REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02752450 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1014852
Strategic Report, Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
for
Lewisham Irish Community Centre (A Company Limited by Guarantee)
A Star Accountancy Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 19 Beech Avenue Sidcup Kent DA15 8NH
Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Report | 1 | ||
| Report of the Trustees | 2 | to | 8 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 9 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 11 | to | 12 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 | to | 22 |
Lewisham Irish Community Centre
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Strategic Report
The trustees present their strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024.
SECTION 172(1) STATEMENT Governance
Lewisham Irish Community Centre is governed by a board of trustees. We focus on the principles of good governance and work hard to regularly review and develop strategies for working effectively as a management committee.
Each new Trustee is offered an induction programme that emphasizes their personal and collective responsibility to the mission and objectives of the charity. Ever mindful that Trustees with appropriate business skills and knowledge of the voluntary sector are scarce, we continue to identify gaps in skills and competencies reviewing board training and recruiting new members.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 30 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Michael Mc Donnell - Trustee
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Registered number: 02752450)
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
INTRODUCTION
Lewisham Irish Community Centre (LICC) is a dynamic, outward looking organisation based in the London Borough of Lewisham in South London. We are a registered charity established in 1992.
Our base in Rushey Green is a vibrant hub for the local community and the Irish community in Lewisham, providing advice, support and advocacy for the Irish community and specialist advice and support for Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) communities. The centre provides weekly clubs and classes for children and families, young people and the older community.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and activities
The principal objective of the charity is to promote the benefit of the community, particularly but not exclusively to persons of Irish descent within the London Borough of Lewisham. This objective is achieved through association with local authorities, voluntary organisations and local population to:
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Advance education in Irish culture & heritage.
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To relieve sickness & deprivation.
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Provision of social and recreational activities for the wellbeing of the community.
Main Summary
Lewisham Irish Community Centre continues to adapt and develop its services to the needs of the community. Our aims and objectives are guided by the vision to enhance the well-being particularly but not exclusively of the Irish community in Lewisham. We work closely with the Irish Embassy, Lewisham Council and the local community and its representatives to put our vision into practice. Last year began with the official reopening of LICC following an extensive refurbishment of the building. We were delighted to announce the expansion of the welfare service with the introduction of two new members of the advice team. Our objective was to extend our reach to those not accessing existing services which began with a highly successful promotional drive. However, by mid-year, our financial situation was proving challenging, income generation was down, running costs were increasing and there were shortfalls across several services, this ran the risk of potential reduction in services which were needed more than ever in these critical times. LICC responded to the challenge by putting an interim staffing restructure in place, the senior advice role took on the additional responsibility for premises management and co-facilitation of the Irish Elders project. The revised structure has proved successful, it enabled LICC to secure an extra £58,000 which included retrospective costs of living funding from the National Lottery. The charity's financial outlook was much improved by the end of the financial year with income in excess of £300,000 and unrestricted reserves reaching £30,000. We look forward to further strengthening the charity's financial position in 2024/25 with applications in progress for longer-term, multi-year funding. Meanwhile, the day-to-day operations of the Centre itself have grown from strength to strength with an average of 350 individuals accessing LICC activities weekly. In addition to LICC projects, the NHS deliver three classes weekly. Evening activities include Irish language, Irish dancing, salsa classes and Lewisham wellbeing hub. Lewisham Foodcycle, Catford Fridge and two community church groups hire the space over the weekend. Over 600+ individuals access the building weekly.
We actively seek out collaborations with local and Irish groups to increase the range of services on offer and extend our reach within the community. Current partners include Community connections, Lewisham local, KWD solicitors, the Diamond Club, Southwark Irish Pensioners project, Immigrant counselling and psychotherapy services and St. Christopher's Hospice. Our Irish Elders group were delighted to support Holbeach Primary School's cultural week and Irish in Britain's looking back to look forward 50th-year heritage project by recalling their stories of emigration. Earlier this year we arranged a minibus to London Irish Centre to visit the exhibition. Further highlights from the past year included welcoming Sean Fleming, Minister for Irish Diaspora to the Lewisham Irish Community Centre, to discuss some of our work supported by Irish government ESP funding.
