Northwich u3a; Treasurer’s Annual Report 2024/25

General

Both the Membership (NatWest) and Groups (Lloyds) accounts have stable balances at this year-end (August 2025) and there has been regular recording of all financial movements throughout the year. I thank all group leaders and members for providing accurate and timely information, and the committee for guidance, thereby enabling effective record-keeping.

Although a small number of Groups payments are still made into the Membership account, this has reduced by more than 60% compared to last year. Thank you to everyone for helping improve this process.”

Membership Account

Member dues remained at £10 in 2025, with income increasing by 5% compared to last year. Digital payments rose from 68% to 72% of total dues received, easing administration. We hope this trend continues next year. Gift Aid income fell by 7% to £970, likely due to fewer members authorising Gift Aid claims. We were fortunate to receive £878 commission from Riviera Travel, thanks to a holiday booking by member Paul Lee; thank you Paul. Any u3a member booking with Riviera can request 10% of the holiday cost to be donated to a chosen charity.

Total expenditure from the Membership account was £8,137 (down £1,533 from last year). The main differences were an additional £725 paid to the national office this year due to increased membership, while last year’s accounts included a one-off payment of £1,396 from the previous year. Adjusting for this, net expenditure is broadly in line, being just £137 lower than 2024.

Groups Account

As expected, income and expenditure for Groups were broadly equal. However, both figures were lower this year due to no Social Trips being run, compared with last year when Social Trips accounted for £2,340 income and £2,240 expenditure.

SumUp

SumUp remains a popular way to pay by card, with around £2,600 taken over the past year. Usage peaks during busy times such as membership renewals and the Christmas Lunch. To reduce waiting times, the Committee purchased a second SumUp machine, which has already proven helpful for this year’s Christmas Lunch payments.

Inspection of Accounts

The Committee has agreed to continue the reciprocal arrangement with Knutsford u3a, whereby each Treasurer independently inspects the other’s accounts. Our accounts will therefore be reviewed by the Knutsford Treasurer in due course.

Membership Dues for 2026

The Membership account balance at year-end is £5,588. This includes a one-off commission of £878 from Riviera Travel; excluding this, the balance is £4,710, compared with £4,993 last year. Taking into account expected inflationary increases and a rise in membership income, the balance is projected to remain stable. It is therefore proposed to:

· Maintain membership dues at £10 for 2026 (Jan–Dec).

· New members joining between the AGM in October and December 2025 will pay £10, covering the remainder of 2025 and all of 2026.

· New members joining between September and the AGM in October 2026 will pay £5 (50% discount).

· Associate members (those who belong to another u3a) will pay £7 annually.

· Associate members joining between September and the AGM in October 2026 will pay £4.

These proposals are subject to membership approval.

Thank you to all members, group leaders, and the Committee for your continued support in managing our finances responsibly.

Rob Brown

Treasurer Northwich u3a