REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03267791 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1059064 ort of the Trustees and Audited Financial Statemenls for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 for The Chester Link an ited b Guaranlee Acom
The Chester Link Contents of the Financial Slatements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Page Reference and Administrative Details Report of the Trustees Report of the Independent Auditors Statement of Financial Activities 12 Balance Sheet 13 to 14 Cash Flow Statemeni 15 Noie5 to the Cash Flow Statement l6 Notes to the Financial Statements 17 to 24 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 25
The Chester Link Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31 March 20?5 TRUSTEES R J Causer (Chairnian) K A Robertson H Caley M T Mannion I P Spink (Treasurer) GRDick EPOffer l Matson COMPANY SECRETARY K A Robertson REGISTERED OFFICE Suite l B Third Floor 10 St John Street Chestcr Cheshire CHI IDA REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER Oi267791 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1059064 AUDITORS Johnstone Howell & Co Statutory Auditors 104 Whitby Road Ellesmere Port Cheshire CH65 OAB SOLICITORS Aaron and Partners 5-7 Foregate SITeet Chester CHI IHG Page I
The Chester Link Re ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The trustees who are also directors of the charity foT ihe purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their Teport with the fJnan¢ial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The tstees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities." Statement of Recommended Prdctice applicable to charitie5 PTepaTing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019). Page 2
The Chester Link ort of the Trnstees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aim5 Mission Statement Chester Link supports individuals with learnino disabilities to lead independent and lfIllIn0 lives by facilitsting and providing person-centred high quality care. The strateoic aims are to: Ensure that our rn05t important responsibility is to service users. Work to promote the independence. choices, rights and responsibilities of service users. We will listen to service users lo develop and provide services, activities, support and opportunities that are ITJ direct response to their expressed or identified needs. We will enstwe that service users are involved in the decisions ihat affect them wherever possible. We will encouraoe service users to speak up on their own behalf and use Advocacy Services as appropriate. Value our staff, ensuring that they are well trained, infornied and involved in the organisation's development, ensuring that we follow best practice. Involve service users, families because it is fundam¢nlal to the way we work. Work within a framework of regularly reviewed policies. infornied decision Making, and high quality, professional stsndards of service delivery. Work in partnership with other organisations to secure the best response to the needs of our service users. The Charitable Company supports seventeen people in properties in Chester and WinsfoTd. At all properties, a staff team is employed on a rota to ensure the provision of support services that are tailor made lo meet the needs of each service user. The houses are run as shared horne5, With service users, where they can, taking responsibility for their share of tasks to promote independence. Service users are charged for the services they receive and use their benefits to pay for supported accommodation and care. Main objectives and outcomes for the year 202412025: Main outcomes The company is back to a financial surplus, that is very much due to (he ongoing focus on our financial spend and overall perfornianee from the Treasurer and Chief Officer and the leadership team. The company remains open to consider all business opporninities which meet with our strategic direction aTJd objectives. continued thanks to all our partner companies and contractors who work with us to deliver services in a safe, sustainable and secure manner. Finally, the trustees wish to continue to recognise the contribution by the Chester Link leadership team for their significant work during the year. They work with flexibility lo fill in statTino shorta(pes and support the delivery of a safe and secure service in often challenging circumstances which is testament to the commitment, loyalty and resolve of all in the team. Particular mention again to Anna Maclese, our Chief oificer for her leadership and total professionalism in delivering our services set against the wider challenges for health and social care. Service users Emphasis continues to be on the improvements of services to service users as iheir individual needs and abilities Chanoe. The company offers to provide service users with three services, Housino Care and Support. The service at Winsford ha5 only care and support provided wilh a close working relationship with a housing association who provide the housing, and a linked SLA is in place between the two parties. One service in Chester is in a propety owned by a charitable trust with Chester Link beinLT responsible ftir the care and the day-to-day maintenance of the building. Staff manatse changes in the availability of services frorn outside agencies on an ongoing basis. The company continues to work with Cheshire West and Chesler Council and Wirral Council.
