CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 2024125
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CROUCHVAUEY
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CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
CONTENTS
Annual report of thg trustees
Slalemenl of financial activities
Balance sheet
Notes to the annual accounts
13
Report of the independent examiner

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Legal name..
Crouch Valley District Scout Council
Registered number.. 280514
Trustees=
A Austin
P Stafford
M Buckley
Z Read
D Offord
M Gibson
M Martin
S Blundell
H Kalloo
Distriel Chair
District Le3d Volunteer
District Youth Represenlalive
District Treasurer
District Secretary
14-24 Team Leader
Developrnent Team Leader
District Trustee
District Trustee
Contact address..
48a Woodlands Road. Hockley, Essex, SS5 4PY
ObJectlv•$ and activities
Scouting exists lo actively engage and support young pgople in their personal development, empowering them
lo make a positive contribution to society.
Crouch Valley District Scout Council I'lhe District'l exists to guide and suptx>rt the 14 individual Scout groups
within the lower River Crouch valley. Accordingly its principal activities are to provido District wide access lo
various support services and lo provide District wido evtsnls for the beriefil of those Scouts. The Distrid is a
managerial and support function for the aclivities of tha various Scout groups operating underneath it in the
local area.
Stru¢turo, governance and manag•m&nt
The District is a charity fegistered in the Unittsd Kingdom and a sub-unit of the Scout Association. It is therefore
governed by Royal Charter granted in 1912 and operates as r8quirèd by the slipulalions and instructions of the
S¢oul Association.
Tho District is managed by the District Executive under the leadership of the District Commissioner and the
ChaIr￿an. The Executive meet regul8dy throughout the year lo discuss and decide upon th& operation of the
District. The Executive is also assisted by number ol sub-committees who are responsible for specific affairs
wrfthin the District and are appointed on an ad-hoc basis either permanently or temporarily as needs arise.
In accordance with Scouting regulations, Explorer Scoul units and Scout Network organisalions within the local
geographical area are also undeT the remit of the District itself (unlike individual Scout groups which are
separate enlilie5 in their own rightl. Led by the District Explorer and Network Scout Commissioners, Explorers
and Network maintain their own management executive independent froffl Ibut reportable tol the Dislri¢t itself.
The anngxed accounts for the District therefore include tho actlvltSes of District as a body plus the District
Explorer units and the District Network units included therein.
The Trustees are pleased lo note Scouting r8mains strong in the District, with a S°k increase in overall
membership against last year.
Page 1 of 13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty of Section 17 of the Charili&s Act 2011 to have
ue regard lo the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
Achievements and perfomiance
The District continues lo maintain its activa and broad profile of Scouting a¢livitigs within the local
community. Inlra-Dislri¢l competition remains both popular and competitive.
The Dislricl's core Scouting calendar remains generally unchanged with most inlra-Dislrict events well
attended by most groups. Well refined deliveries mean certain &venls remain hugely popular (such as the
Beaver swimming gala or the Cub hikel and meanwhile the leadership teams continually review options for
new ideas whether as new acb'vities at Renewal of Promise or as standalone events. On a whole Oistricl
level, Ihe all section Renewal of Promise weekend runs each April and has been well attended over the last
year.
Due to a lack of use, making il unsustainable lo continue lo meet operating costs, th8 Executive took the
decision lo retire ils minibLJS during the year. As the costs of restoring it properly exceeded ils likely re-sala
value, the Exe¢ulive elected to gift the minibus lo an interested Trustee who had freely donated countless
hours of maintenance work during its ownership by the Dislrict.
As the annexed notes demonslrale, the amount of young people benefiting directly from local Scouting
remains as strong as ever. Unfortunately recruiting and retaining adult volunteers lo facilitate this delivery
continues lo remain a problam across the District land indeed wder Scouting) with many adults therefore
holding mLJltiple roles. As always, further volunteer recruitment remains a key strategic locus for the
Executive.
The Executive are also pleased to note a renewed interest in the Network118 to 241 provision., this has
happaned since the year end. The exeGuIIv8 are working closely with the leadership team lo ènsure it has
access to the necessary support lo re-establish this extension lo the SGouling programme in the local area.
During this year the District has seen a significant reduGlion in ils ￿$h reserves following a large amoLJnt of
refurbishment being done to Ark Lane inclusive of installing up to dale healing and air conditioning for the
sile.
