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2025-07-31-accounts

COMPANY NUMBER: 04028768

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1083268

LISTER STEPS LIMITED

UNAUDITED ANNUAL REPORT &

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 JULY 2025

Lister Steps Limited Contents Year ended 31 July 2025

Pages
Trustees’ Annual Report 1 to 6
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 7
Independent Examiners Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Statement of Cash Flows 11
Notes forming part of the Financial Statements From 12

Lister Steps Limited Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 July 2025

The trustees, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2025.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, Companies Act 2006, Accounting and Reporting by Charities; Statement of Recommended Practice (Sorp 2019) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1st January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objects of the charitable company are to promote for the benefit of the public (with particular emphasis on the public in the area of Tuebrook Merseyside) any charitable purpose without distinction of gender, race, age, disability, sexual orientation, pollical, religious or other opinion and in particular charitable purposes which: -

Promote for public benefit regeneration in Tuebrook and surrounding areas by all the following means

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and have fully complied with their duty in regard to this guidance when exercising their powers and duties.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Our Community Engagement Manager has successfully continued to deliver a wide range of activities and events. Further details can be found in the relevant sections of this report.

EDUCATION

Our intent is to support our children to enable them to achieve their full potential academically, economically and to become happy, socially confident and able to keep themselves safe. In our work with young children our biggest contribution is to give them the skills to learn, to understand how to behave in a learning setting, how to listen, take turns, and to share and express their feelings. We do this in ways that comply with the Early Years Foundation Stage requirements and are fun and enjoyable for the children.

We can integrate children with additional learning needs and work alongside other professionals such as Educational Psychologists, and Speech and Language Therapists to develop individual plans to support the child’s development. We are often first to notice that something may be wrong if developmental milestones are not being met and are well placed to lead Early Help interventions and have the trust of families to do so.

We continue to have an excellent reputation for our work with children who have special educational needs. Lister Steps is regarded as valued resource by professionals. Our SENDCO (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-Ordinator) supports families who have children with special needs and supervises our specially trained childcare practitioners who provide 1 to 1 care to children with special needs.

FAMILIES

Lister Steps provides free childcare to families in crisis or when there is a change in circumstances with the potential to harm the well- being of the child. During the reporting period we have supported families where serious illness, housing, domestic violence, residency status and crime have affected the main care giver.

Case study

The following case study provides an example of the way in which a vulnerable child and parent received the support they desperately needed to overcome serious problems, and to prevent the child from being admitted into Care.

During the reporting period our Nursery Manager and the childcare practitioners at Lister Steps supported a single parent and her 3 year old daughter, Child X.

When X first started the Nursery, staff were informed by Social Services that the mum had a history of drug and alcohol problems and her other children had been taken into Care. Social Services were no longer involved since the mum had been coping better and she was now able to take adequate care of her youngest child.

Page 1

Lister Steps Limited Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 July 2025

At first there were no apparent problems, however patterns began to appear - signs of behaviour and presentation causing concern to the Nursery staff. Mum was frequently arriving to Nursery late and presented as stressed, and X became increasingly withdrawn and appeared physically neglected. The Nursery Manager had worked hard to build up a trusting relationship with mum and eventually mum felt able to confide in her, admitting that she was again using drugs and alcohol and was struggling to cope on her own. With mum’s knowledge, the Manager informed Social Services of their concerns. A Social Services Case Conference and plan was quickly arranged:

VOLUNTEERS

Lister Steps is registered with Volunteer Liverpool and welcome volunteers into all facets of our work. We welcome volunteers of all abilities, to work with our children and value the input people with different life experiences can give. We find that volunteers with specialist skills can complement our work. Our volunteers have made useful contributions to Lister Steps in various strands of the organisation ranging from childcare to governance, research, social media management, administration, and horticulture and ground maintenance.

Volunteers often come from the most marginalised sections of society, and we are able to support their developing personal skills, confidence and selfesteem. It has become apparent that visitors to The Old Library get involved in numerous different activities and a few have gone on from participating to volunteering and supporting our team.

Our community engagement work funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled us to extend the range of volunteering opportunities available to members of our community.

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Lister Steps networks extensively with other statutory and voluntary agencies across the Liverpool City Region to ensure that we have a portfolio of up to date and relevant support services for our children and their families. We work very closely with local Health Visitors, Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists and SENIS to ensure children receive the specialist intervention they may need. We are also able to sign-post our parents and staff for advice on finance, budgeting, debt management, mental health, counselling etc.

