Charity reglstratlon number 10835661England and Wales) Compary registration number 04048683 HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE LEGALAND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Dire¢tors M Gratton C Woollard S Feldman S Lewis A Burnett F Mapstone R Roser (Appointed 16 May 2024) (Appointed 11 Febwary 2025) S8cretsry J Everard Charity number (England and Wales) 1083566 Company number 04048683 Principal addre88 TheAdvice and Communty Hub Renaissance House London Road St Leonards-on-sea East Sussex TN37 6AN Rogistsred offlce The Advice and Community Hub Renaissance House London Road st Leonards-on-sea East Sussex TN37 6AN Independent examiner Peter Watters FCA BFP Galloways Accounting (Bexhill) Limited 23 St Leonards Road Bexhill-on-sea East Sussex TN40 1HH
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE CONTENTS Page Directors, report Independent examinefs report ststement of financial activities Statèment of financial position Statement of cash flows 13 Notes to the financial statements 9-23
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE DIRECTORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The accounts have been prepared in accordance wilh the a¢¢ounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charit$ constituiion, the Companies A¢1 20C6 and °A¢¢ounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to chariti8s preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102). (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016) Objectives and actlvltles Our Charity's purposes as set out in th8 company's Memorandum & Articles of Association are to: To relieve the poverty of the inhabitants of the area of benefit, particularfy through th8 provision of a comprehensive welfare benefit and tax credits advice seNice: To educate the public about the needs of those who are suffering from the effects of poverty: To promote research into the needs of those who are suffering from the effects of poverty and associated issues and to disseminate the useful results thereof. To promote the provision of facilities in the interest of social welfare, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitanls. The aims of our charity are to relieve local poverty and to improve the quality of lrfe for people on a low income. Our aims fully reflect the purposes that the charity was set up to further. urw iv We review our aims, objectives and activilies each year. This review looks at what we achieved and the outGomes of our WOTk in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of ea¢h key activiiy and the benefts Ihey have brought to those people we are set up to help. Th8 review also helps us ensure our aims, objectives and activities remain focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. efo usofourw Over the past year, HARC has Continued to provide a free information, advice and r8presentation seprfice to the population of East Sussex and the South Coast of England in Welfare Benefits, thus assisting in improving dients, quality of life and independent living. Responding to the needs of individuals and tailoring our servi, we meet their needs with face to face, telephone and remote support at a range of community venues and home visits. We aim to help bring about a welfare system which is fair, accountable and recognises the needs of all. In doing $0, we actively press toward positive policy change and provide specialist welfar8 training to ensure everyone working with and for the most vulnerable in our society have the tools they need to provide Ihe right support.
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE DIRECTORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Developments, A¢livttifts and Achievements A total of 19,668 client contacts were made during 2024125 and a remarkable £6,667,068 was secured in previously undaimed, enhanced, or reinstated benefits of which £6,191,248 was secured for dients with disabilities and long-term heafth issues. HARC staff supported 676 clients at various reviews and tribunals, of which 643 won their cases, a 95.10/0 success rate, yet again demonstrating the expertise, skill. determination, and motivation of the advice team. In order to attain these high standards, we continue to work in rtnership with a range of other agencies such as East Sussex County Council, Hasting$ Borough Council, Rother District Council, British Gas Energy Trust, The Henry Smith Foundation, the MS Society and other voluntary and charitable groups. Our statistics show that HARC was able to assist 86.2ts/0 of dients who used our service, whether it is with a new or increased benefit or Universal Credit entitlement, representation at tribunal or securing a loan or grant. Those clients we are unable to help, we try and fer onto an agency that can. bul like HARC, the majority of fronlline advice agencies are running at full capacty. A tolal of 1,373 client contacts were made through home visits and surgeries to elderly, disabled and isolated ients. The continued support of the Magdalen & Lasher charity and funding reIVed from the British Gas Energy Trust, Independent Age, Awards for All, the Foreshore Trusl, the Silver Lady Fund and the Sussex Community Foundation ensured the continuation of our highly valued Outreach Servi. In comparison it ¢osts £744,076 for HARC lo