2023-03-31-accounts

Charity registra�on number 1074401

Company registra�on number 3686284 (England and Wales)

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees N Wallace J Arnold Dr J Carroll A Melia S Worger J Webb J Davies C Edwards A Rosenbloom A Ellwood-Roberts Secretary Mr R D Whi(all Charity number 1074401 Company number 3686284 Registered office The Bluecoat Upper Northgate Street Chester CH1 4EE Independent examiner Mitchell Charlesworth 24 Nicholas Street Chester CH1 2AU Bankers Lloyds Bank plc Na3onal Clubs Chari3es and Socie3es Centre Sedgemoor House Deansgate Avenue Taunton TA1 2UF Solicitors Cullimore Du(on Solicitors Limited 27 Newgate Street Chester CH1 1DE Investment advisors Ludlow Wealth Management Group Ltd 172 Lord Street Southport Merseyside PR9 0QA

(Appointed 3 February 2023) (Appointed 4 November 2022)

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

CONTENTS

	Page
Trustees' report	1 - 5
Statement of trustees' responsibili�es	6
Independent examiner's report	7
Statement of fnancial ac�vi�es	8
Balance sheet	9 - 10
Notes to the fnancial statements	11 - 20

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accoun�ng policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accoun�ng and Repor�ng by Chari�es: Statement of Recommended Prac�ce applicable to chari�es preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Repor�ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effec�ve 1 January 2019)".

Objec�ves and ac�vi�es

Chester Aid to the Homeless (CATH) primarily exists to meet the needs of the homeless community in Chester and the surrounding area. It is a well­established service provider of day services and supported accommoda�on; the charity works with other partner agencies to ensure the best available service op�ons for clients.

The charity works with individuals to achieve stability and to gain independent living accommoda�on. CATH structures client support plans that encourage posi�ve outcomes, counter chao�c lifestyles, thereby increasing pathway opportuni�es to success.

Staff engage with clients to increase self – esteem including individual and group sessions which form the basis of development programmes. A recent focus on trauma informed prac�ce also underpins the programmes giving clients an opportunity to begin to deal with their individual circumstances and improve the outcome of achieving a more se9led future.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding the ac�vi�es that should be undertaken as part of the service model.

Achievements and performance

The Charity has con�nued to adapt to the residual legacy of COVID 19. As organisa�ons looked to return to pre COVID working prac�ces it was clear that during the COVID service­gap that demand for those services had increased. As a result, we found that despite services ‘opening­up’ that the accessibility to services remained problema�c. As a front­line charity, we relied heavily on partnership working to mi�gate these issues and make the most of our shared resources.

Over the same period rapidly rising infla�on resulted in the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ and this impacted on society as a whole. The most notable impact for us was that a wider group of people were requiring prac�cal and fundamental assistance from us than ever before. The increase in demand for food, energy provision and access to general advice and reassurance remains a predominant feature in suppor�ng clients either in crisis or trying to maintain accommoda�on.

CATH staff con�nued to provide necessary front­line services from the Harold Tomlins Centre and support our residents in the shared houses that we manage. We have looked to change how we deliver day services and adapted our client offer accordingly. We conducted outreach sessions to provide services outside of the bricks and mortar of the Centre and worked with other agencies to provide specific services for women and con�nued our commitment to providing one­to­one support.

In September 2022 CATH marked its 50th anniversary. The fact that a local homeless charity has been in existence for 50 years is not necessarily a thing to be celebrated, but it does mark a notable milestone that this charity is s�ll involved in local issues and willing to make a difference. CATH sees itself as a community resource and con�nues to be well supported by individuals, companies and like­minded agencies. CATH benefited from dona�ons of �me in terms of volunteering and financial support £102,645.00 in dona�ons. The CATH annual Sleep­Out in December 2022 was the first since the COVID restric�ons ended and we will look to build on this event for 2023. The support that we receive from individuals, business or community groups will never be taken for granted and in turn we will con�nue to provide support for people who need our services.

