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← Citizens Advice Solent East

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1039776

Company registration number 02946921 (England and Wales)

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST

(FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH)

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr S Nienaltowski Mr A I Cullen Ms M Wade Ms S T Dhana Mr T A Little Mr P B Brook Mr R Sweatman Mr A Christie Ms L Small Mr R Bosshardt Mr J R Mackay Mr C J H Nicholas Charity number 1039776 Company number 02946921 Registered office Units 2-3 Ark Royal House Winston Churchill Avenue Portsmouth Hampshire PO1 2GF Auditor Sumer Audit Piper House 4 Dukes Court Bognor Road Chichester West Sussex PO19 8FX Bankers National Westminster Bank Plc First floor Bay House North Harbour Business Park Portsmouth Hants PO6 4RS Solicitors Bates Wells & Braithwaite Cheapside House 138 Cheapside London EC2V 6BB

(Appointed 21 October 2024) (Appointed 1 December 2024) (Appointed 1 January 2025) (Appointed 1 January 2025) (Appointed 21 August 2025) (Appointed 21 August 2025)

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) CONTENTS

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

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees, who are also Directors of the Charity for the purposes of the Companies Act, present their report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

The Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in deciding the activities undertaken by our local Citizens Advice during the year. The Trustees are satisfied that the information provided in the report and accounts meets the public benefit reporting requirements.

Following the merger with Citizens Advice Havant on 1 October 2024 and that with Citizens Advice Gosport on 1 July 2025 the three branches of Citizens Advice Solent East operate locally under the names of Citizens Advice Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth.

Objectives and activities

The Charity's objects are to promote any charitable purpose for the public benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress in particular.

Our service is designed to work for a range of needs, including those with the most complex problems to those that are small, but equally important to that individual. We do so for the benefit of the communities of Gosport, Havant and Portsmouth and the surrounding areas, recognising that diversity, equality and inclusion are at the core of our objectives.

All members of Citizens Advice network share the same aims:

Contribution of volunteers

We receive help and support in the form of volunteers who provide advice, information and guidance to clients, but also contribute to various other aspects of administering the charity. In 2024/25 CASE benefited from 98 volunteers many of whom joined CASE on the merger with CAH. On average they contributed 6 hours a week and the annual value of these volunteers is estimated at £385,258. Our continual investment in volunteer development ensures our clients receive quality advice and support. It also has tangible benefits for volunteers and wider society, through happier, healthier and more productive citizens. This is an additional benefit to society, through the way Citizens Advice delivers its service. The main financial arguments cover the public value created through enabling local network volunteers to:

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Achievements and performance

In 2024/25, we helped over 21,000 clients and obtained £8.8m of financial gains for them.

A Successful Integration and Foundation for Growth

The past year has truly been one of transformational change and successful integration for our organisation. On 1 October 2024, Citizens Advice Portsmouth acquired Citizens Advice Havant, culminating in the creation of Citizens Advice Solent East (CASE). This strategic move has proven to be a resounding success, not only strengthening our operational resilience but also blending the complementary strengths of both former organisations, Havant’s position in both their general services delivery and their “Work Out Your Money” project, with Portsmouth’s staff expertise and business capacity. CASE is now a robust, unified entity, continuing to serve our clients locally under the established trading names of 'Citizens Advice Havant' and 'Citizens Advice Portsmouth' while benefiting from shared resources and a wider pool of talent.

Next Steps: Expanding Our Reach Across Solent East.

With the integration successfully completed, we focused on the next phase of our strategy to grow and widen our service provision to the local community. We acquired Citizens Advice Gosport (CAG) on 1 July 2025. This planned expansion represents a strategic step toward creating an even more comprehensive and resilient advice service across the entire Solent East region. By uniting these three dedicated teams, CASE is committed to ensuring highquality, sustainable advice is accessible to more people, reinforcing our core mission in a challenging economic and funding environment.

Factors affecting the achievement of objectives

Funding pressures remain acute. Local authority budgets continue to be constrained, and some of our major contracts have finite terms. We are therefore maintaining a strong focus on diversifying income and increasing unrestricted funding to ensure long-term stability.

Demand for advice continues to grow and often involves complex, inter-related issues. We remain committed to ensuring that no one is turned away, recognising that access to timely, high-quality advice is critical for preventing detriment and upholding our reputation as a trusted and quality-marked generalist advice service.

