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2023-12-31-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 2023

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 - 8
Statement of Executive Committee's Responsibilities 9
Independent Auditors' Report on the Financial Statements 10 - 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14
Balance Sheet 15
Statement of Cash Flows 16
Notes to the Financial Statements 17 - 36

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 2023

Executive Committee Christina Blacklaws, Chair
Letitia Corinna Andrewartha, Treasurer (appointed Vice Chair from 28 June 2023)
Baroness Jane Campbell
Hannah Cox
Nazmin Choudhury (appointed 24 October 2023)
Lucy Freeman (resigned 11 December 2023)
Aidan Joseph Geary (appointed 28 June 2023)
Emma Higham (appointed 7 December 2023)
Thomas Holland (appointed 18 December 2023)
Nikita Lalwani (resigned 13 February 2023)
Alastair Livesey (appointed 19 December 2023)
Ian McDougall (appointed 24 October 2023)
Helen Moulinos
Pratheeban Nambyiah (appointed 24 October 2023)(resigned 17 June 2024)
Patricia Tuitt
Nicholas Turner (appointed 24 October 2023)
Company registered
number
02824893
Charity registered
number
1024948
Registered office
Liberty House
26-30 Strutton Ground
London
SW1P 2HR
Company secretary
Martha Spurrier (resigned 18 March 2024)
Jenny Beardsley (appointed 18 March 2024)
Independent auditors
MHA
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
6th Floor
2 London Wall Place
London, United Kingdom
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 2023

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 2023

The Executive 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 ended 31 December 2023. 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)’.

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 objects.

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 the Civil Liberties Trust (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 2023

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 from Liberty annually. With support from the Charity, Liberty was able to continue challenging discrimination and infringements of our freedoms. The Charity has been:

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 despite total income showing a reduction compared to the previous year as a result of 2022 including significant non-recurring restricted funding, the Charity has been able to maintain its significant annual spending on charitable activities in 2023.

Page 4

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A company limited by guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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. 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.

Fundraising

We have an up-to-date privacy policy and ensure we are complying with the GDPR, using informed con s ent for all our communications except postal mailings. The Civil Liberties Trust is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and adheres 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 received no fundraising complaints during the period, and should any be received they would be handled with due regard to the related guidance contained in Charity Commission CC20. The Charity does not employ any external agencies or bodies to carry out fundraising on its behalf. As well as funds received in the 2023 year, investment of time in fundraising in this and previous years has seen the securing of £1,000,000 of income which will be received in 2024 year.

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 unless specific public appeals indicated that another organisation would also benefit. 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 are considered to be:

Financial risks are mitigated by the adoption of a prudent reserves policy along with an annual budget. The executive committee reviews financial reports at each meeting and multi-year voluntary income forecasts are reassessed and forecasts updated on a regular basis. The Trustees are prudent in their grant funding of Liberty to ensure that they fund within the Charity’s means. In addition to holding unrestricted reserves the charity has established a designated premises condition fund in order to meet premises obligations over the next five years.

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.

Page 5

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A company limited by guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Plans for future periods

The Board’s key objective over the next year will be to provide funding to Liberty so that the CLT continues to achieve its objects through the work of Liberty that is considered to be charitable. This will be achieved through supporting Liberty in the successful delivery of its strategic plan. Liberty is now in the second year of its five-year strategic plan for 2023 – 2027 which includes the following five strategic objectives:

In 2024, Liberty will focus on three key campaign areas – protest, policing, and the European Convention on Human Rights. Liberty will be taking a digital first approach to communications, testing out new messaging, and working to ensure that Liberty reaches wider audiences. The CLT concurs with these particular areas of focus and will endeavour to provide the necessary support to these campaigns.

We will of course also continue our proud history of providing support for reactive work on core issues such as privacy, counter-terrorism, access to justice and discrimination.

The Charity will undertake these key activities primarily through funding Liberty’s charitable work. This includes a fund which stood at £688,250 on 31 December 2023, which is designated to Liberty, to be granted over the periods between 2024 and 2026 and is focussed on delivering Liberty’s 5 year strategic objectives, which began in 2023. Grants from this fund will be released upon formal application and are subject to annual review.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Total income for the year was £1,819,239 (2022 - £2,385,941 ), a reduction of £566,702 between the two financial years. This was largely due to a fall in legacy income of £305,994, an income source which is erratic by nature, and lower total grant income of £273,776, with 2022 including more than £230,000 of one-off restricted grant income that has now been fully distributed. Grant income continues to be the main source of annual income and the charity is hugely grateful to our principal funding partners and the varied grant funding bodies and donors that support our work.