• 1 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Plans for future periods

A focus on health and access to housing are the key features of this coming year. The con�nua�on by Cheshire West and Chester Council of the ‘Everyone In’ COVID 19 ini�a�ve in this area has meant that access to temporary accommoda�on, food and clothing are the most accessible they have ever been. However, access to these temporary resources does not solve the individual and complex issues that cause homelessness.

While this temporary provision is s�ll available, we have an opportunity to work with individuals to address health and wellbeing issues and improve accommoda�on op�ons. There is more awareness regarding trauma informed prac�ce and be*er access to counselling and The Harold Tomlins Centre that CATH run is now a key delivery venue for these type of interven�ons.

We are working with our partners to try to shape service design so that individuals can access more intensive support and a route to progress can be encouraged and supported. Proposals have been put forward to provide accommoda�on and day services that specifically address these issues for the benefit of the individuals and the wider community.

Work is underway to re­vitalise our website and social media in a bid to cement the fact that CATH is a community resource. It will provide individuals in need with the informa�on and guidance required whilst at the same �me look to engage ci�zens, business and community groups. We will look to circulate evidenced based research and best prac�ce to try to influence and update the narra�ve about homelessness.

With health and access to housing as our key focus we will concentrate on maximising our partnership work. When demands on services are increasing and resources are limited it is crucial that CATH works to advocate on behalf of individuals and works to promotes a joined­up service approach. By doing this we can make a real and sustained difference for the individual in service and equally for the local community.

Financial review

Financial support for CATH’s work for the homeless con�nued to benefit from public and corporate dona�ons, totaling £102,645 for 2022­23, an increase of £5,390 from 2021­22, which no�ng the economic climate is a very tangible show of support for the work that CATH does.

The Aviva pla<orm holding at the start of the year was £230,568 and at the year­end was £216,854. This con�nues to be held in a por<olio managed by an Aviva Pla<orm, the oversight of it by an investment is with Ludlow Wealth Management. The por<olio held is low risk but has been impacted by significant economic instability.

The 2022­ 23 financial year resulted in a deficit of £95,362 (2021­22, deficit £3,884) impac�ng reserves to £647,446. The main driver for the deficit was the number of voids carried in accommoda�on. The Board recognise that this was for excep�onal reasons and plans have been put in place to increase occupancy and to review the reserves amount in line with future plans.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Reserves policy

The Board decision regarding the unrestricted reserves policy remains that we should ideally hold a minimum of 75% of an average one year’s opera�ng costs in reserve amoun�ng to £277,500.

The aim is to maintain a suitable level of reserves consistent with the ongoing ac�vi�es of the Charity, such that nega�ve fluctua�ons in funding do not have an immediate adverse impact on clients or staff. In addi�on, reserves are provided to make good any deficits arising from duly authorised projects. The unrestricted reserves of £647,446 as at 31 March 2023 represents approximately two years of current expenditure of the charity.

Designated funds

Care and development fund

This is the principal reserve fund for suppor�ng the ongoing general ac�vi�es of CATH.

IT/IS Fund

A fund to ensure that CATH can obtain and run efficient and effec�ve administra�on processes as required by the regulatory authori�es and to the ul�mate benefit of the client group.

Contents Replacement Reserve

The nature of the CATH services and client groups results in a short life and heavy u�lisa�on of furniture and effects in the hostels, houses and the Harold Tomlins Centre. This reserve facilitates replacement of this equipment to maintain an adequate, if basic, standard of accommoda�on.

Redundancy Reserve

With no guarantee of ongoing funding for some of the ac�vi�es of CATH this reserve is necessary to protect the interests of staff in the event of redundancies.

Development Fund

The fund permits the expansion of CATH ac�vi�es where consistent with the aims of the charity.

