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2022-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 03836106 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1077414

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

FOR

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)

Wags LLP t/a Wagstaffs Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Richmond House Walkern Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 3QP

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

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Page
Reference and administrative details 1
Report of the trustees 2 to 11
Report of the independent auditors 12 to 15
Statement of financial activities 16
Statement of financial position 17 to 18
Statement of cash flows 19
Notes to the statement of cash flows 20
Notes to the financial statements 21 to 33
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STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

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Trustees J Hurley (appointed 22/8/22)
J Lyons (appointed 22/8/22)
R J Westergreen-Thorne (Chair)
D M Lawler (Hon. Treasurer) (resigned 1/2/22)
L Lichman (Hon. Treasurer) (resigned 6/5/21)
A Edwards
A O Egunjobi
M Parry
T Wade (Vice Chair)
K G Grix
S Griffett (resigned 24/1/22)
M Downing (Representative Trustee)
Registered office Sixth Floor
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 1HN
Registered company number 03836106 (England and Wales)
Registered charity number 1077414
Auditors Wags LLP t/a Wagstaffs
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Richmond House
Walkern Road
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 3QP
Chief executive officer C Blizzard-Welch
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Page 1

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

Objectives

The charity's purposes, as set out in the objects contained in the Company's Articles of Association, are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the whole community of Stevenage and surrounding areas ("the area of benefit") by the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress.

The charity's objects are defined as above. Our aims are focused on:

Our service provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We also conduct Research and Campaigns to help gather evidence to influence policy change and to ensure individuals do not suffer through a lack of knowledge or an inability to express their needs effectively.

This translates into the main charitable activity of providing advice by telephone and face to face to the general public.

Ensuring our work delivers our aims

We have a locally developed business strategy, which we use to ensure we deliver on our aims and objectives. This strategy is reviewed quarterly to measure our achievements and outcomes. Together with the success of individual key projects and the benefits that have been born from them. In carrying out the review, we are ensuring that that our aims, objectives and activities are in line with our stated purpose.

Our main objectives for the year have been developing our service so that it really meets the needs of the clients we are trying to support. Key activities have included:

- Accessible: We will make it easier to access our service and increase digital provisions

Our new objectives for 2022/23 are focused on our risk areas and critical business functions.

- Provision : Providing the advice people need when they need it, underpinned by a sustainable funding model

Page 2

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Objectives and activities Public benefit

The trustees have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 and have regard to the public benefit guidance as issued by the Charity Commission as shown in the objectives above.

We have referred to the guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities in particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that they have set.

This public benefit statement forms the basis for all judgements regarding operational reports to the Board meetings, in order to be reassured that the facilities and services currently managed by the charity continue to meet these criteria. At these meetings, the treasurer also presents the financial position including taking account of any restricted funds and the Charity's status as a going concern.

How Our Activities Deliver Public Benefit

Our main activities and who we try to help are described below. All our charitable activities focus on providing the advice people need for the problems they face and are undertaken specifically to provide public benefit. The board of trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011.

During the reporting year 7,363 clients benefited from the services of Citizens Advice Stevenage. We support people with any issue that they may face; however our most common enquiry areas are debt, housing, welfare benefits and tax credits. Clients continue to present with multiple problems and on average clients are presenting with 3 to 4 issues each.

Contribution of Volunteers and Paid Staff

The charity's success could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of volunteers and staff. The trustee board and senior management team recognise the tremendous contribution made by the charity's volunteers in advising the public and administering the service without which the service could not operate. Throughout 2021/22 the service employed 35 paid workers (23.5 FTE), and 89 volunteers (including trustees) together delivering some 16 projects, including the core service.

Volunteers represent the indispensable core of the service for without them, there would not be a Citizens Advice service. The volunteers contribute, on average, 206 hours per week (2020/21: 270). This may be expressed as an annualised value of £229,390 (2020/21 £279,859). However, their value is inadequately expressed in monetary terms. Indeed, volunteers bring many skills to the service and very often the experience gained helps individuals return to full employment. During 2021/22, 10 volunteers left to take up external work.

