Better Lives - Strengthening Independence Ltd Registered Charity Number.. 1070751 Registered Company Number: 03590240 Better Llves - Strengthenlng Independence Ltd (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Better Lives - Strengthening Independence Ltd Contents Pago Legal and administrative infonnation Report of the Trustees Independent Examiners report Statement of Financial Actlvities Balance Sheet 10 Notes forming part of the financial statements.
Better Lives - Strengthenlng Independence Ltd Legal and administrative Information Trustees: T Best KHart M Spreadbury P Whittaker A Wood S Goodrum Chair Independent examiner: Ashurst Accountancy Ltd 17 Duke Street FonbY Liverpool L37 4AN Registered Offlce: 17 Duke Street Formby Merseyside L37 4AN Registsred Company number: 03590240 Registered Charlty number: 1070751
Better Lives - Strengthening Independence Ltd The Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Charity was incorporated on 30 June 1998. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. Objectives and Activities The chartable objects of Better Lives- StreWnirKJ lndewK1en Ltd are to w<xn(*e the rdEfofts ddaty Kn• in ary Man chaitatde in law and in parlicular by the provision of advice, counselling support and advocacy services in order to assist such persons to obtain his or her full rights and privileges as a citizen. Structure, Governance and Management Goveming document Bets Lrves- strerenIng Independen Ltd is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 3(li 1938, and was registered as a charity on 29th June 1998. The company was established under a memorandum of association which established the objects of the charitsble company and is governed by its articles of association. Appointment of the Board of Trustees The Directors of Bets Lwes- Strengthening lThInden Ltd are also charlty trustees for the purpose of charity law and under Better Les- Strengthenng lFeIerrE Ltd articles are known as the Board of Management. The trustees who served during the year are noted on the charlty information page at the front of the financial statements. Trustee induction and training Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate extemal training courses that appertain to their role. In addition, they are expected to help Better LNe5-StrgIherllng IndeFendertr Ltd and be aware of policies and procedures that we adhere to. Organisation The Board of Management meets regulaty during the year to maintain control over its governance. Risk management The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that adequate systems are in place to reducelmitigate significant operational and business risks. Going Concern The board members consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Lcd is aNaIdj on a r-ty-year IXF Financlal Review Reserves Policy The trustees consider the financial position of the charlty to be satisfactory. The Charity is in a relatively stsble financial position with no unpaid debts and a small reserve. Reserves would only be held to meet
Better Lives - Strengthening Independence Ltd any statutory requirement for redundancy payment liabllity and also to mitigate any infiationary increase in major essential overheads. Future Plans The charlty is committed to continuing to provide a comprehensive free and impartial rvi for people Knowsley. Public Benefit The trustees have given due Gonsideration to the Charity Commissions Guidance on the operation of the Public Benefjt requirement. Responsibilities of the Trustees The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Financial Statemerrts in accordance wrth the Companies Act 2006. and for being satisf that the financial ststements give a true and fair view. The Trustees are also responsible for preparing financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Slandards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare flnancial statements for each financial year whlch give a true 2nd fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and applicalion of resources Including income and expendlture for Ihe financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting pollcies and then apply them consistentty. Observe the methods and princSples in the Charities SORP (FRS102)' Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; State whelher applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and expjalned in the financial slatements. and Prepare the financlal statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue on that basis. The trustees are responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which show and explain the Charity's transactions with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assels of the chariiable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularilies. In so far as we are aware: There is no relevant infomialion of which the charitsble company's independent examiner are unaware of," and We have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish Ihat the charitable company's independent examiners are aware of that infomialion. Related Charities Better Lwes- Strengttlr IrKlependw Ltd has no related charities. Basls of preparation This report and the financial statements have been prepared In accordance with the special provisions of Part Vll of the companies Act 2006 relating to smaller companies.
Better Lives - Strengthening Independence Ltd Transactions and financlal posltion The financial statements are set out on pages 8 to 10. The Statement of Financial Activiiies shows a deficit for the year of £9,303 and a surplus for the year in 2023 of £22.377. The resenies at the year end stand at £(5.025), (2023: (£5.924) for unrestricted funds, and £53.593 (2023: £63.795) for restricted funds. This report was approved by the board and signed on their behalf by: ¥y KHart Date 28th 0(*ober 2025
Better Llves - Strengthening Independence Ltd Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of Bth Uw8- Strengthening Indynd•nce Ltd I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Ihe company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 8 to 14. Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors forlhe purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of your company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5){b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statsment I have completed my examination. I confirm thal no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examlnation giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records., or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounls give a Irue and fair view, whlch is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination: or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Kevln Guy FCA On behalf of AshurntAccountancy Ltd Chartered Accountants Dale: 28th October 2025
Better Lives - Strengthening Independence Ltd Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025 Unrestricted Funds 2025 Restricted Funds 2025 Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Income and endowments from: Income from Charitable activities 35.525 145,765 181,290 187,740 Total income and endowments 35,525 145,765 181,290 187,740 Expenditure on: Charitable activities (34.626) (155,967) (190,593) {165,363) Total expenditure (34.626) (155.967) (190,593) (165,363) Net expendlture 899 (10.202) (9.303) 22,377 Net movement in funds {10,202} (9,303) 22,3T7 Reconclllatlon of funds: Total funds brought forward (5,924) 63,795 35,494 35,494 Total funds carried foNiard (5,025 53.593 48,568 57,871 Income and expenditure relate to both restricted and unrestricted activities derived from continuing activities.
