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2020-12-31-accounts

Company Registration Number: 02824893 Charity Registration Number: 1024948

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE'S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Executive Committee and 1 - 2
Advisers
Executive Committee's Report 3 - 7
Independent Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements 8 - 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Statement of Cash Flows 14
Notes to the Financial Statements 15 - 33

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Executive Committee Simon Prosser
Tish Andrewartha, Treasurer
Lucy Freeman
Nicolas Kent
Nikita Lalwani
Baroness Jane Susan Campbell (appointed 1 July 2020)
Sonali Naik
Canon Mark Oakley, Chair
Sally Sampson (resigned 1 July 2020)
Kamila Shamsie (resigned 1 July 2020)
John Reid
Domino Pateman
William Coales
Company registered
number
02824893
Charity registered
number
1024948
Registered office
Liberty House
26-30 Strutton Ground
London
SW1P 2HR
Company secretary
Martha Spurrier
Independent auditors
MHA MacIntyre Hudson
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
6th Floor
2 London Wall Place
London
EC2Y 5AU

Page 1

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Bankers

Royal Bank of Scotland 25 Millbank London SW1P 4RB CAF Bank PO Box 289 West Malling Kent ME19 4TA Scottish Widows Bank plc 67 Morrison Street Edinburgh EH3 8YJ Nationwide International Limited Kings Park Road Moulton Park Northampton NN3 6NW

Page 2

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A company limited by guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The Committee which is the Board of Directors of the Charity for company law purposes and Trustees for Charity law purposes (hereafter referred to as the Board) submits its annual report and financial statements for the Civil Liberties Trust for the year. The Board confirms that the annual report and financial statements of the Charity comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charity’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102)’.

1. MISSION AND VALUES

The Charity’s objects are:

1 To promote human rights (as set out in the Human Rights Act 1998, the European Convention on Human Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent United Kingdom legislation and international treaties and conventions to which the United Kingdom is party) for the benefit of the public throughout the United Kingdom by all or any of the following means:

(i) Obtaining redress for the victims of human rights abuses;

(ii) Monitoring, investigating and documenting human rights abuses;

(iii) Eliminating infringements of human rights;

(iv) Conducting or commissioning research into human rights issues

(v) Providing technical advice to government and others on human rights matters;

(vi) Providing legal advice, assistance and representation to individuals or organisations on human rights issues, including before the European Court of Human Rights;

(vii) Promoting the sound administration of human rights law and advising on the institutions, structures and mechanisms by which human rights law is enforced;

(viii) Commenting on proposed human rights legislation and policy;

(ix) Raising awareness of human rights issues;

(x) Promoting public support for human rights;

(xi) Promoting respect for human rights among individuals, corporations and public authorities;

(xii) Training the judiciary, lawyers, public authorities, campaigners, service providers and the public in human rights law;

(xiii) Providing free advice and information to the public on human rights issues.

2 the relief of poverty by providing legal advice, assistance and representation to members of the public

3 To advance the education of the public in the rights, liberties and duties of all citizens and public servants by publications, lectures or other similar forms of communication or by conducting or commissioning research (and publishing the results of such research).

In furtherance of that object but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power to engage in political activity provided that the Trustees are satisfied that the proposed activities will further the purposes of the Charity to an extent justified by the resources committed and the activity is not the dominant means by which the Charity carries out its

Policy for furthering objects

The Charity’s policy is to further its objects principally by funding National Council for Civil Liberties (“Liberty”) to carry out charitable work in these areas, although he CLT would also accept applications from other organisations if the proposal fit with the missions and values of the CLT and could not be performed by the National Council for Civil Liberties. This policy is reviewed annually by the Board. The Charity has no staff of its own, but commissions work from Liberty. The Charity and Liberty have an arm’s length relationship.