We held twelve cultural and social events concluding with a five-day celebration for St. Patrick's Day, the highlight of which was participating in the main St. Patrick's Day parade alongside the BrosnaCan Academy of Irish Dancing. We would like to thank the Board of Trustees for their ongoing guidance and expertise and the staff team led by Kathleen Sheridan for their commitment to the welfare of the community. We thank our funders and partners for supporting our work and the Community for making LICC such a warm welcoming environment. We look forward to the year ahead developing our new strategic plans for an open more inclusive Irish Community Centre in Lewisham, representing and celebrating the diversity of our Irish diaspora and local residents.
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Registered number: 02752450)
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Report of the Trustees
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Advice & Support Services
The advice and support project provides information advice and advocacy on welfare benefits, housing and disability to the Irish community and the Gypsy Roma Traveller communities.
During this period our welfare team supported 210 clients with housing and welfare issues and offered 642 appointments including 79 home visits.
The main areas of support were 41 Housing cases including homelessness prevention and housing options, 79 welfare enquiries, the main issues were accessing disability benefits which included applications, appeals and representation. 41 Irish citizenship enquiries including pensions, passports and birth certificates. Other areas include utility debts, grants for household items, support with transport schemes, safeguarding issues, addiction and recovery support, referral to mental health services, counselling and specialist legal services. The team have successfully supported individuals in managing debts and increasing household income through disability and out-of-work benefits. The service supported clients to challenge welfare benefits decisions and apply for eligible benefits particularly attendance allowance and Personal Independence Payments which increase household income and independence. As much of the mental health issues and stress experienced by clients are compounded by poor living conditions and poverty, we were able to reduce the impact by supporting on a practical basis.
We sign-post clients into our activities at the Centre which include free lunches, and free and reduced-cost classes. We have witnessed clients increase their confidence and self-esteem by becoming part of the community through engaging in activities, services, and classes both within and outside the Centre.
The Bia food delivery project is an extension to the welfare services providing on-going support and contact with those who are vulnerable in the community. The Bia food delivery project originally set up in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic has run for 174 weeks to date. Last year we delivered 720 meals to 20 individuals.
Thanks to the support from the Irish government, the Ireland Fund of Great Britain and a kind individual donation, the project continues.
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Registered number: 02752450)
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES SOCIAL INVESTMENTS
Irish Elders Project
The Lewisham Irish Community Centre's Irish Elders Project runs each Friday afternoon onsite and delivers a four-week program which includes music, dance, singing and exercise. An average of 35+ individuals attend weekly however this figure increases to 90+ for special occasions such as Christmas and St. Patrick's Day lunch. In addition to our Irish Elders project, we have a growing program of classes and activities throughout the week for the older community which include Monday Warm Welcome Community Café attended by 50+ individuals, Tuesday and Wednesday Zumba classes attended by a further 50+ individuals, Irish men's card school attended by a regular group of 10.
Children and Young People
62 local families accessed our children and youth projects.
Playgroup
The Lewisham Irish Community Centre's Friday morning playgroup provides unstructured play and stay sessions for families with toddlers. It provides a space for young children to grow and develop while supporting local families to connect within the community. During this period over 34 families accessed the scheme. Karen Duggan has coordinated the project since 2002
Youth Club
The Lewisham Irish Community Centre works in partnership with Lewisham Foodcycle to provide a free community meal each Wednesday, this is attended by a broad section of the community including those attending classes, Irish Elders group and local residents.
Every Thursday, we facilitate Lewisham Community Connections and a further nine local groups including our Gypsy Roma Traveller Project and Irish advice project to provide weekly walk-in information advice and support. We continue to deliver a joint outreach advice and support service with Southwark Irish Pensioners project across Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham.