The Café has become embedded in the community providing healthy, nutritious food for all the children in our care to ensure they receive at least one full meal a day – supporting families challenged by rising costs and the wider community.

During the accounting period we continued to support wellbeing by organising and providing facilities for dance, exercise, crafting and art classes and opportunities to socialise in a calm and relaxing environment.

COMMUNITY COHESION

We value all of our children and families. We promote mutual respect and are inclusive. At Lister Steps we want children to be independent learners so that they can make their own choices and build and develop strong relationships and friendships with lots of people. Our services promote the fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Our longstanding groups such as Knit and Natter, Family History, Shared Reading, Creative Writing and Narcotics Anonymous continue to use the Old Library as their local base.

Tactcare, Storybox CIC, Rejuvenate CIC and Wellbeing Together and Liverpool City Council continue to use The Old library as a base for supporting local residents and families.

PERFORMANCE

Lister Steps is registered with OFSTED to provide 96 childcare places each day. The places are delivered through our Nursery and “Out of School” Club settings. We also provide play schemes during the school holidays for local children to help working parents and give children opportunities to play safely and learn new skills and hobbies.

Lister Steps offers school and college placements, internships and apprentices to local young people who wish to further their career working children and families. During the Accounting Period staff continued to benefit from access to an on-line training academy Noodle Now to support their continued professional development.

Lister Steps Childcare continued to struggle to retain qualified staff and to recruit replacements, something experienced by the whole childcare sector. This resulted in staff often doing unpaid overtime, not taking leave regularly, stress and burnout. Trustees discussed reducing childcare numbers, instituting welfare reviews, regular staff engagement and trying to ensure staffing levels were maintained.

Page 2

Lister Steps Limited Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 July 2025

The trustees regard our childcare facility and services as a great achievement. Occupancy levels were maintained although this places strain on staff resources. Our regular summer play scheme continued to play a key role in retaining child registrations and attract new customers, including parents from across the area and from diverse backgrounds.

Our café is popular and serves as the doorway for local people to find out more about the activities and services we offer. The café also serves our growing events portfolio and provides catering for family events. We are awarded 5 stars in terms of environmental health standards.

We arranged a series of Christmas events including a Dickensian Afternoon Tea, Community Sing and parties for our Children. Lister Steps is extremely grateful to the following individuals, trusts and organisations for their financial support.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Total income in the year was £674,466 (2024: £525,526) of which £125,130 (2024: £89,605), related to funding for projects upon which restrictions are placed.

Total expenditure in the year was £670,579 (2024: £617,850), leaving a surplus for the year of £3,887 (2024: deficit £92,325).

At 31 July 2025 the charitable company’s reserves stood at £107,455 (2024: £103,569) of which £NIL (2024: £8,991) represented restricted funds

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees are responsible for risk management. The Company Secretary is the childcare nominated person and ensures compliance with OFSTED as the regulatory body.

The Board as a whole take responsibility for risk management and ensure that agreed actions comply with the risk management policy. Policies and procedures are reviewed annually.

RESERVES POLICY

It is the policy of the charitable company to maintain unrestricted funds, which are free reserves at a level to cover redundancy provision, and three months, running costs should no further funding be received.

As at the end of the financial year the unrestricted funds totalled £107,455.

As per are business plan, Lister Steps is hoping to hold a number of events/weddings etc in their building this will ensure unrestricted reserves increase to cover redundancy policy etc. There will also be additional income from the cafe which is also to increase unrestricted reserves.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

The Trustees are working towards a full review of Lister Step’s Objectives, and are updating and rewriting our Articles of Association. In addition, we are in the process of reviewing staff job descriptions to more accurately reflect the organisation we have evolved into.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 7th July 2000 and registered as a charity on 7th July 2000.

The Governing Instruments under which the charitable company operates comprise the Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 14th June 2000.

Although the charity generates income through activities such as the café and ticketed events, these are integral to its charitable objectives. The café operates as a community café, providing affordable food and a welcoming space for local residents. Ticketed events are designed to subsidise the cost of maintaining a warm, inclusive environment and to support wellbeing initiatives. All income, apart from occasional room rental, is derived from activities that directly further the charity’s purposes.

The rights of members, including the right to vote on key matters, are exercised at general meetings of the charitable company. All members have equal voting rights, ensuring fairness and transparency in decision-making.

The members have delegated the day-to-day management and strategic oversight of the charity to the Board of Trustees. The Board currently consists of Jerry Spencer, Jayelle Robinson, and Hannah McMullan, who collectively ensure compliance with the charity’s objectives and governance requirements.

