2025-03-31-accounts

FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Company Registration No. 02806677 (England and Wales) Charity Registration No. 1022548

FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Management Committee	C Holder
	D Whalley
	N Dewhurst
	S Crouch
	Ms L Lawler
Secretary	S Crouch
Charity number	1022548
Company number	02806677
Registered office	Unit 2 Olympic Court
	Whitehills Business Park
	Blackpool
	Lancashire
	FY4 5GU
Auditor	Champion Accountants LLP
	Unit 2 Olympic Court
	Whitehills Business Park
	Blackpool
	Lancashire
	FY4 5GU
	FY4 5GU
Bankers	Royal Bank of Scotland Plc
	Talbot Square
	Blackpool
	Lancashire
	FY1 1LE

FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

CONTENTS

	Page
Management Committee's report	1 - 5
Statement of Management Committee's responsibilities	6
Independent auditor's report	7 - 9
Statement of financial activities	10
Balance sheet	11
Statement of cash flows	12
Notes to the financial statements	13 - 26

FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE'S REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Management Committee presents its report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

Objectives and activities

The charity's aim is to keep families safe from harm and enable them to live their lives free from abuse.

It's objectives are:

• to provide for the relief of women in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde and adjacent areas.

• to relieve distress and suffering experienced by women who have been gravely or persistently maltreated or abused and any children of such women by establishment of a refuge to provide shelter and a safe environment for such women and where appropriate, their children.

• to relieve women from the effects of such violence by providing and developing a support network of people committed to relieving the said distress experienced by women who have been, or are being, subjected to mental and physical abuse.

• to promote such other charitable purposes as are for the benefit of such women.

The organisation provides safe temporary accommodation for up to 12 families at any one time. FCWA provision is spread across the whole of the Fylde Coast. To support and facilitate a complete wraparound service for domestic abuse, FCWA provision includes Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors; an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor; a Male IDVA; Outreach Community Support; Children and Young People’s Services, Safe Haven and an Internet Safety/CSE Worker. FCWA also hosts the only specialist domestic abuse helpline on the Fylde Coast.

Strategic objectives :

• to provide effective emotional support to women in a crisis situation.

• to provide support and assistance to help empower women to make informed choices about their lives.

• to provide practical safety measures, such as safety plans, panic alarms and lock changes, which enable women to stay safely in their own homes.

• to consult with service users using the service to inform all aspects of our service delivery and future development.

• to work in partnership with agencies, to inform best practice, identify service gaps and address them (working strategically at regional and national level).

• where necessary, to address these needs with partner agencies by initiating education and training.

The Management Committee have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. They have given due consideration to the public benefit requirements requirements and consider that the provision of refuge facilities fulfils this requirement.

• 1 -

FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE'S REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Achievements and performance

We are beginning to see the Domestic Abuse Act's positive impact, but much more needs to be done to protect victims from abuse.

As demand for domestic abuse services continues to rise, we remain focused on ensuring our support is robust, accessible, and able to meet the needs of those who rely on us.

In 2024/25, FCWA supported more than 3,500 people across the Fylde Coast, helping many remain safely in their own homes and providing accommodation for families who needed to leave due to abuse. In the past year, we continued to develop collaborative initiatives and work in partnerships, doing more to identify, support and protect victims. Together, we are working incredibly hard to tackle domestic abuse across the Fylde Coast.

Looking ahead to 2025/26, we plan to expand our outreach work, with a particular emphasis on communities that have historically been underserved. This will involve further investment in staff training, exploring new digital service options, and strengthening partnerships with local organisations to ensure our services remain responsive and inclusive.

FCWA aims to continue developing its work with survivors. FCWA listens to the voices of those we provide services to. This is done in ways that enable a dialogue, feedback and impact; their voice is vital to the future direction of services. Where gaps in service are identified, FCWA aims to develop and reshape services to meet the desired outcomes.

During this reporting period, FCWA was delighted to receive reaccreditation of SafeLives Leading Lights accreditation. FCWA’s commitment to providing the best possible service for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities was recognised in the accreditation process.

“FCWA demonstrated their commitment to the eight principles of the Charter in every aspect of the Leading Lights Assessment. Their policies, practice evidence, and staff all support the service being risk led and rooted in enhancing the safety of their service users. The support plans and case notes evidenced the ethos around client empowerment and independence, and evidenced a solid understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse.” Leading Lights assessor

With support from Lancashire Community Foundation, FCWA’s Volunteer Hub has recruited, trained and supported volunteers for each of FCWA’s peer support and group sessions; and taken part in fundraising, awareness raising and community initiatives. The Hub also provides a pathway from recovery as a service user to volunteering and opens up possibilities for future employment. Volunteer support hours for the year totalled an outstanding 800 hours.

