Minutes Public Pack, 07/01/2026 Charity Committee AGM

Committee report · Charity Committee · Mon 23 Mar 2026 · Hastings Borough Council · agenda item 3

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“The Council has the responsibility for the proper management of the financial affairs of the Trust. In doing so it complies with Accounting Codes of Practice and the high standards required for the accounting of public money.”
“PUBLIC QUESTION TIME (30 MINUTES) The Chair welcomed public questions. Councillor Bacon asked regarding the Large Grants and when the application process started. The Deputy Chief Executive explained the process was announced at the December Charity Committee and that previous organisations that had applied were made aware. In future a longer process for applications is planned. Councillor Bacon asked regarding the F”

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The Trust reported an overall surplus of around £250,000 for the year, with usable reserves rising from almost £1.8 million to just under £2.1 million. p6

Councillor Hilton asked why the Council's debt to the Trust was higher in 2025 than in 2024, and the Finance Business Partner explained this reflects the year's surplus held in the Council's bank account. p7 p8

The Committee noted that the accounts are now up to date and thanked the Finance team. p9

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p6The Finance Business Partner presented the report to the committee. The Trust reported an overall surplus of approximately £250,000 for the year. After adjusting for grants paid and depreciation, the underlying surplus was just under £500,000, representing an improvement of around £90,000 compared with the previous year. Both net assets and the overall balance sheet value increased by approximately £250,000. The Trustees’ report explains the details of grants paid during the year, a new section on achievements and performance, an overview of the Trust’s main business activities and a financial review and other supporting information. The Statement of Financial Activities shows the net movement in funds as just under £250,000 compared with £147,000 in the previous year. The improvement was mainly due to increased parking income, which rose by £136,000 (around 10%), largely driven by higher parking fees. Expenditure Analysis shows the main movement was within foreshore management costs, which increased by £67,000. This reflects several factors such as additional recharges from the building surveying team, the inclusion of the full RNLI bill, higher insurance costs following the end of a long term agreement and the employment of a capital project officer for the playground. Public convenience costs reduced by around £10,000, mainly due to lower water charges. Usable reserves increased by approximately £300,000, rising from almost £1.8m to just under £2.1m. Following approval of the accounts, the Council will arrange payment of the outstanding £200,000 owed to the Foreshore Trust.
p7Councillor Hilton asked why the debt from the Council was higher in 2025 than in 2024. The Finance Business Partner explained this is due to the surplus in the year as the Council manages the day to day running of the Trust through it’s own bank Public Document Pack
p8CHARITY COMMITTEE 7 JANUARY 2026 CAB. 2 account, any surplus made would be held in the Council’s bank account and therefore due for repayment at the end of the year.
p9The Committee noted that accounts are now up to date and gave thanks to the Finance team.

Places and organisations it names

Hastings Borough Council

Other papers for this meeting

2025-26 FST Final Finance Report v2 · Committee report
Charity Committee agenda · Committee agenda
Appendix 1 to “2025-26 FST Final Finance Report v2” · Committee report
Appendix 1 GAP Recommendations report Final · Committee report
Appendix 2 to “2025-26 FST Final Finance Report v2” · Committee report
Appendix 3 to “2025-26 FST Final Finance Report v2” · Committee report
Appendix 4 to “2025-26 FST Final Finance Report v2” · Committee report
Appendix 5 to “2025-26 FST Final Finance Report v2” · Committee report
Appendix 6 to “2025-26 FST Final Finance Report v2” · Committee report
CUG meeting 19 03 26 minutes · Committee report
Minutes Public Pack, 07/01/2026 Charity Committee · Committee report
Charity Committee minutes · Committee minutes
Supporting Report Final · Committee report

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