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← Voluntary Action Cumbria

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1080875 (England and Wales)

Company registration number 03957858

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Ms S J Bramwell
Ms S J Castle-Clarke
Mrs E Clegg
Mr C E Ecroyd
Mr A McViety
Mr F J P Webster
Mr N Curry
Mr J Shimmin
Dr D Freake
Ms R Stamper (Appointed 7 October 2024)
Secretary Lorrainne Smyth
Senior management Lorrainne Smyth Chief executive officer
Charity number (England and Wales) 1080875
Company number 03957858
Independent examiner David Andrew Liddle BA(Hons), FCA
4 Mason Court
Gillan Way
Penrith 40 Business Park
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 9GR

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees report 1 - 5
Independent examiner's report 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Balance sheet 8
Statement of cash flows 9
Notes to the financial statements 10 - 21

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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

Summary of the objects

The objects of the charity are as follows:

"To promote any charitable purposes for the benefit of the community in the county of Cumbria (the area of benefit) and in particular the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, distress and sickness."

"To promote and organise co-operation in the achievement of the above purposes and to that end to bring together representatives of the statutory authorities and voluntary organisations engaged in the furtherance of the above purposes within the area of benefit."

How our activities deliver public benefit

The charity carries out a wide range of activities in pursuance of its charitable aims. The trustees consider that these activities, summarised in our Annual review, provide benefits for the welfare of those who partake of the services provided.

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act in having paid due regard to the Charities Commission guidance on public benefit.

Main objectives for the year

Our main organisational objectives, are set out in the ACT Strategic Plan 2024.

The key objectives described are to; Champion community and rural issues such that no-one is disadvantaged by where they live. ACT does this by supporting communities to:

ACT has Principles Papers on the website here: https://www.cumbriaaction.org.uk/about/statements-of-principles that explain the approach to delivery.

The activities that we have undertaken in order to achieve these objectives are summarised in the review of achievements and performance for the year. This shows significant progress against our objectives.

We believe that our key strength is our ability to reach communities and work alongside local people to enable them to develop solutions that address community needs. As an independent and apolitical charity, we are uniquely placed to act as an effective communication bridge between communities and public bodies and as a broker to enable linkages and dialogue. Our core business is delivering and supporting community engagement.

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

We believe that our key strength is our ability to reach communities and work alongside local people to enable them to develop solutions that address community needs. As an independent and apolitical charity, we are uniquely placed to act as an effective communication bridge between communities and public bodies and as a broker to enable linkages and dialogue. Our core business is delivering and supporting community engagement.

Achievements and performance

Our annual Review can be accessed on our website here:

https://www.cumbriaaction.org.uk/resources/annual-reviews

ACT's Mission

ACTion with communities in Cumbria champions community and rural issues. We help people and communities achieve their aspirations and make their areas better places to live. We're particularly active in rural areas and among communities affected by economic, social or physical disadvantage. We support communities by: " Providing practical advice and support" Delivering workshops, events and case studies for community groups and social enterprises" Linking together local people and the agencies and authorities that impact on their daily lives" Representing the interests of communities locally and nationally and raising awareness of local needs.

If you want to support rural communities, keep up to date with our work or benefit from our services, please become an ACT Supporter. https://www.cumbriaaction.org.uk/about/join-us

Financial review

A good result this year, from our careful husbandry of resources and new investment. We are using Flagstone – CAF Bank’s investment portal to manage our reserves and produce surpluses to support our work with communities. Everyone Here continues to grow and spend, and should become independent next year – a significant change for them and ACT.

Due to the several multiyear projects and funding agreements we have, we changed our reserves policy this year, so that we hold more funds to secure longer term delivery. The security this offers us means we can ensure ongoing support to rural and wider community groups to be heard, to achieve their plans and to work with others and share their achievements. Long term steady management allows us to do this.

The board recommend one years operating costs for ACT as a designated reserve due to several funding agreements that run over 3 – 5 years.

The budgeted operating costs for the next year for ACT's operations (excluding the Everybody Here project) are in the region of £369,000. This is the amount that has been designated.

Should the organisation need to close within a year, the operating reserve will be sufficient to cover redundancy and closure costs of approx. £100,000.

The level of unrestricted reserves held at the end of the financial year was £416,090 (2024: £289,737). After accounting for designated funds and funds which can only be realised through sale of fixed assets, the charity has free reserves of £27,104 (2024: £273,468).

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Investment policy and objectives

The Board recognises that there may be occasions where VAC has surplus funds not needed for immediate charitable activities. This policy statement sets out the Charity's policy on the investment of these funds.

