AVONDALE COMMUNITY TRANSPORT GROUP (SCIO)
TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER 2024
Scottish Charity number SC028693
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Avondale Community Transport Group
Trustees
For the period ended 31[st] December 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year to 31[st] December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 16[th] July 2014.
Objectives and Activities
Charitable purposes
Our main purpose is to provide transport services to people in the form of a community bus to help them do their shopping. These people are caught in poverty, or suffering sickness or the disabilities that come with old age.
We also provide the bus and driver to clubs and organisations that are engaged in helping these people by getting them to their recreational activities. And we make it available to local youth and sports organisations in pursuance of their activities.
We operate from Strathaven and provide our service to Strathaven and the surrounding villages.
Activities
The bus is driven by local volunteers and used by residents for local shopping and by local organisations in pursuance of their sports and activities.
The drivers are not required to have a basic disclosure under section 112 of the Police Act 1997 because people are not vulnerable just because they are elderly and children are always a category D1 driving licence that allows them to drive a minibus with up to 16 seats as long as the driver is not for hire and getting no reward other than the personal satisfaction that they are making a difference. No medical examination is required until the driver reaches 70 years of age.
In terms of fundraising activity, the charity received small mileage-related government grants three times this year. Shoppers can use the bus free of charge but are inclined to make a small donation. Organisations are billed on a mileage basis. Local organisations will run fundraising activities and make charitable contributions to the group from the proceeds. We received no legacies this year (2023: £4,000).
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Trustees
Report
For the year to 31[st] December 2024
There has been no change to the Board of Trustees since 1 January 2024. Our Trustees are listed later in this report.
Customers
Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, we provided an effective transport service to many individuals and local organisations in the last year. The daily shopping service is free of charge and almost exclusively used by the elderly and less physically able. We ran shuttle services from a remote car park for the Strathaven Hot Air Balloon Festival and a shuttle service from the centre of Strathaven to the field used for the Strathaven Agricultural Show. We ran another shuttle service from Stonehouse for the Glassford Gin Festival. We provided transport services to the Rugby Club, the Bethany Group, the Strathaven Striders and the Outreach church to name just a few.
There are new individuals and groups using our services like Strathaven & District Round Table, Strathaven and Climate Action Strathaven, and more frequently too. The trust we have established in the community is strong because we are reliable (and inexpensive) but we can still do more if asked.
Annual Accounts
A copy of these is attached for information. These independently examined accounts have been approved at the AGM.
Financial Review
Our main source of funding continues to be donations from shoppers and mileage fees charged to organisations hiring the bus. Income for the year is increasing but not enough to build the reserves needed to replace the bus in 2026. Most groups we service are regular customers but we still market the bus to others in the community. The demand from shoppers is as high as it ever was.
The group generated a surplus of £4,829 (2023: £10,892). Fuel price is a concern and we are trying to keep our prices as low as possible so that more of the community can benefit. The bus is costing more to maintain due to age despite the fact that minor jobs, safety checks, etc are done for us for free by local garages as their contribution to this valued service.
In this year, we received three mileage-related government grants amounting to £3,461 (2023: £4,337).
We have sufficient funds to provide a normal service, but we need to generate the funds to replace the bus we bought in 2021. Normally, we replace the bus every 5 years, but this is unlikely in 2026 given the increase in cost of new vehicles and the current emphasis on electric vehicles. We have said in previous reports that electric vehicles in their current state of development are not suitable for our operation. Nothing has changed. We would need some means of charging an electric vehicle independently as we cannot operate a service that relies on public charging points being available and working.
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We are confident the Trust is a going concern but it is hard to increase the customer base in such a small, rural community.
Investment policy
The Trustees have no funds on deposit or otherwise invested. The funds available are required for working capital. There are no plans to deposit or invest anything.
Reserves policy
Trustees ensure that proper financial planning and budgetary control is operated within the Group. The Trustees have considered the reserves required to meet their current and future liabilities. The Trustees aim to maintain all Covid has compromised both that and our business model to ensure funds are in place for a brand new bus every five years. But with customers using our service regularly and with fresh enquiries, the Trustees confidently conclude that the Group has the financial strategy and sufficient reserves in place to continue as a going concern .
Future plans
There are no particular plans for fundraising, but grant applications may be required in the future to continue providing the essential service the area relies on.