Total expenditure reduced to £1,949,815 (2021 - £2,192,904) in line with the fall in total grant income.

The resulting negative net movement in funds of £130,576 compares to a surplus of £193,037 in 2022. This outturn was in accordance with budget expectations as the charity released funds from its existing designated fund to Liberty of £226,750 during the year. Note 19 to the accounts analyses reserves by fund in more detail.

The Charity holds fixed assets at a value of £2,021,132, in respect of the land and building, and there was a designated fixed asset reserve of the same amount at 31 December 2023.

Reserves

The Board requires the Charity hold reserves to cover the Charity’s fixed annual expenses in case of a reduction in funding, and to mitigate any risks in terms of urgent repairs on its property. To mitigate these risks, the reserves policy of the Charity requires a minimum general fund of £180,000, and a maximum of £260,000.

Page 6

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A company limited by guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

At 31 December 2023, the general fund (which excludes fixed assets and designated funds) was £300,079, and this represents the Charity’s free reserves. This was above the maximum of the range, however at a meeting of the trustees held on 8 March 2024 the trustees approved to commit the sum of up to £60,000 per annum, over the next two years commencing 2024, towards the employment costs of a new fundraising position at Liberty. Therefore, the trustees consider this level of reserves to be adequate in the light of this policy.

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 of Liberty staff whose time is valued but not recharged to the Charity. It is therefore reported in the financial statements as donated services. The trustees of the Charity are not remunerated, therefore the estimated time spent on implementing the trustees’ strategic decisions by Liberty employees has been classified within donated services. The remuneration policy of these staff is set by the Directors of Liberty.

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 a detailed induction 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 and are encouraged to attend relevant training sessions in the obligations of charity trusteeship.

Potential trustees are sourced using an executive search consultant and on occasions by way of recommendation from Liberty employees 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 Executive Committee.

Following a rebranding exercise on 15 May 2023 the trading name of the company’s independent auditor changed from MHA MacIntyre Hudson to MHA. A resolution to reappoint MHA as independent auditor will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.

Trustees’ Indemnities

Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 every Director (Trustee) or other officer of the Charity shall be indemnified out of the assets of the Charity against any liability incurred in acting in such capacity in successfully defending any proceedings, whether civil or criminal, against them. Subject to certain customary exceptions, a member of the Executive Committee may benefit from indemnity insurance purchased at the Charity’s expense to cover the liability of Directors in respect of any negligence, default, breach of trust or breach of duty in relation to the Charity.

Page 7

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A company limited by guarantee)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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

On behalf of the Committee

………………………………… Letitia Andrewartha Treasurer

Date: 27 June 2024

Page 8

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Executive Committee (who are also the Directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Executive 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 Executive Committee to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Executive Committee must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Executive Committee are required to:

The Executive Committee are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and 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.

In so far as the Executive Committee are aware:

Approved by order of the Members of the Board of Executive Committee and signed on its behalf by:

................................................ Letitia Andrewartha Treasurer Date: 27 June 2024

Page 9

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 2023 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 10

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

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

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. The Executive Committee are responsible for the other information contained within the Executive Committee's 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.

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:

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.

Page 11

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

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

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 extent to which our procedures 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.

Page 12

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

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

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.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's Executive Committee, 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 Executive Committee 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 Executive Committee, 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

Statutory Auditor London, United Kingdom

Date: 02/07/2024

MHA is the trading name of MacIntyre Hudson LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC312313).

Page 13

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations, legacies and grants
4
Investments
6
Other income
7
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
Charitable activities
9,10
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
475,198
30,065
5
505,268
121,298
556,056
677,354
(172,086)
3,409,264
(172,086)
3,237,178		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
1,313,971
-
-
1,313,971
-
1,272,461
1,272,461
41,510
72,896
41,510
114,406		 Total
funds
2023
£
1,789,169
30,065
5
1,819,239
121,298
1,828,517
1,949,815
(130,576)
3,482,160
(130,576)
3,351,584		 Total
funds
2022
£
2,360,884
5,057
20,000
2,385,941
116,244
2,076,660
2,192,904
193,037
3,289,123
193,037
3,482,160

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 17 to 36 form part of these financial statements.