When investing charitable funds Voluntary Action Cumbria will ensure a balance between the two objectives of:

The Trust would expect that investments will be limited to the financial reserves that the Trust has agreed and any other funds that are held by the Trust in the short term. It is not expected that the funds available for investment will be of such a level that the Trust must have a complex investment portfolio. However should the occasion arise, then the Board will ensure that they seek proper and professional advice on investment of these funds and that this will be undertaken in line with the guidance and requirements of the Charities Act. In agreeing where any funds are invested the Company will take account of:

The investment of any funds will be considered in the first instance by the Finance trustee and any recommendations will be made for full Board consideration and approval.

Our Funders in 2024/2025 were:

Defra for our core contract and for the Rural Housing Enabling Project Action with Communities in Rural England

National Lottery Community Fund – For core work

National Lottery Community Fund for the Community Spaces Partnership through Community Action Northumberland Esmee Fairburn Foundation for community voice work

Westmorland and Furness Local Authority for core work

Electricity North West – through Cumbria Community Foundation and direct for events

Arts Council England for the CPP Everybody Here Project Freida Scott Trust Eden Poverty Contract Silloth Town Council Cumberland Council (for EH) Copeland Community Fund

Plans for future periods

In pursuit of our mission, and providing impartial facilitation, ACT will enable communities to:

Structure, governance and management

Voluntary Action Cumbria (VAC) is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on the 23 March 2000 and registered as a charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Since October 2008, VAC has operated using the working name ACT - Action with Communities in Cumbria.

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Ms S J Bramwell

Ms S J Castle-Clarke

Mrs E Clegg Mr C E Ecroyd Mr A McViety Mr F J P Webster Mr N Curry Mr J Shimmin Dr D Freake Ms R Stamper (Appointed 7 October 2024)

A Board of Trustees of up to 12 members manages Voluntary Action Cumbria. Under the Articles of Association trustees must retire in 3-year rotations at Annual General Meetings but are eligible for re-election. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the process laid out in the Articles of Association. Every trustee and paying member promises, if the charity is dissolved while he or she remains a member or within 12 months afterwards, to pay up to £1 towards the cost of dissolution and the liabilities incurred by by the Charity while the contributor was a member.

The members of the Board of Trustees are its directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the trustees.

All key strategic decisions, including the adoption of new project activity, are taken by the Board, which meets bi-monthly. The Trustees maintain scrutiny of the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to ensure that regular reports are produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to manage these risks.

To facilitate day-to-day management relevant areas of responsibility are delegated to lead Trustees responsible for Personnel, Health and Safety and Finance. The Board delegates to the Chief Executive responsibility for operational and financial decisions falling within approved guidelines.

Beneath the Board, a staff team delivers the work of the organisation.

New trustees, on appointment, meet with the Chief Executive to be informed of methods of working, current issues, attendance at meetings, etc and have the opportunity to meet other staff and ask further questions. They are also provided with an information pack comprising guidance on trustee responsibilities, meeting dates, most recent annual report and accounts and other documentation concerning business plans and current activity.

The Trustees consider that the Board and the CEO 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 during the year.

The pay of the senior staff is reviewed annually and are subject to affordability, job evaluation and necessary market adjustment.

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

TRUSTEES REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Relationship between the charity and other entities

Voluntary Action Cumbria maintains the following legal relationships with other legal entities:

ACT and Action with communities in Cumbria are working names of VAC that have been registered with the Charity Commission

Action with Communities in Rural England - member Cumbria Association of Councils for Voluntary Service - member Cumbria Youth Alliance - member Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership - member Lake District National Park Partnership - member Zero Carbon Cumbria - member Everyone Here! Consortium - lead member and accountable body to the Arts Council England

Major risks to which the charity is exposed

The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirms that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.

Compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

Small Companies Exemption

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.

The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

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

Mr A McViety

Trustee

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

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Voluntary Action Cumbria Limited (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW, 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 that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

David Andrew Liddle BA(Hons), FCA

4 Mason Court Gillan Way Penrith 40 Business Park Penrith Cumbria CA11 9GR Date: ............................

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
75
30,000
Charitable activities
4
114,860
748,620
Other trading activities
5
287
-
Investments
6
20,602
-
Total income
135,824
778,620
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
7
52,071
697,630
Total expenditure
52,071
697,630
Net income
83,753
80,990
Transfers between funds
13
42,600
(42,600)
Net movement in funds
9
126,353
38,390
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
289,737
103,765
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
416,090
142,155		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
30,075
40
30,940
863,480
53,246
697,681
287
634
-
20,602
11,232
-
914,444
65,152
728,621
749,701
62,866
577,128
749,701
62,866
577,128
164,743
2,286
151,493
-
48,163
(48,163)
164,743
50,449
103,330
393,502
239,288
435
558,245
289,737
103,765		 Total
2024
£
30,980
750,927
634
11,232
793,773
639,994
639,994
153,779
-
153,779
239,723
393,502