Dilapida)ons Reserve

CATH does not own any of the proper�es it uses. This fund is necessary to provide any dilapida�on payments that may arise for which CATH is responsible under the terms of the lease should buildings be returned to the landlords.

There was no spend from this fund during 2022­23.

Legacies Fund

There is currently one poten�al legacy, which is long­standing and showing no signs of producing further income. The legacy fund is therefore reduced to a more realis�c value and the balance added to the new property purchase fund.

Buildings Reserve

As all of the buildings occupied by CATH are rela�vely old this fund is necessary to provide for any costs that may arise in connec�on with any significant repairs maintenance or upgrading of the buildings or their facili�es for which CATH is responsible under the terms of the lease.

During 2022­23 all repairs were funded from general reserves.

Con)ngency Reserve

A reserve fund for unexpected events or other adverse financial situa�ons.

New property purchase fund

This fund is being created to enable the Charity to purchase a house designated as a “house in mul�ple occupa�on”. Un�l now all our proper�es have been rented from landlords, which has been a very beneficial model over the years, but the Board believes it would be prudent to have at least one property owned outright when market condi�ons for purchase are more favourable in the future.

• 3 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Investment policy

Cash reserves are held in in a por:olio with Aviva pla:orm plus a current account with Lloyds Bank. The investment funds can be made available within a short lead �me should the need arise.

Risk policy

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are sa�sfied that systems are in place to mi�gate exposure to the major risks.

With the advent of COVID 19 the likelihood of another excep�onal disrup�on cannot be ruled out. The charity is well placed with sufficient reserves but has reviewed its working prac�ces and outlined a business con�ngency plan to offset any possible future impact. The trustees will monitor and review any other factors as they arise.

Temporary accommoda�on is s�ll being u�lised by the local authority for the ‘Everyone In’ model of support. Ini�ally it was thought that this model was unsustainable and the need for CATH accommoda�on might be in high demand. That has not turned out to be the case and CATH’s posi�on of looking to increase its bed spaces to provide extra supported capacity is currently on hold and to be reviewed.

Plans for future periods

The challenge for CATH is to make the most of the opportunity to work with individuals that currently have improved access to food, clothing and temporary accommoda�on. As described above the focus will be on health and access to housing and we will look to collaborate with other agencies to provide specific provision. Therefore, day services will be more specific such as health, mental health, counselling or substance misuse sessions with appointments for housing referrals. A lot of work has been done to improve referral routes for our own supported accommoda�on and resident support will con�nue to be a priority. We will look to review our accommoda�on capacity in line with how the local authority decides to transi�on from ‘Everyone In’ to statutory and charity accommoda�on provision.

Volunteer ac�vity has not returned to pre COVID 19 levels, but we have a small and valued group of individuals who will help us to meet the demands on our services. We have benefited from local business volunteer days and will look to encourage further volunteer involvement via our revised website and social media pla:orms. We will look to make more of social media to strengthen our rela�onships and our place as a community resource.

Although the accommoda�on capacity of the Charity is under review we will maintain the standards in the proper�es that we currently manage and look to make a posi�ve impact in the local area.

CATH will con�nue to provide day services and accommoda�on with support that aligns with the emerging changes in homelessness. This individual and responsive approach has its origin in 1972 when CATH was first established and the Charity will con�nue to provide a key role in helping people to help themselves.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on the 21 December 1998 and is therefore governed by a Memorandum and Ar�cles of Associa�on.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

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:

N Wallace J Arnold Dr J Carroll A Melia S Worger J Webb J Davies O Jones (Resigned 24 May 2022) C Edwards A Rosenbloom (Appointed 3 February 2023) A Ellwood­Roberts (Appointed 4 November 2022)

Most trustees have worked for CATH as volunteers, usually in the Harold Tomlins Centre. Prior to appointment as a trustee, CATH endeavours to ensure that the board has a wide range of skills and experience such as Finance, Human Resources, Fundraising etc.

