Charity registration number 507772 (England and Wales)
Company registration number 01371275
DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Mrs L F Lee | |
|---|---|---|
| Mr A N Bours | ||
| Mr P M Drage | ||
| Mrs A S Bradley | ||
| Mrs V Dorgan | ||
| Mr A J Millington | ||
| Mr D J Beech | (Appointed 2 May 2025) | |
| Secretary | Mrs L F Lee | |
| Charity number (England and Wales) | 507772 | |
| Company number | 01371275 | |
| Principal address | Daneside Theatre Trust Ltd | |
| Park Road | ||
| Congleton | ||
| Cheshire | ||
| England | ||
| CW12 1DP | ||
| Registered office | Daneside Theatre Trust Ltd | |
| Park Road | ||
| Congleton | ||
| Cheshire | ||
| England | ||
| CW12 1DP | ||
| Independent examiner | Amanda Grint, FCCA | |
| Hammond McNulty LLP | ||
| Bank House | ||
| Market Square | ||
| Congleton | ||
| Cheshire | ||
| England | ||
| CW12 1ET |
DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 2 |
| Independent examiner's report | 3 |
| Statement of financial activities | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 6 - 13 |
DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's deed of trust and memorandum of association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The charity's objective and its principal activity continues to be that of the promotion, maintenance, improvement and advancement of education in the Borough of Congleton by means of the provision of a theatre.
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives
Each year we review the quality and range of the in-house facilities which we make available to our users.
The general upkeep of the Theatre and its facilities have been maintained throughout the year. Aluminium safety barriers have been purchased to improve safety on high level platforms and a replacement water boiler has been purchased. Major pruning of trees behind the theatre was done and a replacement power supply was bought for our cinema projector. Wherever possible work is done by our own volunteers to minimise cost.
The Theatre was again granted a Mandatory Rate Relief from Cheshire East Council, which significantly reduces the costs the Theatre must pay.
This year we have been fortunate to receive the following donation:
In Memory of David Lawler £25,353
The donations we have received have been invested in a bank or building society with a good rate of interest.
We are always looking for new and innovative ways in which the Theatre can be used for the benefit of the people of Congleton, and we will continue to offer productions staged by both amateur and professional groups.
The film shows are well supported. We can screen a variety of films that appeal to a wider audience, and this encourages different age groups to attend.
The Daneside Studios are now fully open and are being used by various groups in the local area.
A big thank you to everyone for using the bar on show nights, the income from the bar goes towards the upkeep of the Theatre and helps to keep the hire charges down.
The local societies, amateur groups and dance schools receive a lot of support from the people of Congleton for the excellent and wide variety of shows they stage.
The Theatre is grateful for the support they receive and would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a successful season in 2025/26.
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
Financial review
The trust holds surplus capital on deposit with UK bank and building societies. It is not the Trust's policy to take investment risks any accumulated funds will be held in deposit accounts offering best terms.
On 31st May 2025, the charity held reserves of £946,661 of this £642,795 is held in fixed assets and £314,083 is held as cash in the bank.
Reserves policy
The amount the Trust has determined should be the minimum held as reserve is £50,000. There should be sufficient funds available to ensure we have 24 months to cover our outgoings and to protect the Trust against unexpected high costs. This could be a business continuation issue due to flood or fire, or an urgent repair bill for any part of the building or the building infrastructure.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The trust was incorporated on 31 May1978, and registered as a charity on 14th July 1978. The company was established under Memorandum of association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company.
The liability of full members of the society is an understanding to contribute to the assets of the Trust in the event of it being wound up while a member, or within one year after ceasing to be a member, a sum not exceeding one pound.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Mrs L F Lee
Mrs C Garber (Resigned 2 May 2025) Mr A N Bours Mr P M Drage Mrs A S Bradley Mrs V Dorgan Mr A J Millington Mr D J Beech (Appointed 2 May 2025)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
New Trustees are appointed from theatre groups, friends of the theatre and members. The Trustees retire by rotation, any Trustee offering themselves up for re-election, or a new person wishing to become a Trustee are voted onto the Trust at the AGM by the members of the Company.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mr A J Millington
Trustee
27 October 2025
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Daneside Community Theatre Trust Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 May 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
-
2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.