Partnerships
The Lewisham Irish Community Centre supports Foodcycle to provide an extra community meal each Wednesday, this is attended by a broad section of the community including those attending classes, Irish Elders group and local residents. Every Thursday, we facilitate Lewisham Community Connections and a further nine local groups including our Gypsy Roma Traveller Project and Irish advice project to provide weekly walk-in information advice and support. We continue to deliver a joint outreach advice and support service with Southwark Irish Pensioners project across Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham.
Grantmaking
Grants were paid to the value of £2520 from Southwark Irish Pensioners Project on behalf of the benevolent fund of St. Patrick.
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Registered number: 02752450)
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal funding sources
The Lewisham Irish Community Centre is primarily funded by three sources:
We are in receipt of five year funding of £150,000 from 2022-2027 to support the senior welfare post.
We have a 'service contract' with the London Borough of Lewisham, which contributes towards the Gypsy Roma Travellers Outreach service. The current contract has been renewed for a five-year period 2022-2027.
The other main grant is paid by the Irish Government (Department of Foreign Affairs Emigrant Support Programme), which pays for the delivery and management of the Irish Welfare Services and the Gypsy Roma Traveller Outreach Service.
Total grants received this year which including funding from the Ireland fund, Lewisham Council and the National lottery community fund raised £218,581 (2023 £169,440), which is an increase of £49,141 from 2022 -2023.
Income generation
LICC generates income from hall hire facilities rented out to the local community both privately and on an on-going basis to charitable and community-led groups. While we have generated a regular steady source of income from weekday partners and charities private hall hire remains challenging particularly with the noise restrictions in force in the building with is close to neighbouring residents.
This year we have invested in a project coordinator role which will focus on private hall hire as part of their remit, we expect to increase income by the second half of the year .
Total income this period was £78,600 (2023 £70,406) .
Reserves policy
LICC operates a reserves policy that aims to cover cash flow shortfalls due to uncertainty in the timing of future grant awards. Reserves are monitored regularly by the board of Trustees which remains confident current levels of reserves are proportionate to the organisation's needs.
The Trustees regard £40,000 as a prudent sum to cover running costs for three months.
Total reserves currently stand at £107,416 (2023 £69,305).
Restricted funds currently stand at £77,147 (2023 £63,857)
Unrestricted funds currently stand at £30,269 (2023 £5,448), however £2,326 (£2023 £2,389) is required to cover future depreciation of fixed assets.
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Registered number: 02752450)
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Report of the Trustees
FUTURE STRATEGIC DIRECTION
LICC is currently working on a five year strategic plan 2025-2030, reaffirming our commitment to the welfare of the diverse Irish community, preserving Irish heritage , collaborating with local services to provide services and support to the local community and organisational development
Welfare of the Irish Community
We will continue our core focus of ensuring the welfare of the Irish community is at the heart of our work but with a specific focus on tailored care to the elderly Irish, support for unpaid carers and therapeutic support around mental health and wellness in addition to our existing housing and welfare benefits services.
Address the changing needs of the older Irish and vulnerable Irish community focusing on support with long term physical health conditions and mental health and wellbeing.
Empower the community to access their rights and entitlements within the statutory services Prevent and reduce homelessness
Improve access to welfare rights and entitlements to enhance client's quality of life and independence. Reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness through the provision of social and cultural activities both onsite and through outreach initiative.
Provide community outreach programmes to the older community and the Irish Traveller Community. Respond to local need through the provision of social and wellbeing activities for families, young people , local residents and the over 60 age group
Celebrating the Diversity of the Irish community
We will continue to champion our values of openness and inclusivity; we will celebrate the diversity of the Irish community including continuing our commitment to promote and provide services to underrepresented groups including the Irish Traveller communities. We will support our LGBTQI+ community through initiatives designed to promote inclusiveness, tolerance, and respect for diversity. We will work to tailor support, raise awareness and celebrate the ethnic diversity of the Irish community.