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025
Notes
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
24,316
Cash at bank and in hand
637,680
661,996
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
16
(123,737)
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the Charity
Restricted income funds
19
Unrestricted funds
20		 2024
£
£
19,986
32,971
585,864
618,835
(241,602)
538,259
558,245
142,155
416,090
558,245		 £
16,269
377,233
393,502
103,765
289,737
393,502

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

.............................. Mr A McViety Trustee

Company registration number 03957858 (England and Wales)

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
24
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Investment income received
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2025
£
(9,711)
20,602		 £
40,925
10,891
-
51,816
585,864
637,680		 2024
£
(11,520)
11,232		 £
183,749
(288)
-
183,461
402,403
585,864

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Room 11, Redhills House, Redhills Business Park, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DT.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

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

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount.

Income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers.

Income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted.

Income is deferred when either the donor specifies the grant must only be used in future periods of account or the funding relates to activities in the future accounting period.

Investment income is accounted for when received.

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

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

Fixtures and fittings 20-25% Straight Line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

Fixtures and fittings costing less than £500 are not capitalised but written off to the income and expenditure account as incurred.

Donated computer equipment is depreciated fully in the year the equipment is donated.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

There are no judgements (apart from those involving estimations) that management has made in the process of applying the entity's accounting policies that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

Accounting estimates and assumptions are made concerning the future and, by their nature, will rarely equal the related actual outcome. There are no key assumptions and other sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
75
-
Donated goods and services
-
30,000
75
30,000		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
75
40
-
30,000
-
30,940
30,075
40
30,940		 Total
2024
£
40
30,940
30,980

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Charitable Activities - Main
Other income
114,860
329,830
Charitable Activities - Arts Council
Other income
-
418,790
114,860
748,620		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
444,690
53,246
308,440
418,790
-
389,241
863,480
53,246
697,681		 Total
2024
£
361,686
389,241
750,927

Charitable income

Restricted income providers are detailed in the restricted fund note. Other unrestricted charitable income is as follows; ENW Resilience events £4,600, Transport Research study £2,000, Esmee Fairburn £96,472 and Eden Poverty Work £10,000.

5 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Other income 287 634

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6 Income from investments

Interest receivable
Expenditure on charitable activities
Main
Arts Council
2025
2025
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
205,293
81,774
Direct Costs
124,513
266,481
Staff travel
2,343
-
332,149
348,255
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support
37,042
18,138
Governance
12,452
1,665
381,643
368,058
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
52,071
-
Restricted funds
329,572
368,058
381,643
368,058		 Total
2025
£
287,067
390,994
2,343
680,404
55,180
14,117
749,701
52,071
697,630
749,701		 Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
20,602
11,232
Main
Arts Council
Total
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
170,354
101,742
272,096
178,641
97,808
276,449
1,384
-
1,384
350,379
199,550
549,929
3,032
66,330
69,362
17,895
2,808
20,703
371,306
268,688
639,994
62,866
-
62,866
308,440
268,688
577,128
371,306
268,688
639,994		 Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
20,602
11,232
Main
Arts Council
Total
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
170,354
101,742
272,096
178,641
97,808
276,449
1,384
-
1,384
350,379
199,550
549,929
3,032
66,330
69,362
17,895
2,808
20,703
371,306
268,688
639,994
62,866
-
62,866
308,440
268,688
577,128
371,306
268,688
639,994
Total
2024
£
272,096
276,449
1,384
549,929
69,362
20,703
639,994
62,866
577,128
639,994

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8 Support costs allocated to activities

Establishment costs
Membership, training & computers
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Main
Arts Council
9
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 2025
£
19,079
36,101
14,117
69,297
49,494
19,803
69,297
2025
£
2,190
5,994		 2024
£
53,524
15,838
20,703
90,065
20,927
69,138
90,065
2024
£
2,140
4,157

10 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year or the previous year.

The company does however pay for trustee indemnity insurance on behalf of the trustees.

Expenses were reimbursed to 3 trustees during the year totalling £222 (2024: 2 trustees were reimbursed a total of £124).

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Management Staff 1 1
Administrative Staff 1 1
Project Staff 6 6
Total 8 8

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
254,725
242,529
21,157
19,024
11,185
10,543
287,067
272,096		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
254,725
242,529
21,157
19,024
11,185
10,543
287,067
272,096
272,096

Key Management Personnel

Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £58,926 (2024 - £54,980).