Page 3

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A company limited by guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE’S REPORT

Achievements and performance

The Board’s main objective for the year was to maximise the funding directed towards the charitable work of Liberty. There is a formal application and reporting process between Liberty and the Charity which ensures funding from the Civil Liberties Trust is only spent on charitable activities. This process is signed off by the Board and reviewed on an ongoing basis. Once a grant has been approved, the charity then receives regular updates and a formal written report form Liberty annually at the July meeting. With support from the Charity, Liberty was able to continue challenging discrimination and infringements of our freedoms. The Charity has been:

Further information can be found in the audited statutory report and accounts of Liberty.

The Board confirms that they have paid due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. The benefits of the Charity’s activities are demonstrated in the impact of the charitable aspects of the work of Liberty, by, for example:

The benefits of the charitable work carried out through funding to Liberty are not restricted to any particular section of the public and are available to a large number and wide range of people. The charitable activities delivered through Liberty, particularly the dissemination of information about human rights, have significant reach and impact, comparable to that of much larger organisations.

The Charity has again attracted significant grant and donation income from a diverse range of funders, and the Charity has been able to increase its spending on charitable activities in 2020.

Page 4

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A company limited by guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The Charity owns its property on Strutton Ground in the heart of Westminster, and in the interest of long-term financial stability, the Board wishes to hold the bulk of its funds in property, which provides capital growth. On 1st May 2019, the Charity Commission authorised the Charity to lease this property to Liberty for a term of seven years, at an annual peppercorn rent of £1. This means that the Charity no longer receives significant rental income on the property, but the costs to Liberty have reduced, which in turn reduces the amount of funding required by the Charity to Liberty. The Board consider that the current peppercorn rent allowed to Liberty furthers the CLT’s charitable objects, and that the property is held for charitable activities. The property is unencumbered. Liberty is the Charity’s tenant at the Strutton Ground premises, which has enabled Liberty to expand its range of activities and be more effective at existing activities.

The Charity is committed to protecting the privacy of our supporters. We have a ‘Supporter Promise’ outlining how we protect the data and privacy of our supporters. We take a highly responsible approach towards communicating with individuals, ensuring that their preferences are accurately recorded and that they are always respected. We are mindful of the needs of vulnerable people, protecting them from unreasonable intrusion.

We have an up-to-date privacy policy and ensure we are complying with the GDPR, using informed content for all our communications except postal mailings. We adhere to the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice. We have strict donor due diligence and wealth screening policies in place and our Board oversee our work to make sure our fundraising activities are compliant with all relevant rules and regulations, remain ethical and deliver to high standards. The Charity does not employ any external agencies or bodies to carry out fundraising on its behalf.

Grant making policy

The Charity makes grants to achieve its objects for the public benefit. The Charity’s aim is to promote human rights and to relieve poverty by providing advice, assistance and representation to members of the public. The Charity does not advertise its grant making program, and currently only issues grants to Liberty. However, the Charity reviews this policy on a regular basis.

Risks

The Board has considered the risks to which the Charity is exposed and has taken steps to mitigate those risks. The major financial risks (a decline in voluntary income and/or unexpected major repairs to the Charity’s property) have been mitigated by the Charity’s reserves policy, which will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis. Trustees also monitoring fundraising progress during the year and are prudent in their grant funding of Liberty to ensure that they fund within their means. These financial risks are the principal risks the Charity faces. In terms of non-financial risks, these largely concern the potential barriers to effective impact of the funding provided to Liberty – including infrastructure failures, focus and external events.

Plans for future periods

The Board’s key objective over the next year will be to continue to provide funding to Liberty so that is continues to achieve its objects through the work of Liberty that is considered to be charitable.

Key activities for the coming year include: fighting the government’s plans to ‘reform’ the HRA and reduce other constitutional protections, challenging the government’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic and plans to limit protest, developing a campaign on building safer communities and reducing over-policing; continuing our campaigns against the use of facial recognition technology and unjustified data sharing between public services and the Home Office; developing our work on mental health law and disability rights, and continuing to tackle the criminalisation of poverty. We will of course also continue our proud history of reactive work on core issues such as privacy, counter-terrorism, access to justice and discrimination.