The charitable company is limited by guarantee. Each member undertakes to contribute £1 in the event of the charity being wound up, as set out in the governing documents.

The trustees of the charity, who also serve as directors of the company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, are Jerry Spencer, Jayelle Robinson, and Hannah McMullan.

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Lister Steps Limited Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 July 2025

RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF NEW TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees aims to recruit new Trustees with a range of relevant skills and experience. Recruitment is initiated through online advertising using various platforms and sites and also Volunteer Liverpool. Prospective applicants are interviewed by the Chair of the Board of Trustees and the Board/Company Secretary. Trustees are required to undergo Disclosure and Barring Service background checks and to register with OFSTED. Election for positions on the Board takes place at the AGM or at Trustee Board meetings throughout the year.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE TEAM

Lister Steps is a value led organisation and this is reflected across our communications with the full staff team including volunteers, students and trainees on work placement. Staff are kept up to date with developments via bi-monthly full team meetings, regular memo's and team leader briefings. A trustee attends each full team meeting and team members are encouraged to input into operational reports presented at board meetings.

Team Building days, Staff development and Training days are held bi- annually and this gives the opportunity for staff, volunteers and trustees to work together.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Lister Steps considers equality of opportunity in all aspects of our organisation. We have an equal opportunities policy which is reviewed annually.

FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The Chief Executive is responsible for overseeing the overall direction of Lister Steps, ensuring the effective management of the resources available to us and taking the lead on the achievement of our charitable mission and objectives.

The Chief Executive ensured during 2024/25 that the Mission was at the front of all the work done and that all the activities planned and delivered fell within the charitable remit. They have worked alongside the Board of Trustees to discuss and agree long term strategies and short term action plans, taking the lead in the preparation of all funding bids and liaising closely with charitable supporters to generate in kind and pro-bono support for our work.

This year was particularly difficult in terms of managing cashflow and ensuring all departments had the resources they needed to operate to a high quality standard. One of the greatest challenges faced, like the majority of Charities, was the availability of funding to support our cause. One of the major disappointments this year was being rejected by NLRC for a large bid to support our work in the community. This was a significant disappointment because of the excellent relationship we have developed with National Lottery Heritage Fund over the timeline of our heritage project.

The greatest hope for our future lies in the opportunity to focus on our long-term goals and sustainability, ensuring the continued success of our work. We hope that we can apply for extension funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) to enhance our organizational resilience and strength is particularly encouraging.

FROM THE FINANCE MANAGER AND DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE

This role involves navigating the company finances to ensure pressure points are highlighted and deadlines are met. Highlighting potential improvements for revenue streams, working more efficiently across the business, and identifying potential grants and funding opportunities are a key aspect of the role.

The year leading up to 31 July 2025 was extremely challenging. We continued to experience cashflow problems and were unable to reduce our indebtedness. The nursery carries high levels of bad debt, and there were months when meeting payroll obligations was difficult. However, working towards the potential NLHF extension was a particularly enjoyable challenge.

With the increase in income from the nursery and the ever-growing events and community projects at The Old Library, the future feels much more optimistic. As Deputy Chief Executive, prioritizing the line management of the Events Coordinator and Community Engagement Officer is essential. Ensuring their roles are clearly defined, achievable, and that their wellbeing is paramount is crucial.

It is largely due to these two excellent employees, who constantly drive revenue, and all the staff here, who work tirelessly and often voluntarily, that The Old Library is evolving into the wonderful, community-driven organization it was always intended to be.

FROM THE COMPANY SECRETARY

The Company Secretary ensures compliance with Companies House and the Charity Commission to ensure best governance.

During the year, the Company Secretary played a pivotal role in ensuring the charity’s smooth operation, particularly by facilitating effective communication between the trustees and the senior management team.

During periods when the Board of Trustees lacked a formally-elected chair, the Company Secretary held regular meetings with the Chief Executive to provide support and maintain clear communication. Additionally, the Company Secretary worked diligently to recruit new trustees and support both trustee applicants and new trustees.

As the ‘Nominated Individual’ for Ofsted, the Company Secretary successfully collaborated with the Childcare Manager to offer support, stay updated on developments in the Nursery, and ensured the charity remained compliant with Ofsted requirements.

Page 4

Lister Steps Limited Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 July 2025

Although the Board of Trustees remained small during 2024/25, the members worked well to manage some difficult issues facing the charity. An ethos of mutual respect, trust, support and team work has developed ensuring the trustees are able to develop solutions to the issues facing the charity. However, it has proved difficult to recruit and keep trustees on the Board. Some meetings we were not quorate and made use of the in quoracy amendment to our Articles of Association which was adopted at the last AGM. The small number of trustees makes it difficult to run sub-committees and to delegate work amongst trustees. We recognise that we would benefit from a more diverse Board which would represent different communities and client groups. The charity will continue to increase the membership, skills and diversity of the Board of Trustees.

