REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03758661 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1075388 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEE5 AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Page Legal and administrative information Report of the Trustees 2to16 Report of the Independent Examiner 17 Statement of Financial Activities 18 Balance Sheet 19 Cash Flow Ststement 20 Notes to the Financial statements 21to32 Detailed Income and Expenditure Account 34to35
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTIUTIVE DETAILS Registered Company number 03758661 (England and Wales) Registered Charity number 1075388 Registered office The Guardian Centre 67 Clarendon Road Colliers Wood London SW19 2DX Independent Examiner Gareth Rees FCA CTA PB Associates Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers 2 Castle Busine55 Willage Station Road Hampton Middlesex TWI 2 2BX Principal Bankers National Westminster Bank PIC 16 Wimbledon Hill Road Wimbledon London SWI 9 7ZD CAF Bank 25, King5 Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Mailing Kent MEI 9 4IQ
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Trustee5 (who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006) are pleased to present theirannual Trustee5 Report, togetherwith the unaudited financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2024, which are also prepared to meet the requiretnents for a directors, report and accounts for Companie5 Act purposes. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Ststement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities pparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. TRUSTEES All Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the Charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the Charity are set out in Note 12 to the accounts. The Trustees serving during the year and to the date of this report were as follows: H A Cowd (Chairman) S J Moore (TasUrer) R F Bowman W A Busbridge (Vice Chairman) S R D Coates F Hibbert N Gibson H McAuley H Meade V A Morrison FPPugh Appointed 23 Novernber 2023 Resigned 23 November 2023 Resigned 23 November 2023 Resigned 23 November 2023 PRINCIPAL ACTIVIIY The charitable company's principal activity during the yearwas to provide services, information and 5UPPOrt to residents of Merton who have a visual impairment. The aim is to support and empower people with a visual impairment, from their diagnosis of permanent sight1055 through the entire rehabilitative process, in whatever form is appropriate for them. This includes children, adults, people with dual sensory loss and people with additional difficulties. rRUCTURE, GOVERNANCEAND MANAGEME Governing document Merton Voluntary Association for the Blind T5 a company limited by guarantee governed by it5 Articles of Association dated 23 April 1999, amended 13 October 2000 and a further arnendment 9 November 2017. The Charity was originally founded in 1965 and was registered as an unincorporated charity with the Charity Commission 9 March 1966. Following the AGM 9 November 2017, a Special resolution was passed and the Articles of Association of the Charity were changed in their entirety and replaced by new Articles. All Trustee5 shall automatically become members of the Charity and their names shall be entered into the Charity's register of members. The number of members of the Charity is unlimited. They remain rnembers until they cease to be members in accordance with the Artrcles.
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Membership shall be open to any individual aged 18 or over whom the Board decides to admit to membership. The Trustees may determine criteria for membership but are not obliged to admit any person satisfying such criteria as member5 and may decline in their absolute discretion any per50n'5 applicatTon and need not give reasons for such decision. Only members are eligible to vote at the AGMIEGM. general or special meetings convened for the purposes of discussing the business of the charitable company. Appointment of new Trustee5 As set out in the Articles of Association Trustees are elected annually by the members of the charitable company attending theAnnual General Meeting and servefora period of threeyears and then one third of Trustees are required to retire by rotation but may be re*lected.
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BUND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEME Trustees can be recruited by open advert or may be proposed and seconded by member5 and put forward for election at the AGM in accordance with the ternis and timelines deterTnined by the Board and subjett to the Board's approval of such nomination. The Make-up ofthe Board The Board consists of notfewer than six and no more than fifteen persons appointed by the Trustees at any time at a meeting or in writing. The Board shall aim to have, as far as reasonable, equal representation on the Board of visually impaired. heartng impaired and sighted people with all Trustees having equal voting rights. Where this cannot be achieved the Board will still be valid irrespective of the make-up of the Board. Filing vacancies in the Board and co-option The Board can appoint anyone as a Trustee to fill a vacancy in the membership of the Board. They will hold office until the next annual general meeting where they may be elected by the members (unless they cease to be a Trustee prior to that by virtue of Article 38 or 39). For the purposes of this Article the Board shall decide how tnanyvacancies there are, subject to the maxirnum and minimum numbers given in Article 33.1. Trustee recruitment and induction New Trustee5 are given induction on their roles, their legal obligations under charity and company law, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and inform them of the content of the Articles of Association. the committee and decision-making processes. the busine55 plan and recent financial performance of the Charity. During the induction day they meet key employees and otherTrustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role. Governance and Organi5ational structure The Trustees of Merton Voluntary Association for the Blind are responsible for the assets and strategic direction of the Charity. The Chief Executive Officer, who is appointed by the Trustees, is responsible for carrying out the day-to-day management of the Charity. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive Officer has delegated authority, within terms of delegation approved by the Trustees, for operational matters including finance, employment and Charity related activities. The Trustees normally meet quarterly during the year to receive reports on all aspects of the Charity's activities and finance. The Chief Executive Officer attends all meetings. Senior Management Team Kevin Gregory Nina Mitchell-mckoy Chief Executive Officer Officer Manager Pay policy for senior staff The Trustees consider the Board of Trustees and the senior management team comprise the key management personnel of the Charity in charge of directing and controlling. running and operating the Charity on a day-to-day basis. All Trustees give of their time freely and no trustee received remuneration in the year. Details of Trustees, expenses and related paty transactions are disclosed in Note 12 to the accounts.