Finally, the Executive would like to offer their thanks lo all those volunt88rs who give so much so freely for
the benefit ol the Scouts within the Dislricl'5 remit. Like all Scouting ihe Dislricl is highly dependent on the
fantastic work all its adult volunteers undertake. always far beyond what is expected of them and usually
freely given wilhoul proper recognition. On behalf ol those Scouts who benefit- thank you.
On behalf of those Scouts who benefit- thank you.
Pagg 2of 13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 20241202S
ANNUAL REPORTOF THETRVSTEES
Flnancial review
The Dislrict strive5 to keep suffici8nt reseNes to service [15 current financi81 requirements and realistic potenb'al liabilitie5
without curnulating lary8 surplu8es whi¢h would be b8tt8r us8d for Scouting purkX)se5.
When setting the Districfs annual subscriptions, the Executive has due regard for the Dislri¢l's current level of reserves and
therefore allempts to balance the next yearfs funding r8quir8ments with the existing funds available. A substantial
proportion of those subscriptions are a150 paid on lo Essex Scouts and headqu8rt8rs- note 3 to the annexed a¢¢ounts
shows the small proportion the Dislriel actually retains to fund 115 operations.
Ordinary op8rativa Costs continue lo incr8as8 on all fronts but this 15 particularfy fell at AF1¢ Lane Whe￿ Maintenan￿ wtsrk is
regu18r and sometimes requires 8Xt8rn81 expertis& lo be bought in. N8vertheless, a tranGhe of invesltnent during the year
has improved the faciliti88 8ubstanlially- and the Executive are k8en lo encourage Scou15 near and far lo make the most of
At the 31st March 2025 th8 District had the following re5erv8S'.
District reserves
Explorer reseNes
N8bwork ￿serveS
364.19
33,052
702
397,950
568
397,382
Of which restricted
Unr8Stricted reserves
though the above reserves show a very Strong ov8rall financial position. the Executive ar& mindful that il invested heavily
into the development ol Priory Chase I the Birches and the￿fore the tnajority of its r8seNes are tied up in property rather
than freely available cash.
Furtherrnore, the combined District figures include not only th8 Districvs activities themselves but also th8 Di$tri¢t's Ark Lane
site. the active ExplO￿r units (including a young leader unill and the local N8twork.
Zoe R8ad
Di5trlct Treasurer
Date..
Pag8 3 of 13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Unreslricled Reslricled
Total
2,024
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incorning resourG&s from generated funds
Voluntary in¢orne
Activities for generating funds
Inveslmenl in¢orne
In¢Dming resources from charitable activities
other incoming resources
Total Incoming resources
17,142
2,658
16
67,052
6,800
93,668
17,142
2,658
16
67,052
6,800
93,668
14,500
2,519
12
43,498
3,570
64,099
RESOURCES EXPENDED
C05t of generating funds
Fundraising trading costs
Investment managem&nl costs
Charitable activities
Other resources expended
Total expenditure
13,2931
13,2931
13,165}
187,1301
187.1301
169.861 }
7,272
80,298
90,423
90.423
Nel incoming resources before IransfeTS
Gross transfers between funds
3,245
3,245
116,1991
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
,245
16,199
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
District
Explorers
Network
Total movement
114,8051
18,050
114.8051
18,050
120,9771
4,778
3,245
3,245
16,199
FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
Reslalement from previous periods
Nel rnovemenl in funds
Total funds ¢arrled forward
394,137
568
394,705
410,904
3,245
397.382
3,245
397,950
16,199
394,705
568
Page4of13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT202412025
BALANCE SHEET
31ST MARCH 2025
Unrestricted Reslricled
2024
Total
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
Total fixed ass8ts
282.408
282,408
282,408
282,408
289,597
289,597
CURRENT ASSETS
Badge stocks
Debtors
Income reG8ivable
Prepaym8nts
Other débtors
Total debtor5
Cash at bank and in hand
ScoLJt investment service
District main account
Ark Lane account
District cash
Explorer main account
Explorer subs account
Explorer D of E account
Explorer expense account
District events accoLJnt
Network main account
Network cash
Total cash al bank and in hand
499
499
423
11,289
1.551
11,289
1,551
1,722
74
1,796
12,840
12.840
115,884
6,891
330
14,370
7,921
1.551
318
785
702
568
116,452
6,891
330
14,370
7,921
1,551
318
785
702
115,133
18,602
529
1,990
4,648
760
185
663
148,752
568
149,320
142,510
Total current ass•ts
162,091
568
162,659
144,729
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses
Deferred income
Other creditors
Total currènt liabilitie5
16,2231
40,894
47,117
16,2231
40,894
47,117
15.0581
34.563
39.621
NET ASSETS
397,382
568
397,950
394,705
FUNDS
District funds
General
Outrèaeh
Explowr funds
Gènèr81
Nfr￿0rk funds
General
Total funds
363,628
363,628
568
378,433
568
568
33,052
33,052
15,002
702
397,382
702
397,950
702
394,705
568
The financial slalemenls were approved by the trustees on
and signèd on their behaff by..