Page 14

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

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

2023 2023 2023 2022 2022
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 15 2,021,132 2,044,812
2,021,132 2,044,812
Current assets
Stocks 16 13,031 13,031
Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year 17 130,717 444,781
Cash and cash equivalents at bank and in hand 22 1,880,893 1,621,820
2,024,641 2,079,632
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 18 (694,189) (642,284)
Net current assets 1,330,452 1,437,348
Total net assets 3,351,584 3,482,160
Funds
Restricted funds 19 114,406 72,896
Unrestricted funds
Designated fixed asset reserve 19 2,021,132 2,044,812
Designated for Liberty 19 688,250 915,000
Premises Condition Fund 19 227,717 250,000
General funds 19 300,079 199,452
Total unrestricted funds 19 3,237,178 3,409,264
Total funds 3,351,584 3,482,160

The Executive Committee acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 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:

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

Letitia Andrewartha

Treasurer

Date: 27 June 2024

The notes on pages 17 to 36 form part of these financial statements.

Page 15

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
21
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment income
6
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
22
The notes on pages 17 to 36 form part of these financial statements.		 2023
£
229,008
30,065
30,065
259,073
1,621,820
1,880,893		 2022
£
851,041
5,048
5,048
856,089
765,731
1,621,820

Page 16

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 17

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 18

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 an unconditional grant is 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 grant. Where the grant is 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 19

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 are 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 consider 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 and cash equivalents at bank and in hand

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

Page 20

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 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 17. Prepayments are not financial instruments.

Cash and cash equivalents at bank and in hand – cash 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 18. 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 21

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.14 Contingent assets

A contingent asset arises where an event has taken place that gives the Charity a possible asset whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or otherwise of uncertain future events not wholly within its control.

Contingent assets are not recognised in the Balance Sheet but are disclosed in the Notes.

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 are discussed below:

4. Income from donations, legacies and grants

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Donations (including gift aid recovery)
51,317
Legacies
115,071
Grants (Note 5)
195,000
Donated services
113,810
Total 2023
475,198		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
222,211
-
1,091,760
-
1,313,971		 Total
funds
2023
£
273,528
115,071
1,286,760
113,810
1,789,169

Page 22

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4. Income from donations, legacies and grants (continued)

Donations (including gift aid recovery)
Legacies
Grants (Note 5)
Donated services
Total 2022		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
54,166
421,065
177,500
110,000
762,731		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
215,117
-
1,383,036
-
1,598,153		 Total
funds
2022
£
269,283
421,065
1,560,536
110,000
2,360,884

Page 23

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5. Analysis of grants receivable

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
The Allen & Overy Foundation
-
AB Charitable Trust
-
Crowdfunder - (Protest Rights)
-
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
-
The People's Postcode
-
The Sigrid Rausing Trust
170,000
Barings Foundation
-
Persula Foundation
-
Sharegift - The Orr Mackintosh Foundation
25,000
Norton Rose
-
Total 2023
195,000
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
The Allen & Overy Foundation
-
AB Charitable Trust
-
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
-
The People's Postcode
-
The Sigrid Rausing Trust
170,000
Barings Foundation
-
Anonymous
-
Persula Foundation
-
Tinsley Charitable
-
Other grants
7,500
Total 2022
177,500		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
6,250
55,000
41,510
36,000
900,000
-
27,000
20,000
-
6,000
1,091,760
Restricted
funds
2022
£
5,000
77,500
30,000
1,137,500
-
100,000
10,536
20,000
2,500
-
1,383,036		 Total
funds
2023
£
6,250
55,000
41,510
36,000
900,000
170,000
27,000
20,000
25,000
6,000
1,286,760
Total
funds
2022
£
5,000
77,500
30,000
1,137,500
170,000
100,000
10,536
20,000
2,500
7,500
1,560,536