FROM THE NURSERY MANAGER

2024 was a particularly challenging year for the nursery. The loss of its ‘Good’ status (reinstated in August 2024) led to reduced enrolment numbers and income, along with personnel losses leading to low staff morale due to long hours, stress, and anxiety about the future. However, changes were implemented, resulting in increased enrolment and income, and staff now have a more hopeful and secure outlook for the future. The nursery continues to be of key importance in delivering community benefit and ensuring the continuing financial viability of the charity.

FROM THE EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR

The Events Co-ordinator is responsible for supervising the café, ensuring cleanliness, quality assurance, and customer service. They manage bank staff and volunteers, handle financial record-keeping and reporting, and serve as the licensee. In this role, they train all staff on bar operations within the legal framework, maintain bar stock, and ensure staff are aware of their responsibilities during events. The Events Co-ordinator also promotes The Old Library as a wedding venue and liaises with clients and outside agencies to ensure the smooth delivery of events, including live music, quiz nights, and family parties throughout the year.

The organisation successfully delivered several weddings throughout the year, all of which turned a healthy profit and received highly complimentary client feedback. However, this success was achieved despite low staffing levels, with some bank staff having to work long shifts. Further development of this vital income stream and community offering will depend on either employing more staff or increasing prices.

Family and community events organized by the charity have been successful in generating revenue and attracting new visitors. These events, especially during good weather, enhance our presence in the community by being visible to passers-byes.

A major challenge continues to be marketing. With tight budgets and a small number of staff and volunteers, the charity relies heavily on social media to publicize its activities, which doesn’t always reach all parts of the community. Additionally, the café is not generating as much revenue as it should due to inconsistent staffing in the kitchen, leading to times when food is unavailable or the quality of our offerings is below standard.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Despite staff turnover, the Old Library has continued to organize a successful program of community activities, workshops, meet-ups, and family and community events. Feedback gathered during 2025 via an online survey indicates there is still room for improvement. Many respondents mentioned they only rarely or infrequently visited the Old Library, primarily for leisure, recreation, and as a place to meet. Training or using the building as a workspace were not common reasons for visits. However, visitors did report gaining a sense of community and belonging from their visits, appreciating the ability to meet friends in a relaxing and calm environment. History and heritage, as well as books and reading, remained important reasons for visiting. The atmosphere was described as welcoming, with comments such as “it’s a nice building” and “friendly.” Nonetheless, respondents expressed a desire for a wider variety of activities, more weekend openings, and especially more events and activities for children and young people.

FRIENDS OF THE OLD LIBRARY

This group was formed in 2025 and consists of passionate volunteers who provide feedback on their experiences with the organisation’s services, suggest areas for improvement, and offer ideas for future initiatives. The group meets monthly with a trustee representative and the Community Engagement worker to discuss how we can better serve our community. This group is a valuable source of community input and helps us demonstrate our ongoing commitment to serving the community in which we work.

The group currently consists of 5 volunteers. Efforts have been made to identify all volunteers, friends, and supporters, offering them the chance to meet the Friends and become more involved with the work and life of The Old Library. However, recruiting community members to the group remains a challenge. We hope to increase membership to broaden our community voice. The group is planning a community open day in January 2025, bringing together our community groups and other community partners to attract more people to the organisation and showcase what we offer. Additionally, the group is keen to help distribute promotional materials to share our work in the local community and attend events to gather feedback for their meetings.

Page 5

Lister Steps Limited Report of the Trustees Year ended 31 July 2025

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Name Lister Steps Limited
Company Number 4028768
Charity Number 1083268
Registered Office The Old Library
Green Lane
Tuebrook
Liverpool
Merseyside
L13 7EB
Trustees H McMullan (Appointed 9th July 2024)
J Robinson (Appointed 21st Oct 2024)
J M Spencer (Appointed 06th May 2022)
A J May (Resigned 12th Dec 2024)
E Martin (Resigned 9th July 2025)
Secretary A J May (Resigned 12th Dec 2024)
Independent Examiner Claire Riley MAAT FCCA
MAR Kilshaw Limited
99 Stanley Road
Bootle
Liverpool
L20 7DA
Bankers Lloyds

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees

The above Trustee’s Annual Report was approved by the member of Lister Steps Limited on 13 February 2025 and signed by J M Spencer on their behalf.