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The pay of the senior staff is reviewed annually and normally increased in accordance with average earnings. The Trustees benchmark against pay levels in other local charities of a similar size, which are run on a voluntary basis. Related parties and co-operation with other organisations None of our Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the Charity. Any connection between a Trustee or senior management of the Charity With service user, external contractor or supplier of services must be disclosed to the Board of Trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. In the current year no such related paty transactions were reported. All related paty transactions are managed in accordance with the Charity's conflicts of interest policy. All transactions and activities involving organisations in which a Trustee may have an interest are conducted at arm's length and in accordance with the Charity's financial and procurement procedures. Total reimbursed expenses made to Trustees are shown in Note I l. In the current year no such related party transactions were reported. Merton Talking Newspaper share our premise5, and member5 or Trustees of this charity are potential trustees of Merton Voluntary Association for the Blind. Trustees who are members of this charity keep the separate interests at'arm's length,.
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THETRUEES- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Use of volunteers MertonVi5ion is grateful to all its volunteers, who carry out a variety of different task5 both in and out of the Charity. Our diverse range of volunteers have a variety of interests and reasons for wanting to SUPPOrt the Charity- from gaining experience at the start of their career5 to using their wealth of experience and knowledge to meeting the needs of our communities. All our volunteers add value to our work and rnake a real difference to our clients and communities. Our volunteers are supported and overseen by our Volunteer Service Manager and are managed in accordance with the Volunteers policy. Due to the size of the Charity, staff and volunteer5 work closely together and several of the existing staff originally began as volunteer5. Volunteers are cruIted on a rolling basis. Our volunteers are made up of different groups. There are those who work with the Charity offering support to the clients and staff, sometimes running activitie5. OBJECTIVES AND AcTIVlEs Objectives and aims Objects The objects for which the Charity is established are to grant a55iStance to all blind and partially sighted people ordinarily resident in the London Borough of Merton and if the Trustees so determines elsewhere in England and Wales. The Charity operates using the trading name of Mertonwision. Aims Our aim is to support and empower people with a VTsual impairment, from their diagnosis of permanent sight10sS through the entire rehabilitative process, in whatever form is appropriate for them. This includes children. adults, people with dual sensory loss and people with other difficulties in additio n to their visual Ios5. Our services are informed by national guidelines and good practice, in particular'seeing it my way, which works to ensure that blind and partially sighted people can access the support, information and services needed for independent living. We provide a 'pathway' of Services and collaborate widely to ensure that as far as possible those needs are met. Ensuring our work delivers our aims We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review look5 at the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help. The review also helps us ensure our aims, objective5 and activities remained focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our futLJre activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BUND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Following the Coronavirus pandemic our staff and volunteers continue to help those members and clients who cannot leave their home with a delivery service for shopping. prescriptions and in some cases household emergencies. Any lingering concerns, requirements and anxieties are being actioned and addressed. The Guardian Centre has reintroduced our nonnal program of activities and added more. Members are however still reluctant to return, perhaps because pre-pandemic routines were disrupted. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS TO INFORMATION ABOLrr LIVING WITH SIGHT LOSS We fees that this is best achieved through personal contact. During the pastyear we have had direct contact with 566 clients, with 3,601 telephone calls. We also made 106 home visits to deliver shopping, prescriptions. essential equipment and to help out with IT problems. There were 302 new clients during the year. The Guardian Centre is once again open Monday- Thursday 9 am to 5 pm and on Friday 9 am to 4 pm for personal and telephone callers, and at other time5 by appointment. In addition we provide: Rehabilitation Mertonvision provides a comprehensive rehabilitation service for people with a visual impairment in Merton. The service is contracted from London Borough of Merton. Rehabilitation includes 'problem solving, to help individuals find solutions to the difficulties they may face, and gives them the skills, confidence and equiprnent to re-order their lives. This will i nclude daily living skills such as cooking, personal care, mobility training and a wealth of information about what is available to help live with sight loss. Mertonvision receive CVI'S directly from hospital eye clinics, this enables rehabilitation and support services to be offered quickly. The Association of Directors of Social Services guidelines state that the patient should be contacted within 2 weeks. The seNice has been offered to 135 adults. Our average wait time for first contact was 12.25 days. Habilitation Children Mertonvision has a project for one day per week with London Borough of Merton SENDIS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilitie5 Integrated Service) to provide mobility and independence training for children in the borough who have a visual impairment. We sub-contract a qualified rehabilitation and mobility officer to fulfil this project. Mertonvision also provide early assessment and daily living skills training a5 appropriate to the child's age and ability. Benefits Advice We have a volunteer who is able to assist with filling in basic forms such a5 Blue Badge and Taxi Card application5. Newsletter and other information media Our rnain publication is a bi-monthly newsletter, which is distributed to 392 people with a visual impairment and 30 volunteers. sUPPOrters and local organisations. Information includes local and national issues of interest to people with a visual impairment. Each person's personal preference is