Celebrate GRT history and culture- Work with local members of London Irish LGBT+ community to make LICC inclusive, accessible and open.
Raise awareness of the ethnic diversity of the Irish community. Celebrate Irishness across the generations of first, second and third generation Irish . Organise Gypsy Roma Traveller History month
Work with members of the GRT community and in partnership with GRT groups to celebrate Traveller culture. Organise or facilitate events /meet up for LGBT network
Work with members of the London Irish LGBT to celebrate LGBT History month
Collaboration
One of our strengths over recent years has been our successful collaborations with local and Irish-based charity groups, we intend to maintain and nurture existing relationships with our main funders and supporters while seeking out new opportunities to deepen and broaden our services and activities within the community. We will use collaboration as a way of connecting individuals, groups and communities.
Maintain and nurture existing relationships with the Irish Government and Embassy, our main funding providers Maintain a positive partnership with Lewisham Borough Council through a commitment to local outreach partnerships and collaborations
Retain existing partnerships and collaborations with SIPP, Lewisham Foodcycle , Colaiste Na nGael, Community Connections , KWD Solicitors, Eltham Pharmacy, Irish in Britain.
Provision of social and wellbeing activities for Local families, young people , local residents and the over 60 age group
Investigate and promote new collaborations by regular attendance and representations at a local level Continue to raise our profile via social media and website
Focus on preserving our Heritage
We will preserve Irish traditions and our rich shared heritage through the expansion of our annual cultural program and celebrate this throughout the borough, strengthen focus on the Irish Language and focus on stories of emigration of its local people in Lewisham particularly the Irish Elderly community and their contribution to London. Ensure weekly provision of Irish language classes- Ensure weekly provision of Irish dancing cases for children and adults.
Create a project with focuses on the history of Lewisham Irish centre, it's key achievements and the story and celebration of its people past and present
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Registered number: 02752450)
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Organisational Development
We will continue to modernise and professionalise as an organisation, setting high standards for ourselves as a modern charity.
Retain the quality Mark service for the welfare and youth projects Recruitment
Staff retention
Structure around appraisals, supervision and clinical support
Post year end developments
Since the end of the financial year, LICC has strengthened its financial position by securing £102000 in funding from the Irish Emigrant support programme.
LICC secured £270,000 over three years from the National Lottery Community Fund 'Reaching Communities' and smaller awards from Merchant Taylor and Lewisham Council to fund activities for local residents.
The increase in funding towards LICC projects affords LICC capacity to build it's reserve and strengthen as an organisation.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The Lewisham Irish Community Centre (LICC) is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a company limited by guarantee (as defined by the Companies Act 2006, Company no: 2752450 England & Wales) and with the Charities Commission (Registration no: 1014852).
Recruitment and appointment of the Management Committee
Voting takes place at the AGM. Candidates for nomination must be a paid up member of LICC; in agreement with the Charities aims and objectives; willing to take up post if elected; not disqualified from being a Charity Trustee and not disqualified from being a Company Director. When recruiting people on to the management committee, members look for a balance of business skills, voluntary sector experience and knowledge of the needs of the local community required to run the charity effectively.
Structure and management
LICC is controlled by a Management Committee of up to 12 Trustees (who are also the directors of the company) for a period of one year. Each Trustee is also a paid up member of LICC. The responsibility of the day to day running of LICC and staff and volunteer management, is entrusted to the CEO who reports to the Management Committee.
Management Committee induction and training
Trustees are welcomed on to the Committee and introduced to other members and staff. They receive an induction pack, which includes a Trustee Declaration form, role description and an invitation to visit the various activities going on in the Centre. New Trustees are asked to complete a skills analysis questionnaire so that training needs can be identified and addressed.