The trustees are collec3vely responsible for the governance of the organisa3on. The CEO reports directly to the Chair at monthly supervision sessions and to the full Board at quarterly mee3ngs. Addi3onally, the Board hold strategic planning away days which all trustees a6end. A strong commitment prevails in respect of the Trustee development programme which manifests itself through training in areas such as trustee responsibili3es, internal audit, informa3on security and any other topical areas of governance.

The CEO works with one service manager to deliver services and accommoda3on with support. Con3nuous improvement of service delivery remains key to CATH’s success. The opera3onal teams work to outcome measures to ensure the economy, efficiency and effec3veness of service. Performance indicators, client feedback mechanisms and peer­to­peer review ensure true client engagement remains a priority.

Qualifying third party indemnity provisions

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The remunera3on of key management personnel is determined annually by the Trustees. Tradi3onally the level of remunera3on has been determined by reference to the annually revised pay scales of the union Unison for workers in similar posi3ons to CATH's employees. For the last few years the Trustees has considered key economic indicators such as performance of RPI and average level of pay increases in the previous 12 months.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr R D Whi6all Company Secretary

1 September 2023

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees, who are also the directors of Chester Aid To The Homeless 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 Accoun ng Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accoun ng Prac ce).

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 applica on of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

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

­ select suitable accoun ng policies and then apply them consistently;

­ observe the methods and principles in the Chari es SORP;

­ make judgements and es mates that are reasonable and prudent;

­ state whether applicable UK Accoun ng Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

­ prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will con nue in opera on.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accoun ng records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any me the financial posi on 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 preven on and detec on of fraud and other irregulari es.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

I report to the trustees on my examina�on of the financial statements of Chester Aid To The Homeless (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibili�es and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the prepara�on of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having sa�sfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examina�on, I report in respect of my examina�on of the charity’s financial statements carried out under sec�on 145 of the Chari�es Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examina�on I have followed all the applicable Direc�ons given by the Charity Commission under sec�on 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in sec�on 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examina�on because I am a member of Ins�tute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examina�on. I confirm that no ma4ers have come to my a4en�on in connec�on with the examina�on giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

• 1 accoun�ng records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by sec�on 386 of the 2006 Act; or

• 2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

• 3 the financial statements do not comply with the accoun�ng requirements of sec�on 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a ma4er considered as part of an independent examina�on; or

• 4 the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Prac�ce for accoun�ng and repor�ng by chari�es applicable to chari�es preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Repor�ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other ma4ers in connec�on with the examina�on to which a4en�on should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Mitchell Charlesworth

24 Nicholas Street Chester CH1 2AU

Dated: 13 September 2023

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

				Unrestricted	Restricted	Restricted	Total	Unrestricted
				funds		funds		funds
				2023		2023	2023	2022
			Notes	£		£	£	£
Income from:
Dona�ons and legacies			3	93,645		9,000	102,645	97,255
Charitable ac�	vi�	es	4	182,473		­	182,473	256,703
Investments			5	561		­	561	15
Total income				276,679		9,000	285,679	353,973
Expenditure on:
Charitable ac�	vi�	es	6	360,116		9,000	369,116	365,762
Net gains/(losses) on investments			11	(11,925)		­	(11,925)	7,905
Net movement in funds				(95,362)		­	(95,362)	(3,884)
Fund balances	at	1 April 2022		742,808		­	742,808	746,692
Fund balances at 31 March 2023				647,446		­	647,446	742,808

The statement of financial ac�vi�es includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from con�nuing ac�vi�es.