Structure, Governance & Management
Constitution
The Charity is an incorporated association. It is governed by its constitution which was adopted on 19 May 2014. The Charity has been granted charitable status by HMRC.
Appointment of Trustees
Any person over 16 years, an individual appointed by a local organisation or any corporate body can be a Trustee of the Group. Only Trustees are members of the Group. The Trustees form the Organising Committee.
To become a Trustee, you complete a written application which the Committee will consider at its next meeting. The Committee may refuse to admit any person, organisation or representative to Charity Trusteeship, but will notify the applicant of the outcome of the application.
The Trust requires a minimum of three and a maximum of five Trustees. Trustees retire at each AGM, but may be re-elected. The usual provisions for termination of office and maintaining the Register of Charity Trustees are in place.
From amongst the Trustees, a Chairman, a Treasurer and a Secretary must be appointed. These are also annual appointments where they resign their posts at the AGM and are re-appointed if appropriate. The usual provisions regarding the obligations of the office bearers are in place.
The Trustees receive no remuneration and no expenses.
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Management of the Community Bus and Risk The Trustees are responsible for day-tckday management, strategic diredion and governance of the Trust. Trustees and volunteers are aware of their reSPlIlitieS for health & safety. The Trustees are responsible for ensur1 compliance with all relLwant le8islatiM itKludin8 the Data Protertion Art 2018. Reference and Administrative Inforniation Charlty Nam• Avondale Community Transport Group Isaoi Charity No SCO?8693
Trustees. responsibllftles In relatlon to the financlal statements The charity Trustees are responsible for prep1 a Trusted Annual Report and Financial strtemernts in a¢¢orthnce with applicable law and United ngdoM Acmunting Stsndards (United Kin8dorn Generally N£cepted Accounts'w Prartice). The law applltable to djarities in Scotland requires the charity Trustees to prépare financlal statements for each finaKial year whKh give a true ar fair view of the state of affalrs of the charlty and of the incoming resources )Trd application of rey)uices of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements. the Trustees are required to: select suitrble accountln8 polld*s and then apply thÈm a)nslstentlv observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP Iststement of Re¢ommended Prnrti¢el make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent stste whether applicable accounting standards have been followed. subject to any material departure5 disclosed and explained in the financial ststements prepare the financial 5tstements on the 8oin8 concern basi5 unle55 it 15 inapproprmte to presume that the charity will continue in businwA. The Trustees are responsible for keeping pr(wer iccountini record5 that disclose with reasonable accuracy at 4ny time the financ1 position of the thjrity and to enable them to ensure tt the flnanclal ststements comply wlth the (lItIeS and Trustee Investment {5¢otl•nd) Act 2005 and the Charity Accounts (Scotlandl Regulation$ 2(1)6 las amended). Thry ale also responsible for Safeguarding the assets of the charity and tsklnl reasonable steps fof the prentIon and detectlon of fraud and other Irregularltles. The charty does not have a website, but rf it did. the Tntstees would be responslble for the maint•nance and intqrity of the chanty and financial inforniation Included thèreon. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dtssemination of financial statements may dbffer from le8islatiort in other countrie5. The report is Ipproved by the Trustees on 29 . Sept 2025 and sned on their behalf bv Chalrman Treasurer
Independent Examlnerfs Report For the year ended 31 December 2024. Indepdent Exarnlnerfs Report to the Tru5rees of A%Ymdale C(mmunltyTr•n4)ort Grow) I report on the finanaal statements of the charity fty the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on the followirvx page5. Respecttve reSp(bI1ttleS of Trustees and EXlr Tho chaTiV5 Tru5t•os ar• respons•ble for the preparation of the accounts In accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment IScottand} Act 20051.the 2(MJ5 ACVI and the Charities Accounts (5cotlandl Reeulations 2CKJ6 las amended) 1.the 21x16 Regulations"). The charrty's Trustees con51der that thè audit requirement of Rul4"0n 10(Illal to Icl of the 2(K)6 ReBulations does not apply. It Is my responsibility to exarnine the accounts as requir•d under settM>n 44111{cl of th• 2005 Act and trj state whether partlcular rnatters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examlnerfs Statement My examlnatlon Is carrled out In accordance Yth Regulation 11 of the Charities Account5 Iscotlandl Re¢ulation$ 2QJ6. An enminatlon Indudes 4 revlew of the ac¢ountiw records kept by tho charity and a cornpari50n of the attounts presented wlth those iectyds. It also In¢ludes conslderatlon of any unusual items or disdosures in the accounts and sees expl•n•tr'(ms from the Trustees concerninq any Such mJtter5. The procedures undertaken do not prtylde all the evldence that would be required In an audlt, •nd consequently, I do not expre55 an judit oplnion on the •e¢ounts. Independent Ewamlnerfs St•t•m•nt In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my •ttthfj•)n:_ l. whKh ilves me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material Tespect. the requirements a. to keep acwuTrtlng records in accordance with sertion 4411114) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 21x16 RegUl•t$. and b. to prepare accounts which accord with the actwntin8 tecords and comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts RegulatnS have not been m< or 2. to whlch, In my opinicm. attention should be dra In ordw to Ènable a proper understanding of the accounts to be iexhed. 29 . Sept 2025.