Our progress would not have been possible without the exceptional commitment of our staff, volunteers, trustees, and leadership team, who have guided the organisation through a period of significant change while remaining focused on our clients.

Financial review

Financial position

The trustees report incoming resources for the year of £1,871,323 (2024: £1,445,044). Of this £1,675,049 (2024: £1,343,073) related to project restricted activities. The charity does not carry out any significant public fundraising activities.

Net incoming resources in the year amounted to £43,457 (2024: £105,707). At 31 March 2025 reserves were £495,745 (2024: £452,288) of which £93,280 (2024: £91,147) represented restricted funds.

Reserves policy

Prior to the acquisition of Citizens Advice Havant, it was the policy of the charity to have unrestricted funds which are not represented by fixed assets or have not been designated for specific use at a level equivalent to between 3-6 months expenditure being approximately £450k to £900k.

The unrestricted reserves at 31 March 2025 stood at £402,465 (2024: £361,141)

With the acquisition of Citizens Advice Havant in 2024/25 the charity has diversified its income sources and this diversification has increased in 2025/26 with the acquisition of Citizens Advice Gosport. The trustees consider that a policy more reflective of the specific risks faced by the charity is now more appropriate

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Future plans

Looking ahead to 2025/26, our priorities are to:

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing document

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was formed on 8 July 1994. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association as amended on 5 November 2002, 4 November 2011, 28 May 2025 and 20 November 2025.

Trustees

Trustees are elected from the membership of the charity. Members wishing to stand as Trustees are nominated by an existing Trustee and names are put forward at the Annual General Meeting for election. The maximum number of Trustees shall be 15 and the minimum shall be 4, being either:

a) elected at the Annual General Meeting and who shall hold office from the conclusion of that meeting; Or

b) Co-opted by the Trustee Board.

Newly appointed Trustees are provided with a comprehensive induction to the charity through the provision of training courses and mentoring by established Trustees.

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

Mr S Nienaltowski Miss L J Burton (Resigned 21 October 2024) Mr A I Cullen Mr R J Emmerson (Resigned 21 October 2024) Mr K Richardson (Resigned 21 October 2024) Mr R N I Townsend (Resigned 19 February 2025) Ms M Wade Ms S T Dhana Mr T A Little Mr A Gilbert (Resigned 5 September 2024) Mr P B Brook Mr R Sweatman (Appointed 21 October 2024) Mr A Gill (Appointed 21 October 2024 and resigned 23 April 2025) Ms T Stakes (Appointed 21 October 2024 and resigned 22 October 2024) Mr A Christie (Appointed 1 December 2024) Ms L Small (Appointed 1 January 2025) Mr R Bosshardt (Appointed 1 January 2025) Mr J R Mackay (Appointed 21 August 2025) Mr C J H Nicholas (Appointed 21 August 2025)

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Membership

In addition to Trustees, the Charity may admit into membership:

a) individuals (over the age of 18 years) who are interested in furthering the work of the Charity and who are not paid or volunteer workers of the Charity; and

b) any body corporate or unincorporated association which is interested in furthering the Charity's work and is admitted to membership by the Trustees (any such body being called a "member organisation").

The Trustee Board may establish criteria for membership and make regulations governing the admission of members.

Organisation structure

Overall control of the charity rests with the Trustee board, with a Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer as officers. Trustees meet as a minimum 4 times a year (quarterly) but review and meet as required with additional meetings organised in accordance with the company articles. The Trustees delegate day-to-day organisational management to the Chief Officer, Sandy Bramley. The Trustee Board is independent from management. A register of members' interests is maintained at the registered office and is available to the public.

Related parties

Citizens Advice Solent East is an independent charity that is a member of Citizens Advice (trading name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux), which provides a framework for standards of advice and casework management as well as monitoring progress against these standards. Operating policies are independently determined by the Trustee Board of Citizens advice Solent East in order to fulfil its charitable objects and comply with the national membership requirements.

The Charity operates from its head office at Ark Royal House and locations in Gosport and Havant.

Risk Management and Strategic Resilience

The trustees have developed a framework with defined risk appetites aligned to the Charity Commissions ‘Charities and risk management’ guidance.

The primary operational and financial risks for Citizens Advice Solent East (CASE) remain tied to the funding environment for key services, notably those related to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) such as Help to Claim and Money Advice. While these contracts often carry 12 or 18-month terms—the standard way the DWP operates—we do not view this as a high risk.