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BUND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 accommodated, with standard or customised large print, Braille, email. and memory stick (MP3) format available. Additionally we send information on a daily or ad hoc basis to those on our distribution list who have access to email with news and information as it arrives at Mertonvision. The Mertonwision website is now supported by a new provider and is updated regularly, we a also using social media. We work closely with Merton Talking Newspaper (MTN) to distribute MP3 players on permanent loan on their behalf. This ensures that people also have the appropriate equipmentto listen to audio books and newsletters. Mertonvision is an agent for Wirele55 for the Blind. which provides specially adapted audio equipment for those in need. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AS_APPROPRIATE IS OFFERED Counselling service While depression is notan inevitable consequence of vision impairment, it is common. An estimated one-third of older adults with vision loss report clinically significant depressive symptoms. Whether a person with vision loss becomes depressed appears to be more related to the impact the vision loss has on the person's functioning, rather than the Severity of vision loss. We are now working in partriership with Wimbledon Guild of Social Welfare and Merton IAPPT who will provide counselling for our clients when required. The Guardian Centre is fully operational and offers the following activities. Peer Support Peer support is often crucial to those newly diagnosed with enduring sight loss. By offering social opportunities Mertonvision enables visually impaired people (especially those with a recent diagnosis) to meet with others who are living with sight105s and learn from each other. Our weekly daytime or special events encourage people to meet and socialise. Weekly social activities This includes coffee morning, Social events and local peer support. Lunch clubs This gives people the opportunity to meet other people and enjoy a freshly prepared meal on Thursday. We know that many people live alone and are unlikely to cook. We provided approximately 215 lunches. New menus are being trialled and a second club aimed at younger clients offering curries, burgers and lasagne held on Tuesday. Social events Mertonvision arrange social evenings, for example Bums nigh¢ Quizzes and Bridge tournaments. During the summer months we arrange trips out on our minibus to the seaside or places of InteSL We are fortunate that many of ourvolunteers give up theirfree time to accompany and guide those
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 who need it. Maculargroup The local Macular Group meet bi-monthly at Mertonvision. Everyone who has macular disease, friend5 or family are welcome. Transport To enable people to get to our base at the Guardian Centre and take up our services we employ a part time driver to drive our fully accessible minibus, and to manage a team of volunteer drivers. We also hire additional minibuses when required. to ensure that we can provide the service when needed. All our drivers are required to undertake the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MIDAS) training and certification. Young people with a visual impairment Most of our Service users are elderly, therefore our services are geared towards the needs of older people. However, we had a 5-year funded project to employ a Working Age Outreach worker to focus on communicating with this hard-to-reach client group. This project, funded by Wimbledon Foundation, has come to an end and unfortunately will not be renewed. The worker assisted and advised visually impaired working age people in Merton. The Powell Family have provided 2-yearfunding to provide regular activitiesfor children and young people such as theatre visits, magic shows and animal interactions. This has allowed us to employ a full-time co-ordinator. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities PROVIDE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS THEY MAY FACE Home Support We realised that many people with poor vision have difficulty resolving a problem at home that needs vision, so we Set up a service in response to the need. We have helped with a variety of 'problems' for example, restoring the settings on a TV, delivery and setting up a talking microwave, fitting a replacement light bulb for a task lamp and doing a safety check. We also deliver and set up loan CCTV'S and training on their use. Daily Living Aids and Equipment Room The resource centre offers the opportunityto try some of the practical orspecialist equipment which people with a visual impairment may find useful. Equipment is available to buy. some items are available on short-term loan so that people can try more expensive items in their own horne first. Our agreement with the RNIB gives us ordering priority for our clients. Low Vision Aids We offer a Low Vision Aids service to people in the community who have been referred by local optometrist practices. The aim of the service is to enable people with low vision access to low vision aids (optical magnifiers) rnuch earlier than the conventional route by referral to GP and subsequent hospital appointment. In addition to early referral, this project allows for a more 'person centred,
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRu¥fEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YE4R ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 approach. so that the patient emerges with greater skills in using their magnifiers. The service is funded by the Merton Clinical Commissioning Group, and is available at MertonVisiDn by appointment. Social and Adult Learning Activities IT training We have an accessible IT Suite equipped with 6 Pc's with large rnonitors and accessible software. We give training on the use of the integral magnification and other specialist software, as well as Using the computer. We have a part time, in-house IT Support Trainer. Mertonvision provides training for using 'tsblets' (iPad and ePad), a5 these seem particularly accessible for people without previous computer skills. We also have a qualified 'Guide' trainer to help people to set up and use 'Guide' accessible software at home. Arts and Crafts We employ an Arts and Craft tutor for one session per week to accommodate people with a visual impairment. Brail le training We offer regular Braille readFng tuition classes. Falls prevention We offer a weekly Fa115 Prevention Chair Based Exercise Class, which helps to deliver the Falls Strategy for Older People locally. Falls are usually caused by one or more of four triggers: trips and hazards, polypharmacy (more than four medications) poor muscle tone or poorvision. We have been working closely with Merton Falls Prevention Lead (NHS) to add a simple sight-screening tool when assessing those who are referred to their service. Those who failed were given our information about eye tests, cheaper options for spectacles and the number to call if they need a domiciliary visit. We are hoping the screening tool will be rolled out to more community assessors. 10-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YUR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Cha ritable activities PROVIDE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS TrIEY MAY FACE Volunteer Services The main focus of ourvolunteer services is to provide a Homevisiting Service to people with a visual impairment. This service provides a trained volunteer to people who need additional help not provided at the Guardian Centre. Our full time Volunteer Service Manager recruits, train5 and supports volunteers for a variety of roles within MertonVi5ion. All volunteers undertake enhanced DBS checks. The volunteers have given 2632.50 hours of their time to support our clients. We are pleased that we can accommodate volunteers from diverse cultures and those with disabilities. We are very grateful to our volunteer5, Without whom many of our seNices wou Id not run. COMMUNITY PROLECTS The Chief Executive Officer gives talks to community groups on the work of Mertonvision. We also provide Visual Impairment Awareness Training. During the year we have worked or collaborated with the following organisations to improve services locally for people with a visual impairment. Close collaboration means that we can refer clients (with their permission) to other services or organisations where their need can be met. Merton Clinical Commissioning Group LBM Library service LBM Social services L8M Education DepL MVSC RSBC London Vision Sight For Surrey Merton Public Health Team Wandsworth Commissioning Team Vision Foundation LBM Ageiiig Well Programme Phase Wimbledon Guild of Social Welfare Age UK Merton Merton Community Transport Safer Neighbourhood team Merton Asian Elderly group Thomas Pocklington Trust Wimbledon Foundation Commonside Trust Merton Chamber of Commerce Wimbledon Dons The Powell Family Sutton Vision Croydon Vision