J M Spencer Trustee

Date

Page 6

Lister Steps Limited Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities Year ended 31 July 2025

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 as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees should follow best practice and:

The Trustees are responsible for maintaining 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.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, Companies Act 2006, Accounting and Reporting by Charities; Statement of Recommended Practice (Sorp 2015) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1st January 2019).

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees

J M Spencer Trustee

Date

Page 7

Lister Steps Limited Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Lister Steps Limited Year ended 31 July 2025

I report on the accounts of the Charitable Company for the year ended 31 July 2025.

Respective responsibilities of the trustees and the examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

Signed

Dated

Claire Riley MAAT FCCA Relevant professional qualification or body: ACCA On behalf of: MAR Kilshaw Limited 99 Stanley Road Bootle Liverpool L20 7DA

Page 8

Lister Steps Limited

Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income and Expenditure) Year ended 31 July 2025

Notes
Income and endowments from:
Donations and Legacies
3a
Charitable activities
3b
Other income
3c
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure), net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
11,12
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
2,187
-
2,187
547,148
125,130
672,279
0
-
0
549,335
125,130
674,466
536,458
134,121
670,579
536,458
134,121
670,579
12,877
(8,991)
3,887
94,578
8,991
103,569
107,455
0
107,455		 TOTAL
FUNDS
2024
£
2,147
523,177
202
525,526
617,850
617,850
(92,324)
195,895
103,570

The notes form part of these accounts.

All the above amounts relate to continuing the activities of the charitable company. This Statement includes all gains and losses recognisable in the year.

Page 9

Lister Steps Limited

Balance Sheet Year ended 31 July 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
5
Current assets
Debtors
6
Cash at bank and in hand
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due < 1 year
7
Net current (liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors:
Amounts falling due > 1 year
8
Net Assets
Funds:
Unrestricted funds
10, 11
Restricted funds
10, 12
Net Assets		 £
£
177,714
43,010
4,089
47,099
(57,358)
(10,259)
167,455
(60,000)
107,455
107,455
0
107,455
31 JUL 2025		 £
£
31 JUL 2024		 £
£
31 JUL 2024
202,651
35,045
3,609
38,654
(77,736)
(39,082)
163,569
(60,000)
103,569
94,578
8,991
103,569
163,569
(60,000)
103,569
94,578
8,991
103,569

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies’ regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

For the period covered by these accounts the charitable company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies

The Trustees, who are the Directors of the charitable company, acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees

J M Spencer Trustee

Date

Page 10

Lister Steps Limited

Statement of Cashflows Year ended 31 July 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
14
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of overdraft
Repayment of loan
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
Represented by:
Cash at bank and in hand
Overdrawn bank balance		 £
£
3,976
(3,496)
(3,496)
7,868
-
7,868
8,347
(11,480)
(3,132)
4,089
(7,221)
(3,132)
31 JUL 2025		 £
£
31 JUL 2024		 £
£
31 JUL 2024
(27,010)
(1,185)
(1,185)
-
-
-
(28,194)
16,714
(11,480)
3,609
(15,089)
(11,480)
(1,185)
-
(28,194)
16,714
(11,480)
3,609
(15,089)
(11,480)

Page 11

Lister Steps Limited Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

1 Limited Liability

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. Each member’s liability is limited to £1.

2 Accounting Policies

Basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (SORP 2015) (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1st January 2015), Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.

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

Going concern

The trustees have considered the charity’s financial position and cash flow forecasts for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these financial statements. The charity has adequate reserves and access to funding to continue its activities.

During the year, the charity received a water and wastewater bill totaling £49,414.54 for the period 27 April 2025 to 26 October 2025. The trustees believe this charge is excessive and have formally disputed the amount with the supplier. At the date of signing these accounts, the matter remains unresolved. No provision has been made for this amount because the trustees consider it unlikely that the full sum will become payable and the outcome cannot be reliably estimated.

The trustees have assessed the potential impact of this dispute on liquidity and concluded that, even in the event of an unfavourable outcome, the charity would remain a going concern. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are the Charitable Company’s free reserves available for the trustees to apply in accordance with the charitable company’s charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific restrictive conditions imposed by the donor. All restricted funds are accounted for as restricted income and expenditure for the purposes is charged to the fund.

Income recognition

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, there is sufficient certainty of receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Donations and legacies comprise donations and general grants which are recognised in the accounts when received, with the exception of known legacies which are accounted for when their receipt is certain.

