THE COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST
1. To promote for the benefit of the community the reopening of the Cotswold Canals.2. To promote the restoration of the two waterways to give a balance between the needs of navigation, development, recreation, heritage, landscape conservation, wildlife and natural habitats.3. To promote the use of all the towpath as the Thames and Severn Way.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted reserves stood at £1,636,375, significantly exceeding the trustees' stated policy target of £200,000. The charity reported a net increase in funds of £123,201 for the year, with total funds reaching £2,155,353. The independent auditors confirmed that the use of the going concern basis of accounting was appropriate and identified no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue operations.
What the accounts disclose
“In the band £70,001 - £80,000 1 -” — page 35
“The Trustees reviewed the level of the general fund reserve and in the light of increased overhead levels decided to increase it by £50,000 to £200,000. Any general funds more than the £200,000 contingency may, from time to time, be designated to take account of unforeseen opportunities. Page 7” — page 9
“During the year, grants were paid to Stroud Valleys Canal Company totalling £36,000 (2024: £48,000). The total amount due to Stroud Valleys Canals Company at 31 March 2025 was £Nil (2024: £55). The total amount due from Stroud Valleys Canals Company at 31 March 2025 was £3,207 (2024: £8,397). Sales regarding the reimbursment of operating costs were invoiced to the Stroud Valleys Canal Company totallying £16,371 for the year ending 31 March 2025 (2024: £18,589). Costs incurred from this related party, also for the reimbursment of operating costs, totalled £Nil for the year ending 31 March 2025 (2024: £3,975). Page 43”
Property (HM Land Registry)
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2025)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (14/09/2020)
Trustees
- David Haggchair
- Caroline Kendall
- Daniel Mobley
- David Geoffrey Higgs
- Douglas John Looman
- James Trumper
- John Allan
- John Newton
- Matthew Duncan Lee
- Nicholas Rowson
- STEPHEN JOHN PICKOVER
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £609k | £485k |
| 31/03/2024 | £537k | £434k |
| 31/03/2023 | £837k | £407k |
| 31/03/2022 | £1.2m | £506k |
| 31/03/2021 | £710k | £3.1m |
Common questions
Is THE COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted reserves stood at £1,636,375, significantly exceeding the trustees' stated policy target of £200,000. The charity reported a net increase in funds of £123,201 for the year, with total funds reaching £2,155,353. The independent auditors confirmed that the use of the going concern basis of accounting was appropriate and identified no material uncertainties regarding the charity's ability to continue operations. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Randall & Payne LLP.
What does the highest-paid employee of THE COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST earn?
Per its FY2025 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £70,001 - £80,000 band.
Who funds THE COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST?
Funders whose own accounts filings name THE COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST as a grant recipient include J S F POLLITZER CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT, SUSANNA PEAKE CHARITABLE TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| J S F POLLITZER CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT | FY2025 | £5k | Conservation & Environment |
| SUSANNA PEAKE CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2025 | £5k | |
| J S F POLLITZER CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT | FY2024 | £4k | Conservation & Environment |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 03/04/2006 | £20k | "Discovering the Cotswolds Canals" |