The Chester Link ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The company has a strategy to enhance the quality of service userfs accommodation through its cyclical maintenance programme, which includes upJtt ades to bedroom and baihroom facilities for service users and to maintain the high standard of generdl up keep of the properties. The Housing Coordinator is responsible for housing manaoement activities. Service users maintain their own independent livinu supported by our staff. This results in individual and small group holidays being taken ihrouJout the year, 5UPPOrted by a regular programme of activities for those service users who wish lo participate. These have been undertaken In the Chester Link properties and within the wider community. Staff Siaff teams continue to be stable witl) some chantses in year. The company's staff turnover is below the average tUTnover of social care staff across the seclorlcountry although recruitment pressures continue to be felt during the year in some houses. The company places great importance on rhe investment in staff education, trainino and staff development. This has demonstrable benefits to the needs of service users. Cliester Link is now a registcred training ccntrc and are approved to qualify slaff at Levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 in health and social care, leadership and management. This is led by ihe Training Coordinalor. This is an investment in ihe quality of training as we can ensure that the qu81if)calions are tailored to the service we deliver. All staff have their own personal development plans ihat are used to direct individual training prograiiimes to meet their needs. These plans are the basis under which staff receive continuous professional development as well as coinpanywide training on subject5 such as medicines manageinent. Under the direction of our Chief Officer and Registered Manager, the Care and Staffing C(rdInal0TS manaoe the daily activities of service users and staff. Operational policy docurnents required by employment, housing, and care and support agencies continue to be subject to review in line with the company's policy review timetable. Management Service users and staff teams have regular meetings and each Service Team meets regularly with their Lead Support Worker and representatives from the management team. The minutes of all sets of meetinos are suinmarised, and any emerging issues are shared with the sub committees and full Board to enable immediate concerns to be addressed. The 5ub-cominittees are led by trustees, they meet and prepare reports for the full board of Trustees a5 required. Public Benefit The trustees confirni tliat tliey have referred to the guidance coniained in Ihe Charity Commission's general guidance on Public Bencfit whcn rcvicwing the chariry's aims and objectives and in planning its future activities. Page 4
The Chester Link ort of ihe Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Financial Position The Trustees Thote the financial results of the year. This year has seen again a surplus of income s¢t against overall expenditure levels. The company maintains a programme of refurbishment and upgrades to property to maintain the high standards the company has set for accommodation and to maintain its services throughout. The company continues to face and manage the challenges of increased staffing cosls including uplifts to Naiional Insurance, hioh aDency costs, and cost of living increases in utilities and food. The company retains its commitment in investino in hioh quality staff training far above the mandatory levels set. and is bespoke around the needs of the Service users. The Charity had total incomino resources in the year of £1,850,997 (2024 £1,751,721) and resources expended of £1,784,662 (2024- £1,659,367) which has resulted in nel incoming resources of £66,335 {2024 - nei incoming resources of £92,354). The Trustees consider that the income resources in the foreseeable fun]re will finance the ordinary aciivities of the Cliarity. Resources expended The provision of accoinmodation and support services for our service users is the expenditure of the Charity. A mort¥oage loan. from the charity's bankers CAF Bank pl¢. is secured on one freehold propety. No grants were made from the Capital Support Fund during the year. Reserves Policy The Trustees have reviewed the reserves of ihe charity. This review encompassed the nature of ihe income and expenditure of the charity, and the need io match variable income iviih fixed coinmitments and the nature of the reserves. The review concluded that to allow Ihe charity to be managed efficiently and to provide a buffer for uninterrupied services, free reserves equivalent to between £150,000 to £200,000 should be mainiained. During the year the chariry's general reserves have increased to £1,566,867 at the year end. The trustees regularly review the charitys reserve requirements to ensure that Ihey are in line with the charitys activities and provide cover for the growth in annual expenditure. Ineome generation and reserves Inci)me generation The charity receives its income either directly from ihe service users or from Cheshire West and Chester Council and Wirral Council. Donations from individuals and charilies continue to be received and Chester Link is grate1 for all donaiions received. In 2024125 the company continued with some limited fundraising to oenerate additional funds for service usel5 activities, with the annual Christmas raffle being ihe main fvndraising activity. Corporate priorities for 202412025 and beyond In May 2016 the company finished a ihree-year business planning process which was supported by a volunteer from Chester Voluntary Action and a full report wa5 received and approved by the Board in May 2016. Given the ever changing business environment the Board agreed that the Business plan required to be refreshed and working with Chester Voluntary Action a new volunteer was identified who agreed to support the BoaTd in this task which was undertaken during the 2019120 financial year. A new summary set of business objectives was received by ihe board for rther development. A 11 board session took place in 2023 and in October 2024 a further review and business plannino session took place to review progre55 against actions and this work remains a focus for the 1] board moving forward into 202512026. The company continues to seek new business opportunities with partners and families to develop its services. Page 5