Citizens Advice Stevenage are working hard to review our approach to attracting and keeping volunteers, through our partnership with Hertfordshire University and the Job Centre Plus. It is our intention to consistently monitor our approach to training, to provide an accessible and welcoming place to volunteer.

Page 3

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Achievement and performance Advice and Information Services

The principal activity of Citizens Advice Stevenage remained the provision of free, confidential, independent and impartial advice and information for members of the public. This is provided through telephone and digital channels and face-to-face services at the main offices located at Daneshill House.

The main areas of charitable activity are:

Throughout the year we have continued to offer Advice and Information in the following ways

1) Adviceline - participation is continuing as part of a group of other local Citizens Advice to provide our telephone service. The line is covered on a rota basis between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm from Monday to Friday. Outside of these times there is an automated advice service 24 hours a day.

2) Face to face services for those unable to use digital channels. We altered our delivery model reduced our services to digital first as a result of the pandemic. An initial assessment takes via telephone or email and subject to criteria being met clients are then seen in person. Urgent issues are responded to and clients are not turned away.

3) Full advice -general and specialist advice through our team of trained advisers and paid staff.

4) Information and Self Help.

In addition to generalist advice, the following specialist advisory services were provided:

I. The core service funded by a contract with Stevenage Borough Council to provide advice to local people to improve financial inclusion.

II. Caseworkers for debt / tenancy sustainment for tenants of Stevenage Borough Council

III. Homelessness prevention and court desk representation funded by Stevenage Borough Council

IV. Crisis Intervention services funded by Hertfordshire County Council

VI. Pension Wise funded by the Department for Work and Pensions

VII. Help to claim funded by Citizens Advice National.

VIII. Specialist family advice funded by the Follett Trust

IX. Specialist debt advice funded by Henry Smith Foundation

X. Specialist employment advice service (our only paid for service) which provide specialist employment advice at affordable rates

XI. Census support funded by The Good Things Foundation

XII. Family Centres funded by Barnardo's

XIII. Specialist Gambling Support and Awareness Service for the Eastern Region funded by GambleAware

XIV. Helping More People Together on Adviceline phone, chat and email funded by Citizens Advice

XV. Increasing Capacity Debt for MaPS funded by Citizens Advice

XVI. Scams Awareness and Prevention Service funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner

Page 4

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Achievement and performance

Factors Affecting the Achievement of Objective

Maintaining sufficient funding to continue delivering the service remains a continual challenge. We are making sure that we invest in fundraising and continue to diversify our approach to ensure we are delivering the most cost-effective service we possibly can. This isn't about simply cutting costs, it is about delivering a service that genuinely meets clients' needs to make us as cost effective as possible.

The complexity of the issues that clients are facing, and the additional challenges that clients are experiencing, places additional demands on the service. The support networks that were previously in place for people are changing and we are asked to offer support that falls outside the remit of direct advice. Where people are vulnerable, it is essential that we offer support in a person-centred way and whilst necessary this can be resource intensive.

Financial review

Financial position

The availability of funding in the charity sector remains difficult in a period of austerity. The charity is focused on providing added value to its funders from a base of sound financial management and ensuring that our services remain relevant to the strategic objectives of stakeholders at local and national level.

The charity is working hard to deliver a cost-effective service that genuinely meets the needs of our clients. It remains a challenging prospect to meet the ever-increasing demand with significantly reduced funding resources.

In the reporting period, the charity had a surplus of £31,571 (2020/21: £91,020) from a total income of £766,005 (2020/21: £834,542) and expenditure of £734,435 (2020/21: £743,522).

At the year end the charity's total reserve funds stand at £441,006 (2020/21: £409,435) of which £426,597 (2020/21: £392,046) is unrestricted and £14,409 (2020/21: £17,389) is restricted.

Financial position

A Digital and Redevelopment Fund of £123,797 has been established funded from Unrestricted Reserves. This will enable the use of reserve resources in a planned way to support future budgets including the redesign of services.

