18[th] Darlington (1[st] Middleton Saint George) Scout Group Treasurer’s Report: year ended to 31[st] March 2024
I am pleased to present the accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2024. And what a year it has been!
I have left unchanged the presentation of the accounts from previous years as experience shows that the more people get used to information being presented in the same form, the more they understand what is being presented. In accounting terms, the values are shown on an accruals basis rather than a simple receipts and payments method as the Capitation is such a key figure in our accounts.
The big news last year was that we had Funding in place, to build a new Headquarters. The big news this year is that we actually have a building! Yes: things have not run entirely smoothly, but, with the support of Brian Stace – a Chartered Surveyor and our appointed Contract Administrator – things have proceeded in line with both the budget and the planned timetable.
Looking at the left side of the accounts, the Balance Sheet shows that we have our “Freehold Property” – now comprising the land, the various historic costs of clearance and planning consent, together with the costs of construction. As is normal in Construction Contracts, we have money “held back” as a retention, until after the building is complete and any problems have been corrected: in this case £19,165.30 is shown as a current liability: something we still need to pay. The total cost of the new building, including the historic costs of demolition and the like, is now £378,964.52. This comprises the costs of the structure as well as all the fittings and fixtures within the building: the funding through the Youth Investment Fund covers these costs, but not moveable items, like furniture. The £9,799.24 shown as “Furniture & Equipment” reflects the money spent on tables and chairs. As the new year starts, we will need to spend more money on further equipment, both for Administration (like a printer) and Activities (like tents).
Our prepaid Capitation stands at £3,125.00 compared to £2,460.00 last year. The Capitation, always paid in advance to the Scout Association (hence the prepayment). Overall, our net asset value has increased by £388,885.26 to £445,300.89, virtually entirely due to the Grant for the building: although we do not show any liability for or against this grant, there is a charge over the freehold property, held by the Department of Culture, Media & Sport. This would only come into operation were the Group to close and the building ceased to be used by young people.
Looking at the right of the sheet, we have the activity for 2024, with 2023 as comparatives.
Income in General Funds has increased: Subscriptions of £6,319.00 compare to £4,916.00 reflect the vibrancy of the Group now that the Pandemic is behind us. 2024/2025 will be even better with the likely opening of a Squirrel Drey. As reported last year, a piece of good luck has been the rate of interest on our Bank Balance, which has been very healthy this year – at the same time as the balance has grown, with stage payments of the Grant money coming in earlier than our obligation to pay the Contractors. Interest earned was £2,556.33, compared to £218.65 in 2023!
Our expenses are very much in line with expectations. Capitation reflects the increases in membership and activity, together with the fact that the rate of Capitation has risen. Hall Hire is the same, insurance represents Trustee Indemnity Insurance to protect the Executive Committee members against any claims during the construction and other Contract obligations with the Funders: until the building is handed over, we do not need to insure it, so expect a large increase in insurance charges on 2025!
Our Surplus for the year is very healthy at £1,440.77 on the General Fund, a rather academic £388,885.26 on our Restricted Funds and £8,132.34 in a new designated fund, to be used for the expenses of running and maintaining the new building. Owning a new building, with Insurance, Rates, Water Rates, Electricity, Broadband and maintenance to pay, will cost more than the £900 we pay to the WI. But we will be able to do all manner of activities, use the Hall 24 hours per day, 7 days per week if we wish to. Let us take nothing for granted, but to look to the future with optimism.
Ian Groves Treasurer of 18[th] Darlington Scouts
18th Darlington (1st Middleton Saint George) Scout Group Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
| Fixed Assets Freehold Furniture & Equipment Current Assets Prepaid Capitation Cash & Bank Balances -General Fund Bank Balances -Restrcted & Designated Total Current Liabilities District WI: Hall Rent Retention on building Total Net Current Assets Total Net Assets RESERVES General Reserve Brought Forward Movement in Year Carried Forward Restricted & Designated Reserves Fixed Asset Reserve - Restricted Brought Forward Movement in Year Carried Forward Designated Funds Brought Forward Movement in Year Carried Forward Total Reserves |
£ £ 378,964.52 9,799.24 388,763.76 3,125.00 3,649.97 68,827.46 75,602.43 0.00 0.00 -19,165.30 -19,165.30 56,437.13 445,200.89 -5,434.20 -1,440.77 -6,874.97 -41,408.32 -388,785.26 -430,193.58 0.00 -8,132.34 -8,132.34 -445,200.89 2024 Balance Sheet |
£ £ £ £ £ General Restricted & Designated Total Income 4,624.32 Subscriptions -6,319.00 -6,319.00 0.00 Gift Aid -655.50 -655.50 4,624.32 Fundraising -413.68 -413.68 Restricted Fund Fundraising 0.00 0.00 Activity Income 0.00 0.00 2,460.00 Uniform Contributions 0.00 0.00 4,792.90 Training 0.00 0.00 35,000.00 Donations -23.70 -5,725.00 -5,748.70 42,252.90 Interest Received -148.99 -2,407.34 -2,556.33 Grants -396,121.26 -396,121.26 -34.70 0.00 Total -7,560.87 -404,253.60 -411,814.47 0.00 -34.70 Expenditure Capitation 2,460.00 2,460.00 42,218.20 Hall Hire 900.00 900.00 Building Costs 0.00 0.00 46,842.52 Insurance 260.89 260.89 Activity Expenses 933.82 933.82 Fundraising Expenses 0.00 0.00 Scout Database Costs 147.00 147.00 -5,014.98 Uniform Costs 1,111.90 1,111.90 -419.22 Stationery 45.59 45.59 -5,434.20 Training 79.99 79.99 Bank & Card Charges 180.91 180.91 Professional Fees 7,336.00 7,336.00 -5,124.32 Depreciation 0.00 0.00 -36,284.00 -41,408.32 Total 6,120.10 7,336.00 13,456.10 0.00 Surplus of Income over Expenditure -1,440.77 -396,917.60 -398,358.37 0.00 0.00 Transfers Between Reserves 0.00 0.00 0.00 -46,842.52 Movement in Year -1,440.77 -396,917.60 -398,358.37 Income & Expenditure Account 2023 2024 |
2023 £ Total -4,916.00 0.00 -705.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -78.83 -218.65 -35,000.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| -40,919.18 | |||
| 1,740.00 900.00 0.00 292.48 249.84 178.71 19.00 737.54 18.97 0.00 79.42 0.00 0.00 |
|||
| 4,215.96 | |||
| -36,703.22 0.00 |
|||
| -36,703.22 |
Scrutineer's Report to the Trustees of the 18[th] Darlington (1[st] Middleton Saint George) Scout Group
I report on the accounts of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Scrutineer
As the Group's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that neither the audit nor independent examination requirements of the Charities Act 2011 apply. It is my responsibility without carrying out an audit or independent examination to scrutinise the accounts and to report to you.
Basis of Scrutineer's Statement
In accordance with the directions given in the Group's constitution, I have scrutinised the records and the accounts set out on the attached page.
Scrutineer's Statement
In my opinion the accounts are in accordance with the records produced to me and comply with the constitution.
Laura Wilkinson
14 Woodcrest Road, Darlington, Co Durham, DL3 8EF
9 July 2024