The Chester Link ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee incorpornted on 24 October 1996. It is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. At the trustees, Board meeting of the 9 May 2016 the trustees aJo eed to change the articles of association which were originally established on the 24 October 1996 to the following words which now more accurately reflect the company's work. Its original objects are: (a) the relief of persons with learnino difficulties in the City of Chester and its environs (the area), and of the families of sucli persons, in particular throuJ the promotion and provision of supported accommodation. and (b) the promotion and provision of educaiion and trdining facilities for persons witli learning ditTiculties in the area, particularly facilities which lead to self-reliance and independent living within the community. A change to the company's objects were approved at the September 2016 AGM and remain as: (a) the relief of persons with learning disabililies, and of the families of such persons, in particular through the promotion and provision of supported accommodation. and (b) the promotion and provision of care and support for persons with learning disabilities, particularly facilities which lead to self-reliance and independent living within the community. Election and Role of Trustees The charity has adopted the Trustee Model" whereby the charity's trustees are the voting members of the organisation and the Board of Directors. New trustees are supported through an induction process. whi¢h includ¢s a presentation, planned visits to each department of the organisation. plus written material giving additional background inforniation and outlining the responsibilities as a trustee. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall oovemance and direction of the charity, With day-lo-day operational managemeni delegated to the Chief Officer. Mrs Anna Macle5e. The truslee directors meet three/four times each year and at other limes as the business demands. No dire¢torltrustee has any beneficial interest in the company. The subscribing members of the company undertook to contribule £1 each in the event of a winding up. Governance and Structure ThL' charity continues to review its structure to ensure it fits its service users, needs and day to day operational pressures. The current leadership structure is as follows: Leadership structure Tlie company now employs over 60 staff in full time. part tirne and relief basis. The Chief OITJcer is responsible for all day-to-day operational management. There are four coordinating managers, the Care, Staff, Training and Housing Coordinator5 all report to the Chief Offjcer. Lead Support Workers covering the newly fornied four rnain operational areas of the company's business are in post to support the day-to-day and on call duties with the leadership ieam. In addition, there is a bank of dedicated and experlenced Relief Support Workers, the company also employs Admin staff and with their dedicated company bookkeepeT to an outsourced provider. The company employ5 a CQC Registered Manager who is responsible for the day-to-day care and support services. Board and subcommittee structure The Board is supported by four sub-committees (Care and Suppor¢ Housing, Finance and Service Development) that fonnally report ¢0 the Board, comprising a number of ttvstees. the Chief OtTicer and relevant coordinating managers as required.. These sub committees are planned ro meet three times per year or more frequently to meet the company's business requirements. Page 6
The Chester Link Re ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended i l March 2025 STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Internal Control The trusiees have overall responsibility for ensuring that the charity has appropriate systeins of control, financial and otlierwise. They are also responsible for keeping proper accountino records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable ihem 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 IEasonable sieps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other i¢gUlaritIeS and to provide reasonable assurance that: The charity is operating etyiciently and effectively" Its assets are safeguarded against unauthorised use or disposition. Proper records are maintained and financial inforn)ation used within the chaTity or for publication is reliable. The charity complies with relevant laws and regulations. The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable, but not absoluie, assurance against material misstatement or loss. They include: A straregic plan and annual budget approved by the trustees. Regular consideration by the trustees of financial resulis. variance from budgets, non-financial perforniance indicators and benchmarking reviews. Delegation of authority and segregalion of duties. Id¢ntifieation and management of risks. Quality Assur8n¢e Tl)e company is Tegistered with Ihc Care Quality CoTnmission (CQC) and after an announced inspection on the 21 Septeinber 2018 a report was received on 24 October 2018 rating the CoMpanS activities as overall "good" and in the five domain areas of inspection also rated as 'good" The ¢ompany is registered and approved by The Cheshire West and Chester Council as a provider of care and support, the company is also registered by Wi)Tal Council. Risk Assessment The trustees have a fornial risk management process, including a risk regisier, to assess business risks and implement risk management strategies. This involves identifying the types of risks tlie charity faces. prioritising them in terms of potential impact and likelihood of occurrence. and identifying means of mitigating the risks. As part of this process. the trustees continue to review risk elements of the company's activities during the year which included the adequacy of the charity's current internal controls. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees (who are also the directors of The Chester Link for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial 5laternents in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law require5 the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generdlly Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they oive a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incorning resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees aTe required to selecl suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and PTudent' slate whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departure5 disc105ed and explained in the financial statements. prepare ihe financial statements on the (voino concern basis unless it 15 inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business, Page 7
The Chester Link Re rt of the TTUStee5 for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES- continued The trustees aTe responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financia] position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the fjnancial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeouardintt the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable step5 for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the trustees are aware: there is no relevant audit infonnation of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware. and the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit infonnation and to establish that the auditors are aware of that inforn]alion. AUDITORS The audiiors, Johnstone Howell & Co. will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meetin Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, a5 the company directors, on 20 October 2025 and signed on the board's behalf by: M3. LL Ir. fytyisLn Wmortlrfn - Trustee Co. SeQ
Re ort of the Inde endent Audito to the Trustees of The Chester Link Opinioll We have audited the financial Statements of The Che5t¢r Link (th¢ 'charilable company,) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Siatement of Financial Activities. the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and no1¢5 to the financial statements. includints a summary of significant accountino policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accountints Practice). In our opinion the financial statements-. oive a true and fair view of the State of the charitable companYs affairs as at i l March 2025 and of its incoining resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year tlien ended, have been properly prepared in accordance wilh United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prnctice. and have been prepared in accordance with the reguirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinioTh We conducted our audit in accordance with International Slandards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are fvrther described in the Auditors. responsibilities for the audit of the financial slalements section of our report. We are independenl of the charirable company in accordance with tlie eihical requiremenis 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 tl)at Ihe audit evidence we have obtained is sutTicient and appropriate lo provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In audiling the financial slalernents, we have concluded that the trustees, use of ihe going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have perfornied. we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable companys ability to conlinue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are auihorised for issue. Our Tesponsibilities and ihe responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in ihe relevant sections of Ihis report. Other informatlon The trustee5 are responsible for the other inforniation. The other inforniaiion comprises the inforniation included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors Ihereon. Our opinion on the financial stateinents does not cover the other inforniation and, except lo the exteni othenvise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any forni of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other inforn]ation and. in doing so, consider whetlier the other inforniation is materially inconsistent with the financial slatcmcnts or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. Ef we idcnlify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements. we ar¢ required to dctcrniine whether tllis gives rise to a material misstatement in the fLnancial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have perforned, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other inforn]ation, we are required io report that fact. We have nothing to report in thi5 regard, Matters on which we are required to report by exception We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in OUT opinion-. the infonnation given in the Report of the Trustees is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial staternents; or the charitable company has not kept adequate accounting record5: or the financial slatements are not in aoreement with the accountino records and returns. or we have not received all the infomiation and explanations we require for our audit.