Financial review

It is the policy of the charity that funds which have not been designated to a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between six and nine months' expenditure. Current reserves have been allowed to increase to the top end of our target in order to protect the charity against the possible loss of two key contracts. Fortunately the charity has been successful in securing both renewals, one being in the current year. The trustees will now review the existing policy and consider how best reserves can most effectively be deployed, not only to secure the future sustainability of the organisation, but also to extend the range and scope of our support to service users.

During financial year 2020/21, a property was purchased from which the charity will be able to operate in the long-term. Renovations and improvements to the property have been ongoing. Some of the funds as at 31[st] March 2025 remain designated for this purpose and also for upgrading capital items at the individual refuges, and the details of which can be found in Note 21.

During financial year 2024/25, the principal funding sources for the charity were as detailed in Note 18. Fylde Coast Women's Aid also receives Housing Benefit relating to its three refuges.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE'S REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The results for the year are set out on page 10, and the charity generated an overall surplus for the period of £206,744 (2024 £159,715). This comprised an unrestricted surplus of £166,574 and a restricted surplus of £40,170. Total fund balances carried forward to next year comprise unrestricted funds of £1,493,202 (some of which are designated) and restricted funds of £255,113.

The Committee have continued to be prudent in terms of necessary expenditure and have monitored this closely throughout the year. They are mindful of the ongoing importance of securing funding and constantly seek to bid for new sources to enable full service levels to continue. Having built up reserves in prior years, it would be possible to continue to fund certain services from existing resources when external funding ends. However, this is monitored regularly on a case by case basis and new funding is continually being sought to minimise the likelihood of a drawdown from reserves being required.

Key priorities identified for 2025/26

• Focus on early intervention and preventative work, along with supporting the Government's vision to halve Violence Against Women and Girls by 2035.

• Continue to work together to strengthen the DASSL Partnership, delivering consistent quality services across Lancashire.

• Sustain the IDVA and community services provision beyond August 2025.

• Maintain strong partnerships, locally, regionally and nationally.

• The year ahead will centre on securing new income streams, including grants, community fundraising, and corporate partnerships, so that we can continue delivering high-quality support to survivors.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The objectives are:

• to provide for the relief of women in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde and adjacent areas.

• to relieve distress and suffering experienced by women who have been gravely or persistently maltreated or abused and any children of such women by establishment of a refuge to provide shelter and a safe environment for such women and where appropriate their children.

• to relieve women from the effects of such violence by providing and developing a support network of people committed to relieving the said distress experienced by women who have been, or are being, subject to mental and physical abuse.

• to promote such other charitable purposes as are for the benefit of such women.

The Management Committee, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

C Holder

D Whalley N Dewhurst S Crouch Ms L Lawler

• 3 -

FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE'S REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

None of the Management Committee has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Management Committee are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

New trustees are encouraged to attend 3 induction meetings with members of the committee to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates. These meetings are jointly led by the Chair of the Management Committee and the Chief Executive Officer and cover:-

- the obligations of the Management Committee

• the main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Memorandum and Articles

• resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts

• future plans and objectives.

An induction pack draws together information from various Charity Commission publications as signposted through the Commission's Guide to the Essential Trustee. Trustees are encouraged to undergo relevant training to enhance their knowledge and legal responsibilities.

The organisation is managed by a Volunteer Management Committee of up to 11 members who meet every 2 months and are responsible for the strategic direction of the charity. A system of delegated responsibility is in place and day to day responsibility for the provision of services rests with the Chief Executive Officer, Service Manager and Finance Officer. The senior staff member with overall responsibility for the day to day management of the charity is Tina Hibbard.

Staff remuneration is assessed using industry benchmarks and the trustees made all final decisions on salaries and pay awards after discussion with the CEO.

The charity has an ongoing risk assessment policy and this is discussed at regular management meetings.

The Committee reviews the major risks to which the charity is exposed maintaining a Risk Register with appropriate systems and procedures put in place to mitigate those risks. External risks have led to the development of a Strategic Plan.Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions, activities and projects.

Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, service users and buildings within which the charity operates. The Management Committee has appropriate quality assurance systems in place to ensure that services meet specified standards. The charity is working at Level Two of Charities Evaluation Services PQASSO(Practical Quality Assurance System for Small Organisations), and is meeting the assurance of SafeLives Leading Lights accreditation and Women's Aid National Service Standards for domestic and sexual violence.

At a national level the National Service Standards for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services have been developed by Women's Aid Federation of England and the committee adhere to these standards. Alongside this there is a variety of legislation, policies, guidelines and quality assurance framework that have informed the charity's response to domestic abuse .

The charity has continued to maintain a presence and involvement with the Domestic Abuse Forum, Blackpool Domestic Abuse Board, Community Safety Partnerships, Local Strategic Partnerships, Government Office North West, Blackpool and Lancashire Children and Adults Safeguarding Boards and other voluntary and statutory initiatives, and continue to work alongside partner agencies to support the delivery of the National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE'S REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Asset cover for funds

Notes 17 & 18 set out an analysis of the assets attributable to the various funds and a description of the funds. These assets are sufficient to meet the charity's obligations on a fund by fund basis.

Auditor

The auditors, Champion Accountants LLP, are deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the Management Committee has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The Management Committee's report was approved by the Board of Trustees

..............................

N Dewhurst

Trustee Dated: .........................

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

STATEMENT OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE'S RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Management Committee, who are also the directors of Fylde Coast Women's Aid for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Management Committee's Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Management Committee to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Management Committee are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The Management Committee are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Fylde Coast Women's Aid (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

• give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;

• have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Management Committee's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Management Committee with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Management Committee are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

• the information given in the Management Committee's report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors' report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements; and

• the directors' report included within the Management Committee's report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the Management Committee's report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

• adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

• the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

• certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or

• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or

• the Management Committee were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the Management Committee's report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.

Responsibilities of Management Committee

As explained more fully in the statement of Management Committee's responsibilities, the Management Committee, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Management Committee determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Management Committee are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Management Committee either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

As part of our planning process:

• we enquired of management the systems and controls the charity has in place, the areas of the financial statements that are most susceptible to the risk of irregularities and fraud, and whether there was any known, suspected or alleged fraud. Management did not inform us of any known, suspected or alleged fraud.

• we obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the charity. We determined that the following were most relevant : Charities SORP FRS 102, Companies Act 2006.

• we considered the incentives and opportunities that exist in the charity, including the extent of management bias, which present a potential for irregularities and fraud to be perpetrated, and tailored our risk assessment accordingly. - using our knowledge of the charity, together with the discussions held with management at the planning stage, we formed a conclusion on the risk of misstatement due to irregularities including fraud and tailored our procedures according to this risk assessment.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

The key procedures we undertook to detect irregularities including fraud during the course of the audit included:

• identifying and testing journal entries in the overall accounting records, in particular those that were unusual or significant.

• reviewing the financial statement disclosures and determining whether accounting policies have been appropriately applied.

• reviewing and challenging the assumption and judgement used by management in their significant accounting estimates, in particular in relation to restricted fund movements and grant income recognition.

• assessing the extent of compliance, or lack of, with relevant laws and regulations.

• obtaining third party confirmation of material bank balances.

• documenting and verifying all significant related party balances and transactions.

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Deborah Thorn FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Champion Accountants LLP

.........................

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor

Unit 2 Olympic Court Whitehills Business Park Blackpool Lancashire FY4 5GU Lancashire FY4 5GU

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 Notes £ £ Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 19,460 - Charitable activities 6 163,613 1,148,707 Investments 4 23,214 - Other income 5 2,482 - Total income 208,769 1,148,707 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 10 42,195 1,108,537 Total expenditure 42,195 1,108,537 Net income 166,574 40,170 Transfers between funds - - Net movement in funds 7 166,574 40,170 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 1,326,628 214,943 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 1,493,202 255,113	Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2024 2024 £ £ £ 19,460 25,450 - 1,312,320 200,486 992,977 23,214 17,763 - 2,482 4,722 - 1,357,476 248,421 992,977 1,150,732 106,672 975,011 1,150,732 106,672 975,011 206,744 141,749 17,966 - 90,499 (90,499) 206,744 232,248 (72,533) 1,541,571 1,094,380 287,476 1,748,315 1,326,628 214,943	Total 2024 £ 25,450 1,193,463 17,763 4,722
		1,241,398 1,081,683
		1,081,683
		159,715 -
		159,715 1,381,856
		1,541,571

