REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 511356
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 for
Cheshire County Scout Council
Cheshire County Scout Council
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 3 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 12 |
Cheshire County Scout Council
Report of the Trustees
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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
Objectives and aims
The objectives of the Scout Council are as a unit of the Scout Association.
The Aim of The Scout Association is to provide the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. The method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.
Cheshire Scouts actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
In partnership with adults, young people take part in fun indoor and outdoor activities. They learn by doing. by sharing in spiritual reflection and by taking responsibility. They make choices, undertake new and challenging activities, and they live their Scout Promise.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
Creating brighter futures
This year, we’ve done that by helping even more young people gain skills for life. But that can only happen when we have well supported volunteers locally, and when we’re reaching out to new communities. That’s why we’ve focused on two key things: improving our volunteer experience and growing inclusively.
We recorded a further 1% growth in both youth membership and adult volunteers this year. There are now 9,390 young people aged 4-18 enjoying Scouting in Cheshire, supported by 3,386 adult volunteers. In addition, growth in Young Leaders continues to exceed target. Growth has come from Squirrels, Explorers and Cubs. We’ve experienced a decline in Beaver numbers despite high waiting lists. We are 90% towards return to 2020 numbers and 85.8% progress towards our 2026 target (excluding Squirrels). Waiting lists have grown to 2,220 (786 Squirrels). Our progress in Early Years has continued at pace seeing us open an additional 14 dreys this year and 152 extra Squirrels (a 52% increase). There has been fantastic progress too with our Under-Represented Communities Fund Project this year, where we have opened 11 sections in IMD 1-3 areas this year, where 35% of young people are from an ethnic minority background. Overall, 5% of young people in Cheshire are from an ethnic minority background, compared to 1% of our volunteers.
Through our Programme we promoted ‘OutdoorsIn24’, offering Fundays for over 1,400 Squirrels, Beavers, and Cubs, and delivering our sell-out Cheshire Hike for Scouts and Explorers. Our Roverway patrol members had a fantastic Norwegian Adventure this Summer. While we also had Scouts in Kandersteg, elsewhere in Norway and attending Red Rose International Jamboree in Cumbria. And, 2 Cheshire Scouts performed as part of the National Scout & Guide Symphony Orchestra & Concert Band this Summer.
Celebrating our Scouts’ successes has been important too. Over 470 top awards were presented to Scouts and Explorers at Celebrating Success this year. And 16 Queen’s and King’s Scouts were in Windsor, for a Day of Celebration and Achievement. We are proud that 3 Cheshire Scouts received Coronation Medals as a thank you for the part they played in the Coronation of King Charles III.
We have successfully delivered two community engagement days this year, involving 70 young people and parents from Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Ukraine, and 150 children in Foster Care, participating in taster sessions at our Activity Centres. Our Volunteers also supported at the Royal Cheshire Show on gates and pay points and welcomed visitors to our show stand. We offered sessions with the ADHD Foundation particularly targeting Beaver and Cub section leaders on Understanding Behaviour through a Neurodiversity Lens, the sessions were attended by over 100 leaders and feedback has been excellent.
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Cheshire County Scout Council
Report of the Trustees
For volunteers, this has been a year of change as the new Digital System and ways of working went live. While many volunteer are already experiencing the benefits of the new digital tools, volunteers in management roles have been encountering some issues hindering them from carrying out their tasks and responsibilities. Fixes are being released regularly and ultimately, we will see a simpler, more rewarding, and enjoyable volunteer experience. We had a fabulous County Awards Dinner at Tirley Garth, the home of our County President. The venue was truly special for our good service award recipients. We worked with Peninsula Catering on the three-course menu for the event. We have also appointed them as caterers for Chamboree 2026 IST.