Page 24

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6. Income from investments

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Bank interest receivable
30,065
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Bank interest receivable
5,057		 Total
funds
2023
£
30,065
Total
funds
2022
£
5,057
7.
Other income

Rent receivable
Leaseholder payments		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
5
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
20,000		 Total
funds
2023
£
5
Total
funds
2022
£
20,000

Page 25

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Direct costs
7,488
Donated services (see note 13)
113,810
Total 2023
121,298
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Direct costs
6,244
Donated services (see note 13)
110,000
Total 2022
116,244		 Total
funds
2023
£
7,488
113,810
121,298
Total
funds
2022
£
6,244
110,000
116,244

9. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities - by fund

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Charitable campaigning
556,056
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Charitable campaigning
478,507		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
1,272,461
Restricted
funds
2022
£
1,598,153		 Total
funds
2023
£
1,828,517
Total
funds
2022
£
2,076,660

Page 26

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

10. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities - by type

Charitable campaigning
Charitable campaigning
Analysis of support costs
Depreciation
Premises costs
Governance costs (see note 12)
Other costs
Total		 Grant
funding of
activities
2023
£
1,745,637
Grant
funding of
activities
2022
£
1,965,947		 Support
costs
2023
£
82,880
Support
costs
2022
£
110,713
Total
funds
2023
£
23,680
41,459
16,946
795
82,880		 Total
funds
2023
£
1,828,517
Total
funds
2022
£
2,076,660
Total
funds
2022
£
55,234
34,871
18,305
2,303
110,713

Page 27

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

11. Analysis of grants payable

Grants to Liberty's core charitable work
Other grants to Liberty charitable campaigning
Other grants
Total 2023
Grants to Liberty's core charitable work
Other grants to Liberty charitable campaigning
Other grants
Total 2022		 Grants to
Institutions
2023
£
266,750
1,475,865
3,022
1,745,637
Grants to
Institutions
2022
£
185,000
1,771,186
9,761
1,965,947		 Total
funds
2023
£
266,750
1,475,865
3,022
1,745,637
Total
funds
2022
£
185,000
1,771,186
9,761
1,965,947

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

At the year-end, £454,918 (2022 - £417,385) was payable to the National Council for Civil Liberties as shown in Note 18.

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 the property is held for charitable activities.

Page 28

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

12. Governance costs

Auditor's remuneration - Audit of the financial statements
Auditor's remuneration - Preparation of the financial statements
Over accrual of prior year audit fee
Board recruitment
Board meetings and other costs		 2023
£
8,160
3,540
-
-
5,246
16,946		 2022
£
6,682
2,995
(12)
8,640
-
18,305

13. 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. A donated service valued at £113,810 (2022 - £110,000) has been recognised. All employment tax and other liabilities are borne solely by the National Council for Civil Liberties. The Charity estimates that £NIL (2022 - £NIL) of the donated staff cost represents amounts payable for Key Management Personnel.

14. Executive Committee's remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Executive Committee Members, who are considered to be the Key Management Personnel of the Charity, received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 December 2023, no Executive Committee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £NIL) .

Page 29

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15.
Tangible fixed assets
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2023
Net book value
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
Freehold land with a cost of £531,379_(2022 - £531,379)_is not being depreciated.		 Freehold
land and
buildings
£
2,752,132
2,752,132
707,320
23,680
731,000
2,021,132
2,044,812
16. Stocks
2023 2022
£ £
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 2023, none of the art (2022 - none) was sold but it continues to be held as stock. No further provisions were made for the impairment of slow-moving stock (2022 - £NIL).

Page 30

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

17. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
6
127,351
3,360
130,717		 2022
£
3,980
440,801
-
444,781

Included within Other debtors is £77,772 relating to legacies (2022 - £389,022) , the income for which is expected to be received in 2024.

18. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Amounts payable to Liberty
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
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		 2023
£
6,160
454,918
1
-
233,110
694,189
2023
£
196,250
205,000
(196,250)
205,000		 2022
£
430
417,385
581
9,761
214,127
642,284
2022
£
496,171
196,250
(496,171)
196,250

Deferred income relates to grant income received that relates to the next financial year in accordance with the accounting policy on income. See Note 2.3.