Cash balances have moved from £644,747 at the end of 2020/21 financial year to £493,777 at the end of 2021/22.

Principal funding sources

The Directors extend their thanks to Stevenage Borough Council which has continued its funding to enable us to provide our core service. The Council also provides funding for other services such as a Court Desk debt worker, and a full-time equivalent caseworker through the Stevenage Housing department to help clients in rent arrears or in need of other advice and assistance. We also extend thanks to National Citizens Advice for the facilitation of funded projects in Stevenage.

Page 5

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Financial review

Investment powers, policy and performance

As required in Article 4.1 of its Articles of Association, the charity has the power, which may be used only to promote the Objectives, to make social investments in pursuance of the Objectives by any means as permitted by the Charities (Protection and Social Investment)Act 2016; and to invest any money in any investments, securities or properties; and to accumulate and set aside funds for special purposes or as reserves in accordance with a reserves policy; and to accumulate expendable endowment.

Reserves policy

Citizens Advice Stevenage is required to ensure that free monies are available in each financial year to meet any reasonably foreseeable contingency. The Bureau will maintain a projection of income for at least 3 years ahead and will ensure that this continues to be derived from as wide a variety of sources as possible. They will take all necessary steps to ensure that at no time within this period would it be possible for the cessation of one or more funding streams to present so serious a challenge to the future of the organisation that it could not be managed so as to continue to provide a best value advice service.

In reviewing the potential costs that could arise should a significant reduction in income be incurred, the Trustees have determined that 'free' reserves should be maintained at a minimum of 4 months of operating costs. The level of reserves held meets the reserves policy requirement.

Going Concern

After making further appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Future developments

Developing a sustainable service that meets the needs of our clients remains a priority of the trustee board for 2022/23. The charity will build on the work completed in the previous financial year to develop diversified funding streams to increase our sustainability and enable us to build a diverse service that is responsive to client needs.

The charity will continue to work to ensure that it delivers a cost-effective service, meaning that we are not only offering value for money to our existing funders but that we have a viable offer, whilst never compromising on the high-quality service that our clients expect and deserve.

During the year 2022/23, we will improve our internal monitoring mechanisms ensuring that we have a clear understanding of each element of the service, the benefits of which are many - we can ensure that we are achieving as much as we can possibly achieve to continue to deliver an excellent service to our clients and our funders, and we can also understand our business offer and can market our service accordingly.

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STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The charity was formed as a company limited by guarantee on 3rd September 1999 (Company Number: 03836106). The full name of the charity is Stevenage Citizens Advice Bureau and was registered with the Charity Commission on 15th September 1999 (Charity Number: 1077414).

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Citizens Advice Stevenage is governed by its Articles of Association which replaced its previous Memorandum and Articles of Association and were passed by the company in general meeting by special resolution on 9th March 2018.

Article 3.1 of the Articles of Association reads: "The Charity is established for the promotion of any charitable purposes for the public benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress, in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the community in the Borough of Stevenage and surrounding areas."

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The charity is governed through a trustee board. Trustees who have held office during the year are listed on page 3. The Articles of Association provide for a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve elected trustees, with not more than 3 additional Trustees, who are co-opted at any time.

The trustees meet 4 times per year with additional quarterly meetings for the sub-committees listed below. The board is supported by a network of sub-committees, covering Finance and Policy, Staffing and Premises and Development. The Chief Executive attends all of these. The sub committees report to the full Board meetings. The Chief Executive Officer also attends the main Board meetings but does not have voting rights.

As stated in the Articles of Association, one third of the elected trustees for the time being or if their number is not three or a multiple of three, then the number nearest one third shall retire from office. A retiring elected trustee shall be eligible for re-election by the members. An elected trustee may not continue to serve after nine years in office unless the Board resolves in exceptional circumstances that the relevant elected trustee may serve for an additional term of up to three years.

Nominees appointed by Stevenage Borough Council are subject to the appointment processes of the Borough Council.