Z Read
District Treasurer
Page Sof 13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Statutory information
The District is a registered charity in England with charity number 280514. Thè charitys full li11e is Crouch
Valley District SGOUI Council and it is operated in accordance wlh the Policy, Organi5alion and Rules as
set out by the S¢out Association.
The District principa11y operates in the lower valley of the River Crou¢h, Essex, which encompasses
Rochford. Hockley, Rayleigh, Hawkwell, Hullbridge and Canewdon.
2 Accounting pollcles
a. Accountin
convention
The financial slalemenls have been prepared in accordance wlh the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021,. Accounting and Reporting by Charities..
Statement of Recomrnended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with
FRS 102 (Charities SORP IFRS 10211,. and the Charities Act 2011.
The District rllee15 the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and
liabilities are initially recognised al historical cost or transaction value unless olhenNise slated
in the relovanl accounting PDIicy.
b. Goin
Cc>ncern
At the lime of approving the finan¢ial statements, the Iruslees have a re8s0nable expectation th81 the
charity has adequate resources lo continue in operational exislen¢e lor Ihe forseeable future. Thus the
Iruste5s ¢ontintuelo adopt the going concern basis ol accounting in preparing the finan¢ial stalemenls.
This view is supported by the r&ceipt of membership contriblions from within the district and ils level of
reserves.
Incomin
resources
Incoming resources are included in the Statement of financial activities ISOFAI whan..
the charity becomes entitled lo the resoLJrces',
the trustees are reasonably ￿rtain they will rectrive the resources,. and
the monetary value can be measurod with suitable reliability.
Membership subscriptions.. Membership subscriptions are reported net of any amounts ¢olle¢led on
behaff of and p8yable to other parts of the Scout Movement. The District's share of membership
5ubscriplions received are recognised as income in the period lo which the subscription is attributable.
Subscriptions are typically collected immediately before the balance sheet dale in respect of the
subsequent accounting period - in this case the subscriptions are deferred to the later reporting period.
Grants and donations.. Grants and donations are only recognised as income when the charity has
unconditional enlilemenl to the resources.
Donated services and facilities.. These are only included within incoming resources Iwilh an equivalent
expenditure inclLJded in resources expended) where the benefit lo the charity is reasonably quantifiable,
mèasurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the eslimaled value to the charity of
the service or facility received. Th8 value of voluntary help received is not recognised.
Page6of 13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 20241202S
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
2 A¢¢ounting policie5 Icont'dl
d. AIIoc81ion of income and ex
enditu
The Di8lricYs adivilies also include those of th8 District based Explorer and Network se¢tions and the
separately identifiable activities of 115 Ark Lane campsite. All in¢ome and expenditure 15 attributable directly
to one of the District's core activities and separate bank accounts ancl management figures are maintained
to ensur8 th8 Dislricl's activitie8 are kepl identrfiable. Consequently, rio income or expenditur& requires
general apporbonment acros5 the District's aclivi118S.
reco
Liabilities sre recognis8d as soon 88 there is a legal 01 constructive obligation committing th8 charity to pay
out r850urces and the total amounts ou15tsnding can be accurat81y id8nlified.
f. Tan
ibl8 as88ts
Land and buildings are Carried al historical cost, les5 provision for d&preciation over 50 years or the
remainder of the lease period Iwhichever is th8 shorter). Depreciatlon Is recognSsed only once assets under
¢onsiruction have been brought into us8.
Other equipment addltlons are recogni5ed a5 a fixed a58el only wh8re th8 indlvldual cost exceéds £1.000
per Item. Dep￿ciall0n 15 charged at 15% reduang balance.
g. Stocks
Stocks of badges held for resale are recogni5ed at the lower of cost and net sales value.