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Transcription Services Providers of written information are required to offer accessible formats such as large print, Braille and audio. We are pleased that we are able to offer a transcription service free to our members and on a commercial basis to our customers. Mertonvision is the preferred provider of braille transcription to the London Borough of Merton. Mertonvision is a member of COTIS (Confederation of Transcribed Information Services). 12-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRUEE5- CO[[NuED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW When we were approached over 9 years ago by a developer who wanted to demolish our building and supply a purpose-built new home for Mertonvision, at no cost to U5, on the ground floor it excelled our wildest dreams. On the top floor, in collaboration with the local NHS Commissioning Group, home for two GP practices. NHS England promised to contribute £1 M towards the project. Constant demands for higher rents from the NHS for the GP surgeries and increases in building Costs caused the developer to walk away. Top heavy bureaucracy within the NHS Commissioning Group and a complete lack of urgency caused the £1 M funding offer to lapse. The NHS refuse to put in wThting that the project has ended, which because of our'restricted freehold, on the land is causing problems with any venture with the London Borough of Merton. Utterly frustrating. The Trustees will continue to remain steadfastly committed to ensuring a sustainable organisation for the benefit of its service users. TheTrustees consider the overall financial performance of the Charity for the year to be extremely positive thanks to year 2 of the National Lottery granL As in the previous year the Charity's income is project led but also rernains heavily reliant on the public sector funds with the Local Authority. The Wimbledon Foundation project to engage a Working Age Outreach Worker has ended and will not be extended. The grant from the National Lottery in respect of funding the extra cost of transporting members and clients to attend activities at the Wilson Hospital consequently, the ending of the project has meant that the grant has been repaid. Thanks to a 2-year grant from the Powell Family worth £34,125 this year, Mertonvision was able to implement its long-awaited Children's and Young Person's Project. Finally, grants from Vision Foundation for cost-of-living increases and building repairs £9,000 and £32,000 from NHS SW London ICB for Loneliness and Isolation Outreach Work were also received. There have been sorne changes during the year within the other categories of income. The Charity's Trustees wish to express our sincere gratitude to all our grant funders, listed in note 3 on page 24 of these accounts, for their 5UPPOrt during the year. The Charity's incoming resources have increased by 14.45% to £580,156 (2023: £506,889) due to the grants listed above. The Charity's expenditure has increased to £528,008 (2023: £437,043) due to additional costs associated with the National Lottery grant. The net effect of the above is an increase in total reserves of £52,148 (2023= £69,846). The Charity's Trustees will continually attempt to keep the cost structure of the organisation stable and tightly controlled. Future plan5 Coing back to the building project. for over 9 years no repairs were undertaken on the buildings because we had always assumed that they would eventually be demolished and therefore be a waste of our funds. The centre now needs to be totally recommissioned requiring a new roof, heating system, complete rewiring to gain a new Electrical Certificate, gas and fire inspections and any resulting costs. Then redecoration works to bring the property back to a suitable state to welcome staff, clients, member5 and guests. Thi5 is a huge expense, which Mertonwision cannot fund on its own, so we are frantically looking for external funding.
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRUrEEs - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The National Lottery grant has transformed the Charity's finances with the exciting prospect of having 1 more year left to run. After ouryear 2 progress report, our funding manager commented that it was the best and most encouraging he had ever seen. but unfortunately he cannot sit on the panel to consider funding extensions. Special congratulations to the Outreach Team, the Chief Executive Officer, his staff and the volunteers once again. Thank5 to a l-year grant from Merton Borough of Sport (Clarion Futures) worth £4,930 for two- thirds of the c05t of a new Martial Arts and self-defence class for visually impaired children, young person's and adults. Our Chief Executive olcer (CEO) has had discussions with our National Lottery funding manager about a possible underspend of grant funds atthe end of lune 2025. He will allow a certain amount to be Spent on the Centre refurbishment and to pay the Outreach team forjuly 2025. In December 2024 our CEO will put forward a bid to the National Lottery to try and extend the grant funding for another 3 years. The very favourable response to ouryear 2 report should hopefully give us a good chance. 14-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Investment policy and objectives The Trustees, having regard to the liquidity requirements of operating the Charity. have kept available funds in an interest-bearing deposit account and seek to achieve a rate on deposit which matches or exceeds inflation as measured by the tall prices index. The Trustees have designated the Emily Wells legacy (£51.526) as an income-generating fund. The Trustees have explored sultable short-term investments to generate income on the remainder of their free reserves. These investments have been placed with different banking institutions to mitigate any possible losses the institutions might Suffer. Reserves policy and going concern At a committee meetin9 held on I l March 2021 to address the continuing economic uncertainties ahead and the inability to attract new core funding the Trustees agreed to change their previously established policy, whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in fixed asset5 (the free reserves) held by the Charity should be up to six rather than twelve months of the resources expended, which now equates to approximately £264,000. At this level the Board of Trustees feel that they would still be able to continue the current activities of the Charity in the event of significant drop in funding. Risk management The Trustees have reviewed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular to operations and finances. Operational risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures and policies, with a regular review of these to ensure current good practice. A disaster plan to ensure business continuity in the event of unplanned events has been prepared. The Trustees have identified the inherent risks associated with having one primary funding source. Our reseNes policy mitigates some of the risks of loss of funding. The Trustees have implemented and augmented a fundraising programme.