The statement of financial ac�vi�es also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

			2023		2022
		Notes	£	£	£	£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets		13		1,096		7,278
Investments		14		216,854		230,852
				217,950		238,130
Current assets
Debtors		15	13,070		89,610
Cash at bank and in hand			429,235		425,801
			442,305		515,411
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year		16	(12,809)		(10,733)
Net current assets				429,496		504,678
Total assets less current liabili.es				647,446		742,808
Income funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds		18	481,400		481,400
General unrestricted funds			166,046		261,408
				647,446		742,808
				647,446		742,808

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

The company is en�tled to the exemp�on from the audit requirement contained in sec�on 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The directors acknowledge their responsibili�es for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accoun�ng records and the prepara�on of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in ques�on in accordance with sec�on 476.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 1 September 2023

C Edwards

Trustee

Company registra on number 3686284

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accoun�ng policies

Charity informa�on

Chester Aid To The Homeless is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Bluecoat, Upper Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 4EE.

1.1 Accoun�ng conven�on

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accoun+ng and Repor+ng by Chari+es: Statement of Recommended Prac+ce applicable to chari+es preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Repor+ng Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effec+ve 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit En+ty as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for chari+es applying FRS 102 Update Bulle+n 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

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

The accounts have been prepared on the historical cost conven+on, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accoun+ng policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the +me of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expecta+on that the charity has adequate resources to con+nue in opera+onal existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees con+nue to adopt the going concern basis of accoun+ng in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discre+on of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objec+ves.

Restricted funds are subject to specific condi+ons by donors 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.

Endowment funds are subject to specific condi+ons by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally en+tled to it a?er any performance condi+ons have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash dona+ons are recognised on receipt. Other dona+ons are recognised once the charity has been no+fied of the dona+on, unless performance condi+ons require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in rela+on to dona+ons received under Gi? Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the +me of the dona+on.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been no+fied of an impending distribu+on, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a con+ngent asset.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accoun�ng policies

(Con�nued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred.

Charitable ac�vi�es include expenditure associated with the opera�on and managed residen�al accommoda�on and welfare support services.

Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the charity and its assets and are primarily associated with cons�tu�onal and statutory requirements.

Support costs include central func�ons and have been allocated to ac�vity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are ini�ally measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valua�on, net of deprecia�on and any impairment losses.

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

Leasehold land and buildings	None
Fixtures and f(ngs	33% Straight line
Computers	33% Straight line
Motor vehicles	25% 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 ac�vi�es.

Capital expenditure that does not in reality produce a saleable asset or an increase in value of an exis�ng asset will be wri.en off totally in the year the expenditure is incurred.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are ini�ally measured at transac�on price excluding transac�on costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each repor�ng date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transac�on costs are expensed as incurred.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

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

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short­term liquid investments with original maturi�es of three months or less, and bank overdra6s. Bank overdra6s are shown within borrowings in current liabili�es.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accoun�ng policies

(Con�nued)

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Sec�on 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Sec�on 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 liabili�es 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 inten�on to se)le on a net basis or to realise the asset and se)le the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are ini�ally measured at transac�on price including transac�on costs and are subsequently carried at amor�sed cost using the effec�ve interest method unless the arrangement cons�tutes a financing transac�on, where the transac�on 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 amor�sed.

Basic financial liabili�es

Basic financial liabili�es, including creditors and bank loans are ini�ally recognised at transac�on price unless the arrangement cons�tutes a financing transac�on, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabili�es classified as payable within one year are not amor�sed.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amor�sed cost, using the effec�ve interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obliga�ons to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of opera�ons from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabili�es if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non­current liabili�es. Trade creditors are recognised ini�ally at transac�on price and subsequently measured at amor�sed cost using the effec�ve interest method.

Derecogni�on of financial liabili�es

Financial liabili�es are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obliga�ons expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Employee benefits

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

Termina�on benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably commi)ed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termina�on benefits.

1.12 Re�rement benefits

Payments to defined contribu�on re�rement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.13 Defined contribu�on pension scheme

Payments to defined contribu�on re�rement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

2 Cri�cal accoun�ng es�mates and judgements

In the applica�on of the charity’s accoun�ng policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, es�mates and assump�ons about the carrying amount of assets and liabili�es that are not readily apparent from other sources. The es�mates and associated assump�ons are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these es�mates.