The trustees who have served during the year can be seen on the previous page. 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 organisation is coordinated from its office in Stevenage.

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STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Structure, governance and management

Organisational structure

Citizens Advice Stevenage is a member of Citizens Advice, the operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, which provides a framework for standards of advice and casework management as well as monitoring progress against these standards. Operating policies are independently determined by the Board of Directors in order to fulfil its charitable objects and comply with the national membership requirements.

Citizens Advice Stevenage is governed by its Trustee Board, which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and the policy of the charity. The Trustees carry the ultimate responsibility for the conduct of the Bureau and for ensuring that the charity satisfies its legal and contractual obligations. The Trustee Board is independent from management. A register of members' interests is maintained at the registered office and is available to the public. At present the Board has 8 members with voting rights and 1 non-voting member who is nominated by Stevenage Borough Council.

The Chief Executive of the organisation has been appointed by the trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. In addition, there is an experienced team of paid staff and volunteers who are key to the service offered by the charity. Decisions are made by the trustee board in line with the Business Strategy and are reviewed at least annually.

The Senior Management Team meet to review progress against targets and the Charity's financial position and to discuss issues referred to them by the trustee board. Reports and recommendations are then taken to the full board for approval, and their implementation is organised by the Chief Executive and the staff team. There are regular staff, volunteer meetings and senior management team meetings which ensure that progress is being made against targets. There is an Annual General Meeting, which involves the staff team, trustee board, members, and other stakeholders.

Trustee induction and training

New trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. The comprehensive induction to Citizens Advice Stevenage includes visits to the organisation, appropriate reading material, training courses and meeting key employees and other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the understanding of their role. This is all enshrined in a written induction process.

Key management remuneration

The trustees consider that the board of trustees and the senior management team (SMT) comprise the key management personnel of the charity. The charity's senior management team are all paid in accordance with a published scale of grades used in the voluntary sector. Any increases to these published grades are approved by the trustee board. The chief executive's salary is reviewed and approved by the trustee board separately but in line with the policy set out above.

Page 8

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Structure, governance and management

Related parties

The charity co-operates and liaises with a number of other advisory services, local charities and social services departments on behalf of clients. Where one of the Trustees holds the position of trustee / director of another charity, they may be involved in discussions regarding that other charity but not in the ultimate decision-making process.

Complaints

We received 0 formal complaints and 3 informal complaints during the year. All complaints are carefully investigated by the Advice Quality and Operations Manager and a full response sent to the individual clients. The Board also review complaints annually or sooner if required.

Key risks and Uncertainties

The trustees, having had consideration to and mindful of the risk factors for the charity, identify the following:

Trustees' plans and strategies for managing these risks:

Page 9

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Structure, governance and management

Factors that are likely to affect the financial performance or position in 2022/23 and further years:

Trustees' responsibility statement

The trustees (who are also the directors of Stevenage Citizens Advice Bureau for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the trustees 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 trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which 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

The trustees are responsible for 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 Companies 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.

Page 10

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Trustees' responsibility statement - continued

In so far as the trustees are aware:

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by: 24/11/2022

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

R J Westergreen-Thorne - Trustee

Page 11

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Stevenage Citizens Advice Bureau (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31st March 2022 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Statement of financial position, the Statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is 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'.

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Page 12

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the independent auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Page 13

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the independent auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Page 14

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

for and on behalf of Wags LLP t/a Wagstaffs Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006 Richmond House Walkern Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 3QP Date: .............................................