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BUND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees (who are also the directors of Merton Voluntary Association for the Blind for the purpose5 of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of theTrustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,. Company law requires the Charity's Trustees to preparefinancial ststernents foreach financial year. Undercompany law theTrustees must not approvethe Financial statements unles5 they are 5atlsfied they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consi5tently' observe the methods and principles in the Charity 50RP 2019 (FRS102); make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable UK Accounting Stsndards have been followed, subjert to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it 15 inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsiblefor keeping proper accounting records, which disclose 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 Cornpanies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Charity and financial information included on the Charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. ThFS Trustees report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companie5 Act 2006 relating to small companies. ON BEH F OF THE BOARD: H A Cowd- Chairman 21 November 2024
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'5 REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND I report to the Charity's Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are Set out on pages 18 to 32. Respective and basis of report As the Charity's Trustees ofthe charitable company (and also its directors forthe purposes of company law) you are responsible for the P paration of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). Having satlsfied myself that the accounts of the charitable 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 Charity's accounts a5 carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the '2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given tythe Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's report Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in Section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe= (1) accounting records were not kept in resF*rt of the charitsble company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Ac¢ or (2) the accounts do notaccord with those accounting records: or (3) the accounts do not comply with the accounting reqLJirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which Is not a matter considered a5 part of an independent examination- or (4) the accou nts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended practice for accounting and reporting by charities. I have no concerns 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. Gareth Rees FCA CTA On behalf of PB Associates 2 Castle Business Village Station Road Hampton Middlesex TW12 2BX ..Li..
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTWITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Total FLJnds INCOME Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Income f rom charitable activitie5: Grants Notes 63,474 63.474 25,959 122.467 Charitable Activities 253,815 376,282 245,566 7,780 11,960 124.706 219,637 7,780 Contracted service5 124,706 Other trdding activities: Fundraising and events Investment income 511 511 1,459 2,308 7,403 7,403 Total Income 326,341 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charitable activities- Charity Activities 253.815 580,156 506,889 340 340 475 294,304 233,364 527,668 436,568 Total expenditure 294,644 233,364 528,008 437,043 NET Incomel(expenditure) before transfers Tr3nsfers between funds 31,697 20,451 52,148 69.846 NET Income/(expenditure) after transfers 31.697 20.451 52,148 69,846 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Totsl funds broughtforward 498,836 87,324 586,160 516.314 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 530.533 107,775 638,308 586,160 CONTINUING OPERATIONS All incoming resources and resources expended arise from continuing activities. The notes form part of these financial statements 18-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Total Funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 52,799 4,898 57,697 58,787 Investments 25,000 25,000 25,000 77,799 4,898 82,697 83,787 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 633 633 633 Debtors: amounts falling due within one year 17 27,345 5,335 32,680 49,584 Cash at bank and in hand 434,909 105,301 540,210 468,179 462,887 110,636 573,523 518,396 LIABILITIES Creditors: Amount5 falling due within one 18 year (10,153) (7,759) (17,912) (16,023) NET CURRENT ASSETS 452.734 102.877 555,611 502,373 NET ASSETS £530,533 £107,775 £638,308 £586,160 TOTAL FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 530,533 498,836 107,775 87,324 TOTAL FUNDS £638,308 £586,160 The Trustees consider that the charitsble company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 ("the Act") relating to small companie5 and members have not required the charitable companyto obtsin an auditfortheyear in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act. TheTrustees acknowledge their responsibilitiesfor complying with the requirements ofthe Companies Act2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. 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 Board of Trustees on 21 November 2024 and were signed on its behalf by- H A Cowd- Chairman and Truste S l Moore-Treasurer and Trus The notes form part of thesefinancial Statements
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND CASHFLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Cashflows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by Operating Activitie5 (see note below) 2024 2023 £72,031 £47,996 Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents in the Reporting Period 72,031 47,996 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning ofthe Reporting Period 468,179 420,183 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of the Reporting Peri £540,210 £468,179 Reconciliation of Net Income/Expenditure to Net Cashflow from Operating Activitie5 Net Incofflel(Expenditure) for the Reporting Period (per Statement of Financial Activities) 52,148 69,846 Depreciation 6,788 4,125 (Increase) in Debtors 16.904 (18,383) Increase in Creditors 1,889 3,494 Purchase of Fixed Assets (5,698) (11,086) Net Cash Provided by Operating Activitie5 £72,031 £47,996 Analysis of Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash at Bank £540,210 £468,179 -20-