AVONDALE COMMUNITY TRANSPORT GROUP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| UNRESTRICTED FUNDS Notes 2024 £ Incoming resources Voluntary income 5 16,231 Resources expended generating the voluntary income 6 11,402 Net movement in funds 4,829 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 72,515 Total funds carried forward 77,344 |
2023 £ 21,578 10,686 10,892 61,623 72,515 |
|---|---|
All incoming resources and expended resources derive from continuing activities.
The charity has no recognised gains or losses for the year other than the results above.
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AVONDALE COMMUNITY TRANSPORT GROUP
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| UNRESTRICTED FUNDS Notes 2024 £ Fixed assets Motor vehicle 3 42,732 Current assets Debtors 4 2,585 Cash at bank 32,546 35,131 Current liabilities Trade creditors 519 Net current assets 34,612 Total net assets 77,344 Represented by the following: Unrestricted funds At 1 January 2024 72,515 (Loss)/profit for the year 4,829 At 31 December 2024 77,344 |
2023 £ 46,586 |
|---|---|
| 3,492 22,522 |
|
| 26,014 | |
| 85 | |
| 25,929 | |
| 72,515 | |
| 61,623 10,892 |
|
| 72,515 |
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AVONDALE COMMUNITY TRANSPORT GROUP
Notes to the Accounts
For the year ended 31 December 2024
1. Accounting Policies
(a) Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern
These accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with Accounting & Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 14[th] July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE), the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts are prepared on an accruals basis.
The Trustees as a going concern.
(b) Nature and purpose of funds
Unrestricted funds are those that may be used at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. The Trustees maintain one bank account containing unrestricted funds for the proper management of the Group.
(c) Income recognition
All income is recognised once the Group has entitlement to the income, is certain of receipt and the amount to be received.
(d) Expenditure recognition
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Group to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
(e) Depreciation
Fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation less depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:
Motor vehicles
20% straight line
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AVONDALE COMMUNITY TRANSPORT GROUP
Notes to the Accounts continued
For the year ended 31 December 2024
2. Trustee remuneration and expenses
The Trustees and volunteers all give freely of their time and expertise without any form of remuneration or other benefit in kind. No expenses were paid to them in the year.
3. Fixed assets
| Cost At 1 January 2024 and held at 31 December 2024 Accumulated Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Charge for the year At 31 December 2024 Net Book Values At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 4. Debtors Trade debtors Govt grant receivable Prepaid charges VAT 5. Incoming resources Income from hires and shoppers Government grants Donations & legacies |
Community bus £ 59,272 12,686 3,854 16,540 42,732 46,586 2024 2023 £ £ 1,276 1,069 577 1,542 727 849 5 32 2,585 3,492 UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 10,920 12,823 3,461 4,337 1,850 4,418 16,231 21,578 |
|---|---|
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AVONDALE COMMUNITY TRANSPORT GROUP
Notes to the Accounts continued
For the year ended 31 December 2024
| 6. Resources expended Vehicle maintenance Fuel Road tax Total vehicle running costs Bus and public liability insurance Driver training RAC membership Depreciation Compliance costs |
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 2024 2023 £ £ 1,937 924 3,134 3,669 165 165 5,236 4,758 1,679 1,582 - 125 633 265 3,854 3,855 - 101 11,402 10,686 |
|---|---|
7. Controlling parties
The charity is controlled by the Trustees.
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