Page 15

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
3
2,523
Charitable activities
Direct charitable income
230,816
Investment income
4
2,347
Other income
6
10,942
Total
246,628
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
7
Direct charitable expenditure
221,329
NET INCOME
25,299
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
392,047
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
417,346		 Restricted
funds
£
-
519,377
-
-
519,377
513,105
6,272
17,388
23,660		 2022
Total
funds
£
2,523
750,193
2,347
10,942
766,005
734,434
31,571
409,435
441,006		 2021
Total
funds
£
1,328
807,605
3,119
22,491
834,543
743,523
91,020
318,415
409,435

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 16

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31ST MARCH 2022

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
14
2,773
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
15
8,921
Cash at bank
470,117
479,038
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
16
(64,465)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
414,573
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
417,346
NET ASSETS
417,346
FUNDS
17
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
23,660
23,660
-
23,660
23,660
23,660		 2022
Total
funds
£
2,773
8,921
493,777
502,698
(64,465)
438,233
441,006
441,006
417,346
23,660
441,006		 2021
Total
funds
£
9,085
9,240
644,747
653,987
(253,637)
400,350
409,435
409,435
392,047
17,388
409,435

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31st March 2022.

The members have not deposited notice, pursuant to Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requiring an audit of these financial statements.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

These financial statements have been audited under the requirements of Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011.

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 17

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (REGISTERED NUMBER: 03836106)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION - continued 31ST MARCH 2022

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 24/11/2022 ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:

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

R J Westergreen-Thorne - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 18

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Net cash provided by investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the reporting period		 2022
£
(153,317)
(153,317)
2,347
2,347
(150,970)
644,747
493,777		 2021
£
270,380
270,380
3,119
3,119
273,499
371,248
644,747

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 19

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of
financial activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Interest received
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Net cash (used in)/provided by operations		 2022
£
31,571
6,312
(2,347)
319
(189,172)
(153,317)		 2021
£
91,020
6,543
(3,119)
15,527
160,409
270,380

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

Net cash
Cash at bank
Total		 At 1.4.21
Cash flow
At 31.3.22
£
£
£
644,747
(150,970)
493,777
644,747
(150,970)
493,777
644,747
(150,970)
493,777

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 20

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

1. STATUTORY INFORMATION

Stevenage Citizens Advice Bureau is a company limited by guarantee and registered charity, both registered in England and Wales. The charity and company registration numbers, along with the registered office address, can be found within the reference and administrative details on page 1.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Significant judgements and estimates

No significant judgements or estimates have have been made by the directors in preparing these financial statements.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Fixtures and fittings - 25% on cost, 20% on cost and 10% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Page 21

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Fund accounting

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 funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

3. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations and gifts
4.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
5.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Grants
Direct charitable income
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
Big Lottery
Herts Crisis Intervention
Family Advisor
Other Projects
Henry Smith
Gamble Aware
Scams
Help To Claim
Access to Justice
Carried forward		 2022
£
2,523
2022
£
2,347
2022
£
750,193
2022
£
-
132,184
27,060
3,166
64,664
7,997
36,425
55,890
-
327,386		 2021
£
1,328
2021
£
3,119
2021
£
807,605
2021
£
9,950
70,403
19,957
27,349
55,336
43,500
10,575
51,203
45,400
333,673

Page 22

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - continued

Brought forward
Census
Domestic Abuse Services SADA
Family Centres
Money and Pension Service
Tampon Tax
Pension Wise
Stevenage Borough Council - Housing Debt Advice
Stevenage Borough Council - Core
Court Worker
Employment Pilot
Single Queue
Legal Aid Agency
VCSE HPB
Helping More People Together
6.
OTHER INCOME
Miscellaneous income
Income from CJRS claims
7.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Direct
Costs (see
note 8)
£
Direct charitable expenditure
718,085		 2022
£
327,386
5,194
-
6,906
32,813
-
109,544
29,500
152,705
22,916
27,050
10,000
7,479
7,500
11,200
750,193
2022
£
10,942
-
10,942
Support
costs (see
note 9)
£
16,349		 2021
£
333,673
23
74,342
7,094
11,019
9,940
159,938
29,234
140,000
25,000
17,342
-
-
-
-
807,605
2021
£
9,448
13,043
22,491
Totals
£
734,434

Page 23

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

8. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |2022|2021| |£|£| |Staff costs|592,426|556,693| |Staff and volunteer costs|10,903|8,558| |Office costs|98,967|68,480| |Premises costs|1,870|357| |Other costs|7,607|90,064| |Depreciation|6,312|6,543| |718,085|730,695| |9.|SUPPORT COSTS| |Other| |£| |Direct charitable expenditure|16,349| |Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:| |Other| |2022|2021| |Direct| |charitable|Total| |expenditure|activities| |£|£| |Support costs|16,349|12,828|

----- End of picture text -----

10. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):| |2022|2021| |£|£| |Depreciation - owned assets|6,312|6,543| |Auditors remuneration|3,033|2,820|

----- End of picture text -----

Page 24

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

11. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st March 2022 nor for the year ended 31st March 2021.