provide an extensive range of advice and representation services comprising face to face advice., telephone and email advice- secondary advice to professional colleagues. outreach Surgeries; home visits: complèx caseloads,. advo¢acy and tribunal work. In 2013, East Sussex County Council approached HARC to set up a Welfare Reform Helpline, aimed al helping working age people understand the changes the Welfare Refomis would bring about. More recentty it was recognised that people generally have diffi¢ulty understanding th8 Welfare Benefits system and what they are entitled to. The Welfare Refomi Helpline has now been succeeded by a Beneffts Helpline. This can be accessed by people of all ages residing in Easi Sussex. In addition, many East Sussex residents with long-temi health ¢onditions now have access to a team of HARC specialist caseworkers to help them understand and access the correct beneffts. Since 2016. HARC has bèen conducting an advice and advocacy service relating io welfare beneffts for people wilh and affected by Multiple Sderosis (MS). The Servi is commissioned by the Eastbourne & Wealden and Hastings & Rother groups of the MS Society and is delivered by appointment, tel8phone and email with home visits for people more severely affected by MS. In De¢ember 2020, the Chichester and Bognor Regis group commissioned HARC lo provide a similar remote seNice. Since April 2018, the Magdalen & Lasher Charty has been funding HARC to support people in making online digital applications for Universal Credit and to assist with the transfer from legacy beneffts to Universal clt. This managed migralion of moving people from legacy benefits to Universal Credit is well undenNay and is likely to be Completed in ear 2026. Since Odober 2020, the British Gas Energy Trust {BGED has funded a project to deliver Energy Advice, Budgeting Advice and Income Maximisalion as well as specialist benefits advice. HARC is the lead partner in a partnership with Energise Sussex CoasL In April 2021, East Sussex County Council awarded HARC a grant to put in place 'Additional Measures, for providing financial and benefits advi to people on the Shielded Patient List, and for people that had been affected by Government Guidance in relation to the Covid pandemic. This annual grant is now for providing financial and benefits advice to people that have been affected by the increased cost-of-living. In February 2022, the Blagrave Trust awarded HARC funding for three years to explore more effective ways of communioting our service, and the support we can offer, to young people. The information gathered will enable us to adapt to the Specif needs of local young people and thereby increase the number of young people using our services.
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE DIRECTORS. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 In November 2023, Independent Age awarded HARC a grant to enable increased ¢apa¢ity to extend our reach to Ihe most vulnerable older people within our communrty, particularly Ihose wilh long temi healih issu8s and disabilities who we know would otherwise struggle to access our seNices. This has involved building on existing community partnerships, extending our advice surgery venues and visiting the most isolated and hard to reach older people in their own homes. In February 2025, The National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All) awarded HARC a grant to deSver additional support to our Beneffts Triage Outreach and Helpline Servi$. A grant from Sussex Community Foundation enabled HARC to continue supporting hard lo reach and vulnerable dients at Rye Foodbank. Our charity Shops continue to raise vital funds for our advice services and continue to enjoy good local support with stock donations and a dedie2ted team of volunteers. Our work at the shops has been supported by the Jim Jackson Enabling and Educational Foundation, who funded the salary of a member of stsff undertaking Professional Development. Flnancial review Despite the limited resources available to this sector and ongoing insecurities over funding, we have still been able to maintain and develop our core services. The charity, with the aid of sound financial management and the support of Èls staff has maintained a good level of unrestricted funds. This position has largely been a¢hieved due to the financial support received from the British Gas Energy Trust, Independent Age, The Henry Smith Foundation, the Blagrave Trust, The A&0 Sheamian Foundation. East Sussex County Council, and the additional annual grant from the Magdalen & Lasher Charity. This fundng has enabled HARC to continue providing advice and representalion services to an In¢ased number of clients over the past bNelve months. However, we still need to rely on continued support from the local authorities. This also needs to be supplemented from the continued income from the ¢harty shops. A sizeable proportion of the extemal funding required for 2025126 is in place and with the Combined incomes of the two charity shops we will be able to continue to deliver and develop our existing services. Prin Aside from the income generated by the ¢harity shops, the principal funding sources for the charity are Currentty by way of grant and contracl income from East Sussex County Council, Rother Disttict Council and