This positive assessment is based on our successful strategy of service diversification, with our current portfolio comprising of around 20 grant contracts from 14 different funders, of which DWP contracts are still a major part, but we are diluting that dependence on the DWP due to the acquisition of Citizens Advice Gosport and Havant and the growth of other contracts.

This strategic approach is now significantly strengthened by our increased geographic coverage, which positions us optimally to secure larger, more regional contracts going forward.

To ensure continuous vigilance, the Trustee Board has dedicated increased focus on Risk and Grant Funding at

every trustee meeting and continuously reviewing mitigation plans.

Building on this momentum, in 2025 we have established a dedicated Governance Risk & Compliance committee. This allows for crucial processes around risk assessment and governance to be further deepened, meeting outside the normal quarterly board timetable.

Finally, CASE continues to actively respond to the broader risks associated with societal challenges, most notably the increasing client need in respect to debt and mental health concerns, through direct, high-quality advice and collaborative partnership work across the Solent East region.

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Sumer Audit be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

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CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees, who are also the directors of Citizens Advice Solent East for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' 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 trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST

Opinion

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

Basis for opinion

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

Conclusions relating to going concern

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

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

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

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and 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.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST

Responsibilities of trustees

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

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

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.

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the charitable company for fraud. We are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. As a result of performing the above, we identified the following areas as those most likely to have an impact on the financial statements: compliance with the UK Companies Act and Charities Act.

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to risks identFfied included the following.- Making enquiries of management about any known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud- Reviewing minutes of meetings of the board and senior management- Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates., and Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing joumal entries aTrJ other adjustments for appropriateness. Due to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that some material misstatements in the financial statements may not be detected, even though the audit is properly planned and performed in accordance with the ISAS (UK). For instance, the further removed non-compliance is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the auditor is to become aware of it or to recognise the non-compliance. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at.. https'.11 .frc.org.ukJauditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the chanty's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Robin Evans BA FCA CTA DChA Isenlor Statutory Audltor) for and on behalf of SumerAudlt Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Piper House 4 Dukes Court Bognor Road Chichester West Sussex P019 8FX SumerAudit Is the trading name of SumerAudit¢o Limited

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
40,969
400
Charitable activities
4
113,807
1,674,649
Investments
5
14,807
-
Other income
6
26,691
-
Total income
196,274
1,675,049
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
7
122,288
1,665,101
Other expenditure
12
20,000
20,477
Total expenditure
142,288
1,685,578
Net income/(expenditure)
53,986
(10,529)
Transfers between
funds
(12,662)
12,662
Net movement in
funds
41,324
2,133
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
361,141
91,147
Fund balances at 31 March
2025
402,465
93,280		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
41,369
9,222
-
1,788,456
84,237
1,343,073
14,807
8,382
-
26,691
130
-
1,871,323
101,971
1,343,073
1,787,389
14,668
1,324,669
40,477
-
-
1,827,866
14,668
1,324,669
43,457
87,303
18,404
-
(3,507)
3,507
43,457
83,796
21,911
452,288
277,345
69,236
495,745
361,141
91,147		 Total
2024
£
9,222
1,427,310
8,382
130
1,445,044
1,339,337
-
1,339,337
105,707
-
105,707
346,581
452,288

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

cmzENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST IFORMERLY KNOWN AS cmzENS ADVICE PORTShK)UTH) 8ALAIKE SHEET AS Af 31 AIARCH 2025 14 J.4 1S ?8.$•2 .221 475.•QJ 122 521 46 581 4•2.31• 427242 •JS 746 •) )J1 141 495 745 452 21• -23 IoL6

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
24
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Investment income received
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayment of borrowings
Net cash generated from/(used in)
financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2025
£
(1,650)
14,807
35,000
(17,500)		 £
78,028
13,157
17,500
108,685
397,221
505,906		 2024
£
(28,119)
8,382
-
(6,000)		 £
56,370
(19,737)
(6,000)
30,633
366,588
397,221

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Citizens Advice Solent East is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Units 2-3, Ark Royal House, Winston Churchill Avenue, Hampshire, Portsmouth, PO1 2GF.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's articles of association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.

