Form 4: Statutory Annual Return

As an enrolled Environmental Body (EB) it is a statutory requirement that EBs submit a Statutory Annual Return (Form 4) to ENTRUST by 28 April each year. The Annual Return covers the 12 month period of 1 April to 31 March.

All enrolled EBs are required to complete a Statutory Annual Return even if they have not received or spent any LCF money during the reporting period (this is known as a 'nil return') or if the EB plans to revoke from the scheme.

The guides at the bottom right hand side of this page provide you with the steps you should follow to submit either a nil return where you have had no LCF activity in the reporting period, or a full Annual Return where you need to report LCF money received and/or spent in the reporting period, onto EOL.

On your Statutory Annual Return you will need to provide us with details of:

  • All Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) monies held and received during the reporting period (even if this is nil); and
  • All LCF expenditure during the reporting period (even if this is nil).

Why is 28 April important?

  • This is the deadline for submitting your Statutory Annual Return.
  • It protects the reputation of your EB with both existing and potential funders.
  • It demonstrates that your organisation has robust procedures and good governance.
  • It helps prevent ENTRUST from taking Breach Management action, such as 'freezing' your EB status which may affect your applications for future funding.

Governing documents, members and main contact details

It is also a Statutory obligation to keep us up to date with any changes to your Governing Members, Governing Documents and up to date details for your Main Contact. You can read the How to Guide on the bottom right hand side of this page or contact our Helpline on 01926 488 300 or by emailing helpline@entrust.org.uk if you would like any help to do this.

What happens if I don't submit my return?

It is a statutory requirement for EBs to submit a Statutory Annual Return by 28 April each year. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a breach in the Landfill Tax Regulations 1996 (Regulations) and action being taken against the EB to manage the breach including freezing the EB's account.

Once frozen, an EB is not able to receive or spend LCF funds until all outstanding Annual Returns have been submitted. The frozen status will be lifted as soon as all outstanding Annual Returns have been received and reconciled.

The names of all EBs who are frozen are published on the Frozen EB page of ENTRUST's website so that other EBs can ensure that they do not transfer funds to a frozen EB - an action which would result in them also becoming non-compliant. You can read more about the 'frozen' condition in the document on the right hand side of this page.