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

13 Transfers

The transfer of restricted funds to unrestricted relates to management charges in relation to overseeing the Arts Council We Are Here/Everybody Here fund.

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

14 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2025
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
Depreciation charged in the year
Eliminated in respect of disposals
At 31 March 2025
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
15
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
17
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
43,624
9,711
(5,665)
47,670
27,355
5,994
(5,665)
27,684
19,986
16,269
2025
2024
£
£
11,185
19,363
12,406
11,950
725
1,658
24,316
32,971
2025
2024
£
£
6,503
6,046
79,663
150,837
14,861
45,385
17,600
17,651
5,110
21,683
123,737
241,602

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

17 Deferred income
2025 2024
£ £
Other deferred income 79,663 150,837
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities 79,663 150,837
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 April 2024 150,837 165,723
Released from previous periods (125,837) (113,723)
Resources deferred in the year 54,663 98,837
Deferred income at 31 March 2025 79,663 150,837
Deferred income relates to funding received for the next financial period
18 Retirement benefit schemes
2025 2024
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 11,185 10,543

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

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19 Restricted funds

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

At 1 April 2024 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
DEFRA/ACRE - 49,415 (49,415) - -
Arts Council England 103,765 448,790 (367,800) (42,600) 142,155
Westmorland and Furness council - 28,250 (28,250) - -
ENW through Cumbria Community
Foundation - 25,000 (25,000) - -
Lottery Northern Partnership - 118,215 (118,215) - -
Lottery SVE and core - 52,500 (52,500) - -
DEFRA - Rural Housing - 56,450 (56,450) - -
103,765 778,620 (697,630) (42,600) 142,155
Previous year: At 1 April 2023 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
- - - - -
DEFRA/ACRE - 75,789 (75,789) - -
ACE 435 420,181 (268,688) (48,163) 103,765
Copeland Community Fund - 18,650 (18,650) - -
Community Fund - National lottery - 58,133 (58,133) - -
Westmorland and Furness council - 21,250 (21,250) - -
ENW through Cumbria Community
Foundation - 27,000 (27,000) - -
Places to Talk - 2,268 (2,268) - -
Esmee Fairburn - 52,709 (52,709) - -
Freida Scott - 5,000 (5,000) - -
Lottery Northern Partnership - 43,285 (43,285) - -
Other restricted - 4,356 (4,356) - -
435 728,621 (577,128) (48,163) 103,765

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

20 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April 2024 At 1 April 2024 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Operating reserve - - - 369,000 369,000
General funds 289,737 135,824 (52,071) (326,400) 47,090
289,737 135,824 (52,071) 42,600 416,090
Previous year: At 1 April 2023 Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 239,288 65,152 (62,866) 48,163 289,737
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2025 2025 2025
£ £ £
At 31 March 2025:
Tangible assets 19,986 - 19,986
Current assets/(liabilities) 396,104 142,155 538,259
416,090 142,155 558,245
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds
2024 2024 2024
£ £ £
At 31 March 2024:
Tangible assets 16,269 - 16,269
Current assets/(liabilities) 273,468 103,765 377,233
289,737 103,765 393,502

21 Analysis of net assets between funds

VOLUNTARY ACTION CUMBRIA LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

22 Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

Voluntary Action Cumbria operates its Pension Scheme through The Pensions Trust. The scheme is a defined contribution scheme but there are guarantees that are linked to the scheme. The estimated amount of employer debt on withdrawal for Voluntary Action Cumbria as at 30 September 2024 has been calculated as £20,278.

The debt could be triggered by the withdrawal of Voluntary Action Cumbria from the scheme which could be at the point of the last active member leaves the scheme, currently there is one active member in the pension scheme.

The Pensions Trust have carried out the actuarial valuation at 30 September 2023 and have decided that additional contributions will be required to be made by the company.

These payments have been charged to the statement of income and expenditure during the year as and when the payments were made to the Pensions Trust.

Following a review of the overall scheme liabilities by the Pensions Trust the amount of the deficit payment required for future periods will be £1,223 per annum from the 1st of April 2025. A separate amount of £2,476 per annum will be due in relation to the scheme expenses which will start from 1 April 2025.

23 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

24
Cash generated from operations
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(Decrease) in deferred income
Cash generated from operations		 2025
£
164,743
(20,602)
5,994
8,655
(46,691)
(71,174)
40,925		 2024
£
153,779
(11,232)
2,957
2,479
50,652
(14,886)
183,749

25 Analysis of changes in net funds

The Charity had no material debt during the year.