MERTON VOLUNTARY A550CIATION FOR THE BLIND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YB4R ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Company status Merton Voluntary A550ciation for the Blind is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales. The registered office and company registration numberare detailed onpagel. Basis of preparation Merton Voluntary Association for the Blind meets the definition ofa public benefit entity under FRS 102. The financial statements have en 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 inthe UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accou nting Practice. Thefinancial ststements are presented insterling. which is the functional currency ofthe Charity- The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial ststements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basTS The Trustees have considered the company's balance sheet, trading activity and estimated cash flows for a period of at least 12 months from the date these financial statements were signed and have concluded that the charity will continue to be able to meet its obligations as these fall due. ludgement and key source5 of estimation uncertainty In the application of the Charity's accounting policies, the Charity is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that a not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumption5 are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevanL Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affect5 only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revisiori affects both current and future periods. Fund Accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustee5. Unrestricted fu nds include designated funds where the Trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when fund5 are raised for particular restricted purposes. Where necessary, a quarterly report is sent to the donor detailing the expenditure. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in Note 20 on pages 30 & 31 of the financial statements. 21
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS_ CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Income All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Finantial Activitie5 when the Charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Income 15 deferred only when the Chanty has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor ha5 specified that the income is to be expended in future period. Donated services or facilities are recognised when the Charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been mel the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the Charity of the item 15 probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. Some of the management and activty of the Charity is carried out by volunteers. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the volunteer time is not recognised and refer to the Trustees, reportfor more information about their contribution. On receipt donated professional sep4ices and donated facilitie5 are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount the Charity would have been willing to pay to obtsin services or facilitie5 of equivalent economic benefit on the open markeL a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt Expenditure Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses including support costs and governance cost5 are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings having regard to the nature of the expenditure. Expenditure for raising funds includes only directly related costs for traditional fundraising including Staff time where applicable. All roles within the senior management team that have fundraising responsibility in its broader sense of restricted income generation in the form of, foT example, larger multi-year statutory grants remain within costs for charitsble activitie5. This is to ensure that the fundraising income and costs shown in the Statement of Financial Activities relate to each other and can be reasonably compared. Grants paid to individuals Certain grants are applied for on behalf of clients and where these applications are successful; the amounts received are expended in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant application. Donated services and facilities Gifts are recorded as received however, as the value of most gifts received cannot be measured reliably these are not included in the accounts. Voluntary help A certain amount of time is expended on the Charty's activities, which is donated free of charge which includes pro bono counselling and therapist time. It is not possible to quantify the value of time given and accordingly it is neither recorded as donated income nor as an expense in the accounts. Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits Since l August 2016 employees were able to join the money purchase Scheme. which has been established in cotnpliance with the regulations on workplace pension5 under the Pensions Act 2008. Employee5 were automatically enrolled into the money purchase scheme unless they have exercised their right to opt out of scheme membership. Contributions payable to the charitsble company'5 pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. 22-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 I . ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or valuation less depreciation. Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases: A55et Category Annual Rate Freehold buildings Fully depreciated Computer equipment 33% on cost Plant and machinery 20% on cort OITice furniture and fittings 25% on reducing balance Motor vehicle5 20% on reducing balance Investments Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. The income arising on the investments is shown under investment income in the Statement of Financial Activities. Gains and losses on investment assets disposed of are shown as gains and 105ses in the Statement of Financial Activities. Stocks Stocks are valued at the lower of c05t and net realisable value, after Tnaking due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account, as well as cash in hand held by Charity 3tthe year end. Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are recognised at the invoiced cost prepaid. Creditors and Provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transferof funds to a third party and the amountdue to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated relÈably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. Taxation The Charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph I Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010. Accordingly it is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income and capital gains received to the extent that such income or gains are applied to exclusively charitable purposes. No provision for taxation has been made in these financial statements. 2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 2024 2023 Donations Contribution towards accounts intern salary Legacies Membership 17,394 9,082 36,554 444 25,107 4,541 852 63,474 30,500 Income from Donations was £63,474 (2023: £30.500) all of which was unrestricted in both financial years. 23-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 INCOME RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Activity 2024 2023 Grants Grants Activities income Fees received Charitable Activities Catering income Charitable Activities Hall Hire Charitable Activities Charitable Activities Members club sales Other income Charitable Attivities Charitable Acknvities Tran5POrt charges Charitable Activities Acce55 to Work Contracted Service5 Maintenance of LBM register Contracted Service5 Merton Clinical Commis5i0ning Group (CCG) Contracted seICe5 Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Contracted Services Rehabilitation Charges PHP Primary care Contratted Services Contracted Services 376,282 326 1,064 559 3,280 1,276 245,566 257 4,156 1,130 4,354 967 218 878 41,497 1,292 2,684 21,869 128,239 24.056 1,276 34,757 1,184 2,366 (1,988) 88,386 508,768 477,163 Grants Ceived, included in the above, are as follows: 2024 2023 London Borough of Merton Merton Connect Work with Children Wimbledon Foundation (restricted grant) Thomas Powell Foundation (restricted grant) The National Lottery Community Fund (restricted grant) Merton Connect Vaccination Championships DWP _ Access to Work (restricted grant) Other Small Grants NHS south West London (part restricted grant) Big Lottery (restrirted grant) Everyone Health (restricted grant) Vision foundation for London 81,467 54,715 469 25,000 25,000 34,125 (10,000) 10,000 2,500 18,259 108 500 129,665 4,350 28,486 32.500 175,704 9.000 376,282 245,566 FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS 2024 2023 Fundraising events MVAB Lottery 100 Club Quiz Night 259 168 468 823 252 511 1,459 All of the Charity's Fundraising income of £511 (2023: £1.459) 15 urJre5tricted. 