2024-03-31-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 2024

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees N Wallace J Arnold J Carroll A Melia S Worger J Webb J Davies C Edwards A Rosenbloom A Ellwood-Roberts S Hall (Appointed 12 July 2024) 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 Na2onal Clubs Chari2es and Socie2es 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

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
Notes to the fnancial statements	10 - 20

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

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 con�nued 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 se:led future. Improved access to counselling and mental health provision has helped with this aim.

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 completely returned to pre COVID working prac�ces with face­to­face, group and related agency work all possible in­person for both the day services offered and the accommoda�on with support. This return to in­person service delivery is par�cularly important for individuals that need a high level of support and the improved accessibility to services have been key to promo�ng stability and progress.

However, the same cannot be said for the cost­of­living crisis and although the rapid spike in infla�onary costs has receded the impact on society and the so called ‘margins’ of society are s�ll being felt. In turn the Housing Crisis has put addi�onal strain on all par�es involved across both public and private rented sector. This has led to an increase in the general demand for our services from suppor�ng people who are new to homelessness to working with accommodated individuals and indeed working individuals than ever before.

Chester Aid to the Homeless has again had to adapt to all these changes in demand while managing the increasing opera�ng costs to every aspect of providing services. Maintaining service delivery has been achieved by making the most of every rela�onship we have with charitable and statutory services. The evidence of this is that The Harold Tomlins Centre is now used regularly by most services as a hub to meet with individuals and deliver their own services from.

Combined with the fact that a broader group of people than ever before now look to access our services CATH has become a well­established ‘community resource’. This ‘community resource’ aspect of our service is reflected in the con�nued support that CATH benefits from local individuals, community groups and the wider business community and our 2023 Annual Sleep­ Out was closer to our pre pandemic turnout and despite the cost­of­living financial pressures dona�ons for the repor�ng year remained extraordinarily generous at £91,749.

• 1 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Plans for future periods

Our focus on health and access to housing that were the key features of last year’s report were in large part progressed through our working rela�onships. St Werburghs Surgery which is the specialist provision for people experiencing homelessness con�nued to provide accessible medical support and we also benefi ed from the provision of both counselling services and a Rough Sleeper Mental Health Nurse. This addi�onal resource was needed more than ever and proved invaluable in suppor�ng people and wider engagement.

However, access to housing was more problema�c. Again, we worked with a number of agencies to either help people maintain their current accommoda�on or where possible gain the correct support that allowed them to move­on to accommoda�on that be er matched their needs and circumstances. Our working rela�onships with other housing providers and statutory agencies such as Social Services meant we could deal more effec�vely with everything from safe­guarding issues to moving people into private rented accommoda�on when individuals had been successful gaining work.

This focus on health and access to housing will remain as without health or the appropriate support other outcomes such as maintaining a tenancy are either difficult to achieve or impossible to maintain.

Priority will be given to fostering more local and volunteer partnerships which con�nue to emphasize the community func�on that CATH holds. That will be achieved by revamping the website (which has been delayed due to the overall demand on services) and the CATH social media pla0orms which although they have been u�lised are areas that we can improve in terms of communica�on and engagement.

CATH will con�nue to provide a frontline service, but with a seemingly ever increasing and changing demand on services we will look for opportuni�es to be able to collaborate to make services and support more resilient. We will look to reflect the needs of the individuals that come to our service and use our posi�on as a community resource to help deliver change, both for the individual and the way homelessness is perceived and dealt with.

Financial review

Financial support for CATH’s work for the homeless con�nued to benefit from public and corporate dona�ons, totalling £91,749 for 2023 ­24. Although this a decrease of £10,896 from 2022­23 the impact of the cost­of­living crisis has undoubtably had an effect on charitable giving and despite this CATH remains well supported.

The Aviva pla0orm holding at the start of the year was £216,854 and at the year­end was £234,479. This con�nues to be held in a por0olio managed by an Aviva Pla0orm, the oversight of the investment is with Ludlow Wealth Management. The por0olio held is low risk and the investment has rallied from the significant economic instability of the previous year.

The 2023­24 financial year resulted in a deficit of £22,152 (2022­23, deficit £95,362) impac�ng reserves to £625,294. The main driver for the reduc�on in the deficit from 2022 ­23, was due to the transi�on from the Government’s ‘Everyone In’ COVID emergency accommoda�on policy to more normalised local referral pathway into CATH’s accommoda�on services and therefore less service accommoda�on voids. However, movement towards a surplus budget will remain problema�c while all opera�onal costs con�nue to rise. Services and costs are under review to preserve CATH’s financial reserves in line with future plans.

• 2 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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 £294,699.

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 £625,294 as at 31 March 2024 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 2023­24.

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 2023­24 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.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Investment policy

Cash reserves are held in in a por�olio with Aviva pla�orm plus a current account with Lloyds Bank and a Charity Account with Virgin Money. 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.