ort of the Ind endeni Auditors to the TnteeS of The cheer Litlk Responsibilities of trustee5 As explained more llY in the Statement of Trustees, Rc5ponsibilities. the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the PUTP05es 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 deterniine 15 necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements thal are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing. as applicable, matter5 related to goino concern and using the goino concern basis of accounring unless the trustees either intend to liquidate Ihe charitable company or to cease operations. or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial slatements We have been appointed as audilors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 201 l and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulaiions 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 OT error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasenable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guaraniee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misslatement whcn 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 ¢conomic decisions of users taken on thc basi5 of these financial statements. The exteT]t to which our procedures are capable of detec¢ing I¢gUlarItIes, including fraud is detailed below: We (rained an understanding of th¢ legal and regulatory framework applicable to the charitable company and the industry in which it operates, and considered the risk of acts by the charitable company thai were contrary to applicable laws and regulations. including fraud. We designed audit procedures to respond to the risk, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material Inisstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. We focu5sed on laws and regulations which Could give rise to a material misslalcmcnl in the financial stalements, includin bul not limited to, the Companies Act 2006 and UK tax legislalion. Our lests included agreeing the financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation and enquiries wilh managernent, There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and, the fvrther removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transacrions reflcctcd in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of il. We did not identify any key audit matters relatints io ]egularitieS, including fraud. A5 in all our audits. we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including testing journa15 and evaluating whethei. there was evidence of bias by the trustees that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud. We also communicated relevant identified laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members who were all deemed to have appropriate compclenLe and capabilifies. and remained alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit. A further description of our responsibilities for the audil of ihe financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's web51te at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description fornis part of our Report of the Independent Auditors. Page 10
ort of the Inde endent Auditors to the Trustees of The Chester Link Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable compan> s trustees. as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulaiions 2008. OUT audil work has been undertaken so ihat we might state lo the charitable company's trustees those matters we are required 10 state io them in an auditors, report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extenl pern]itted by law, we do not accept OT assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's trustees as a body, for our audil work, for this report, or for the opinions we have fornied. for and on behalf of Johnstone Howell & Co Statutory Auditors Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 ofihe Companies Act 2006 104 Whiiby Road Ellesmere Port Cheshire CH65 OAB 20 October 2025 Pagell
The Chester Link Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 Total funds 2024 Total funds Unrestricl¢d funds Restricted fund Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 3,760 3,760 566 Charitable aetivities Residents, contributions 1,844,055 1.844.055 1,750,636 Investment income 3,182 3,182 519 Total 1,850.997 1,850,997 1,751,721 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Staff costs Household expenses Governance Support costs Mortgage interest Raised funds expended 1.491,919 196.117 23,586 60,074 1,867 1,099 .491,919 196,117 23,586 60,074 11,867 1,099 1,409,730 152,218 24.055 59,061 12,320 ,983 Total 1,784,662 1,784.662 1,659,367 NET INCOME Other recognlsed gainsl(losses) Gains on revaluation of fixed assets 66,335 66,335 92,354 i5,136 35,136 Net movement in funds 101,471 101,471 92,354 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1,845,477 1,845,477 1,753,123 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,946,948 1,946,948 1,845,477 The notes foTm part of these financial slatements Page 12
The Chester Link Balance Sheet 31 March 2025 2025 Total funds 2024 Total nds Unrestricted funds Restricted fund Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 1,880,000 1,880,000 1,844,864 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 12 87.841 354,454 87.841 )54,454 125,998 207.049 442,295 442,295 333,047 CREDITORS Ainounts falling due within one year 13 (135.454) (135,454) (83,261 } NET CURRENT ASSETS 306,841 306,841 249.786 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,186,841 2,186,841 2,094,650 CREDITORS Amounts falling due after more than one year 14 (239,893) (239.893) (249,173) NET ASSETS 1,946,948 1.946,948 1,845,477 FUNDS Unrestricted funds.. General fi]nd Revaluation Reserve Designated Financial Support fund 17 1.566,867 375,539 4.542 1,500.532 340.403 4,542 1,946,948 1,845,477 TOTAL FUNDS 1,946,948 1,845,477 The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended ) l March 2025. The Members have not deposlted notice> pursuanl to Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requirino aTh audit of these fjnancial statements. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for (a) ensuring thai the charilable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and i87 of the Companies Acl 2006 and Prepai-ino financial slatemenls which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which oiherwise comply wirh the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relatino to financial stalcments, so far as applicable to the charitable company. (b) These financial statements have been audited under the requirements of Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. The notes fomi part of these financial statements Page 13 continued...