The es�mates and underlying assump�ons are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accoun�ng es�mates are recognised in the period in which the es�mate 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.

3 Dona�ons and legacies

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Restricted	Restricted		Total	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
		funds		funds				funds
		2023		2023		2023		2022
		£		£		£		£
Dona�ons and gi%s		93,645		­		93,645		97,255
Grants		­		9,000		9,000		­
		93,645		9,000		102,645		97,255
Dona�ons and gi(s
Dona�ons		81,645		­		81,645		85,255
Corporate dona�on		12,000		­		12,000		12,000
		93,645		­		93,645		97,255

4 Charitable ac�vi�es

	Homeless	Homeless
	support	support
	2023	2022
	£	£
Sales within charitable ac�vi�es	182,473	256,703

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

5	Investments
		Unrestricted		Unrestricted
			funds		funds
			2023		2022
			£		£
	Interest receivable		561		15
6	Charitable ac)vi)es
		Homeless		Homeless
			support		support
			2023		2022
			£		£
	Staf costs		149,413		165,024
	Food and household goods		8,540		11,423
	Rent		97,391		91,871
	Rates and water		12,674		11,962
	Light and heat		16,810		20,337
	Repairs and maintenance		27,249		13,008
	TV and recrea(on		1,049		3,038
	Client educa(on and training		460		448
	Travel and motor expenses		6,292		5,804
	Staf training		759		­
			320,637		322,915
	Share of support costs (see note 8)		39,445		33,210
	Share of governance costs (see note 8)		9,034		9,637
			369,116		365,762
	Analysis by fund
	Unrestricted funds		360,116		365,762
	Restricted funds		9,000		­
			369,116		365,762

• 15 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7	Net movement in funds										2023			2022
											£			£
	Net movement in funds is stated a�er charging/(credi�ng)
	Deprecia�on of owned tangible fxed assets									6,182				6,321
8	Support costs
	Support costs		Governance			**2023 **	Support costs		Governance					2022
				costs							costs
		£		£		£		£				£		£
	Deprecia�on	6,182		­		6,182		6,321				­		6,321
	IT equipment	3,760		­		3,760		1,801				­		1,801
	Health and Safety	6,593		­		6,593		3,292				­		3,292
	Insurance	7,491		­		7,491		7,484				­		7,484
	Hospitality	130		­		130		307				­		307
	Ofce costs	14,756		­		14,756		13,560				­		13,560
	Subscrip�ons	353		­		353		120				­		120
	Room hire	180		­		180		325				­		325
	Accountancy	­		3,300		3,300		­			3,000			3,000
	Legal and professional	­		3,604		3,604		­			4,097			4,097
	Bank charges	­		2,130		2,130		­			2,540			2,540
		39,445		9,034		48,479		33,210			9,637			42,847
	Analysed between
	Charitable ac�vi�es	39,445		9,034		48,479		33,210			9,637			42,847

Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £nil (2022­ £nil) for audit fees.

9 Trustees

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

• 16 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
	2023		2022
	Number		Number
Management	3		2
Charitable staf	3		5
	6		7
Employment costs	2023		2022
	£		£
Wages and salaries	135,053		146,727
Social security costs	7,275		9,111
Other pension costs	7,085		9,186
	149,413		165,024

There were no employees whose annual remunera*on was £60,000 or more.