Page 31

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

19.
Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Fixed asset reserve
Designated for Liberty
Premises Condition Fund
General funds
General fund
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Other charitable campaigning work
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
January
2023
£
2,044,812
915,000
250,000
3,209,812
199,452
3,409,264
72,896
3,482,160		 Income
£
-
-
-
-
505,268
505,268
1,313,971
1,819,239		 Expenditure
£
(23,680)
(226,750)
(22,283)
(272,713)
(404,641)
(677,354)
(1,272,461)
(1,949,815)		 Balance at
31
December
2023
£
2,021,132
688,250
227,717
2,937,099
300,079
3,237,178
114,406
3,351,584

Page 32

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

19. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Fixed asset reserve
Designated for Liberty
Premises Condition Fund
General funds
General fund
Total Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Other charitable campaigning
work
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 January
2022
£
2,100,046
900,000
-
3,000,046
216,181
3,216,227
72,896
3,289,123		 Income
£
-
-
-
-
787,788
787,788
1,598,153
2,385,941		 Expenditure
£
(55,234)
(85,000)
-
(140,234)
(454,517)
(594,751)
(1,598,153)
(2,192,904)		 Transfers
in/out
£
-
100,000
250,000
350,000
(350,000)
-
-
-		 Balance at
31
December
2022
£
2,044,812
915,000
250,000
3,209,812
199,452
3,409,264
72,896
3,482,160

Page 33

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

19. Statement of funds (continued)

Fixed Asset Reserve

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 2023.

Designated Fund for Liberty

In 2021, the CLT established a designated fund to be granted to Liberty over a five year period from 2022 to 2027. During 2023 the trustees approved an amendment to the proposed payment profile of this fund, so that it would be fully expended by 2026. £226,750 of this fund was granted to Liberty in 2023 and applied towards strategy development and governance. The remainder of the grant will be applied in support of core Liberty activities to deliver its strategic plan over the period 2024 to 2026, subject to annual approval of the release of funding by the CLT Trustees.

Premises Condition Fund

The CLT has established a designated fund towards addressing improvements of the premises at Strutton Ground. This followed a premises condition survey that highlighted the need to plan for potential refurbishment and upgrade works, that as freeholder the CLT may have an obligation to finance over the next ten years. A fund of £250,000 was set aside in 2022 and a total of £22,283 was expended from the fund during 2023.

Restricted Funds

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.

At 31 December 2023, total restricted funds amounted to £114,406. Of this £59,865 were donations received towards the potential the cost liability cap imposed on Liberty by the High Court of Justice in its on-going court challenge to the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. £41,510 were donations received towards a potential cost liability cap imposed on Liberty by the High Court of Justice in Liberty’s on-going court challenge to the Public Order Bill 2023. £13,031 is the fair value of art stock donated to the Civil Liberties Trust.

20. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
Tangible fixed assets
2,021,132
Current assets
1,910,235
Creditors due within one year
(694,189)
Total
3,237,178		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
114,406
-
114,406		 Total
funds
2023
£
2,021,132
2,024,641
(694,189)
3,351,584

Page 34

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
2,044,812
2,006,736
(642,284)
3,409,264		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
-
72,896
-
72,896		 Total
funds
2022
£
2,044,812
2,079,632
(642,284)
3,482,160

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

Net income/expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial
Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
15
Investment income
6
Decrease in debtors
17
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
18
Net cash provided by operating activities
22.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents		 2023
£
(130,576)
23,680
(30,065)
314,064
51,905
229,008
2023
£
1,880,893
1,880,893		 2022
£
193,037
55,234
(5,048)
705,368
(97,550)
851,041
2022
£
1,621,820
1,621,820

Page 35

THE CIVIL LIBERTIES TRUST

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

23. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash and cash equivalents at bank and in hand At 1
January
2023
£
1,621,820
1,621,820		 Cash flows
£
259,073
259,073		 At 31
December
2023
£
1,880,893
1,880,893

24. Related party transactions

There have been no related party transactions during the year (2022 - None) .

25. Contingent asset

The Charity was notified of a legacy in the year, the value of which is estimated to be in the region of £100k - £180k. However, the Charity has not secured sufficient confirmation over its entitlement to the legacy at the year end and as such has not recognised the income in the financial statements. The Charity will continue to investigate the entitlement over the coming accounting period.

Page 36