the Foreshore Twsl. As a result of increasing constraints on local authority expenditure, the charity has to seek fvnding from a much broader group of agencies and charitable trusts. The funding from Independent Age, Magdalen & Lasher, British Gas Energy Trust, Sussex Community Fovndalion and Awards for All has all been essential to enable the Charty to continue with its much-needed outreach work. It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specrfic use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between Iwo and thr8e months expènditure. The directors consider that serves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. The directors hav8 assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to manage 8xposure to the major risks. Plans for the future The charity plans continuing the activities outlined above in the forthcoming years subject to satisfactory funding arrangements. Structurei governance and management The charity is constituted as a company limited by guarantee, and is therefore govemed by a Memorandum & Artides ofAssociation. The directors who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were.. M Gratton C Woollard
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE DIRECTORS, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 S Feldman S Lewis D Poole A Bumett F Mapstone R Lynch R Roser (Resigned 28 April 2025) (Appointed 16 May 2024) (Resigned 26 November 2024) (Appointed 11 February 2025} None of the directors has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the directors are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up. The govemance of the incorporated charity Slts with a Board of Directors together with rèpresentatives nominated by Hastings Borough Council and Rother District Council. The maximum number of Directors at any one time is sixteen. A quorum for a meeting of the Board is four D1ctorS. The Board elects officers at its Annual General Meeting to fill the posts of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson. Company Secretary and Treasurer. The Board meets a minimum of four times a year with the provision to meet more frequently. The Board holds an Annual General Meeting every calendar year with the provision to hold Extraordinary General Meetings as necessary. There are no specific restrictions imposed by the goveming document concerning the way the charty Can operate. There are no connected charities. Asset cover for fund$ Note 15 sets out an analysis of the assels attributable to the various funds and a descrioion of the trusts. These assets are sufficient to meet the charity's obligations on a fvnd by fund basis. On behalf of the directors MGra Dire¢tor Dated: . 3 Ip.2
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE DIRECTORS OF HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE I report to the directors on my examination of the financial statements of Hastings Advice and ReFfesentation Centre {the charity> for the year ended 31 Mah 2025. Responsibilities and basrs of report As the directors 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 requir8ments 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 ¢harily's financial statements carried out under sedion 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 Charilies Act 2011. Independent examinorfs statement Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of ICAEW, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my axamination. I confimi that no matters have come to my attention in connedion with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material re$ped= accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006. the financial statements do not accord with those re¢ords', or the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statem8nts give a true and fair view, which is ncrt a matter considered as part of an independent examination. or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for a¢¢ounting and porting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordan with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this port in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Potsr WattorJ FCA BFP Galloways Accounting {Bexhill) Limited 23 St Leonards Road Bexhill-on-sea East Sussex TN40 1 HH Date: ............................
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Current financlal year Unrestrfcted Unrestrlcted funds funds general Deslgnated 2025 2025 Re$tri¢ted funds Total Total 2025 2025 2024 Notes Income from: Don*ions and grants Charitable aclivities Investmenls 54,793 169.153 8,303 54,793 712.429 8.303 43.362 656.441 6,925 543,276 Total incomo 232,249 543,276 775.525 706,728 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 110,185 109.331 110,185 628,851 114,174 842,241 519,520 Total expenditure 219.516 519,520 739,036 756,415 Net gainsl(losses) on investments 12 39 39 Net incomel(expendlturel 12,772 23,756 36,528 (49,679) Transfers between fijnds (10.000) 10,000 Net movement In fund$ 11 2,772 10,000 23,756 36,528 (49.679) Roconclllatlon of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 90,106 200.000 31,818 321,924 371,603 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 92,878 210,000 55,574 358,452 321,924 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expendilure derive from continuing aclivities.
