Subscriptions – Information & FAQ’s
How do I pay subs?
Please set up a monthly Standing Order. The Bank Details will have been provided to you by your Section Leader in the Welcome Pack. If you don’t have the details, please email the Group Treasurer richard.baker@ladybrookvalleyscouts.org.uk . Please note that unlike Direct Debits, Standing Orders need to be set up by the Payer (you)
I don’t bank online
A Standing Order form is available for you to complete and send to your bank. Please email the Group Treasurer richard.baker@ladybrookvalleyscouts.org.uk who will provide you with the form
How much are subs?
For young people attending their first ever meeting at 1st Bramhall after 1 January 2025, the subs are £17 per month, payable 12 months of the year.
For young people attending their first ever meeting at 1st Bramhall between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2024, the subs are £16 per month, payable 12 months of the year.
Will the subs that I pay increase?
No. The amount of subs paid for your child remains the same as they move through Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. So you never need to change your standing order.
When do I start paying subs?
Your first subs payment is due the second month after your child’s first meeting. So if they attend their first meeting in September, the first subs payment is due in November. This gives your child time to decide if scouting is for them.
What day of the month should the payment be made?
You can choose any day of the month to suit you, but if you have no preference, please choose the 5th of the month. But please ensure that your first payment is made in the correct month (ie if you are setting up the Standing Order after the 5th day of the month that you should be starting to pay, choose a later date in that month)
I have more than one child in the Group.
You can either pay one amount for all the children, or pay individual amounts.
If paying one amount, you only need to put one child’s name as Reference. Please remember to change the standing order amount if one child leaves the Group.
The Group does not offer a sibling discount, but please see the answer to the next question
What happens if I am struggling to afford subs?
The Scout Group believes that financial reasons should not prevent a young person from enjoying all that scouting has to offer. Therefore, if paying subs or camp/activity fees raises issues for a parent, please talk to your section leader or the Treasurer to discuss a solution. This will be in complete confidence.
What are subs used for?
Subs pay for all scouting activities, equipment, running the minibuses, trailers and boats, running and maintaining the Scout HQ building (the Bramley Centre), all insurances including personal injury, buildings and equipment, membership fees to Scouting UK, leader training etc. As Scouting is a voluntary organisation, all the Leaders are unpaid volunteers.
How do you keep subs affordable?
We hire out the Bramley Centre to Community Organisations to raise funds. We also apply for grants from a variety of organisations. Our Young People raise funds for specific projects, although most fund raising is for other charities that they wish to raise money for. But a substantial amount of funds comes from parents Gift Aiding their subs.
Do I have to sign a Gift Aid Declaration Form?
As Gift Aid is such a valuable way to increase funds without any additional cost to parents, all eligible parents are expected to complete a Gift Aid form. Details about eligibility and the process is on a separate FAQ’s. The form is available to download here: Gift Aid Form
Will there be any costs, additional to subs?
Camps and special “non-scouting” activities are charged to recover the cost of food, activities and transport. As a guideline, weekend camps usually cost around £40 and week-long summer camps may cost £200 depending on location and activities. A fun trip, say, to the Ice Rink will just cost the entrance fee.
Do I need to change the Standing Order when my child moves up to a new section?
No.
What do I need to do when my child leaves the Group?
You need to cancel the Standing Order (or amend it if it covers more than one child). As it is a Standing Order, the Group can’t cancel it.
I have another question
Please email the Group Treasurer richard.baker@ladybrookvalleyscouts.org.uk who will be only too pleased to help