Risk management
As Trustees we are aware of our responsibilities under The Charities SORP (FRS102) to undertake regular risk management reviews. A review has been completed this year and the main tasks have been identified and mitigation strategies are in place.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number
02752450 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity number
1014852
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Registered number: 02752450)
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Registered office
2a Davenport Road Lewisham London SE6 2AZ
Trustees
Colum Mackey Chair James Farrell Vice Chair (resigned 26.4.24) Mrs Anne Mary O'Rorke Trustee Ms Karen Duggan Trustee Mrs Pauline Maton Trustee Michael Mc Donnell Treasurer Ms Martina O'Sullivan Trustee (appointed 27.9.23) Dominic Nicholas Fox Trustee (resigned 26.4.24) Ruairi Cullen Director Ms Dervla O'Shea Trustee (resigned 26.4.24)
Independent Examiner
K D Hardie FCCA A Star Accountancy Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 19 Beech Avenue Sidcup Kent DA15 8NH
Bankers
Co-operative Bank 151 Lewisham High Street Lewisham London SE13 6AA
Solicitors
Ewing & Co. 148 High Street Penge London SE20 7EU
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 30 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Michael Mc Donnell - Trustee
Page 8
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Lewisham Irish Community Centre ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
K D Hardie FCCA
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
A Star Accountancy Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 19 Beech Avenue Sidcup Kent DA15 8NH
30 January 2025
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Statement of Financial Activities
(Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 10,301 231,229 Other activities & fundraising 3 45,457 33,143 Investment income 4 2 - Total 55,760 264,372 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 4,220 - Charitable activities Charitable Activities 26,263 251,082 Other 456 - Total 30,939 251,082 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 24,821 13,290 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 5,448 63,857 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 30,269 77,147 |
31.3.24 Total funds £ 241,530 78,600 2 320,132 4,220 277,345 456 282,021 38,111 69,305 107,416 |
31.3.23 Total funds £ 188,208 70,406 209 258,823 1,662 271,473 - 273,135 (14,312) 83,617 69,305 |
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 10
Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Registered number: 02752450)
Balance Sheet
31 March 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 8 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 10 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CREDITORS Amounts falling due after more than one year 11 NET ASSETS FUNDS 14 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
31.3.24 £ 2,326 39,561 113,221 152,782 (32,764) 120,018 122,344 (14,928) 107,416 30,269 77,147 107,416 |
31.3.23 £ 2,389 49,243 89,907 139,150 (51,374) 87,776 90,165 (20,860) 69,305 5,448 63,857 69,305 |
|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for
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(a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and
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(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The notes form part of these financial statements
continued...
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre (Registered number: 02752450)
Balance Sheet - continued
31 March 2024
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 30 January 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
Michael Mc Donnell - Trustee
Colum Mackey - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions
The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':
- the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Raising funds
Cost of generating funds, are those costs incurred in attracting voluntary income and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Charitable activities
- Charitable activities, include expenditure associated with the running of the events at the centre or elsewhere.
Governance costs
Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the charity and its assets and are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures, fittings & equipment - 25% on cost Computer equipment - 33% on cost and 25% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
General Funds are unrestricted funds, which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees, in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for any other purpose.
continued...
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Fund accounting
Restricted funds can only be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors, or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering those funds are charged against the specific fund.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Hire purchase and leasing commitments
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| DONATIONS AND LEGACIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Donations Grants Subscriptions Donated services and facilities Other Income Expenses reimbursed Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: |
31.3.24 £ 4,634 218,581 340 12,500 5,000 475 241,530 |
31.3.23 £ 1,188 169,440 - 12,500 5,080 - |
| 188,208 | ||
| Ireland Fund of GB Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Emigrant Support Programme Petchy Foundation - Youth Club South Irish Pensioners Project Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Ward The City Bridge Trust - Bridging Divides Funding LBL Core Funding LBL - Warm Welcome Funding Community Organisations Cost of Living - phase 1 Community Organisations Cost of Living - phase 2 Awards for All - Empowering young people in the local community |
31.3.24 £ 5,000 105,313 600 2,520 - 35,000 10,000 6,400 19,811 24,001 9,936 218,581 |
31.3.23 £ 2,500 95,840 1,500 600 18,000 40,000 10,000 1,000 - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 169,440 |
continued...