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

1.2 Going concern

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

Based on these assessments and having regard to the resources available to the entity, the trustees have concluded that there is no material uncertainty and that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

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

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

1.4 Income

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

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

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

Goods, facilities and services in kind are included at their estimated open market valuation.

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

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. 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 are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

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

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

Fixtures and fittings 25% Reducing balance Computers 33% Straight line

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

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

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

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

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

1.9 Financial instruments

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

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

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

Basic financial assets

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

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

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

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

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

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

1.10 Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense.

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

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

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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

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

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
30,317
400
Donated goods and services
10,650
-
40,967
400		 Total Unrestricted
funds
2025
2024
£
£
30,717
222
10,650
9,000
41,367
9,222		 Total Unrestricted
funds
2025
2024
£
£
30,717
222
10,650
9,000
41,367
9,222
9,222

Donated goods and services

Portsmouth City Council provides the premises at Portsmouth from which the charity operates at a reduced rent. The assistance for the year has been valued at £9,000 (2024: £9,000).

The charity also received donated assets of £1,650 during the year.

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Provision of advisory
services 113,807 1,674,649 1,788,456 84,237 1,343,073 1,427,310

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 14,807 8,382

6 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Other income 26,691 130

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 1,559,561 1,187,082
Depreciation and impairment 2,794 13,677
Staff and volunteer costs 22,380 15,056
Premises costs 49,006 38,726
Disbursements, bank charges and miscellaneous (9,337) 2,747
Legal and professional fees 11,000 7,000
1,635,404 1,264,288
Grant funding of activities (see note 8) 3,980 -
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support 127,802 68,536
Governance 20,203 6,513
1,787,389 1,339,337
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 122,288 14,668
Restricted funds 1,665,101 1,324,669
1,787,389 1,339,337

8 Grants payable

Charitable
activities
2025
£
Grants to individuals 3,980

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9 Support costs allocated to activities

Office costs
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Charitable activities
Governance costs comprise:
Audit fees
Accountancy
Legal and professional
Trustee expenses		 2025
£
127,802
20,203
148,005
148,005
2025
£
4,422
1,602
14,107
72
20,203		 2024
£
68,536
6,513
75,049
75,049
2024
£
4,224
1,656
633
-
6,513

All support costs incurred in the current and comparative years are attributed to office costs and are allocated on a direct cost basis to charitable activities.

Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £4,422 (2024: £4,224) for audit of the financial statements.

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

During the year trustee office expenses of £126 (2024: £107) were reimbursed to two trustees (2024: one trustee).

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
65 50

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
1,427,726
1,087,401
101,908
82,634
29,927
17,047
1,559,561
1,187,082		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
1,427,726
1,087,401
101,908
82,634
29,927
17,047
1,559,561
1,187,082
1,187,082

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:

2025 2024
Number Number
£60,001 to £70,000 - 1
£70,001 to £80,000 1 -

Contributions totalling £1,321 (2024: £1,321) were made to defined contribution pension schemes on behalf of employees whose emoluments exceed £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.

Aggregate compensation
Other expenditure
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Net loss on disposal of
tangible fixed assets
-
20,477
VAT provision
20,000
-
20,000
20,477		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
2025
2024
£
£
20,477
-
20,000
-
40,477
-		 2025
£
131,738
Restricted
funds
2024
£
-
-
-		 2024
£
69,622
Total
2024
£
-
-
-

12 Other expenditure

13 Taxation

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

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

14
Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures and
fittings
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
10,308
Additions
1,650
Disposals
(5,868)
At 31 March 2025
6,090
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
2,576
Depreciation charged in the year
2,792
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(2,704)
At 31 March 2025
2,664
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
3,426
At 31 March 2024
7,732
15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Borrowings
Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 Computers
£
33,638
-
(33,638)
-
16,324
-
(16,324)
-
-
17,314
2025
£
89,982
1,000
17,952
108,934
2025
£
17,500
51,952
9,299
7,299
36,471
122,521		 Total
£
43,946
1,650
(39,506)
6,090
18,900
2,792
(19,028)
2,664
3,426
25,046
2024
£
28,336
-
50,246
78,582
2024
£
-
19,847
9,598
2,991
16,125
48,561

Deferred income of £3,750 (2024: £nil) was fully released during the period, and £16,686 (2024: £3,750) of resources have been deferred in the year.