Better Lives - Strengthening Independence Ltd Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestrfcted Funds 2024 Restrlcted Funds 2024 Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Income and endowments from: Income from Charitable activities 44,280 143,460 187,740 109.167 Total Income and en(Jowments 44,280 143.460 187.740 109,167 Expenditure on: Charitable activities (32.487) (132,876) (165,363) (122,244) Total expenditure (32,487) (132,876) (165,363) (122,244> Net expendf(ure (11.793) 10,584 22,377 (13.077) Net movement in funds (11.793) 10.584 22.377 (13,077) Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought for¥vard {17.717) 53,211 35.494 48.571 Total funds carried forward {5,924) 63,795 57,871 35,494 Income and expenditure relate to both restriGted and unrestricted activities derived from continuing activities.
Better Llves - Strengthenlng Independence Ltd Roglstsred Charlty Number: 1110989 Reglsterod Company Number: 02937464 Balance Shoot for tho Year Ended 31 March 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Flxed assets Tangible assets 338 451 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank 2.003 50,346 2.003 Total current assets 52.349 63.112 Creditors Amounts due within one year Net current assots 57.420 Total assets less current liabilities 48.568 57.871 Creditors Amounts due after more than one year Net assets 57,871 The funds of the tharlty: Unrestricted revenue accumulated funds Restricted revenue accumulated funds {5,025) 53 593 (5.924) Total Gharity funds 48,568 57,871 For the year ending 31 March 2025, the company was exempt from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relatlng to small companies. Dlrectors, responsibililies: the members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts forthe year In question in accordance with section 476: the directors acknowledge their responsibilltles for complylng with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of the accounts. These accounts have been prepared In accordance with the provlslons applicable to companies subject to small companies. reglme. The financial statements were approved and authorlsed for issue on by the Board of Trustees and signed on 2811012025. K Hart 2811012025 The notes on pages 11 to 14 form an Integral part of these accounts. io
Better Llves - Strengthenlng Independence Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements forthe Year Ended 31 March 2025 1 Accounting poll¢ies Basls ofpreparation of the accounts Better Lives - Strengthening Independence Ltd is a company limited by guarantee. registered in England. The address of the registered office is given in the charity. information on page 1 of these financial statements. The charty constitutes a public entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) issued October 2019 (second edition). the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). the Companies Act 2006 and UK General Accepted Practlce as it applies from 1 January 2015. Golng ¢oncem The truslee5 assess whether the use of going concern is approprlate and whether there any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may casl significant doubt on the ability of the trust lo continue as a going concern. The members of the council make this assessment each year in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. The financial statements are presented in sterling. thIch is the functional currency of the charty arKI rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention. Incomlng resour¢es Atl incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when receipt is probable or more likely than not to be received, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Resources expended. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classrfied under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. Fixed assets and depreciation Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation has been provided at the following rates in order to write off the assets (less their estimated residual value) over their useful economic lives. Fixtures and fittlngs Grants recelvable Grants are included in the Statement of Flnancial Activities when the conditions for reIving the grant have been met. Their performance criterla are not yet met, grant income is deferred until such time as criteria is schieved. 250/0 reducing balance. li
Better Lives - Strengthenlng Independence Ltd Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Accountlng policies (contlnued) Finance and operating leases. Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to income on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Surplus for the financial year 2025 2024 Thls Is stated aft•r charglng:" Independent Examinerfs Fees 2,500 2,500 Staff Costs and Emoluments Salaries and wages Employerfs National Insurance Pension costs 121,761 109,726 1,007 122,768 444 110.170 Numbers of full-tim• employees or full-time equivalents Management and administration There were no fees or expenses paid to the trustees. There were no employees with emoluments in excess of £60.000 per annum. Taxation Taxation is not provided on the grounds that Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 applies (tax exemption for Charitable companies). 12
Better Lives - Strengthening Independence Ltd Notes to the Financlal Statements forthe Year Ended 31 March 2025 Tanglble flxed assets Fixtures fittings As 1 April 2024 Additions As 31 March 2025 27,235 27,235 Accumulated depreciation As 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 26,784 113 26.784 NBV at 31 March 2025 NBV at 31 March 2024 451 6 Debtor6 2025 2024 Other debtors 7 Creditors: amounts falllng due withln one•yéar 2025 2024 Trade creditors Accrued expenses Taxation and social security Other Creditors 3,380 739 3,358 2.334 4,119 5,692 13
Better Llves - Strengthening Independence Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for tho Year Ended 31 March 2025 Analysls of Funds At 31 March Incomlng 2023 Resources Outgoing At31 Incomlng Outgoing Ra8ource8 March 2024 Resource8 Resources At 31 March 2025 General r8serve (17.717) 44.280 (32.487) (5,924) 35.525 {,626) (5.025) Restricted KTh)wsley Disablllty 53.211 143,460 (132.876) 83.795 145.765 (155.96n 53.593 Total Reserv•8 187,740 (165,363) 57.871 181,290 (190.593) 48,568 Restricted funds are made up of our contribution to A Lottery Funded Partnership project 'A Good Life. led by Knovrfsley Disability Concern which will run to December 2025 and a Lottery Funded companionship project of Better Lives. 'CORE' which runs until February 2026 Unrestricted funds derive from our socially trading activities through our SHOP and TASK services which the Charity are working on to grow and develop into the future. Additionally. the Charity receive independent donations from individuals who support our work or who have benefrtted from our support. Donatlons are unpredictable and vary from one year to the next. Related party transactlons There were no related party transactions in the year under review. 10 Share Capital The company is limited by guarantee and as such does not have a share capltal. In the event of a winding up, the members will each contribute a sum not exceeding £1. 14