Page 5

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A company limited by guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The Charity will undertake these key activities through funding Liberty’s charitable work. This includes £275,000 which has already been designated to Liberty for 2021. These funds are intended to make a significant contribution towards the salaries and associated costs of key staff working across on the key areas outlined above, and to the support functions which enables Liberty to carry out this work. A detailed grant application will be reviewed in July, with the expectation that the funds will be released at this point.

Since the end of the 2019, the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic has been declared. This has had a significant health effect in almost all areas of the world, has, and will continue to have a large impact on the global economy. The Charity is aware that Liberty has faced a change in priorities and an increase in work due to the unexpected challenges that this virus, and associated Government responses have brought. The Charity will continue to fund Liberty’s charitable work in these areas. Short term, the Charity’s income has not yet been affected, but we are aware that there may be some medium-term effect on donor income, as individuals are impacted by loss of jobs and income. We are in regular contact with our contacts at Trusts and Foundations and will be updating our annual and long-term forecasts on a more regular basis as we receive further information.

3. FINANCIAL REVIEW

Income from grants, donations and legacies increased in 2020 to £1,375,435 and total income increased from £1,346,742 to £1,378,108. The principle source of this increase was our grant income. During the year we gained some new grant funders including Luminate.

Total expenditure exceeded income by £362,032 at the year end compared to a surplus of £179,694 in 2019.

The Charity holds fixed assets at a value of £2,155,280, in respect of the building and there was a designated fixed asset reserve of the same amount at 31 December 2020.

Reserves

The Board requires the Charity hold reserves in order to cover the Charity’s fixed annual expenses in case of reduction in funding, and to mitigate any risks in terms of repairs on its property. In order to provide for the mitigation of these risks, the reserves policy of the Charity requires a minimum general fund of £185,000, and a maximum of £250,000.

As at 31 December 2020, the general fund was at £202,105. The Trustees consider this level of reserves to be adequate in the light of this policy

The general fund balance at 31[st] December 2020 was £202,105, down from £233,904 in 2019. This balance represents the Charity’s free reserves.

4. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Charity acts principally through Liberty (the National Council for Civil Liberties), which provides administrative services, to the Charity and whose Director is the Secretary of the Charity. Staff costs are not recharged to the CLT by Liberty. The Charity operates independently from Liberty making its own decisions.

The Trustees consider that the Key Management Personnel of the Charity comprise the Trustees and certain members staff whose time is recharged to the Charity from Liberty. The Trustees of the Charity are not remunerated, therefore the estimated the time spent on implementing the Trustees strategic decisions has been classified as the amounts payable to Key Management Personnel. The remuneration policy of these staff is set by the Directors of Liberty.

Page 6

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A company limited by guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Liberty is a national membership organisation campaigning for human rights and civil liberties. Although not a Charity itself, Liberty carries out work in the areas of the promotion of human rights, legal advice and assistance, research and the dissemination of information, all in accordance with our charitable objects as set out above. The Charity provides grant funding to Liberty so that it can carry out these charitable activities.

The Charity is managed by the Board which meets three times a year and has no staff of its own. The Charity is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 8 June 1993. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Articles of Association state that its Board includes the Chair and two other members of the Board of Directors of Liberty (and that one of the Charity’s Board members is also a member of the Executive Committee of Liberty). Other Board members are appointed from among those known to support the Charity’s objects at the Annual General Meeting.

New Trustees are provided with the governing documents of the Charity, and an overview of the Charity, including the structure, decision making mechanisms, the responsibilities of Trustees, freeholder responsibilities, and details of funding, including crowdfunding and legacies.

Trustees receive further information on their obligations as Trustees throughout the year.

Trustees are selected by way of recommendation from staff or existing Trustees. The Chair of the CLT and the Liberty Director meet with potential Trustees for an informal interview and, if both parties believe a relationship would be beneficial, details of potential Trustee’s experience is circulated, and their appointment is nominated and seconded by the Board.

The Trustees’ Annual report was approved and authorised for issue by the Committee Members on and signed on their behalf by Mark Oakley.