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Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
3. OTHER ACTIVITIES & FUNDRAISING
| Ticket Sales & event income Fees for Services Hire of Hall 4. INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit account interest 5. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation - owned assets Other operating leases |
31.3.24 £ 18,869 33,143 26,588 78,600 31.3.24 £ 2 31.3.24 £ 637 12,500 |
31.3.23 £ 12,057 31,510 26,839 |
|---|---|---|
| 70,406 | ||
| 31.3.23 £ 209 31.3.23 £ 562 12,500 |
6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.
7. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Full time Part time |
31.3.24 4 5 9 |
31.3.23 3 8 11 |
|---|---|---|
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
The CEO's time was split between generating voluntary income, fundraising, charitable activities and governance. The other part time members of staff spend all of their time on charitable activities.
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continued...
Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Fixtures, fittings & Computer equipment equipment £ £ COST At 1 April 2023 13,991 10,701 Additions - 574 At 31 March 2024 13,991 11,275 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2023 13,943 8,360 Charge for year - 637 At 31 March 2024 13,943 8,997 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 48 2,278 At 31 March 2023 48 2,341 9. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 £ Other debtors 3,670 Prepayments and accrued income 35,891 39,561 10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 £ Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 12) 1,874 Social security and other taxes 3,120 Deposits 3,502 Other creditors 14,602 Credit card 302 Accruals and deferred income 9,364 32,764 |
Totals £ 24,692 574 |
|---|---|
| 25,266 | |
| 22,303 637 |
|
| 22,940 | |
| 2,326 | |
| 2,389 | |
| 31.3.23 £ 8,085 41,158 |
|
| 49,243 | |
| 31.3.23 £ 1,903 3,120 3,502 30,461 1,130 11,258 |
|
| 51,374 |
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continued...
Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
| 31.3.24 £ Bank loans (see note 12) 14,928 12. LOANS An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: 31.3.24 £ Amounts falling due within one year on demand: Bank overdrafts 1,874 Amounts falling due in more than five years: Repayable by instalments: Bank loans more 5 yr by instal 14,928 The amount disclosed as a loan within these financial statements for £1,874 (2023 £1,903) expenditure paid out in respect of a restricted fund paid over after the year end date, pending the accrued |
31.3.23 £ 20,860 31.3.23 £ 1,903 20,860 is actually income. |
|---|---|
13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Fixed assets 2,326 - Current assets 73,800 78,982 Current liabilities (30,929) (1,835) Long term liabilities (14,928) - 30,269 77,147 |
31.3.24 Total funds £ 2,326 152,782 (32,764) (14,928) 107,416 |
31.3.23 Total funds £ 2,389 139,150 (51,374) (20,860) 69,305 |
|---|---|---|
continued...
Page 17
Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Net | |||
| movement | |||
| At 1.4.23 | in funds | At 31.3.24 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| Other Unrestricted | 5,448 | 22,703 | 28,151 |
| Befrending project | - | 2,118 | 2,118 |
| 5,448 | 24,821 | 30,269 | |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Department of Foreign Affairs and | |||
| Trade-ESP | 13,849 | 3,645 | 17,494 |
| Back Garden Project LBL & Crowd | |||
| Funding | 3,687 | - | 3,687 |
| ESP - GRT Project | 2,309 | - | 2,309 |
| Petchy Foundation | 334 | 266 | 600 |
| ESP Lewisham Irish Pensioners | 1,505 | 1,120 | 2,625 |
| ESP Southwark, Lambeth & Lewisham | |||
| Outreach | 656 | 1,623 | 2,279 |
| Community Spaces At Risk | 2,580 | (2,580) | - |
| Community Cafe & Wellbeing Group | 148 | 2,391 | 2,539 |
| Southwark Irish Pensioners Project - Bens | |||
| OC Grant | 250 | 135 | 385 |
| The City Bridge Trust | 38,539 | - | 38,539 |
| The National Lottery Community Fund - | |||
| EYP | - | 6,690 | 6,690 |
| 63,857 | 13,290 | 77,147 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 69,305 | 38,111 | 107,416 |
continued...