Trustees' expenses

Trustees' expenses reimbursed amounted to £Nil for the year ended 31st March 2021 (2020: £315).

12. STAFF COSTS

2022
£
Wages and salaries
527,598
Social security costs
41,475
Other pension costs
23,353
592,426
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
2022
Advice and information
21
Administration and support
8
29		 2021
£
497,347
35,810
23,536
556,693
2021
20
8
28

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

Total key management personnel remuneration (including benefits) was £44,191 (2021: £42,252).

13. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
funds
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
1,328
Charitable activities
Direct charitable income
209,691
Investment income
3,119
Other income
22,491
Total
236,629		 Restricted
funds
£
-
597,914
-
-
597,914		 Total
funds
£
1,328
807,605
3,119
22,491
834,543

EXPENDITURE ON

Page 25

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
13. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
£ £ £
Charitable activities
Direct charitable expenditure 148,109 595,414 743,523
NET INCOME 88,520 2,500 91,020
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 303,527 14,888 318,415
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 392,047 17,388 409,435
14. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Fixtures
and
fittings
£
Cost
At 1st April 2021 and 31st March 2022 162,654
Depreciation
At 1st April 2021 153,569
Charge for year 6,312
At 31st March 2022 159,881
Net book value
At 31st March 2022 2,773
At 31st March 2021 9,085
----- End of picture text -----

Page 26

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

15. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
Accruals and deferred income		 2022
£
412
8,509
8,921
2022
£
72
12,434
51,959
64,465		 2021
£
2,500
6,740
9,240
2021
£
76,340
9,165
168,132
253,637

Deferred income included above relates to grants received in respect of a future financial period.

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
Asset Replacement Fund
Redundancy Fund
Digital and Redevelopment Fund
General fund
Restricted funds
Pension Wise
Family Advisor
Gamble Aware
Money and Pensions Service
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.21
£
58,440
22,000
56,000
255,607
392,047
12,327
2,561
2,500
-
17,388
409,435		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(38,000)
(7,000)
70,299
-
25,299
(2,021)
7,114
(2,500)
3,679
6,272
31,571		 At
31.3.22
£
20,440
15,000
126,299
255,607
417,346
10,306
9,675
-
3,679
23,660
441,006

Page 27

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
Asset Replacement Fund
Redundancy Fund
Digital and Redevelopment Fund
General fund
Restricted funds
Pension Wise
Family Advisor
Herts Crisis Intervention
Stevenage Borough Council - Housing
Debt Advice
Help To Claim
Gamble Aware
Henry Smith
Scams
Census
Family Centres
Helping More People Together
Money and Pensions Service
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
-
-
-
246,628
246,628
109,544
27,060
132,184
29,500
55,890
7,997
64,664
36,425
5,194
6,906
11,200
32,813
519,377
766,005		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(38,000)
(38,000)
(7,000)
(7,000)
70,299
70,299
(246,628)
-
(221,329)
25,299
(111,565)
(2,021)
(19,946)
7,114
(132,184)
-
(29,500)
-
(55,890)
-
(10,497)
(2,500)
(64,664)
-
(36,425)
-
(5,194)
-
(6,906)
-
(11,200)
-
(29,134)
3,679
(513,105)
6,272
(734,434)
31,571