On behalf of the Committee

………………………………… Mark Oakley, Chair Date: 1 July 2021

Page 7

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Civil Liberties Trust (the 'Charity') for the year ended 31 December 2020 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of 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:

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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 Executive 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 charitable company'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 Executive Committee with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 8

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (CONTINUED)

Other information

The Executive Committee are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Executive Committee's Report, other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

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

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Executive Committee's Report.

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

Page 9

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (CONTINUED)

Responsibilities of the Executive Committee

As explained more fully in the Statement of Executive Committee's Responsibilities, the Executive Committee (who are also the Directors of the charitable company for the purposes 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 Executive 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 Executive Committee are responsible for assessing the charitable company'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 Executive Committee either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' 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 Auditors' 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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are Capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.

Page 10

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (CONTINUED)

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 Auditors' 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 its Members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Stuart McKay BSc FCA DChA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of

MHA MacIntyre Hudson

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 6th Floor 2 London Wall Place London EC2Y 5AU

Date: 13/07/2021

Page 11

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Note
Income from:
Donations, legacies and grants
4
Charitable activities
6
Investments
7
Other income
8
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
9
Charitable activities
10,11
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
425,682
-
2,673
-
428,355
55,182
735,205
790,387
(362,032)
2,994,417
(362,032)
2,632,385		 Restricted
funds
2020
£
949,753
-
-
-
949,753
-
949,753
949,753
-
67,319
-
67,319		 Total
funds
2020
£
1,375,435
-
2,673
-
1,378,108
55,182
1,684,958
1,740,140
(362,032)
3,061,736
(362,032)
2,699,704		 Total
funds
2019
£
1,263,825
76,859
5,748
40
1,346,472
92,788
1,073,990
1,166,778
179,694
2,882,042
179,694
3,061,736

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 15 to 33 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 02824893

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
16
Current assets
Stocks
17
Debtors
18
Cash at bank and in hand
24
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
19
Net current assets
Total net assets
Funds
Restricted funds
20
Unrestricted funds
20
Total funds		 2020
£
13,031
206,921
1,500,251
1,720,203
(1,175,779)		 2020
£
2,155,280
2,155,280
544,424
2,699,704
67,319
2,632,385
2,699,704		 2019
£
13,031
131,850
1,830,242
1,975,123
(1,123,900)		 2019
£
2,210,513
2,210,513
851,223
3,061,736
67,319
2,994,417
3,061,736

The Executive Committee acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Executive Committee and signed on their behalf by:

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

Mark Oakley Chair Date: 1 July 2021

The notes on pages 15 to 33 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
23
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment income
7
Net cash provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
24
The notes on pages 15 to 33 form part of these financial statements.		 2020
£
(332,664)
2,673
2,673
(329,991)
1,830,242
1,500,251		 2019
£
318,307
5,748
5,748
324,055
1,506,187
1,830,242

Page 14

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1. General information

The Civil Liberties Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered with the Registrar of Companies (Company Registration Number 02824893) and the Charity Commission (Charity Registration Number 1024948) in England and Wales.

The address of the registered office is given in the Charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The Members of the Charity are the Executive Committee named on page 1. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per Member of the Charity.

The nature of the Charity’s operations and principal activities is to promote domestic human rights, promote international human rights, relieve poverty through legal advice and advance the education of the public on their rights and liberties.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The Civil Liberties Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis and are presented in sterling which is also the functional currency of the Charity and rounded to the nearest pound.

2.2 Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Executive Committee believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Executive Committee have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for at least 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The level of reserves is sufficient with the budgeted income and expenditure for the Charity to be able to continue as a going concern.

Page 15

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

For donations to be recognised the Charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfillment of those conditions is within the control of the Charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.

Grants are accounted for in the period specified for their use by the donors provided that any conditions for receipt have been met. Where grants are received with an implicit or explicit restriction as to the timing of the activities funded, the income is recognised in accordance with that restriction.

Gifts in kind donated for resale are included at fair value, being the expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale. When estimating fair value is practical upon receipt such gifts are recognised in stock and 'Income from other trading activities'.