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

17 Loans and overdrafts

Loans and overdrafts
Other loans
Payable within one year		 2025
£
17,500
17,500		 2024
£
-
-

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. Some of the restricted funds are in deficit at 31 March 2025 due to them being ongoing projects and further funds will be received for them in the 2025/26 financial year to clear the deficits.

Access to Justice
Veterans Covenant
Translation
Civic Hardship Portsmouth
Veterans Foundation
Force for Change
Help to Claim
HIWCF Winter Hardship
Home and Well
British Red Cross
National Lottery
Scams CENF
Vivid Housing
Macmillan Hampshire
MaPS
PCC - Generalist
PCC - Multiply
Digital Exclusion
Energy Reach Community
Project
Blagrave
Community - across Hampshire
The National Lottery
Community Fund
Southern Health Foundation
Trust
HBC Core grant
Older People
Foodbank		 At 1 April
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
11,325
89,575
(96,459)
-
55,029
(54,129)
2,585
3,750
(3,724)
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
21,000
(21,000)
-
7,390
(7,390)
46,496
645,263
(665,761)
-
1,200
(1,200)
3,044
67,331
(58,045)
1,608
-
(1,608)
5,697
-
-
-
12,035
(11,910)
-
3,000
(3,000)
6,705
110,275
(124,275)
13,687
327,549
(328,789)
-
50,500
(48,485)
-
50,835
(49,695)
-
7,908
(7,649)
-
23,058
(15,505)
-
5,000
(5,000)
-
58,750
(57,905)
-
32,977
(29,092)
-
-
352
-
75,555
(63,283)
-
4,390
(9,757)
-
21,679
(21,269)
91,147
1,675,049
(1,685,578)		 Transfers
At 31 March
2025
£
£
-
4,441
-
900
-
2,611
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
25,998
-
-
-
12,330
-
-
-
5,697
-
125
-
-
7,295
-
-
12,447
-
2,015
-
1,140
-
259
-
7,553
-
-
-
845
-
3,885
-
352
-
12,272
5,367
-
-
410
12,662
93,280		 Transfers
At 31 March
2025
£
£
-
4,441
-
900
-
2,611
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
25,998
-
-
-
12,330
-
-
-
5,697
-
125
-
-
7,295
-
-
12,447
-
2,015
-
1,140
-
259
-
7,553
-
-
-
845
-
3,885
-
352
-
12,272
5,367
-
-
410
12,662
93,280
93,280

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18
Restricted funds
Previous year:
Access to Justice
Forces for Families
Translation
Veterans Covenant
Force for Change
Help to Claim
HIWCF
Home and Well
British Red Cross
National Lottery
Scams CENF
Macmillan Hampshire
MaPS
Montague Neville Durnford & St
Leo Cawthan
NHS Portsmouth CCG
P&W Trust
Cost of Living
PCC - Debts & benefits
PCC - Generalist
PCC - Multiply		 At 1 April
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
10,917
64,875
(64,467)
-
2,000
(2,000)
5,207
2,250
(4,872)
-
16,336
(16,522)
-
7,390
(7,700)
23,931
512,323
(489,758)
4,441
1,000
(7,664)
-
35,902
(32,858)
-
66,484
(64,876)
-
74,300
(68,603)
-
12,035
(13,361)
-
79,358
(72,653)
-
338,019
(324,332)
-
5,000
(5,050)
-
19,055
(19,055)
588
-
-
15,000
-
(15,000)
9,152
24,416
(33,568)
-
32,570
(32,570)
-
49,760
(49,760)
69,236
1,343,073
(1,324,669)		 (Continued)
Transfers
At 31 March
2024
£
£
-
11,325
-
-
-
2,585
186
-
310
-
-
46,496
2,223
-
-
3,044
-
1,608
-
5,697
1,326
-
-
6,705
-
13,687
50
-
-
-
(588)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,507
91,147

Access to Justice - Access to Justice was received from the Community Justice Fund to improve access to advice particularly in relation to Welfare Benefits and Employment specialist advice services.

Forces for Families - Forces for Families was received from Citizens Advice for Armed Forces Veterans Pilot Project.

Translation - Funds were received from Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Community Foundation to provide translation services to service users.

Civic Hardship Portsmouth - Funds were received from Armed Forces Covenant for the Forces Home Straight Project.