We’ve continued to focus strongly on safety and safeguarding too. Keeping people safe remains our top priority and my gratitude goes to everyone who’s kept this as a number one concern in an exceptionally busy year. As we look ahead to a new year for Cheshire Scouts, and a new strategy to 2035, I look forward to engaging our members in shaping it. There’s also lots to be excited about next year, as we look forward to the selection of our contingent for the 2027 World Scout Jamboree in Poland. Our 20 Scout Network members heading off to the World Scout Moot in Portugal next Summer, and bookings opening for ‘Chamboree’, our Animal Kingdom themed International Scout and Guide Jamboree taking place in Summer 2026, it’s going to be wild! The future belongs to us all, but especially our young people. Let’s create a bright future together.
FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves policy
The Trustees continually review the Charity’s Reserves along with its income & expenditure throughout the Scouting year. It endeavours to keep them at a level necessary for future capital commitments, ongoing working capital requirements, investments or grants to further develop the charity, to cover unforeseen shortfalls in budgets and to keep assets and activity centres in good working order.
These policies have given Cheshire a sound financial base allowing Cheshire to concentrate delivering an attractive and robust programme for Scouts in Cheshire.
| Balance at 31 December 2024 Less funds considered by the Charities Commissioners as not available as they have been spent on Operating Assets (per accounts) Available Funds Designated Reserves as per accounts Restricted Reserves as per accounts |
£ 258,139 (110,463) 147,676 304,847 135,239 |
|---|---|
Designated reserves are set aside for specific requirements of the County for future activities & capital funding. Whilst Restricted reserves are used in accordance with the Donors restrictions.
The Trustees have also in mind the additional costs relating to Activity Centre Activities.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The County's governing documents are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.
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Cheshire County Scout Council
Report of the Trustees
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 511356
Principal address
Asher House Barsbank Lane Lymm Warrington Cheshire WA13 0ED
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Cheshire County Scout Council
Report of the Trustees
Trustees
Mr. M Rollinson County Chair Mr. D Hopley County Lead Volunteer Mr. L W Thornton Treasurer Mr. D Skinner Youth Lead Mr. J Duley Mr. J Vickery Mr. P Cox Mr. B Savage Mr. A Cox Miss. S Sirisot Mrs. D Wiseman Mr. G Dugdale
Independent Examiner – To be confirmed by Cheshire County Scout Council
Stacy Mason FCCA HGA Accountants & Financial Consultants Ltd t/a Chittenden Horley – Chartered Accountants Hyde Park House Cartwright Street Hyde Sk14 4EH
Approved by order of the board of trustees on xx and signed on its behalf by:
Mr. M Rollinson – County Chair & Trustee
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Cheshire County Scout Council
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of Cheshire County Scout Council
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 18.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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 accounts to be reached.
Stacy Mason
Stacy Mason FCCA
HGA Accountants & Financial Consultants Ltd t/a Chittenden Horley - Chartered Accountants Hyde Park House Cartwright Street Hyde SK14 4EH
9[th] June 2025
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Cheshire County Scout Council
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Notes | Unrestricted | Restricted | 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | Funds | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| Income and Endowments from | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations and Legacies | 7,000 | - | 7,000 | 17,766 | |
| Charitable Activities | |||||
| Campsites | 180,496 | - | 180,496 | 125,359 | |
| Duke of Edinburgh Awards | - | - | - | 5,265 | |
| Cheshire Hike | 16,518 | - | 16,518 | 18,339 | |
| Investment Income | 12,392 | - | 12,392 | 6,180 | |
| Membership Fees | 93,763 | - | 93,763 | 85,766 | |
| International Activities | (7,236) | - | (7,263) | 14,126 | |
| Other Scouting Activities | 5,135 | - | 5,135 | 9,457 | |
| Total | 308,041 | - | 308,041 | 282,256 | |
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | ||