Page 18
Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| Other Unrestricted | 52,760 | (30,057) | 22,703 |
| Befrending project | 3,000 | (882) | 2,118 |
| 55,760 | (30,939) | 24,821 | |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Department of Foreign Affairs and | |||
| Trade-ESP | 72,313 | (68,668) | 3,645 |
| Ireland Fund of GB | 5,000 | (5,000) | - |
| LBL Rent | 12,500 | (12,500) | - |
| ESP - GRT Project | 33,143 | (33,143) | - |
| Petchy Foundation | 748 | (482) | 266 |
| ESP Lewisham Irish Pensioners | 9,000 | (7,880) | 1,120 |
| ESP Southwark, Lambeth & Lewisham | |||
| Outreach | 24,000 | (22,377) | 1,623 |
| Community Spaces At Risk | - | (2,580) | (2,580) |
| Community Cafe & Wellbeing Group | 6,400 | (4,009) | 2,391 |
| LB Lewisham - core funding | 10,000 | (10,000) | - |
| Southwark Irish Pensioners Project - Bens | |||
| OC Grant | 2,520 | (2,385) | 135 |
| The City Bridge Trust | 35,000 | (35,000) | - |
| The National Lottery Community Fund - | |||
| phase 2 | 24,001 | (24,001) | - |
| The National Lottery Community Fund - | |||
| phase 1 | 19,811 | (19,811) | - |
| The National Lottery Community Fund - | |||
| EYP | 9,936 | (3,246) | 6,690 |
| 264,372 | (251,082) | 13,290 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 320,132 | (282,021) | 38,111 |
continued...
Page 19
Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Net movement At 1.4.22 in funds At £ £ Unrestricted funds Other Unrestricted 35,220 (29,854) Rushey Green Playgroup 441 (359) Lewisham Irish Pensioners - designated 1,802 (1,802) Lewisham Elders & Carers - designated 2,000 (2,000) 39,463 (34,015) Restricted funds Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade-ESP 8,696 5,153 Awards for All Elders Facilitator 5,884 (5,884) Back Garden Project LBL & Crowd Funding 3,687 - ESP - GRT Project 3,484 (1,175) Petchy Foundation 561 (227) ESP Lewisham Irish Pensioners 1,592 (87) ESP Southwark, Lambeth & Lewisham Outreach - 656 PIPHC - GRT service contract 1,577 (1,577) Burberry Youth Club 15,942 (15,942) Creative Lewisham Small Grants 151 (151) Community Spaces At Risk 2,580 - Community Cafe & Wellbeing Group - 148 Southwark Irish Pensioners Project - Bens OC Grant - 250 The City Bridge Trust - 38,539 44,154 19,703 TOTAL FUNDS 83,617 (14,312) |
31.3.23 £ 5,366 82 - - |
|---|---|
| 5,448 13,849 - 3,687 2,309 334 1,505 656 - - - 2,580 148 250 38,539 |
|
| 63,857 | |
| 69,305 |
continued...
