity and Group
Amount charged in the year
Leasehold property
Equipment
Total
Total commitment
Operating leases expiring within
one year
Operating leases expiring between 2
and 5 years		 Property
2024
£'000
13
13		 Equipment
2024
£'000
8
8
16		 2024
£'000
30
14
44
Property
2023
£'000
30
13
43		 2023
£'000
31
2
33
Equipment
2023
£'000
9
17
26

46

THE ROYAL TOWN PLANNING INSTITUTE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

17. Comparative Charity Statement of Financial Activities

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
INCOME FROM:
Charitable activities
Membership subscriptions and
fees
Grants and Sponsorship
towards the promotion of
planning and membership
Support for members
Planning Aid
Investments
4
Total income
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
Support for members and
promotion of membership of the
RTPI
Promotion of planning
Planning Aid
Total expenditure
5
Net income/(expenditure)
before investment gains
Net gains on investment assets
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
13
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Fund balances at 1 January
Fund balances at 31
December		 General
Fund
£'000
5,655
346
1,634
219
7,854
4,338
2,930
235
7,503
351
237
588
(1,631)
(1,043)
5,866
4,823		 Designated
Funds
£'000
483
141
624
(624)
(624)
1,631
1,007
4,448
5,455		 Restricted
Funds
£'000
527
527
593
29
10
632
(105)
(105)
(105)
700
595		 Total
2023
£'000
5,655
873
1,634
219
8,381
5,414
3,100
245
8,759
(378)
237
(141)
(141)
11,014
10,873

47