| funds | Funds | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| Expenditure on | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Charitable Activities | |||||
| Campsites | 181,097 | - | 181,097 | 173,459 | |
| Chamboree | 4,800 | - | 4,800 | ||
| Other Scouting Activities | 80,156 | - | 80,156 | 48,613 | |
| Training | 8,307 | - | 8,307 | 24,201 | |
| Duke of Edinburgh Awards & | 2,575 | - | 2,575 | 7,162 | |
| Higher Awards | |||||
| Cheshire Hike | 18,196 | - | 18,196 | 15,756 | |
| Group computer systems OSM | 20,898 | - | 20,898 | 23,220 | |
| Total | 316,030 | - | 316,030 | 292,411 | |
| Net gains/(losses) on investments | - | - | - | 2,436 | |
| NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | (7,989) | - | (7,989) | (7,719) | |
| Reconciliation of Funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 570,974 | 135,239 | 706,213 | 713,932 | |
| Total funds Carried Forward | 562,986 | 135,239 | 698,225 | 706,213 |
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Cheshire County Scout Council
Balance Sheet 31 December 2024
| Notes | Unrestricted | Restricte | 31.12.24 | 31.12.23 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | d Funds | Total | Total | ||
| £ | £ | funds | funds | ||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed Assets | |||||
| Tangible Assets | 4 | 110,463 | - | 110,463 | 114,208 |
| Investments | 5 | 22,103 | - | 22,103 | 22,103 |
| Total | 132,566 | - | 132,566 | 136,311 | |
| Current Assets | |||||
| Debtors | 6 | 18,846 | - | 18,846 | 23,047 |
| Cash at Bank | 503,652 | 135,239 | 638,891 | 632,785 | |
| Total | 522,498 | 135,239 | 657,737 | 655,831 | |
| Creditors | |||||
| Amounts falling due within one | 7 | (92,078) | - | (92,078) | (85,929) |
| year | |||||
| Net Current Assets | 430,420 | 135,239 | 565,659 | 569,902 | |
| Total Assets Less Current | 562,986 | 135,239 | 698,225 | 706,213 | |
| Liabilities | |||||
| Net Assets | 562,986 | 135,239 | 698,225 | 706,213 | |
| Funds | |||||
| Unrestricted Funds: | 8 | ||||
| General Fund | 258,139 | 266,127 | |||
| Building Fund | 194,696 | 194,696 | |||
| County Activity Fund | 54,408 | 54,408 | |||
| International Fund | 8,487 | 8,487 | |||
| Campsite Development | 47,256 | 47,256 | |||
| Total | 562,986 | 570,974 | |||
| Restricted Funds: | |||||
| Rolling Fund | 15,430 | 15,430 | |||
| Leverhulme Fund | 4,489 | 4,489 | |||
| Presidents Fund | 3,499 | 3,499 | |||
| Ernest Mather Fund | 111,821 | 111,821 | |||
| Total | 135,239 | 135,239 | |||
| Total Funds | 698,225 | 706,213 |
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 11 March 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
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Cheshire County Scout Council
Mr L W Thornton – Treasurer & Trustee
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Cheshire County Scout Council Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds; it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. W here costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
No depreciation has been provided on Land & Buildings, as in the opinion of the Trustees the value of Forest Camp, Sandiway, Cheshire is in excess of its cost.
Depreciation has been provided at a rate of between 5 years and 10 years depending on the nature of the asset.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. INVESTMENT INCOME
| VESTMENT INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.12.2024 | 31.12.2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Deposit Account Interest | 12,392 | 6,180 |
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3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2024 nor for the year ended 31 December 2023.
4. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Fixtures | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freehold | and | Motor | ||
| Property | Fittings | Vehicles | Totals | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cost | ||||
| At 1 January 2024 | 84,173 | 111,344 | 3,000 | 198,517 |
| Additions for the year | - | - | - | - |
| At 31 December 2024 | 84,173 | 111,344 | 3,000 | 198,517 |
| Depreciation | ||||
| At 1 January 2024 | - | 81,308 | 3,000 | 84,308 |
| Charge for year | - | 3,746 | - | 3,746 |
| At 31 December 2024 | - | 85,054 | 3,000 | 88,054 |
| Net book Value | ||||
| At 31 December 2024 | 84,173 | 26,290 | - | 110,463 |
| At 31 December 2023 | 84,173 | 30,036 | - | 114,209 |
5. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
| Market Value | Limited Investments |
|---|---|
| £ | |
| At 1 January 2024 | 22,103 |
| Revaluations | - |
| At 31 December 2024 | 22,103 |
| Net Book Value | |
| At 31 December 2023 | 22,103 |
| At 31 December 2024 | 22,103 |
There were no investment assets outside the UK.
6. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| 31.12.2024 | 31.12.2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||
| Prepayments and accrued Income | 23,047 | 23,047 | ||
| 7. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING | DUE WITHIN | ONE YEAR | |
| 31.12.2024 | 31.12.2023 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Other Creditors | 85,929 | 85,929 | ||
| 8. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | |||
| At | Net | At | ||
| 01.01.24 | Movement | 31.12.24 | ||
| £ | in funds | £ | ||
| £ | ||||
| Unrestricted Funds: | ||||
| General Fund | 266,128 | (7,989) | 258,139 | |
| Building Fund | 194,696 | - | 194,696 | |
| County Activity Fund | 54,408 | - | 54,408 | |
| International Fund | 8,487 | - | 8,487 | |
| Campsite Development | 47,256 | - | 47,256 | |
| Total | 570,975 | (7,989) | 562,986 | |
| Restricted Funds: | ||||
| Rolling Fund | 15,430 | - | 15,430 | |
| Leverhulme Fund | 4,489 | - | 4,489 | |
| Presidents Fund | 3,499 | - | 3,499 | |
| Ernest Mather Fund | 111,821 | - | 111,821 | |
| Cheshire Freemasons Fund | - | - | - | |
| Total | 135,239 | - | 135,239 | |
| Total Funds | 706,214 | (7,989) | 698,225 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Gains and | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | Losses | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General Fund | 308,041 | 316,030 | - | (7,989) |
TOTAL FUNDS
(7,989)
308,041
316,030
COMPARATIVE MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| At | Net | At | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01.01.23 | Movement | 31.12.23 | |
| £ | in funds | £ | |
| £ | |||
| Unrestricted Funds: | |||
| General Fund | 273,843 | (7,719) | 266,127 |
| Building Fund | 194,696 | - | 194,696 |
| County Activity Fund | 54,408 | - | 54,408 |
| International Fund | 8,487 | - | 8,487 |
| Campsite Development | 47,256 | - | 47,256 |
| Total | 578,694 | (7,719) | 570,975 |
| Restricted Funds: | |||
| Rolling Fund | 15,430 | - | 15,430 |
| Leverhulme Fund | 4,489 | - | 4,489 |
| Presidents Fund | 3,499 | - | 3,499 |
| Ernest Mather Fund | 111,821 | - | 111,821 |
| Cheshire Freemasons Fund | - | - | - |
| Total | 135,239 | - | 135,239 |
| Total Funds | 713,933 | (7,719) | 706,213 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Gains and | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | Losses | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General Fund | 277,956 | (288,111) | 2,436 | (7,719) |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 277,956 | (288,111) | 2,436 | (7,719) |
9. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2024.
10. DESCRIPTION OF FUNDS
Rolling Fund: - To provide repayable loans, interest free, to Groups within the County for major projects.
Presidents Fund: - A fund to be distributed at the discretion of the County Commissioner for the benefit of Scouting in Che shire.
Leverhulme Fund: - To provide grants to Scouts for adventurous activities.
Ernest Mather Fund: - A donation received towards the cost of a New Training & Residential Block at Forest Camp Cheshire.
Building Fund: - Monies set aside by the County for the development of its campsites. This fund provided monies for the original acquisition of Forest Camp Cheshire of £84,173.
International Fund: - Monies set aside by the County for the funding of International Scouting events.
County Activity Fund: - Monies set aside by the County for the funding of large Activities within the County.
Campsite Development Fund: - Monies set aside by the County to fund the Development of its Campsites.
Development of Scouting in Cheshire: - Grants received to fund the employment of a Development Officer to promote an increase in Scouting membership within the County.
Cheshire Freemasons Fund: - Donation received for the refurbishment of Lakeview at Forest Camp and Scouting in Cheshire