Amanda Grint, FCCA
Hammond McNulty LLP Bank House Market Square Congleton Cheshire CW12 1ET England
3 November 2025
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 26,154 | 40,000 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 258,979 | 217,865 |
| Other trading activities | 5 | 54,716 | 50,539 |
| Investments | 6 | 11,771 | 4,886 |
| Total income | 351,620 | 313,290 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Raising funds | 7 | 25,343 | 17,442 |
| Charitable activities | 8 | 293,816 | 235,785 |
| Other expenditure | 14 | 722 | 916 |
| Total expenditure | 319,881 | 254,143 | |
| Net income and movement in funds | 31,739 | 59,147 | |
| Reconciliation of funds: | |||
| Fund balances at 1 June 2024 | 914,922 | 855,775 | |
| Fund balances at 31 May 2025 | 946,661 | 914,922 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MAY 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 16 Current assets Stocks 17 Debtors 18 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 19 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 20 |
2025 £ 2,200 19,311 314,082 335,593 (31,727) |
£ 642,795 303,866 946,661 946,661 946,661 |
2024 £ 5,633 1,630 262,258 269,521 (2,949) |
£ 648,350 266,572 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 914,922 | ||||
| 914,922 | ||||
| 914,922 |
The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 May 2025.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 27 October 2025
Mr A J Millington
Trustee
Company registration number 01371275 (England and Wales)
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Daneside Community Theatre Trust Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Daneside Theatre Trust Ltd, Park Road, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 1DP, England.
1.1 Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's deed of trust and memorandum of association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
| Freehold land and buildings | not depreciated |
|---|---|
| Fixtures and fittings | 10% reducing balance |
| Computers | 33% reducing balance |
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
1.8 Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
1.9 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.10 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Donations and gifts | 800 | - | |
| Legacies | 25,354 | 40,000 | |
| 26,154 | 40,000 | ||
| 4 | Income from charitable activities | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Charitable activities and projects | |||
| Ticket sales & theatre hire | 258,979 | 217,865 | |
| 5 | Income from other trading activities | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Bar sales | 54,716 | 50,539 | |
| 6 | Income from investments | ||
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Interest receivable | 11,771 | 4,886 |
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
7 Expenditure on raising funds
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Trading costs | |||
| Bar purchases | 25,343 | 17,442 | |
| 8 | Expenditure on charitable activities | ||
| Theatre | Theatre | ||
| provision | provision | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Direct costs | |||
| Depreciation and impairment | 5,554 | 6,188 | |
| Theatre hire & performance costs | 207,275 | 143,124 | |
| Rates and water | 8,268 | 6,210 | |
| Insurance | 9,087 | 9,432 | |
| Light and heat | 21,265 | 26,937 | |
| Telephone | 946 | 1,050 | |
| Advertising | 883 | 1,045 | |
| Cleaning | 21,597 | 21,844 | |
| Repairs and renewals | 12,999 | 16,922 | |
| Computer, post and stationery | 1,104 | 2,235 | |
| 288,978 | 234,987 | ||
| Grant funding of activities (see note 9) | - | 60 | |
| Share of support and governance costs (see note 10) | |||
| Governance | 4,838 | 738 | |
| 293,816 | 235,785 | ||
| Analysis by fund | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 293,816 | 235,785 | |
| 9 | Grants payable | ||
| Theatre | |||
| provision | |||
| 2024 | |||
| £ | |||
| Grants to institutions: | |||
| Congleton Pride | 60 |
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
| 10 Support costs allocated to activities Governance costs Analysed between: Theatre provision Governance costs comprise: Audit fees Legal and professional 11 Net movement in funds The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting): Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets |
2025 £ 4,838 4,838 2025 £ 1,716 3,122 4,838 2025 £ 1,716 5,554 |
2024 £ 738 |
|---|---|---|
| 738 | ||
| 2024 £ 738 - |
||
| 738 | ||
| 2024 £ 738 6,188 |
12 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
13 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Number | |
| Total | - | - |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
14 Other expenditure
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Financing costs | 524 | 576 |
| Other expenditure | 198 | 340 |
| 722 | 916 |
15 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
16 Tangible fixed assets
| 16 Tangible fixed assets |
|
|---|---|
| Freehold land and buildings Fixtures and fittings Computers £ £ £ Cost At 1 June 2024 624,666 190,847 423 At 31 May 2025 624,666 190,847 423 Depreciation and impairment At 1 June 2024 31,564 135,726 297 Depreciation charged in the year - 5,512 42 At 31 May 2025 31,564 141,238 339 Carrying amount At 31 May 2025 593,102 49,609 84 At 31 May 2024 593,102 55,122 126 17 Stocks 2025 £ Finished goods and goods for resale 2,200 |
Total £ 815,936 |
| 815,936 | |
| 167,587 5,554 |
|
| 173,141 | |
| 642,795 | |
| 648,350 | |
| 2024 £ 5,633 |
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DANESIDE COMMUNITY THEATRE TRUST LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
18 Debtors
| Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ 1,447 17,864 19,311 |
2024 £ 1,630 - |
|---|---|---|
| 1,630 |
19 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2025 £ 6,233 5,340 20,154 31,727 |
2024 £ 1,157 - 1,792 |
| 2,949 |
20 Unrestricted funds
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
| At 1 June 2024 | Incoming | Resources | At 31 May 2025 |
At 31 May 2025 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 914,922 | 351,620 | (319,881) | 946,661 | |
| Previous year: | At 1 June 2023 | Incoming | Resources | At 31 May 2024 |
|
| resources | expended | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | 855,775 | 313,290 | (254,143) | 914,922 |
21 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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