11 Net gains/(losses) on investments

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	funds	funds
	2023	2022
	£	£
Revalua*on of investments	(11,925)	7,905

12 Taxa-on

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within secon 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or secon 252 of the Taxa*on of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

13	Tangible fxed assets
		Leasehold land		Fixtures and	Computers		Motor vehicles			Total
		and buildings		f%ngs
			£	£		£		£		£
	Cost
	At 1 April 2022		139,000	3,504		6,959		12,594		162,057
	At 31 March 2023		139,000	3,504		6,959		12,594		162,057
	Deprecia+on and impairment
	At 1 April 2022		138,999	1,533		4,800		9,447		154,779
	Deprecia�on charged in the year		­	876		2,159		3,147		6,182
	At 31 March 2023		138,999	2,409		6,959		12,594		160,961
	Carrying amount
	At 31 March 2023		1	1,095		­		­		1,096
	At 31 March 2022		1	1,971		2,159		3,147		7,278

The leasehold property recognised at £1 in the accounts relates to Crispin House, 56 Nicholas Street, Chester was bought and refurbished with the help of a grant of £139,000 from the Rese-lement Agency. Certain covenants and restric�ons were imposed and in par�cular, the grant will be repayable should the usage of the building be other than for the exis�ng rese-lement ac�vi�es. In addi�on, the Rese-lement Agency has a first charge over the property.

14 Fixed asset investments

	Listed investments	Listed investments
		£
Cost or valua+on
At 1 April 2022		230,852
Valua�on changes		(11,925)
Fees and charges		(2,073)
At 31 March 2023		216,854
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023		216,854
At 31 March 2022		230,852

Fixed asset investments revalued

The historical cost of the investments was £199,000 (2022 ­ £199,000) and all investments are valued at the traded market value at the year end.

• 18 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

15	Debtors
		2023	2022
	Amounts falling due within one year:	£	£
	Trade debtors	­	302
	Other debtors	­	72,158
	Prepayments and accrued income	13,070	17,150
		13,070	89,610

16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
	2023	2022
	£	£
Other taxa!on and social security	2,952	862
Trade creditors	3,926	4,865
Other creditors	2,631	1,891
Accruals and deferred income	3,300	3,115
	12,809	10,733

17 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of dona!ons and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

	Movement in		Movement in funds	Movement in funds
	funds
	Incoming	Balance at	Incoming	Resources	Balance at
	resources	1 April 2022	resources	expended	31 March 2023
	£	£	£	£	£
The B&Q Founda!on	­	­	5,000	(5,000)	­
The Winter Household Support Fund	­	­	4,000	(4,000)	­
	­	­	9,000	(9,000)	­

The £5,000 grant received from The B&Q Founda!on was restricted to expenses rela!ng to structural repairs, redecora!on and refurbishment and gardening. During the year all of the £5,000 was spent for its intended purpose.

The £4,000 grant received from The Winter Household Support Fund was restricted to expenses rela!ng to suppor!ng individuals or families in West Cheshire with food and other essen!als such as heaters, blankets, beds, clothes, white goods and paying household bills. During the year all of the £4,000 was spent on suppor!ng individuals or families in West Cheshire with the paying of household bills.

• 19 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

18 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

		Movement in funds	Movement in funds
	Balance at 1	Incoming	Resources	Balance at 31
	April 2022	resources	expended	March 2023
	£	£	£	£
IT/IS reserve	15,000	­	­	15,000
Contents replacement	50,000	­	­	50,000
Redundancy	20,000	­	­	20,000
Development	30,000	­	­	30,000
Dilapida'ons	15,000	­	­	15,000
Buildings	47,811	­	­	47,811
Legacies fund	9,557	­	­	9,557
Con'ngency	84,032	­	­	84,032
New property fund	210,000	­	­	210,000
	481,400	­	­	481,400

Legacies

The charity is a co­beneficiary of some land in Cheshire. This has not been included in the financial statements as no no'fica'on of further distribu'on has been received. The charity does not yet have a reliable es'mate of the value of the legacy. Costs associated with bringing the legacy income to frui'on are allocated to a designated fund (see note 18) as they fall due.

19 Related party transac/ons

Remunera/on of key management personnel

The remunera'on of key management personnel is as follows.

	2023	2022
	£	£
Aggregate compensa'on	42,996	70,325

• 20 -