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

• 10 -

FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 13 Current assets Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities The funds of the charity Restricted income funds 18 Unrestricted funds 21	2025 £ £ 228,837 70,363 1,548,728 1,619,091 (99,613) 1,519,478 1,748,315 255,113 1,493,202 1,748,315	2024 £ £ 236,893 87,796 1,270,583 1,358,379 (53,701) 1,304,678 1,541,571 214,943 1,326,628 1,541,571	2024 £ £ 236,893 87,796 1,270,583 1,358,379 (53,701) 1,304,678 1,541,571 214,943 1,326,628 1,541,571
			1,541,571
			214,943 1,326,628
			1,541,571

The financial statements were approved by the Management Committee on .........................

..............................

N Dewhurst

Trustee

Company registration number 02806677 (England and Wales)

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 24 Investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Investment income received Net cash generated from investing activities Net cash generated from financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	2025 £ £ 258,098 (3,167) 23,214 20,047 - 278,145 1,270,583 1,548,728	2024 £ £ 199,484 (4,166) 17,763 13,597 - 213,081 1,057,502 1,270,583	2024 £ £ 199,484 (4,166) 17,763 13,597 - 213,081 1,057,502 1,270,583
			213,081 1,057,502
			1,270,583

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Fylde Coast Women's Aid is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is .

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Management Committee have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Management Committee continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Management Committee in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the Management Committee for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Income from government and other grants is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Housing benefit income is recognised when receivable.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Restricted funds are to be used for the specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets this criteria is identified to the fund, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.

Expenditure that is not covered by restricted funds is met out of unrestricted funds.

Management and administration costs of the company relate to the central costs of management including costs of meetings, audit and statutory compliance.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Land and buildings 2% on cost of buildings - no depreciation on land Property improvement 2% on cost Plant and machinery 20% on cost Fixtures and fittings 20% on cost

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Management Committee are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

Useful economic life of tangible fixed assets

The useful economic life of tangible fixed assets is judged at the point of purchase and reviewed at each financial reporting date. This judgement is based upon the trustee's extensive knowledge of the industry in which the company operates and of the individual assets. As standard buildings and property improvements have a useful life of 50 years and fixtures and fittings 5 years.

Impairment of tangible fixed assets

At each balance sheet date, the trustees undertake an assessment of the carrying amounts of tangible fixed assets, based upon their knowledge of each item, to determine whether there is any indication that the assets have suffered an impairment loss. Where necessary, an impairment charge is recognised within the financial statements.

3 Income from donations and legacies

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	funds	funds
	2025	2024
	£	£
Donations and gifts	19,460	25,450

4 Income from investments

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	funds	funds
	2025	2024
	£	£
Interest receivable	23,214	17,763

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5	Other income
		Unrestricted	Unrestricted
		funds	funds
		2025	2024
		£	£
	Other income	2,482	4,722
6	Charitable activities
		2025	2024
		£	£
	Service charges	1,585	8,744
	Performance related grants	1,021,180	922,605
	Charitable rental income	147,028	140,756
	Grants received from Supporting People	142,527	121,358
		1,312,320	1,193,463
	Analysis by fund
	Unrestricted funds	163,613
	Restricted funds	1,148,707
		1,312,320
	For the year ended 31 March 2024
	Unrestricted funds		200,486
	Restricted funds		992,977
			1,193,463

7	Net movement in funds	2025	2024
		£	£
	The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
	Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements	4,200	3,600
	Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets	11,222	10,595
	Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets	-	557

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8 Management Committee

No remuneration was paid to any of the trustees during the year.

9 Support costs allocated to activities

Support costs allocated to activities
Depreciation Governance costs Analysed between: Charitable activities	2025 £ - 18,514 18,514 18,514	2024 £ 557 17,795
		18,352
		18,352

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

10 Charitable activities

	Direct	Direct
	charitable	charitable
	expenditure	expenditure
	2025	2024
	£	£
Staff costs	906,845	844,054
Rent	29,021	26,574
Rates	9,920	6,499
Insurance	17,338	16,946
Heat & light	41,094	20,268
Repairs and maintenance	55,059	72,889
Postage, stationery and advertising	2,642	5,188
Telephone	32,062	27,059
Travelling expenses	5,168	5,439
Children's activities	196	532
Training and hospitality	5,573	11,547
Sundry	23,229	23,531
Subscriptions	2,983	1,818
Bank charges	838	987
Other charitable expenditure	250	-
	1,132,218	1,063,331
Share of governance costs (see note 9)	18,514	18,352
	1,150,732	1,081,683
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds	42,195	106,672
Restricted funds	1,108,537	975,011
	1,150,732	1,081,683

The management committee are of the opinion that the majority of expenditure including wages, is directly related to charitable activities.

