2012 AGM Minutes - Community Transport Association

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The Chair invited members to ask questions. Neil Widdowfield of Bluebird Vehicles asked what the CTA can do to reinforce their link to Bluebird and other corporate partners, as these links have weakened since the Annual Event ceased in March 2011. KPH provided brief details on the new Corporate Supporter Scheme that has been recently launched which aims to reestablish and develop these links with manufacturers and suppliers. KPH stressed the desire to work together strategically and that the CTA would like to look wider than simply advertising, for example the new CT Online system will create opportunities for working closer with corporate partners. Ed Bassford from Community Transport Brighton, Hove and Area Ltd stressed the importance of keeping the wow-factor that the Annual Event created, and that the event ensured that Community Transport Organisations (CTOs) remained aspirational regarding their vehicles and equipment. He also said that the event shouldn’t be judged on its financial impact although he didn’t advocate doing anything financially reckless. The point was noted by the Chair and Chief Executive. Bob Beaumont from Suffolk CT also stressed the importance of the need for a national event both for meeting the trade and also networking. David Woods from Suffolk CT said that through the CTA’s role as the national voice to government it was clear that the CTA has strong links to the Department for Transport, however CTOs have services that are very relevant to other government departments. David asked what the CTA is doing to engage with the other departments to raise the profile of community transport and the contribution CTOs are making to society. KPH explained the strong links that are in place with a number of other government departments. Through the Transport Minister, the CTA have raised the issue of Non-Emergency Patient Transport with the Health Minister on two separate occasions. Both times the CTA have been informed that this is a local issue and have been advised to find a supportive Primary Care Trust or Clinical Commissioning Group to highlight best practice and work from there. Strong relationships are also in place with Defra, the Cabinet Office (evidenced by the Minister for Civil Society’s involvement in the England Policy Conference today) and the Department for Communities and Local Government, with whom the CTA will be doing more work in the coming months. Elspeth Mallowan from Rural Community Action Nottingham asked what the CTA is doing about the EU State Aid issue. KPH responded that the CTA is engaged in an on-going discussion with the Department for Transport on this important issue. KPH suggested that this would be a good question to ask John Dowie, from the Department for Transport, who would be speaking at the England Policy Conference. KPH said that the Department for Transport are very supportive of community transport and that they are currently awaiting a response from the European Commission about the complaint that had been made by a commercial operator. While taking the issue very seriously, the CTA have chosen against a high media profile as this would only inflame the situation in the trade press. Elspeth said that the CTA’s position has not been communicated and that this is causing anxiety within the sector. KPH explained that the CTA’s position was stated in the current edition of CTA Journal (which all members receive) but acknowledged the CTA would review its communications. KPH stated that the issue has been raised with the Cabinet Office in a briefing for Nick Hurd MP who is a speaker at the England Policy Conference. Page 4 of 6
Chris Stanley from Gloucestershire Minibus Scheme asked if the AGM could be held outside of London and not so early in the day so that supportive members could attend. The Chair responded that the Board of Trustees are reviewing various options for the AGM included making better use of the internet and moving it to locations other than London. 5 TO RECEIVE THE TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 2011/12 The Treasurer of the CTA, Gordon Lewis (GL) introduced the Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for 2011/12. GL confirmed that we finished the year with £66k surplus, a good cash balance and reserves on target within the reserves policy set by the Board of Trustees. GL confirmed that the Board of Trustees has decided to amend the designated reserve for ICT to £35k in the 2011/12 accounts. This fund will support the development of our internal database and website. Looking ahead to 2012/13, it is anticipated that we will end the year in a deficit position but remain in a healthy overall position when the cash reserves are included. GL informed members that the Board of Trustees has reviewed the reserves policy and increased the target level of reserves to allow for the additional risk that the Association is now facing. Dr Katherine Luddecke of Oxfordshire County Council asked what the size of the forecast deficit is and whether this is of concern. The CTA’s Director of Finance, Katherine Moulder (KM) responded that it is forecast at £20k, however it was important to note that this was due to the fact that restricted income had been reported in 2011/12 and the associated expenditure would be incurred in 2012/13, therefore creating an in year deficit. KM stressed the importance of reviewing the health of the organisation by the cash reserves position which will remain healthy. 6 APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS Ordinary Resolution 2: to approve the appointment of Mitchell Charlesworth as auditors until the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting and to authorise the Board of Trustees to determine their remuneration. Alistair Howie (Trustee) proposed the appointment of Mitchell Charlesworth as CTA’s auditors for 2012/13. Sammy Betson of CATS seconded the proposal. A vote was taken and the resolution was agreed unanimously by the meeting. 7 CTA BOARD OF TRUSTEES a) Up-date on the Board of Trustees The Chair, Stephen Hickey, gave members an update on changes to the Board of Trustees: Page 5 of 6
Page 1 and 2: Minutes of the CTA UK ANNUAL GENERA
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2012 AGM Minutes - Community Transport Association

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