24-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 INVESTMENT INCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account interest Investment income 6,550 853 1,938 370 7.403 2,308 All of the Charity's investment income of £7,403 (2023: £2,308) arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounts and is unrestricied. RAISING FUNDS COSTS 2024 2023 Publicity and fund raising cost 100 club prizes 50 290 70 405 340 475 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct costs Governance costs 2024 Total 2023 Total Charity Activitie5 518,396 9,272 527,668 436,568 TOTAL FUNDS 518,396 9,272 527,668 436,568 ANALYSIS OF DIRECT COSTS 2024 Totals 2023 Totals Unrestricted Restricted Wages and salarie5 Other staff costs Volunteer expenses Direct project costs Premises costs Office costs Grants paid to individuals 240,339 2,349 167,371 15,066 248 407,710 17,415 248 7,512 35,959 49,552 365,797 3,417 379 2,360 22,751 34,014 250 7,512 14,834 19,998 21,125 29,554 TOTAL FUNDS 285,032 233,364 518,396 428,968 25-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 GOVERNANCE COSTS 2024 2023 Accountsncy HR fee5 Independent Examiner lees Legal fees Payroll fees Subscriptions and fees 1,337 2,863 2,063 1,200 360 1,449 1,260 2,863 1,943 360 1,161 9,272 7,600 NET INCOMINGI(OUTGOING) RESOURCES Net resources are stated after chargingl(crediting): Independent Examiner's fees Depreciation - owned assets 2.063 6,788 1,943 4,125 STAFF COSTS Gross Wage5 Employers National Insurance Pension costs 370,638 26,876 10,196 333,937 22,819 9,041 407,710 365,797 No employee5 had employee benefits in excess of £60.000 (2023: £60,000). Pension costs are allocated to activities in proportion to the related staffing costs incurred. The key management personnel of the Charity comprise of the Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer and the Office Manager. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £68.563 (2023: £74,785). The average monthly number of employees (including (asual and parttime staffj during the year was as follows: 2024 No 2023 Senior Management Team Other Directcharitable Staff TRU5TEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS The Charity Trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the Charity in the year (2023- £Nil) During the year, no Trustees were reimbursed for disbursements (2023- £Nil) in respect of fundraising and other related expenses. No charity Trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the Charity (2023: £Nil). PENSION COST5 The Charity has a defined contribution pension scheme, which all employees are entitled to join. From l April 2019 the Charity contributes 396 and the employees contribute a minimum of 596, howeveremployees may make further additional voluntary contributions. During the year ended 31 March 2024, the Charity's total contributions amounted to £1 0,196 (2023: £9,041). The Trustees are satisfied that any foreseeable change in employer's contributions can be budgeted for without detriment to the Charity's on-going activities. TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED PARTIES There were no related paty transactions during the year orthe previous year. other than the remuneration of key managefflent personnel set out in Note I l. 26-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT5- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold Fixtures and Property fittings Motor vehicles Computer equipment Totals COST At l April 2023 Additions Disposals 108,541 37,800 27.295 90.980 264,616 5,698 5.698 (12,815) (12,815) At 31 March 2024 108.541 37,8(K) 27.295 83.863 257,499 DEPRECIATION At l April 2023 Charge for year Eliminated on disposal 58.521 36,818 26,901 83,589 205,829 6,463 6,788 (12,815) (12,815) 246 79 At 31 March 2024 58,521 37,064 26,980 77,237 199,802 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 50,020 736 315 6,626 57,697 At 31 March 2023 50,020 982 394 7,391 58,787 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENT5 2024 2023 National Savings Income Bonds- valued atcost 25,000 25,000 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors & accrued income Prepayments 27,971 4,709 44,397 5,187 32,680 49,584 CREDITORS.. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Other creditor5 Accruals 922 330 16,660 3,024 1,209 11,790 17,912 16,023 27-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BUND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement In funds Transfers between fund5 Current Year At 114123 At 3113124 Unrestricted funds General fund Designated - Emily Wells Memorial Fund Designated - Generdl Building Maintenance Designated - Gym Equipment Designated - Hall Refurbishment Designated - High Tech Loan Equiprnent Designated - ITand other Equipment Designated - New Minibus Designated - Removal Costs Designated - Resource Room Equipment Designated- Social Club Refurbishment 172,539 51,526 104,131 15,000 10,640 15,000 45,000 31,697 (15,000) 189,236 51,526 184,131 80,000 (15,000) i 0,000 (15,000) (45,000) 15,000 20,640 15,000 20,000 20.000 15,000 50,000 (15,000) 50,000 Restricted fund5 Access to Work Dora and Leslie Barter Conservatory Fund Hearing Irn paired Children Wirnbledon Foundation Everyone Health National Lottery Community Fund Big Lottery Thomas Powell Family Foundation HHS South West London 498,836 31.697 530,533 7.390 6.250 454 14.167 4,080 i o,o(x) 44,983 (2,492) 4,898 6,250 454 16,462 2,680 2,295 (1,400) (i 0,000) 31,548 76,531 500 500 87.324 20,451 107,775 TOTAL FUNDS 586,160 52.148 638,308 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming Resources Resources Movement In Expended Funds Unrestricted funds General fund 326,341 (294,644) 31,697 326,341 (294,644) 31,697 Restricted fLJnds Access to Work Wimbledon Foundation Everyone Health Thomas Powell Family Foundation Nation31 Lottery Community Fund Big Lottery NHS South West London 28.486 25.000 (30,978) (22,705) (1,400) (34,125) (2,492) 2,295 (1,400) 34,125 (i 0,000) 175.704 500 (10,000) 31,548 500 (144,156) 253.815 (233,364) 20,451 TOTAL FUNDS 580,156 (528,008) 52,148 28-
M ERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS continued Comparative Year Net movement In funds Transfers between funds At 114122 At 3113123 Unrestricted f u nds General fund Designated - Emily Wells Memorial Fund Designated - General Building Maintenance Designated - Gym Equipment Designated - Hall Refurbishment Designated - High Tech Loan Equipment Designated - IT and other Equipment Designated- Minibus Designated - Removal Costs Designated - Resource Room Equipment Designated - Social Club Refurbishment 114.820 51,526 104,131 15.000 10,640 15,000 45,0(K) 55,0(X) 20,0(X) 15,0(X) 50,OC 2,719 55,000 172,539 51,526 104,131 15,000 i 0,640 15,000 45,000 (55,000) 20,000 15,000 50,000 496,117 2.719 498,836 Restricted funds Access to Work Dora and Leslie Barter Conservatory Fund Hearing Impaired Children Wimbledon Foundation Wimbledon Foundation-child activities Merton Connect IT Project Everyone Health National Lottsry Community Fund Big Lottery 7,390 7,390 6,250 454 14,167 6,250 454 10.828 687 1,978 3,339 (687) (1,978) 4,080 i 0,000 44.983 4,080 i 0,000 44,983 20,197 67,127 87,324 TOTAL FUNDS 516.314 69,846 586,160 Net movement in fund5, included in the above are as follows: Incoming Resources Resources Movement In Expended Funds Unrestricted funds General fund 319,615 (316,896) 2,719 319,615 (316,896) 2,719 Restricted fu nds Access to Wark Wimbledon Foundation Wimbledon Foundation-child activities Merton Connected IT Project Everyone Health National Lottery Community Fund Big Lottery 18,259 25,000 (10.869) (21,661) {687) (1,978) (270) 7,390 3,339 {687) (1,978) 4,080 i 0,000 44,983 4,350 i 0,000 129,665 (84,682) 187,274 (120,147) 67,127 TOTAL FUNDS 506,889 (437,043) 69,846 29-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 20. FUNDS DETAILS UNRESTRICTED FUNDS Funds have been designated asfollows: Emily Wells Memorial Fund Thi5 capital amount was designated in committee to provide revenue. General Buildings Maintenance The Trustees have taken advice on the risks involved in owning a large building and the likely repair and maintenance needs over the longer tertn. This amount has been Set aside to meet large repair and maintenance needs. Hall Refurbishment The Trustees have agreed to refurbish the hall area. Removal Costs In a prior year, the Trustees have decided to set-up a fund to cover possible, unforeseen expenditure on our decampment during the reconstruction of The Guardian Centre. Social Club Refurbishment The Trustees have agreed to update and refurbish the social club area. Following a donation from the social club bank account and to recogni5e its source, it wa5 decided in cortlmittee to increase the fund by a similar amount to a total now of £50,000. New Minibus The Trustees have agreed to transfer from General Re5eNes £75.0 to signify our firm contribution towards a new minibus. RESTRICTED FUND5 Acce55 to Work Funding received from the Department forwork and Pensions forvarious equiptnent and expenses by a visually impaired members of staff to as51St them in carrying out their employmenL Certain items of computer equipment were capitalised and are being depreciated. 30-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 20. FUNDS DETAILS - continued The Dora and Leslie Barter Conservatory Fund In accordance with the provisions of the Dora Barter legacy the funds donated therein are to be applied to the building of a new conservatory. Hearing Impaired Children Fundin9 received from Wimbledon Distrirt Nursing and Midwifery Benevolent Society to enable he3rir)g-impaired children to join the Eye Can Do It programme. Wimbledon Foundation We secured five year project funding to engage a Working Age Outreach Worker to develop social and peer 5UPPOrt activities and to promote the take up of statutory and voluntary services for workin9 age people with impaired vision in Merton. The project provides £25,000 per annum to cover salary costs, expenses and overheads of the Outreach Worker until 31 March 2024. Everyone Health A grant of £4,350 was received to support our new No One Left Behind, chair based, exercise classes. Big Lottery A 3 year grant to SUPPOrt our Outreach Team who recruit and train volunteers to assist our members and clients to live better lives despite their visual impairment. Thom3s Powell Family Foundation A 2-year grant to support our Children's and Young Person's projecL which provides regular activitie5 for our younger members. NHS South West London Provision of setvices grant from 19 February 2024 to 31 May 2025 to Health Watch Sutton. 21. CAPTIAL COMMITMENT5 The Charity has authorised and contracted for expenditure of £Nil. The Charity has authorised but not contracted for expenditure of £Nil in its capital budget for the upcoming year. 31
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 22. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCOME Unrestricted Funds Restricted 2023 Funds Total Funds Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 25,959 25,959 Income from charitable activitie5". Grants Charitsble Activities Contracted services 58,292 11,960 219,637 187,274 245,566 11,960 219,637 Other trading activities: Fundraising and events 1,459 1,459 Investment income 2,308 2,308 Total Income 319,615 187,274 506,889 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charitable activities: Charity Activities 475 475 316,421 120,147 436,568 Total expenditure 316,896 120,147 437,043 NET Incomel(expenditu re) before transfer5 2.719 67,127 69,846 NET Income/(expenditure) after transfers 2,719 67,127 69,846 32-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND The followin9 pages do not form part of the financial statements. 33-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSQCIATION FOR THE BLIND DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITUREACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 INCOME Donations and legacies Donations Contribution towards accounts intern salary Legacies Membership 17,394 9,082 36.554 444 20,566 4,541 852 Fundraising Income Fundraising MVAB Lottery 100 Club 63,474 25.959 259 823 168 468 252 Investment income Deposit Account Interest Investment Income 511 1.459 6,550 853 1,938 370 Income from charitable activitie5 Grants Compensation for avoidable overheads incurred Activities Fees Fees Received Catering Incorne Hall Hire Members Club Sale5 Other Income Transport Charges Access to work Maintenance of LBM register Merton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Moorfields Eye Hospital NH5 Foundation Trust Rehabilitstion Charges 7,403 2,308 376,282 245,566 24,056 257 4,156 1,130 4,354 967 218 878 41,497 1,292 2,684 21,869 128,239 326 1,064 559 3,280 1,276 1.276 34,757 1,184 2,366 (1,988) 88,386 508.768 477,163 Total Income 580,156 506.889 This page does not form part of the statutoryfinancial statements 34-
MERTON VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDrruRE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENE)ED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 EXPENDITURE Raising Funds Costs Publicity and fundraising cost 100 Club Prizes 50 290 70 405 340 475 Charitable Activities Wages Redundancy Pay Employer's National Insurance Pension Volu nteer costs Insurance Light, heat and water rates Rates Telephone Postage and Stationery Sundries Transport costs Travel costs Office cleaning and materials Activity costs Catering expense5 Members club purchases Computer and IT costs Repairs and maintenance Access to work equipment Staff training Bank charges Resales Grants to individuals Depreciation of fixture5 and fittings 370,638 322,995 10,942 22,819 9,041 155 4,725 11,676 1,382 2,955 3,719 593 3,345 1,425 1,678 996 1,344 360 9,347 4,916 7,174 2,389 416 201 250 4,125 26,876 10,196 301 5,214 13,204 1,465 4,151 5,275 2,040 4,463 2,679 9,633 4,427 2,973 10,429 7,969 24,946 3,904 439 386 6,788 518,396 428,968 Governance costs Accountancy Independent Examiner5 fees HR fee5 Legal fees Payroll Fees Subscriptions and fees 1,337 2,063 2,863 1,200 360 1,449 1,260 1,943 2,863 360 1,161 9,272 7,600 Total Expenditure 528,008 437,043 Net 5ncome (expenses) 52,148 69,846 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 35-