On receipt, donated services are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

Page 16

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. All expenditure is categorised under one of the following headings:

The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grants. Where grants are conditional relating to performance then the grant is only accrued when any fulfilled conditions are outside the control of the Charity.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.5 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.6 Taxation

The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Page 17

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £800 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

At each reporting date the Charity assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Freehold property - 50 years
Refitting costs - 10 years

Freehold land is not depreciated.

The Charity's property is rented to the National Council for Civil Liberties. The primary purpose of holding the property is to provide an effective home for National Council for Civil Liberties, which delivers most of The Civil Liberties Trust's charitable work, rather than to provide an income. The Executive Committee therefore considered that the property is correctly classified as a functional tangible asset rather than an investment property.

2.8 Stocks

Stocks are comprised of donated goods that are unsold at the year-end and are included at their fair value as described in Accounting Policy 2.3.

2.9 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.10 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Page 18

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.11 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.

2.12 Financial instruments

The Charity does not have a material holding in complex financial instruments. The Charity only holds basic Financial Instruments. The financial assets and financial liabilities of the Charity are as follows:

Debtors – trade and other debtors (including accrued income) are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 18. Prepayments are not financial instruments.

Cash at bank – is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.

Liabilities – trade creditors, accruals and other creditors will be classified as financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in Note 19. Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is simply an obligation to deliver charitable services rather than cash or another financial instrument.

2.13 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Executive Committee in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Executive Committee for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to 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 such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Page 19

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

4. Income from donations and legacies

Donations (including gift aid recovery)
Legacies
Grants (Note 5)
Donated services
Total 2020
Donations (including gift aid recovery)
Legacies
Grants (Note 5)
Total 2019		 Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
154,134
96,548
125,000
50,000
425,682
Unrestricted
funds
2019
£
82,030
212,510
177,750
472,290		 Restricted
funds
2020
£
371,420
-
578,333
-
949,753
Restricted
funds
2019
£
311,535
-
480,000
791,535		 Total
funds
2020
£
525,554
96,548
703,333
50,000
1,375,435
Total
funds
2019
£
393,565
212,510
657,750
1,263,825

Page 20

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

5. Analysis of grants receivable

The Allan & Overy Foundation
AB Charitable Trust
The Evan Cornish Foundation
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
Mactaggart Third Fund
The People's Postcode
The Sigrid Rausing Trust
Access to Justice Foundation
Total 2020
The Allan & Overy Foundation
AB Charitable Trust
The Evan Cornish Foundation
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
Mactaggart Third Fund
The People's Postcode
The Sigrid Rausing Trust
Total 2019		 Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
125,000
-
125,000
Unrestricted
funds
2019
£
10,000
-
15,000
-
2,750
-
150,000
177,750		 Restricted
funds
2020
£
10,000
50,000
5,000
30,000
2,000
450,000
11,333
20,000
578,333
Restricted
funds
2019
£
-
22,500
-
7,500
-
450,000
-
480,000		 Total
funds
2020
£
10,000
50,000
5,000
30,000
2,000
450,000
136,333
20,000
703,333
Total
funds
2019
£
10,000
22,500
15,000
7,500
2,750
450,000
150,000
657,750

Page 21

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

6. Income from charitable activities

Rent receivable
Rent receivable
Income from investments

Bank interest receivable
Bank interest receivable		 Unrestricted
funds
2019
£
76,859
Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
2,673
Unrestricted
funds
2019
£
5,748		 Total
funds
2020
£
-
Total
funds
2019
£
76,859
Total
funds
2020
£
2,673
Total
funds
2019
£
5,748

7. Income from investments

Page 22

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

8. Other income

Fire station development
Unrestricted
funds
2019
£
Fire station development
40		 Total
funds
2020
£
-
Total
funds
2019
£
40

9. Analysis of expenditure on raising funds

Direct costs
Donated services
Total 2020
Direct costs
Recharged staff costs
Total 2019		 Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
5,182
50,000
55,182
Unrestricted
funds
2019
£
4,543
88,245
92,788		 Total
funds
2020
£
5,182
50,000
55,182
Total
funds
2019
£
4,543
88,245
92,788