Income from charitable activities is recognised on an accrual’s basis. Grants receivables are recognised on the date on which their unconditional payment is confirmed by the donor.

Income from investment relates to bank interest received and is recognised when the amount is certain.

Income from charitable activities includes funds generated through community services such as childcare, café provision, and events, all of which are operated to further the charity’s objectives and not for commercial gain

Expenditure recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charitable company to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual’s basis. All expenses, including support costs and governance costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings in the Statement of Financial Activities. Support and governance costs are applied to unrestricted funds unless specifically included in the restrictions, as specified by the donor.

Expenditure on charitable activities relates to the operation of the charity comprising of direct charitable expenditure to meet the objectives of the charitable company. Support and governance costs relate to the management and operation of the organisation and also compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements in producing the annual report. These are dealt with in the Statement of Financial Activities when payment has been approved by the charitable company.

Fixed Assets

Capital expenditure is stated in the balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life as below:

Computers & Equipment Fixtures & Fittings Leasehold Land & Buildings Improvements to Leasehold

20% per annum straight line basis 25% per annum on reducing balance basis Straight line basis over 25 years Straight line basis over 25 years

Page 12

Lister Steps Limited Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

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.

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 receipts 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.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

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

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 on-going 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.

Taxation

Income and gains are exempt from taxation as they are received and applied for charitable purposes only. The charitable company benefits from various exemptions from taxation afforded by tax legislation and is not liable to corporation tax on income or gains falling within those exemptions.

3 Income and endowments from

a
Donations and Legacies
Donations		 Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
2,187
0
2,187		 TOTAL
FUNDS
2024
£
2,147

Donations and legacies in 2024 relate wholly to unrestricted funds.

Page 13

Lister Steps Limited

Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

b
Charitable activities
Garfield Weston Foundation
West Derby Wastelands
Torus Foundation
Grant Space
Heritage Lottery Fund
National Trust
Rushworths Charity
John Moores Foundation Grant
LCVS
Police Donation
Community hub activities (inc. Café & Events)
Community childcare services
Other income
Office and room rental
Charitable activities in 2024 related to £433,572
c
Other income
Commission
Commission
Interest income
Loan write off (see note 8)		 Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
30,000
30,000
500
500
250
250
5,040
5,040
88,717
88,717
-
-
-
-
-
-
300
300
324
324
67,351
67,351
451,146
451,146
2,735
2,735
25,916
25,916
547,148
125,130
672,279
unrestricted funds and £89,605 restricted funds.
Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 TOTAL
FUNDS
2024
£
-
-
-
-
69,699.00
1,000.00
250.00
9,992
3,162
5,502
68,540
343,544
21,488
523,177
TOTAL
FUNDS
2024
£
-
76
126
-
202

Other Income in 2024 relate wholly to unrestricted funds. 4 Expenditure on Charitable Activities

To provide facilities for recreation and child day-
care activities		 Direct
Support &
TOTAL
Charitable
Governance
Costs
Expenditure
Cots
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
134,121
536,458
670,579		 TOTAL
Costs
2024
£
617,850

Page 14

Lister Steps Limited

Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

a Analysed as follows:
Direct charitable expenditure:
TOTAL
Costs
2025
£
Staff salary costs
124,869
Pension
-
Nursery costs
500
Café costs
-
Events costs
5,290
Volunteer expenses
-
Office costs
-
Training
-
Premises costs
-
Repairs and renewals
-
Memberships
-
Advertising and marketing
-
Consultancy
-
Website costs
-
Sundry expenses
-
Professional fees
-
Human resources costs
-
Computer costs
3,462
HMRC interest and penalties
-
Bank and card charges
-
Bank interest
-
Loan interest
-
Accountancy and independent examination
-
Depreciation
-
134,121
£137,583 (2024: £108,331) of the above expenditure relates to restricted funding.
Support & Governance costs:
TOTAL
Costs
2025
£
Staff salary costs
363,669
Pension
6,763
Nursery costs
5,225
Café costs
4,217
Events costs
16,503
Volunteer expenses
-
Office costs
1,973
Training
1,546
Premises costs
55,678
Repairs and renewals
17,101
Memberships
300
Advertising and marketing
15,005
Consultancy
-
Website costs
-
Sundry expenses
361
Professional fees
5,528
Human resources costs
-
Computer costs
4,985
HMRC interest and penalties
470
Bank and card charges
1,439
Bank interest
1,006
Loan interest
2,400
Accountancy and independent examination
3,857
Depreciation
28,433
536,458
Total expenditure on charitable activities
670,579		 TOTAL
Costs
2024
£
107,581
-
-
-
750
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
-
-
-
108,331
TOTAL
Costs
2024
£
345,107
6,770
4,952
2,027
22,952
-
565
1,308
52,344
12,591
-
5,511
-
-
826
8,500
-
8,653
2,050
2,218
922
1,966
1,455
28,801
509,519
617,850