Plans for future periods

The challenge for CATH is to maintain and strengthen our partnership working to build in resilience when the economic situa!on is s!ll uncertain. Primarily this to ensure con!nuity of service for people that require support, but by engaging in collabora!ve work this will maintain service levels whilst mi!ga!ng risks and costs. The disrup!on caused by the COVID pandemic and ‘The Everyone In’ na!onal policy, followed by cost­of­living and now the Housing Crisis has focused thinking on services, staffing and income. Work has begun on reviewing Board governance with these aspects in mind and CATH will con!nue to provide support and access to health and housing all under one roof.

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.

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 J Carroll A Melia S Worger J Webb J Davies C Edwards A Rosenbloom A Ellwood­Roberts S Hall (Appointed 12 July 2024)

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 collec!vely responsible for the governance of the organisa!on. The CEO reports directly to the Chair at monthly supervision sessions and to the full Board at quarterly mee!ngs. Addi!onally, the Board hold strategic planning away days which all trustees aAend. A strong commitment prevails in respect of the Trustee development programme which manifests itself through training in areas such as trustee responsibili!es, internal audit, informa!on security and any other topical areas of governance.

The CEO works with one service manager to deliver services and accommoda!on with support. Con!nuous improvement of service delivery remains key to CATH’s success. The opera!onal teams work to outcome measures to ensure the economy, efficiency and effec!veness of service. Performance indicators, client feedback mechanisms and peer­to­peer review ensure true client engagement remains a priority.

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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 remunera�on of key management personnel is determined annually by the Trustees. Tradi�onally the level of remunera�on has been determined by reference to the annually revised pay scales of the union Unison for workers in similar posi�ons 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 Whi-all

Trustee

Date: .............................................

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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 2024.

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.

Rob Hall, FCA

Mitchell Charlesworth

24 Nicholas Street Chester CH1 2AU

Dated: .........................

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CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

		Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Restricted	Restricted		Total
			funds		funds		funds
			2024		2023		2023		2023
	Notes		£		£		£		£
Income from:
Dona�ons and legacies	3		91,749		93,645		9,000		102,645
Charitable ac�vi�es	4		259,310		182,473		­		182,473
Investments	5		2		561		­		561
Total income			351,061		276,679		9,000		285,679
Expenditure on:
Charitable ac�vi�es	6		392,932		360,116		9,000		369,116
Total expenditure			392,932		360,116		9,000		369,116
Net gains/(losses) on investments	11		19,719		(11,925)		­		(11,925)
Net expenditure and movement in funds			(22,152)		(95,362)		­		(95,362)
Reconcilia/on of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023			647,446		742,808		­		742,808
Fund balances at 31 March 2024			625,294		647,446		­		647,446

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.

• 8 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

		2024		2023
	Notes	£	£	£	£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets	13		220		1,096
Investments	14		234,479		216,854
			234,699		217,950
Current assets
Debtors	15	12,175		13,070
Cash at bank and in hand		397,031		429,235
		409,206		442,305
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	16	(18,611)		(12,809)
Net current assets			390,595		429,496
Total assets less current liabili.es			625,294		647,446
Net assets excluding pension liability			625,294		647,446
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds			625,294		647,446
			625,294		647,446

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 2024.

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

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

C Edwards

Trustee

Company registra�on number 3686284 (England and Wales)

• 9 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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

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 2024

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 2024

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 2024

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 Income from dona�ons and legacies

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Restricted	Restricted		Total	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Restricted	Restricted		Total
		funds		funds				funds		funds
		2024		2024		2024		2023		2023		2023
		£		£		£		£		£		£
Dona�ons and gi%s		91,749		­		91,749		93,645		­		93,645
Grants		­		­		­		­		9,000		9,000
		91,749		­		91,749		93,645		9,000		102,645
Dona�ons and gi)s
Dona�ons		71,749		­		71,749		81,645		­		81,645
Corporate dona�on		20,000		­		20,000		12,000		­		12,000
		91,749		­		91,749		93,645		­		93,645

4 Income from charitable ac�vi�es

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	funds	funds
	2024	2023
	£	£
Charitable Ac�vi�es
Rents and housing beneft received	259,310	182,473

• 13 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5 Income from investments

		Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
			funds		funds
			2024		2023
			£		£
	Interest receivable		2		561
6	Expenditure on charitable ac-vi-es
		Charitable		Charitable
		Ac-vi-es		Ac-vi-es
			2024		2023
			£		£
	Direct costs
	Staf costs		170,912		149,413
	Food and household goods		11,972		8,540
	Rent		90,388		97,391
	Rates and water		12,663		12,674
	Light and heat		29,636		16,810
	Repairs and maintenance		25,231		27,249
	TV and recrea(on		1,468		1,049
	Client educa(on and training		757		460
	Travel and motor expenses		6,959		6,292
	Staf training		2,165		759
			352,151		320,637
	Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
	Support		30,781		39,445
	Governance		10,000		9,034
			392,932		369,116
	Analysis by fund
	Unrestricted funds		392,932		360,116
	Restricted funds		­		9,000
			392,932		369,116
7	Net movement in funds		2024		2023
			£		£
	The net movement in funds is stated a/er charging/(credi(ng):
	Deprecia(on of owned tangible fxed assets		876		6,182

• 14 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

8 Support costs allocated to ac�vi�es

Support costs allocated to ac�vi�es
	2024		2023
	£		£
Deprecia�on	876		6,182
IT equipment	5,996		3,760
Health and safety	5,717		6,593
Insurance	7,629		7,491
Hospitality	111		130
Ofce costs	9,802		14,756
Subscrip�ons	530		353
Room hire	120		180
Governance costs	10,000		9,034
	40,781		48,479
Analysed between:
Charitable Ac�vi�es	40,781		48,479
	2024		2023
Governance costs comprise:	£		£
Accountancy	3,620		3,300
Legal and professional	4,187		3,604
Bank charges	2,193		2,130
	10,000		9,034

Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £nil (2023 ­ £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.

• 15 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

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:
	2024		2023
	Number		Number
Management	3		3
Charitable staf	3		3
	6		6
Employment costs	2024		2023
	£		£
Wages and salaries	154,201		135,053
Social security costs	8,746		7,275
Other pension costs	7,965		7,085
	170,912		149,413

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

11 Gains and losses on investments

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	funds	funds
	2024	2023
Gains/(losses) arising on:	£	£
Revalua*on of investments	19,719	(11,925)

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.

• 16 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13	Tangible fxed assets
		Leasehold land		Fixtures and	**Computers **		Motor vehicles			Total
		and buildings		f%ngs
			£	£		£		£		£
	Cost
	At 1 April 2023		139,000	3,504		6,959		12,594		162,057
	At 31 March 2024		139,000	3,504		6,959		12,594		162,057
	Deprecia+on and impairment
	At 1 April 2023		138,999	2,409		6,959		12,594		160,961
	Deprecia�on charged in the year		­	876		­		­		876
	At 31 March 2024		138,999	3,285		6,959		12,594		161,837
	Carrying amount
	At 31 March 2024		1	219		­		­		220
	At 31 March 2023		1	1,095		­		­		1,096

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
		£
Cost or valua+on
At 1 April 2023		216,854
Valua�on changes		19,719
Fees and charges		(2,094)
At 31 March 2024		234,479
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024		234,479
At 31 March 2023		216,854

Fixed asset investments revalued

The historical cost of the investments was £199,000 (2023 ­ £199,000) and all investments are valued at the traded market value at the year end.

• 17 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

15	Debtors
		2024		2023
	Amounts falling due within one year:	£		£
	Prepayments and accrued income	12,175		13,070
16	Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
		2024		2023
		£		£
	Other taxa�on and social security	2,957		2,952
	Trade creditors	8,207		3,926
	Other creditors	3,947		2,631
	Accruals and deferred income	3,500		3,300
		18,611		12,809
17	Re/rement beneft schemes
		2024		2023
	Defned contribu/on schemes	£		£
	Charge to proft or loss in respect of defned contribu�on schemes	7,965		7,085

The charity operates a defined contribu�on pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of dona�ons and grants held on trust subject to specific condi�ons by donors as to how they may be used.

Previous year:	At 1 April 2022	Incoming	Resources	At 31 March	At 31 March
		resources	expended		2023
	£	£	£		£
The B&Q Founda�on	­	5,000	(5,000)		­
The Winter Household Support Fund	­	4,000	(4,000)		­
	­	9,000	(9,000)		­

• 18 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

18 Restricted funds

(Con nued)

No restricted funds were received in the year to 31 March 2024.

In 2023 a £5,000 grant was received from The B&Q Founda%on that was restricted to expenses rela%ng to structural repairs, redecora%on and refurbishment and gardening. During 2023 all of the £5,000 was spent for its intended purpose.

In 2023 a £4,000 grant was also received from The Winter Household Support Fund that 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 2023 all of the £4,000 was spent on suppor%ng individuals or families in West Cheshire with the paying of household bills.

19 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 purpose:

		Movement in funds	Movement in funds
	Balance at 1	Incoming	Resources	Balance at 31
	April 2023	resources	expended	March 2024
	£	£	£	£
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 -

CHESTER AID TO THE HOMELESS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

20 Related party transac ons

Remunera on of key management personnel

The remunera%on of key management personnel was as follows:

	2024	2023
	£	£
Aggregate compensa%on	46,010	42,996

• 20 -