Page 23

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

10. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities - by fund

Summary by fund type

Charitable campaigning
Charitable campaigning		 Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
735,205
Unrestricted
funds
2019
£
276,878		 Restricted
funds
2020
£
949,753
Restricted
funds
2019
£
797,112		 Total
funds
2020
£
1,684,958
Total
funds
2019
£
1,073,990

11. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities - by type

Charitable campaigning
Charitable campaigning		 Grant
funding of
activities
2020
£
1,589,180
Grant
funding of
activities
2019
£
987,112		 Support
costs
2020
£
95,778
Support
costs
2019
£
86,878		 Total
funds
2020
£
1,684,958
Total
funds
2019
£
1,073,990

Page 24

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

11. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities - by type (continued) Analysis of support costs

Depreciation
Premises costs
Governance costs
Other costs
Total
12.
Analysis of grants payable
Grants payable
Grants payable		 Total
funds
2020
£
55,233
30,373
6,836
3,336
95,778
Grants to
Institutions
2020
£
1,589,180
Grants to
Institutions
2019
£
987,112		 Total
funds
2019
£
55,235
12,252
9,408
9,983
86,878
Total
funds
2020
£
1,589,180
Total
funds
2019
£
987,112

Please refer to Note 22 for more information on the nature and recipient of the grant funding.

Page 25

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

13. Governance costs

Auditor's remuneration - Audit of the financial statements
Auditor's remuneration - Preparation of the financial statements
Auditor's remuneration - Other services
Costs relating to prior years
Over accrual of prior year audit fee		 2020
£
4,950
2,100
-
-
(214)
6,836		 2019
£
4,850
2,000
900
1,658
-
9,408

14. Staff and employee benefits

The Civil Liberties Trust does not employ any staff however, the National Council for Civil Liberties (Liberty) employs staff, some of whom undertake work on behalf of the Charity. The Civil Liberties Trust was recharged a total amount of £NIL during the year (2019: £88,245 plus VAT) for services delivered by the National Council for Civil Liberties staff as they were provided for free; a donated service valued at £50,000 has been recognised instead. All employement tax and other liabilities are borne solely by the National Council for Civil Liberties. The Charity estimates that £NIL (2019: £17,593) of the recharged staff cost represents amounts payable for Key Management Personnel.

15. Executive Committee's remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Executive Committee received any remuneration or other benefits (2019 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 December 2020, no Executive Committee expenses have been incurred (2019 - £NIL) .

Page 26

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

16.
Tangible fixed assets
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2020
At 31 December 2020
Depreciation
At 1 January 2020
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2020
Net book value
At 31 December 2020
At 31 December 2019
Freehold land with a cost of £531,379 (2019: £531,379) is not being depreciated.		 Freehold
land and
buildings
£
2,752,132
2,752,132
541,619
55,233
596,852
2,155,280
2,210,513
17. Stocks
2020 2019
£ £
Donated goods for resale 13,031 13,031

All stock held is art that was donated to The Civil Liberties Trust, with proceeds restricted to the National Council for Civil Liberties. During 2020, none of the art (2019: none) was sold but it continues to be held as stock. No further provisions were made for the impairment of slow-moving stock (2019: £NIL).

Page 27

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

18. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2020
£
5,356
195,062
6,503
206,921		 2019
£
10
128,629
3,211
131,850

Included within Other debtors is £91,908 relating to legacies (2019: £41,449), the income for which we expect to receive in 2021.

19. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Amounts payable to Liberty
Other taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Deferred income
Deferred income at 1 January
Resources deferred during the year
Amounts released from previous years
Deferred income at 31 December		 2020
£
-
484,763
497
690,519
1,175,779
2020
£
654,170
667,837
(654,170)
667,837		 2019
£
99,336
359,896
-
664,668
1,123,900
2019
£
675,003
654,170
(675,003)
654,170

Deferred income relates to grant income received that relates to the next financial year in accordance with the accounting policy on income.