The Chester Link Balance Sheet - continued 31 March ?0?5 The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 20 October 2025 and were signed on it behalf by.. er (Chairman) - Trustee I P Spink (Treasurer) - Trustee The notes fom) part of these financial statements Page 14
The Chester Link Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Noles Cash floivs from operating activities Cash generated from operations Interest paid 165,370 (11.867) 45,105 ( E2,320) Net cash provided by operating activities 153.503 32,785 Cash flows from investing activities Interest received 3,182 519 Net cash provided by investing activilies 3.182 519 Cash flows from financing activities Loan repayments in year (9,280) (8,826) Net cash used in financino activities (9,280) (8,826) Change in eash and eash equiv21ent$ in the reporting period Cash and eash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 147,405 24.478 207.049 182,571 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reportlng period 354.454 207,049 The notes forn) part Df these financial statements Page 15
The Chester Link Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 RECONCILIATION OF NET JNCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2025 2024 Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Aclivities) Adjustments for.. Interest received Interest paid Decrease/(in¢rease) in debtors Increase in creditors 66,335 92,354 (3,182) 11,867 38.157 (519) 12,320 (77,555) 18,505 Net cash provided by operations 165,370 45,105 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET (DEBTYFUNDS Al 1.4.24 Cash flow At 31.3.25 Net eash Cash at bank and in hand 207,049 147,405 354,454 207,049 147,405 354,454 Debt Debts falling due within l year Debts falling due after l year (10,200) (249,173) (10,200) (239,893) 9,280 (259,373) 9,280 (250,093) Total (52,324) 156,685 104,361 The notes fonn part of these financial statements Page 16
The Chester Link Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTJNG POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial ststements of the charitable company, Mllich is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charitie5 SORP (FRS 102) 'Ac¢ounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of R¢cominended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportin¢y Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019),, Financial Reporting Standard 10? 'The Financial Reportin Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. as modified by the revaluation of cermin assets. Income All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entillement to the fvnds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Expenditure Liabilities are recoJo ised as expenditure as 500n as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in s¢ttlcment and the ainount of thc obligaiion can be Jneiisured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings thal aggreaate all cost related to the caiegory. Where costs cannot be directly attribuied to particular headings they have been allocated to aciivili¢s on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Tangible fixed assets The director trustees consider thal the freehold land and buildings have a residual value not less than book value as a consequence of the charity's policy to mainlain the properties in such a condition that their value as a whole is not impaired by the passage of time. No depreciation has, therefore, been provided as the amount jnvolved is insignificant. The cost of such maintenance is charged lo revenue each year. The trustee direciors consider that this departure from statutory accounling principles is necessary in Order that the financial statements may give a true and fair view. Taxation The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activilies. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretlon of the trustee5. Restricted funds have been given lo ihe charity for a particular purpose and can only be spent on that purpose. Designated funds are unrestricted funds that the trustees have set aside for a particular purpose. Such funds can be unde5ignated or re-designated. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fvnd is included in the notes to the financial statements. Hire purchase and leasing commitments Rentals paid under operating leases are charcved to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straioht line basis over the period of the lease. Governrnent grants Government grants are recognised when there is reasonable assurdnce that the entity will comply with the onditions attaching to the grdnt and the grant will be received. Page 17 continued...