3 Analysis of incoming resources
2025
2024
Voluntary incorne
District ¢apit3tion
Capitslion paid on to UK I Es38x County Scouts
Nel Oistricl capitation retain6d
District Explorer subscriptions
Di51ricl Network subscriptions
Totsl voluntary income
45,846
40,894
4,952
12,190
39,735
34,583
5,172
9,328
17,142
14,500
Activities for generating funds
Badge sal85
Minibus hir8
2,658
2,504
15
2.519
2,658
Inv8stment Income
Interast roceivgd
12
12
Incomlng ￿$￿￿1¢e5 from charltable actlvltles
Event Income
Ark Lane camping fees and usage chary8S
Dislrlct charitable activitie5
10,368
3.809
14.177
9.117
8.897
18.014
Explorer camp and event incorne
Duke of Edinburgh income
Explorer charitable activities
48.254
4,621
52.875
21,531
3,953
25,484
Total charitable actlvlty Income
67,052
43,498
Other Incomlng resource$
Local council grants
Donations r&¢eived
Gift aid reclaims
Other income receivable
Total other income recelvable
3,000
3,800
6.800
3.570
3,570
Total Incomlng re$our¢¢$
93,
Page7of13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
3 Analy$ls of incoming resources Icont'dl
In the Fgbruary immediately preceding the balance sheet date, the District annual ¢ensus reported the
following totsl rnembers..
2025
2024
Squirrels
Beavors
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
12
222
296
220
139
10
216
254
234
129
Totsl
889
100
200
300
400
Squirrels
Beavers
• 2025
Cubs
2024
Scouts
Explorers
In Fèbruary immediately preceding the year end, the annual 5ubs¢riplions collected from each individual
Scout were made up as follows..
2025
42.50
3.50
7.00
£53.00
2024
37.50
3.50
Headquarters IUKI
County (Essex)
District Icrouch Valley)
Total
£47.00
The above amounts were collected in advance of the year ended 31st March 2025 and therefore have
not yet been recognised in the SOFA.
£0.00
£10.00
£20.00
£30.00
£40.00
£50.00
£60.00
2025
• Headquarters IUKI
County (Essex)
District Icrouch Valley)
2024
Page8of13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
4 Analy$l$ Of resources expended
2025
2024
Charitable aclivitios
Event expenditure
Ark Lane depreciation
Ark Lane refurbishment
Ark Lane ulililies and running costs
The Birches deproci81ion
Administrative expenses
Leader training and development
Equipment r8plaGemenl
Group support costs
Minibus expens&s
Sundries
District ¢harltable activities
19,4141
11,6121
111,4601
13,6001
15,5771
15731
11,4171
112,9131
11,8961
15,3341
15,6911
13531
15051
11,5451
14,6051
120
139,9231
112,5571
11,6171
140,8661
Event expenditure
Hall rent
Unil meetings
Adminislralive expenses
Duke of Edinburgh expenses and fees
Leader training and development
Equipment replacement
Explorer charltable actlvities
134,6081
17491
15,9311
17591
15,1601
122,5361
11,5021
11,5881
17841
{1,8671
12001
518
128.9951
147,2071
Hall rent
Unit meetings
Network charitablè a¢tlvltltrs
Total charitable actlvlty èxpondlture
87,130
69,861
2001.
40/.
60°/0
800A
loo%
District
Explorer
Network
District
Explorer
Network
•Camps and activitigs
• Ark Lane costs
Adminislralion and support
Page9of 13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
5 Remuneratlon and exponsas
Scouting operates on a volunteer basis and as such the trustees express their gratitude to the many
adults who give up their lime so willingly for the benefit of the Scouts both within and external lo the
Distr￿1. Without their incredible commitrnent the District simply would not exist.
During the current and preceding period, there w&re no employees of the District nor remuneration
payrnenls, or expenses. payable lo trustees.
6 Tangible fixed assets
Ark Lanè
The Birches
Total
Land and buildings
Cosl brought forward
Additions
Cost carried forward
26,937
312,941
339,878
26,937
312,941
339,878
Depreciation brought forward
Provision for depreciation
Depr&ciation carried forward
116,1911
1,6121
117,8031
134,0901
5,577
139,6671
150,2811
7.189
157,4701
Net book value carriad forward
9,134
273,274
282,408
Contingent liabilities
a. Belcham
The District is responsiblg for one quarter of any liabilities that may arise from the rnanagemenl of
Belchamps Scout Gentre.