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

	2025	2024
	Number	Number
Women's refuge workers	41	38

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

12 Employees Employment costs Wages and salaries Other pension costs	(Continued) 2025 2024 £ £ 860,546 790,508 46,299 53,546 906,845 844,054	(Continued) 2025 2024 £ £ 860,546 790,508 46,299 53,546 906,845 844,054
		844,054

The full time equivalent staff numbers for the year being 31 (2024 :29).

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:

Aggregate compensation 13 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2024 Depreciation charged in the year At 31 March 2025 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024	2025 £ 64,278 Land and buildings Property improvement Plant and machinery Fixtures and fittings £ £ £ £ 209,862 57,271 29,946 52,515 - - - 3,167 209,862 57,271 29,946 55,682 12,185 29,024 29,928 41,565 4,197 1,145 - 5,880 16,382 30,169 29,928 47,445 193,480 27,102 18 8,237 197,677 28,247 18 10,951	2024 £ 90,657
		Total £ 349,594 3,167
		352,761
		112,702 11,222
		123,924
		228,837
		236,893

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

14 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Notes Other taxation and social security Government grants 16 Accruals and deferred income 16 Government grants Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows: Deferred income is included within: Current liabilities Movements in the year: Deferred income at 1 April 2024 Released from previous periods Resources deferred in the year Deferred income at 31 March 2025 17 Analysis of net assets between funds	2025 £ 56,920 13,443 70,363 2025 £ 10,848 70,813 17,952 99,613 2025 £ 70,813 25,000 (25,000) 70,813 70,813	2024 £ 74,005 13,789
		87,794
		2024 £ 11,626 25,000 17,075
		53,701
		2024 £ 25,000
		45,000 (45,000) 25,000
		25,000

Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2025 2025 £ £ At 31 March 2025: Tangible assets 164,010 64,827 Current assets/(liabilities) 1,329,192 190,286 1,493,202 255,113	Total 2025 £ 228,837 1,519,478
	1,748,315

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

17	Analysis of net assets between funds			(Continued)
		Unrestricted	Restricted	Total
		funds	funds
		2024	2024	2024
		£	£	£
	At 31 March 2024:
	Tangible assets	165,986	70,907	236,893
	Current assets/(liabilities)	1,160,642	144,036	1,304,678
		1,326,628	214,943	1,541,571

The level of unrestricted funds has increased in 2024/25 and, as detailed in Note 21, an element of these funds has been designated for renovations and improvements to both the premises at Montague Street and the refuges that the charity is responsible for maintaining. Allowing for this, the level of unrestricted reserves is equivalent to over 12 months full expenditure which is in excess of the financial policy. The Management Committee will consider utilising some of the unrestricted funds for one-off projects during 2025/26, with a particular focus on the impact that the current cost of living crisis may be having on families, and will potentially utilise some funds to continue certain projects as restricted grant funding comes to an end.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