The Chester Link Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 Imarch 2025 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 2025 2024 Donations and fundraising 3,760 566 INVESTMENT INCOME 2025 2024 Deposit account interest 3,182 519 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2025 2024 Activity Residents, contribulions Residents, contributions 1.844.055 1,750,636 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Support costs (see note 6) Direct Costs Totals Staff costs Household expenses Governance Support costs Mortgatse interest Raised funds expended 1.491,919 196,117 1,491.919 196,117 23,586 60.074 11,867 1,099 23,586 60,074 11,867 1,099 1,689,135 95,527 1,784,662 SUPPORT COSTS Governance costs Management Finance Totals Governance Support costs Mortgage interest 23,586 23,586 60,074 11,867 60,074 11,867 60,074 11,867 23,586 95,527 NET INCOMEI(EXPEIYDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after chargingl(crediling): 2025 2024 Auditors, remuneration Other non-audit services Other operating leases 3,840 18,375 11,840 3,720 18,967 11,617 Page18 continued...
The Chester Link Noies to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended J l March 2025 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remunerdtion or oiher benefits for the year ended 31 March ?0?5 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. Trustees, expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. A director trustee received re-imbursement of approved expenses which they necessarily incurred on behalf of the charity totalling £70 {2024 - £100). STAFF COSTS 2025 2024 Wages and salaries 1,489,000 1,402,420 I,489,000 1,402,420 The average monthly numb¢r of employees during ihe year was as follows.. 2025 52 2024 57 Charitable activities Governance, administration 61 62 No employee5 received emoluments in excess of £60,000. io. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted nds Restricted fund Total funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 566 566 Charitable activities Residents, contributions 1,750,636 1,750.636 Investment income 519 519 Total ,751,721 1.751,721 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Staff costs Household expenses Governance Support costs Mortgage interest Raised ndS expended 1,409,730 152.218 ?4,055 59,061 12,320 1,983 1,409,730 152,218 24,055 59,061 12,320 1,983 Total 1,659,367 1,659,i67 NET INCOME 92,354 92,354 Paoe 19 continued...
The Chester Link Notes to the Financial Statements - conrinued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 io. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STA TEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES- Continued Unrestricted Restricted funds nd Total fijnds RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 1,753,123 1,753,123 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 1,845.477 1,845,477 ii. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold property COST OR VALUATION At l April 2024 Revaluation5 1.844.864 35,136 At 31 March 2025 1.880,000 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 1,880,000 At 31 March 2024 1,844,864 Cost or valuation at 31 March 2025 is represented by: Freehold propety Valuation in 2025 1,880,000 The sale of the freehold property known as 51 Benton Drive, Chester, CH2 2RD completed on 20 October 2025 for £230,000. The four other freehold properties M'ere subject to revaluation as at 28 March 2025 to £1,650,000 by Jack50n-Stops, Chartered Surveyors wlio are independent of the chariihblc company and have experience of valuing similar property. The property has bcen valued on dn open market existing use basis. The director trustees consider that the freehold land and buildings have a residual value not less than book value as a consequence of the charity's policy to maintain the properties in such a condition that their value as a whole is not impaired by ihe passage of time. No depreciation has, therefore, been provided as the amount involved is insignificant. The original c05t of the freehold land and buildings is £1,504,462 (2024 - £1,504,462). There is a fixed and floating charge covering the freehold property known as Shirley House. 42 Liverpool Road. Chester, CH2 IAQ. There is a floating charge covering all the property of the charity. Page 20 continued...
The Chester Link Noles to the Financial Siatements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March ?025 12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Trade debtors Prepayments 60.858 26,983 111,094 14,904 87,841 125,998 13. CREDITORS- AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 15) Trade creditors Social security and other laxes Accrued expenses 10,200 12,8)4 22,769 89,651 10,200 5,062 22,981 45.018 135.454 83,261 14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Bank loans (see note 15) 239,893 249,173 15. LOANS An analysis of ihe maturity of loans is given below: 2025 2024 Amounts falling due within one year on demand: Bank loan5 10,200 10,200 Amounts falling betsveen one and two years: Bank loans - 1-2 years 1,400 1,400 Amountq falling due between two and five years: Bank loans - 2-5 years 41,000 41,000 Amounts fallino due in more than five years: Repayable by instalments: Bank loans more 5 yr by instal 187.493 196,773 Paoe21 continued...