Page 15

Lister Steps Limited Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

b
Staff Costs
Gross wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
c
Particulars of employees
The average number of employees during the year was as follows:
Charitable activities
Management and administration		 2025
£
453,599
34,940
6,763
495,301
2025
16
3
19		 2024
£
428,300
24,388
6,770
459,458
2024
18
3
21

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.

The trustees are not remunerated for their services and are not included in the above number of employees. No out-of-pocket expenses were reimbursed to trustees in the year (2025: £nil).

5 Tangible fixed assets:

Tangible fixed assets:
Gross book value brought forward
Additions
Disposals
Gross book value at carried forward
Depreciation brought forward
Charge for the year
On disposals
Depreciation at carried forward
Net book value carried forward
Net book value at brought forward		 Improvemen
ts to
leasehold
Leasehold
land and
buildings
Computers
and
equipment
Fixtures and
fittings
Total
£
£
£
£
£
132,995
483,492
12,825
19,480
648,792
1,995
0
0
1,501
3,496
0
0
0
0
-
134,990
483,492
12,825
20,981
652,289
19,503
402,957
8,931
14,750
446,142
5,330
19,340
2,455
1,308
28,433
-
-
-
-
-
24,833
422,297
11,387
16,058
474,575
110,157
61,195
1,439
4,923
177,714
113,492
80,534
3,894
4,730
202,651

Improvements to Leasehold included in the fixed assets is in relation to the old Library that Lister steps moved into in October 2020.

6 Debtors

7

Trade debtors
Other debtors
tors: amounts falling due within one year
Bank overdraft
Trade creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
Pension
Taxation and social security
Other creditors		 2025
£
43,010
-
43,010
2025
£
7,221
6,769
6,949
539
1,569
31,010
3,300
57,357		 2024
£
35,045
-
35,045
2024
£
15,089.03
8,782
3,017
-
1,350
44,747
4,750
77,736

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Page 16

Lister Steps Limited Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

8 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

The following loans are included within creditors:

Due between two to five years 2025
£
60,000
60,000		 2024
£
60,000
60,000

The organisation received a loan of £60,000 in August 2023 from Key Fund Investments Limited with interest being charged at a rate of 4% per annum. The loan was to provide working capital to help develop a project, with a revolving facility termination date 60 months from the date of the agreement, with a final repayment date 96 months from the date of the agreement. Capital repayments are due to start in August 2026, however, this may be requested to start earlier to reduced the interest payable.

9 Contingent liability

During the year, the charity received a water and wastewater bill dated 7 November 2025 for the period 27 April 2025 to 26 October 2025, totaling £49,414.54 (including water charges of £29,576.02 and wastewater charges of £22,650.33) from Water Plus Limited. The trustees consider this amount to be excessive and incorrect based on historical consumption and contractual terms. The charity has formally disputed the charges with the supplier and is seeking resolution.

At the date of approval of these financial statements, the matter remains unresolved. No provision has been made in these accounts for the disputed amount because:

In accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP, this is disclosed as a contingent liability. Should the dispute be resolved unfavourably, the charity may be required to settle some or all of the amount claimed.

10 Financial instruments

cial instruments
Carrying amount of financial assets:
Debt instruments measured at cost
Carrying amount of financial liabilities:
Measured at cost		 2025
£
47,099
117,358		 2024
£
38,654
137,736
Unrestricted Funds
General funds
Restricted funds
Heritage Lottery Fund
Total
Unrestricted Funds
General funds
Restricted funds
Heritage Lottery Fund
Total		 2025
Tangible
Net
Creditors
Fixed
Current
More than
Assets
Assets
one year
Total
£
£
£
£
177,714
(10,259)
(60,000)
107,455
-
-
-
-
177,714
(10,259)
(60,000)
107,455
2024
Tangible
Net
Creditors
Fixed
Current
More than
Assets
Assets
one year
Total
£
£
£
£
202,651
(39,082)
(60,000)
103,569
-
-
-
-
202,651
(39,082)
(60,000)
103,569

Page 17

Lister Steps Limited Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

12 Unrestricted Funds

General funds
General funds		 MOVEMENT IN THE YEAR
2025
Reserves at
Beginning of
the year
Income
Expenditure
Total
£
£
£
£
94,578
549,335
(536,458)
107,455
MOVEMENT IN THE YEAR
2024
Reserves at
Beginning of
the year
Income
Expenditure
Total
£
£
£
£
168,177
435,922
(509,520)
94,579

General Fund is used to finance the charitable company’s general activities and core costs as outlined in the Trustees’ Report.