		Movement in funds	Movement in funds				Movement in funds	Movement in funds
	Balance at	Incoming	Resources	Transfers	Balance at	Incoming	Resources	Transfers	Investments		Balance at
	1 April 2023	resources	expended		1 April 2024	resources	expended		gains/losses	31	March 2025
	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£	£		£
Fixed assets	77,599	-	(6,692)	-	70,907	-	(6,080)	-	-		64,827
Lancashire County Council
(MHCLG)	86,206	126,311	(155,876)	-	56,641	124,486	(93,311)	-	-		87,816
Henry Smith	6,024	60,000	(64,253)	-	1,771	75,000	(52,341)	-	-		24,430
Blackpool Medium High IDVA
Contract	18,825	216,517	(232,394)	-	2,948	182,143	(262,239)	77,149	-		-
Supporting People	-	121,359	(121,359)	-	-	-	-	-	-		-
Garfield Weston	-	-	-	-	-	26,667	(26,667)	-	-		-
National Lottery Community
Fund	-	-	-	-	-	20,000	(20,000)	-	-		-
PCC Lancashire	8,323	-	-	-	8,323	-	-	-	(8,323)		-
Supporting People MASH	-	-	-	-	-	142,527	(142,527)	-	-		-
Safenet	37,296	92,730	(85,807)	(37,296)	6,923	77,103	(63,508)	-	-		20,518
CYP	27,296	122,219	(116,026)	(27,296)	6,193	32,682	(28,279)	-	8,323		18,919
OPCC	-	22,079	(22,079)	-	-	159,315	(164,983)	-			(5,668)
Wyre Housing	-	35,709	(35,709)	-	-			-	-		-
Safenet Healthy Relationships	-	43,256	(26,614)	-	16,642	45,348	(68,134)	-	-		(6,144)
Victim Support IRIS	-	20,612	(19,808)	-	804	25,962	(26,766)				-
Blackpool Council Changing
Futures	-	71,668	(56,995)	-	14,673	98,886	(36,411)	(77,149)	-		-
Blackpool Council Safer
Streets	25,907	-	-	(25,907)	-	-	-	-	-		-
Community Foundation	-	46,737	(20,119)	-	26,618	84,326	(78,872)	-	-		32,072
Clothworkers	-	11,281	(11,281)	-	-	-	-	-	-		-
CrisisFunding	-	2,500	-	-	2,500	17,350	(17,350)	-	-		2,500
Blackpool Childrens Fund	-	-	-	-	-	1,053	(1,053)	-	-		-

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Restricted funds

Restricted funds Wyre Household Funding Domestic Abuse Housing Support	- - 287,476	- - 992,978	- - (975,012)	- - (90,499)	- - 214,943	2,500 - 33,359 (20,016) 1,148,707 (1,108,137)	- - -	(Continued) - 2,500 - 13,343 - 255,113	(Continued) - 2,500 - 13,343 - 255,113
									255,113

The purpose of the main restricted funds are as follows:-

MHCLG - to cover extra hours in refuge, a Complex needs project worker and a refuge Safeguarding Officer. DCLG - household support funding during Covid.

Health IDVA - salary funding Supporting People - refuge funding

Henry Smith - to support children and young people (aged 8 to 18) who are at risk of sexual exploitation and online grooming. Safenet - two grants for Healthy Relationship group work in schools and outreach work.

CYP - two projects for work with children and teenagers concerning domestic abuse. Blackpool Council Changing Futures - support for multi-discipline clients. Blackpool Council Keyworker - salary funding for keyworker Blackpool Council Safer Streets - two full time workers to collaborate with Blackpool Council. Clothworkers - refurbishment of new head office building.

Transfer from restricted funds to unrestricted funds are to replace monies spent from unrestricted funds after grant funding has been approved but the grants have not been received.

Two funds were temporarily in deficit at the year end pending receipt of funds.

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19	Retirement benefit schemes
		2025	2024
	Defined contribution schemes	£	£
	Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes	46,299	53,546

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

20 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

21 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

Property renovation General funds Previous year: Property renovation General funds	At 1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended £ £ £ 64,600 - - 1,262,028 208,769 (42,195) 1,326,628 208,769 (42,195) At 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended £ £ £ 64,600 - - 1,029,780 248,421 (106,672) 1,094,380 248,421 (106,672)	Transfers At 31 March 2025 £ £ 15,400 80,000 (15,400) 1,413,202 - 1,493,202 Transfers At 31 March 2024 £ £ - 64,600 90,499 1,262,028 90,499 1,326,628	Transfers At 31 March 2025 £ £ 15,400 80,000 (15,400) 1,413,202 - 1,493,202 Transfers At 31 March 2024 £ £ - 64,600 90,499 1,262,028 90,499 1,326,628
			1,326,628

The Management Committee have designated the funds shown for the ongoing renovation works at Montague Street, the charity's operational base, and for capital works at the refuges for which it is responsible.

22 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.

23 Operating lease commitments

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FYLDE COAST WOMEN'S AID

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year 24 Cash generated from operations Surplus for the year Adjustments for: Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities (Gain)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets Movements in working capital: Decrease in debtors Increase in creditors Increase/(decrease) in deferred income Cash generated from operations	2025 £ 26,458 2025 £ 206,744 (23,214) - 11,222 17,433 100 45,813 258,098	2024 £ 31,282 2024 £ 159,715 (17,763) 557 10,596 53,730 12,649 (20,000) 199,484

• 26 -