The Chester LIT Notes to the Fpnancial Stalements - continued for ihe Year Ended ) l March 2025 16. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due a5 follows: 2025 2024 Within one year Between one and five years 10.659 17,617 10,659 10,659 28,276 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 1.4.24 At 31.3.25 Unrestricted funds General lld Revaluation Reserve Designated Financial Support fund 1,500,532 340,403 4,542 66,335 35,136 1,566,867 375.539 4.542 1,845,477 101.471 1.946,948 TOTAL FUNDS 1,845,477 101,471 1,946,948 Net movement in funds, included in (he above are as follows- Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses Movement in funds Unrestricted fund$ General fund Revaluation Reserve 1.850,997 (1,784,662) 66,335 35,136 35,136 1,850.997 (1,784,662) 35.136 101,471 TOTAL FUNDS 1,850,997 (1,784,662) 35,136 101,471 Comp8ratlv¢s for movement in funds Net movement in funds At 1.4.2i At31.3.24 Unrestricted funds General fund Revaluation Reserve Designated Financial Support fund .408.178 340,403 4,542 92,354 1,500,532 i40,403 4,542 1.753,123 92,354 1,845,477 TOTAL FUNDS 1,753.123 92,354 1,845,477 Paire 22 continued...
The Chester Link Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued Comparative net rnovement in funds. included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds Generdl fund ,751.721 (1.659,i67) 92,354 TOTAL FUNDS 1,751,721 (1,659,367) 92,354 A current year 12 month5 and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows.. Net movement in fvnds At 1.4.23 At31.3.25 Unrestricted funds General fund Revaluation Reserve Designated FTnancial Support fund ,408,178 340,403 4,542 158.689 35,136 1,566,867 375,539 4,542 ,753.123 193.825 1.946.948 TOTAL FUNDS 1,753,123 193,825 1,946,948 A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined nel movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fijnd Revaluation Reserve 3,602,718 (3,444,029) 158,689 35,136 3.602,718 (3,444,029) 35,136 193,825 TOTAL FUiYDS 3.602,718 (3,444.029) 35,li6 193,825 PaDe 23 continued...
The Chester Link Note5 to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended J l March 2025 18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025. 19. DESIGNATED FUNDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FUND The FiT]ancial Support nd has been established to allocate funds to a desTgnated account to provide finance lo service users who were facing financial difficulties remaining as the charity's service users. Patte 24
The Chester Link Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 INCOME AND E]YDOWMENTS Donations and legacÈes Donations and fundraising 3.760 566 Investment income Deposit account interest 3,182 519 Charitable activities Residents, contributions 1,844,055 1,750,6i6 Total incoming resources .850,997 1,751,721 EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Staff costs Rent and service charges Ratcs and water Insurance Light and heat Telephone and internet Household expenses Propety expenses Training Raised funds expended 1,489,000 11.840 8.263 16,951 26.846 10,419 53,785 68,013 2,919 1.099 1,402,420 1,617 7,767 14,999 28,421 12,458 47,310 29,646 7,310 1,983 ,689,135 1,563,931 Support costs Management Secreiarial expenses General expenses Bank charge5 Professional fees Computer costs 36,224 ,445 528 5,348 16,529 27,880 212 20,035 9,813 60,074 S9,061 Finante Mortgage 11,867 12,320 Governance costs Auditors, rernunerdtion Auditor5, remuneration for non audit work Care Quality Commission 3,840 18,375 1,371 3,720 18,967 ,368 23,586 24,055 Total resources expended 1,784,662 1.659.367 Net income 66,335 This page does not forni part of the statutory financial ststements Patse 25