Page 28

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Unrestricted funds
Asset Replacement Fund
Redundancy Fund
Digital and Redevelopment Fund
General fund
Restricted funds
Pension Wise
Family Advisor
Gamble Aware
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.4.20
£
58,440
22,000
56,000
167,087
303,527
12,327
2,561
-
14,888
318,415		 Net
movement
in funds
£
-
-
-
88,520
88,520
-
-
2,500
2,500
91,020		 At
31.3.21
£
58,440
22,000
56,000
255,607
392,047
12,327
2,561
2,500
17,388
409,435

Page 29

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

17. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Pension Wise
Family Advisor
Herts Crisis Intervention
Stevenage Borough Council - Housing
Debt Advice
Help To Claim
Gamble Aware
Henry Smith
Scams
Census
Family Centres
Money and Pensions Service
Access to Justice
Domestic Abuse Services SADA
Tampon Tax
Big Lottery
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
236,629
159,938
19,957
70,403
29,234
51,203
43,500
55,336
10,575
23
7,094
11,019
45,400
74,342
9,940
9,950
597,914
834,543		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(148,109)
88,520
(159,938)
-
(19,957)
-
(70,403)
-
(29,234)
-
(51,203)
-
(41,000)
2,500
(55,336)
-
(10,575)
-
(23)
-
(7,094)
-
(11,019)
-
(45,400)
-
(74,342)
-
(9,940)
-
(9,950)
-
(595,414)
2,500
(743,523)
91,020

18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

During the year, subscriptions of £7,849 (2021: £7,849) were paid to Citizens Advice Bureaux.

Page 30

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

19. COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

The charitable company is limited by guarantee. Each member is liable to contribute up to a maximum of £1 to the charitable company's debt in the event of winding up.

Page 31

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

20. PURPOSE OF FUNDS

----- Start of picture text -----
||| |---|---| |Fund|Purpose| |Stevenage Borough Council|Providing holistic advice services to the population of Stevenage,| |Core Service|researching and campaigning on issues and providing voluntary| |opportunities| |Stevenage Borough Council|Court desk representation and homelessness prevention advice| |Court Desk Worker| |Stevenage Borough Council|To provide advice and casework for tenants of Stevenage Borough| |Housing Debt Advice|Council| |Follett Trust Family Advisor|Providing specialist family and relationship advice| |Hertfordshire Crisis|Interventions for people who are at crisis point with timely and| |Intervention|effective support to meet both their immediate needs and to help| |build their resilience to prevent the crisis in the future| |Pension Wise|Delivery of face to face pension guidance sessions to empower| |customers in their pension choices| |Henry Smith|Specialist debt advice funded by Henry Smith Foundation| |Scams|Scams Awareness and Prevention Service funded by the Police and| |Crime Commissioner| |Gamble Aware|Specialist Gambling Support and Awareness Service for the Eastern| |Region funded by GambleAware| |Help To Claim|"Help to Claim" service for those who need help to apply for| |Universal Credit. Providing support to submit their first Universal| |Credit application up until the first payment. Help will be tailored to| |the individual and is available face-to-face, over the phone and| |online.| |Helping More People|Enable local offices to increase their capacity to deliver, in light of| |Together|the increased demand for advice across all channels caused by| |COVID-19.| |Family Centres|Advice provided to families registered with the family centres,| |funded by Barnardo's| |Tampon Tax|Domestic abuse advice funded by the Tampon Tax Community| |Grant programme| |Big Lottery|Project to improve the accessibility of services through digitalisation| |funded by the National Lottery Community Fund|

----- End of picture text -----

Page 32

STEVENAGE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2022

20. PURPOSE OF FUNDS - continued

MaPS

Debt advice project funded by the Money and Pensions Service

Access to Justice Training Law students to provide advice, support and preparation to clients appealing welfare benefit decisions.

Employment Service

Paid for service providing specialist advice on employment matters

Asset Replacement Fund Provision for necessary equipment to support the ongoing activities of the Bureau

Redundancy Fund Designated fund to cover the costs of staff redundancies if the need arises Redevelopment Fund Designated fund to cover new incentives VCSE Covid Recovery For benefiting the residents of Stevenage after the COVID-19 pandemic

Page 33