13 Restricted Funds

Garfield Weston Foundation
West Derby Wastelands
Torus Foundation
Grant Space
Heritage Lottery Fund
John Moores Foundation Grant
LCVS
Police Donation		 MOVEMENT IN THE YEAR
2025
Reserves at
Beginning of
the year
Income
Expenditure
Total
£
£
£
£
-
30,000
(30,000)
-
-
500
(500)
-
-
250
(250)
-
-
5,040
(5,040)
-
-
88,717
(88,717)
-
5,829
-
(5,829)
-
3,162
300
(3,462)
-
-
324
(324)
-
8,991
125,130
(134,121)
-
Heritage Lottery Fund
National Trust
Rushworths Charity
John Moores Foundation Grant
LCVS
Police Donation		 MOVEMENT IN THE YEAR
2024
Reserves at
Beginning of
the year
Income
Expenditure
Total
£
£
£
£
27,717
69,699
(97,416)
-
-
1,000
(1,000)
-
-
250
(250)
-
-
9,992
(4,163)
5,829
-
3,162
-
3,162
-
5,502
(5,502)
-
27,717
89,605
(108,331)
8,991

Description of Funds

Heritage Lottery Fund Contribution towards capital and revenue elements of the old library National Trust Contribution towards staff cost and resources for Heritage Day. Rushworths Charity Contribution towards ukulele resources. John Moores Foundation Grant Contribution towards staff cost and resources for lunch club project. LCVS- Targeted Engagement Grant Sharing social media stats for messages shared within our community. Police Donation Contribution towards staff costs. Garfield Weston Foundation Contribution towards running costs. West Derby Wastelands Contribution for additional resources for the nursery. Torus Foundation One-off community project. Grant Space Create a growing site and gardening community.

Page 18

Lister Steps Limited Notes to the accounts Year ended 31 July 2025

14 Cash generated from operations

Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Adjustments for:
Depreciation
Movements in working capital
(Increase)/ Decrease in debtors
Increase/(Decrease) in creditors
Cash generated from operations		 2025
£
3,887
28,433
(7,965)
(20,378)
3,976		 2024
£
(92,325)
28,801
(8,883)
45,397
(27,010)

15 Related Party Transactions

There were no material related party transactions during the year which require disclosure (2024: none).

16 Guarantees

As at 31 July 2025, 7 members had given a guarantee of £1 each in the event of the charitable company winding-up. Total: £7 (2024: 7 members £7).

17 Operating Lease Commitments

The current position of the City Council with regard to the Old School Site is that the charity remain financially liable for both the costs of clearing the site (estimated at £48,000 in 2023) and any ongoing costs of security etc until the site is disposed of. Negotiations continue to persuade the council to waive these costs and requirements.

Page 19

Lister Steps Limited Detailed statement of financial activities Year ended 31 July 2025

INCOME
Grant income
Café and events income
Nursery and club income
Donations
Office and room rental
Other income
Loan write off
Total Income
EXPENDITURE
Charitable activities
Staff salary costs
Pension
Nursery costs
Café costs
Events costs
Volunteer expenses
Office costs
Training
Premises costs
Repairs and renewals
Travel expenses
Advertising and marketing
Consultancy
Website costs
Sundry expenses
Professional fees
Human resources costs
Computer costs
HMRC interest and penalties
Bank and card charges
Bank Interest
Loan Interest
Accountancy and independent examination
Depreciation
Corporation Tax Charge
Total Expenditure on Charitable activities
Net (expenditure) for year		 2025
£
125,130
67,351
451,146
2,187
25,916
2,735
0
674,466
488,538
6,763
5,725
4,217
21,793
0
1,973
1,546
55,678
17,101
300
15,005
0
0
361
5,528
0
8,447
470
1,439
1,006
2,400
3,857
28,433
0
670,579
3,887		 2024
£
89,605
68,540
343,544
2,147
21,488
202
0
525,526
452,688
6,770
4,952
2,027
23,702
0
565
1,308
52,344
12,591
0
5,511
0
0
826
8,500
0
8,653
2,050
2,218
922
1,966
1,455
28,801
617,851
(92,325)

(This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements)

Page 20