Veterans Foundation - Funds were received from Veterans Foundation to support AF serving personnel, veterans and their families experiencing housing & homelessness issues, or transitioning to civilian society.

Force for Change - Funds were received from Portsmouth Covenant Fund for the Armed Forces Force for Change Project.

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Home and Well - Home and Well was received from Citizens Advice Hampshire to provide an advisor for a Hampshire-wide service that aims to address the impact of cold homes, reduce water usage and bills.

British Red Cross - Funds were received from the British Red Cross to fund our specialist immigration advice service.

National Lottery - National Lottery funds were received for Holistic Debt Advice Services.

Scams CENF - Funds were received form the Police and Crime Commissioner for a SCAMS prevention project.

Vivid Housing - Funds were received from HIWCF to support VIVID tenants with specialist debt advice.

MaPS - MaPS funding was received from Citizens Advice to support the provision of money advice services to the public. This consisted of face-to-face, web and telephone sessions.

HIVE Discretionary Grant - The Social Development Fund was received from the HIVE in the previous year for

the provision of small grants to clients in need.

PCC - Generalist - Portsmouth City Council provided funds to assist people in Portsmouth at risk of financial hardship who would benefit from money advice. Further funds were provided to deliver a targeted numeracy provision to adults aged 19 and above.

PCC - Multiply - Portsmouth City Council provided funds to assist people in Portsmouth at risk of financial hardship who would benefit from money advice. Further funds were provided to deliver a targeted numeracy provision to adults aged 19 and above.

Energy Reach Community Project - Havant Energy Efficiency Project to help consumers save money.

Energy Advice Project - Havant Energy Efficiency Project to help consumers save money.

Blagrave - Havant Work out your Money Age 16 - 25.

Community - across Hampshire - Havant - Relates to project delivery to Jan-25, shared with 4 other LCAs in Gosport, Eastleigh, Totton and Andover,

The National Lottery Community Fund - Portsmouth - Cost of Living specific fund.

Southern Health Foundation Trust - Partnering with CA Winchester, Basingstoke and Southampton. Multi-year contract.

HBC Core Grant - Funds were received from Havant Borough Council to provide a holistic advice service to

people who live or work in the Borough.

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

18 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Veterans Covenant - Funds were received from Portsmouth Covenant Fund for the Armed Forces Force for Change Project.

NHS Portsmouth CCG - NHS Portsmouth CCG funds were used to cover the cost of a project worker, offering home visits for debt and generalist advice to families with children undergoing palliative care.

PCC - Debts & benefits - Portsmouth City Council provided funds to assist people in Portsmouth at risk of financial hardship who would benefit from money advice. Further funds were provided to deliver a targeted numeracy provision to adults aged 19 and above.

19 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 361,141 196,272 (142,288) (12,662) 402,463
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 277,345 101,971 (14,668) (3,507) 361,141

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by:
Tangible assets
-
3,426
Current assets/(liabilities)
402,465
89,854
402,465
93,280		 Total
2025
£
3,426
492,319
495,745

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

20 Analysis of net assets between funds (Continued)
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Tangible assets - 25,046 25,046
Current assets/(liabilities) 361,141 66,101 427,242
361,141 91,147 452,288

21 Operating lease commitments

Lessee

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

Within one year
Between two and five years
In over five years		 2025
£
26,844
96,190
17,333
140,367		 2024
£
24,426
20,292
-
44,718

22 Events after the reporting date

On 1 July 2025, a merger transfer was completed of Citizens Advice Solent East and Citizens Advice Gosport. Both entities share the same charitable aims. All assets, liabilities, staff and volunteers were transferred to Citizens Advice Solent East.

23 Related party transactions

CASE provided senior management services of £25,625 (2024 - £10,155) to Citizens Advice Gosport during the year.

CITIZENS ADVICE SOLENT EAST (FORMERLY KNOWN AS CITIZENS ADVICE PORTSMOUTH) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

24 Cash generated from operations 2025 2024
£ £
Surplus for the year 43,457 105,707
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities (14,807) (8,382)
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 20,476 -
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 2,792 13,677
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in debtors (30,352) (41,910)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors 56,462 (12,722)
Cash generated from operations 78,028 56,370
25 Analysis of changes in net funds
At 1 April 2024 Cash flowsAt 31 March 2025
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 397,221 108,685 505,906
Loans falling due within one year - (17,500) (17,500)
397,221 91,185 488,406