Page 20
Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming | Resources | Movement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| resources | expended | in funds | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| Other Unrestricted | 45,226 | (75,080) | (29,854) |
| Rushey Green Playgroup | - | (359) | (359) |
| Lewisham Irish Pensioners - designated | - | (1,802) | (1,802) |
| Lewisham Elders & Carers - designated | - | (2,000) | (2,000) |
| 45,226 | (79,241) | (34,015) | |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Department of Foreign Affairs and | |||
| Trade-ESP | 55,000 | (49,847) | 5,153 |
| Ireland Fund of GB | 2,500 | (2,500) | - |
| LBL Rent | 12,500 | (12,500) | - |
| Awards for All Elders Facilitator | - | (5,884) | (5,884) |
| ESP - GRT Project | 13,300 | (14,475) | (1,175) |
| Petchy Foundation | 1,500 | (1,727) | (227) |
| ESP Lewisham Irish Pensioners | 6,540 | (6,627) | (87) |
| ESP Southwark, Lambeth & Lewisham | |||
| Outreach | 21,000 | (20,344) | 656 |
| PIPHC - GRT service contract | 31,657 | (33,234) | (1,577) |
| Burberry Youth Club | - | (15,942) | (15,942) |
| Creative Lewisham Small Grants | - | (151) | (151) |
| Community Cafe & Wellbeing Group | 1,000 | (852) | 148 |
| LB Lewisham - core funding | 10,000 | (10,000) | - |
| Southwark Irish Pensioners Project - Bens | |||
| OC Grant | 600 | (350) | 250 |
| The City Bridge Trust | 40,000 | (1,461) | 38,539 |
| Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure | |||
| Levy (NCIL) Ward | 18,000 | (18,000) | - |
| 213,597 | (193,894) | 19,703 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 258,823 | (273,135) | (14,312) |
Further information on funds.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: The Emigrant Support Programme received a grant of £105,313 for the year from 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2024 (2023 £95,680). The funds were restricted for the following projects:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Information, Advice & Support | £58,000 | £55,000 |
| Gypsy Roma Travellers Outreach Service | £14,313 | £13,300 |
| SLL Outreach Advice Partnership Project | £24,000 | £21,000 |
| Elders Project | £9,000 | £6,540 |
An amount of £19,305 was refunded after the 2022 financial year end primarily, as part of the funding was specifically for an additional post that was not taken up for several month until April 2023, although the related work was still none the less carried out by existing Centre employees.
continued...
Page 21
Lewisham Irish Community Centre
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024
14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Lewisham Irish Pensioners Association , was merged into LICC during 2018/19. The balance of funds at the time of its cessation were donated to LICC. These funds are unrestricted but have been denoted as a designated fund.
Ireland Fund of Great Britain this relates to funding of £5,000 (2023 £2,500) towards reminiscence project.
LBL Crowd Funding Award - Back Garden Project £3,687 brought forward with no expenditure during the year due to Covid in af fected years, & pending additional funding that would be required to complete the project.
City Bridge Trust funding was awarded November 2022 for £150,000 in phased quarterly instalments. This is over five years towards salary costs of a Senior Advice Worker to support, supervise and lead the advice team delivering services to the Irish Community and Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Communities in the London Borough of Lewisham, supported by City Bridge Trust, the funding arm of The City of London Corporation’s charity, Bridge House Estates (1035628).
The National Lottery Cost of Living Fund - Phase one £19,811 and phase two £24,001 relate to a 'one-off' fund which supports charities dealing with the impact of the cost of living. The fund covers project running and salary costs Phase one included retrosp ective costs from July 2023
The Awards for All Fund Empowering Young People - this relates to a new grant of £9,936 received in 2023/4 towards the delivery of LICC youth club.
The Mayor's Community Spaces at Risk Fund
A grant of £4,400 was awarded & publicised, of which £1,820 was paid out directly to a consultant during the previous period, the balance was utilised in 2023/4 by consultation and research work for LICC by Locality.
15. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
In respect of individual restricted funds held, whilst there are no time limits stipulated on expenditure thereof, should expenditure not ultimately be incurred in line with the original intended use outlined in the original funding applications, or should an alternative use for those specified funds not be agreed, the funders reserve the right to request repayment of restricted funds held.
16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024.
17. INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION
Lewisham Irish Community Centre has appointed Kim David Hardie F.C.C.A. of A Star Accountancy Ltd. to independently review its annual accounts for the period. The cost of the Independent examiners fee is £350 (2023 £350), plus an additional £1,750 for compilation and preparation of these financial statements and related support work (2023 £1,750).
Page 22