REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2025
During the year the charity received total income of £211,014, comprising £140,900 in donations and £70,114 in Gift Aid reclaimed on those donations. These funds were raised to support the development and delivery of recreational facilities for children and young people within the parish.
During the year, the trustees of the Children’s & Young People’s Charity (Charity No. 288005) concentrated on responsible stewardship of the charity following a period in which important matters required clarification, including governance arrangements, financial planning, project sustainability and the separation of charity business from Parish Council business. The trustees’ priority has been to protect the charity’s funds and ensure that any future play or recreation provision for children and young people in Godshill is lawful, deliverable and sustainable over the long term.
In accordance with the charity’s objects and Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and trustees’ annual reporting, the trustees reviewed inherited proposals, strengthened oversight and took a prudent approach to expenditure while considering long-term obligations such as maintenance, inspection, insurance and ongoing management. This work has not been about delay for its own sake, but about ensuring that charitable activity is built on proper governance, sound financial control and a clear benefit to children and young people in the parish. During the year, £341,028 was spent on the groundworks, purchase of play equipment and the construction of the play park, delivering a new recreational facility for children and young people within the parish. The trustees have ensured that funds are managed responsibly and applied in furtherance of the charity’s objectives, including the delivery of recreational facilities and the long-term stewardship of those assets for the benefit of the community.
Looking ahead, the trustees’ priorities for the coming year include developing further opportunities that benefit children and young people in the parish. This will begin with a programme of public consultation to gather views from residents and young people, and to engage key local stakeholders including the local school and the Scout group. The consultation will help inform proposals to create a nature-based play and learning space at May Close, including the renovation and improvement of the existing play equipment and the introduction of natural play elements that support outdoor learning, exploration and wellbeing. The charity will work in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to help shape a space that supports children’s development while also enhancing local biodiversity. In addition, the trustees ar a building at Central Mead
to serve as a community hub, subject to consultation, feasibility and appropriate governance processes. The intention would be to create a space where activities, events and learning opportunities could take place that support recreation, community engagement and the wellbeing of children and young people within the parish. Any such proposal will be carefully considered to ensure that it aligns with the charity’s objectives, represents responsible use of charitable funds and can be sustainably managed over the long term.
Trustees:
Charitable purpose:
EXPENDITURE Architects & Other Fees Groundworks Playground Equipment Planning Fees VAT INCOME Investment income Donations Gift aid VAT refunded BALANCES C/F Bank Balances REPORT OF INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL EXAMINER
as contained in the annual accounts and reconcile to cash held in the Charity bank account. I have understood the Charity objectives, activities and financial procedures, and confirm that accouting records financial record keeping.
PLES CHARITY CHARITY REFERENCE 288005
GODSHILL PARISH COUNCIL IS THE CHARITY CORPORATE TRUSTEE.
FOR THE PURPOSES OF A CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S PLAYGROUND AND PARISH RECREATION GROUND.
£
11,626.24 121,964.00 204,132.29 3,305.50 65,733.65 25.83 141,040.75 70,114.11 67,044.50
11 11
138,089.83 406,761.68 278,225.19 9,553.34 Colin Mansell CHAIRMAN Stephen Cockett CLERK STEPHEN MILFORD INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL EXAMINER 12th March 2026