Page 28

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

20. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Fixed asset reserve
Designated for Liberty
General funds
General fund
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Other charitable campaigning work
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
January
2020
£
2,210,513
550,000
2,760,513
233,904
2,994,417
67,319
3,061,736		 Income
£
-
-
-
428,355
428,355
949,753
1,378,108		 Expenditure
£
(55,233)
(275,000)
(330,233)
(460,154)
(790,387)
(949,753)
(1,740,140)		 Balance at
31
December
2020
£
2,155,280
275,000
2,430,280
202,105
2,632,385
67,319
2,699,704

Page 29

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

20. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Fixed asset reserve
Designated for Liberty
General funds
General fund
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Other charitable campaigning
work
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 January
2019
£
2,265,748
-
2,265,748
543,398
2,809,146
72,896
2,882,042		 Income
£
-
-
-
554,937
554,937
791,535
1,346,472		 Expenditure
£
(55,235)
-
(55,235)
(314,431)
(369,666)
(797,112)
(1,166,778)		 Transfers
in/out
£
-
550,000
550,000
(550,000)
-
-
-		 Balance at
31
December
2019
£
2,210,513
550,000
2,760,513
233,904
2,994,417
67,319
3,061,736

The purpose of the fixed asset reserve is to represent the amount of the Charity's unrestricted funds which are tied up in tangible fixed assets. The expenditure in the year reflects the depreciation charge during 2020.

The CLT has designated £550,000 to be granted to Liberty equally in 2020 and 2021 to fund Liberty’s ongoing charitable work. It is expected that this grant will of make a significant contribution towards the salaries and associated costs of key staff working across on the key areas outlined above, and to the support functions which enables Liberty to carry out this work.

During the year, grants and donations were received which contained restrictions on how they could be expended. Income and expenditure relating to these is shown in restricted funds.

Page 30

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

21. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
Tangible fixed assets
2,155,280
Current assets
1,652,884
Creditors due within one year
(1,175,779)
Total
2,632,385
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
Unrestricted
funds
2019
£
Tangible fixed assets
2,210,513
Current assets
1,975,123
Creditors due within one year
(1,191,219)
Total
2,994,417		 Restricted
funds
2020
£
-
67,319
-
67,319
Restricted
funds
2019
£
-
-
67,319
67,319		 Total
funds
2020
£
2,155,280
1,720,203
(1,175,779)
2,699,704
Total
funds
2019
£
2,210,513
1,975,123
(1,123,900)
3,061,736

Page 31

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

22. National Council for Civil Liberties

Grants payable
Core charitable work
Other Liberty charitable campaigning		 2020
£
500,000
1,089,180
1,589,180		 2019
£
40,000
947,112
987,112

As explained in the Executive Committee Report, the Charity works extensively with the National Council for Civil Liberties to carry out its charitable programme. Other charitable campaigning was funded by specific grants and donations received for that purpose.

At the year-end, £484,763 (2019: £359,896) was payable to the National Council for Civil Liberties as shown in Note 19.

The National Council for Civil Liberties occupies the Charity's property. On 1st May 2019, the Charity Commission authorised the Charity to lease this property to Liberty for a term of seven years, at an annual peppercorn rent of £1. The current peppercorn rent allowed to Liberty furthers the CLT’s charitable objects, and that the property is held for charitable activities.

23. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/expenditure for the period (as per Statement of
Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
16
Investment income
7
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
18
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
19
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities		 2020
£
(362,032)
55,233
(2,673)
(75,071)
51,879
(332,664)		 2019
£
179,694
55,235
(5,748)
267,936
(178,810)
318,307

Page 32

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

24. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents		 2020
£
1,500,251
1,500,251		 2019
£
1,830,242
1,830,242

25. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand At 1
January
2020
£
1,830,242
1,830,242		 Cash flows
£
(329,991)
(329,991)		 At 31
December
2020
£
1,500,251
1,500,251

26. Related party transactions

Other than Key Management Personnel remuneration disclosed in Notes 14 and 15, there have been no related party transactions during the year.

Page 33