Belchamps is a 29 acre freehold campsite wth ancillary buildings operated for the benefit of Scouts bul is
also used by other youth and educational organisalions.11 is owned. freehold, by the four Districts of
South East Essex. Belchamps Scout Cgntre is also a registered charity- copies of its accounts may be
obtained from the Charity Commission.
b. Soulhend Scout and Guide Gan
Show
The District is responsible for a percentage of any li8bililies that might arise from the production of the
Southend Scout and Guide Gang Show.
The show is presented bi-annually an(t draws ks cast from the four Scout Districts and three Guido
Divisions of South East E55ex. Any liability arising would be based on a per capila membership basis at
the date of the latest membership census.
Pagg 10of13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
8 Operating lease commltments
The District holds at lease for the use of the land al Ark Lane from Rochford District Council al a cost of
£50 per annum. This lease has expired and thè District are currently in the final negotiation stagas of
signing a new leasts. The cost for this is anticipated to be £850 per annum. The District accept this is
large increase bul have noted the last lease renewal happened 30 years ago.
The District holds a lease for the property known as The Birches for a rent of £1.500 per annum and it
has been agreed that an equivalent sublease to 5th Rayleigh Scout group for principal use and
management of the new facility.
Therefore, the Dislricl's total value of future minimum lease payments were mad8 up as follows..
2025
2024
Due within 1 year
Due within 2 - 5 years
Duo in more than 5 years
1.500
6.000
45,000
52,500
1,550
6,030
47,950
55.53
Related party dl$¢lo$ures
During the year the District deemed the ongoing provision of a minibus was no longer financially viable.
Having ascertained it had no real r¢saltr value, and possibly a cost to scrap, it was insload gifted lo a
Trustee in recognition of the immeasurable offort he had spent maintaining it previously12024- £nil).
Page11 of13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
10 Funds and reserves
Income
27,719
Expenditure
142,5241
Transfers
Movem&nt
114,8051
Gelleral IDislricll
Outreach fund
Unrestricted
Resirictad
27,719
142,5241
114,8051
General IExplorersl
Cerberus grant
Gryphon grant
Unreslricted
RestriGled
Restri¢led
65.949
147,8991
18.050
65,949
47,8991
18,050
General (Network)
Un￿StriCted
Total
93,668
90,423
3,245
1st April 24
378.433
568
423,121
Mov&ment 31st March 25
General (Districti
Outreach fund
Unreslrioied
Reslricied
114,8051
363,628
568
364,196
114,8051
General (Explorers)
Unreslricled
15,002
15,002
18,050
18,050
33,052
33,052
General (Networkl
Unreslricled
702
702
Total
3,245
397,95
The Districvs reserves al 31 sl March 2025 include the following funds..
Outreach fund.. Thi5 fund exists lo provide financial support and assistance lo Di51ricl Scouts where
necessary. S¢outing is open lo all regardless of financial circumstances so the Outreach fund was
originally established lo ensure funds were a￿ayS available to assist those who need it.
Page 12 of 13

CROUCH VALLEY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 202412025
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
I report on the accounts of the District for the year ended 31 sl March 2023 which comprise the Ststemenl of
Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes sel out on pages 4 10 12.
This report is made solely lo the trustees in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work
has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Iruslees those matters l am required lo slate to them
in an independent exarniner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest exlenl permitted by law, I do not
accept or assume responsibility lo anyone other than the charity and the charity's Iruslees for my examination
work.
Respective responslbllities of thg trustees and examiner
The District's Iruslees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not
required for this year lunder Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act)) and that an independent
examination is needed.
11 is my responsibility lo..
examine the accounts (under Section 145 of the Charitie5 Acll.,
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under
Section 14515llbl of the Charities A¢ll,' and
lo slate whether particular mallers have come lo my attention.
Basls of independent examiner's r8port
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity
Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the District and a
comparison of the accounts presented with those records.11 also includes consideration of any unusual items
OT disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation5 from you as Iruslees 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 lo whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is
limited to those matters sel out in the slalement below.
Indgpendent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination. no matter has come lo my allenlion..
which gives me reasonable cause lo believe that in any material respect the requirements
a. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act,. and
b. lo prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting
requirements of the Charities Act have not been rnel., OT
2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order lo enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Independent examinar:
Date..
20 /, 12025
Page 13of 13