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES {CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Prior financial year Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general Dèslgnated 2024 2024 Restrlcted funds Total 2024 2024 Notes Income from: Donalions and grants Charitable activities Investments 43,362 216,119 6,925 43,362 656,441 6.925 440.322 Totsl income 266,406 440.322 706.728 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 114,174 102,034 114,174 642,241 540,207 Total expenditure 216,208 540.207 756,415 Net gainsl(losses) on investments 12 Net Incomel(expenditure} 50.206 (99,885) (49,679) Transfers behveen funds <42,509) 20,000 22,509 Net movement In fund$ 11 7,697 20,ODO (77,376) (49,679) Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2023 82,409 180,000 109,194 371,603 Fund balances at 31 March 2024 90,106 200,000 31.818 321.924
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notss Flxed assftts Tangible assets Investments 14 15 50 138 1,854 99 188 1.953 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 16 67,411 309,779 55,454 287,177 377,190 342,831 Credltors: amounts falling due within one year 17 (18,928) {22.660) Net current assets 358,264 319.971 Total assets 1¢$$ current liabilities 358,452 321.924 The funds of the charity Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds - general Unrestricted funds - Designated 18 20 19 55,574 92.878 210.000 31.818 90,106 200,000 358,452 321,924 The company is entitled to the eMptIOn from the aLtdit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025. The directors acknowledge Iheir responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial staternents. The members have not required the company to oblain an audit of its financial slatements for the year in question in accordance with section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to Gompanies subject to the small companies regime. L&_102 The financial statements were approved by the directors on ..... .. ........... tton Dlrector Company registration number 04048683 (England and Wales)
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 A¢¢ounting policies Charity infomiation Hastings Advi and Representation Centre is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Advice and Cornmunity Hub. Renaissance House. London Road. St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex. TN37 6AN. 1.1 Accounting convention The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's constitution. the Companies Act 2006 and 'Accounts"ng and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The harity 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 ststements are rounded to th8 nearest £. The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. modified to indude certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Going concern At the time of approving the financial slatemenls, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in opèrational exi$ten¢e for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial ststements. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for usè at the discretion of the directors in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Designated funds ¢omprise funds which have been sèt aside at the discretion of the directors for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are s8t out in the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the accounts. Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the tharity. 1A Income Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any perforniance conditions have been mel. the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donation5 are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donalion. unless performance cA)nditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gfft Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otheiSe ff the charily has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and retsipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. Incoming resources from charitable trading actrvity are accounted for when earned, donated items for the shops are recognised in the accounts when sold.
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 A¢¢ounting policies (Continued) Grants are accounted foi gross when receivable as long as they are capable of financial measurement unless perfomiance conditions require deferral of the amounl. 1.5 Expendlture Expenditure is recognised ono there is a legal or cOnstru1ve 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 dIrt costs and shared ¢osts, including support costs involved in undertaking ea¢h activity. Direct costs attribLrtable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared cosls which contribute to more than one activty and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consist8nt with the use of SoUr$. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent. and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Expenditure is reGognised on an accwal basis as a liability is in¢urred. Expenditure includes any VAT whi¢h cannot be fvlty recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Cost of generating funds comprise the costs associated with trading for fundraising purposes induding the charity's shops. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activitie5 and servi¢8s for its beneficiaries and the cost of attracting voluntary incomè. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly lo such activities and those of an indirect nature to support them. Govemance costs include those costs asso¢ialed with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity. 1.6 Tanglble fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation. net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates ¢al¢ulated to wriie off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful lrfe, as follows.. Office Equipment Shop Fittings 33°/o per annum on a slraight line basis 33°h per annum on a straight line basis The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is detemiined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the ststement of financial activities. 1.7 Flxed asset Inveslments Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction ¢osts, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net incomel(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. 1.8 Impaim)ent of flxed assets At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to detemine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impaimienl loss. If any such indration exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to detemiine the extenl of the impairment loss {if any). 10-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Aceounting policies (Continued 1.9 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents indude 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 boowingS in current liabilities. 1.10 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 financral instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charitys balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, wilh the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable righl to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention lo settle on a nel basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Basle flnanclal 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 amorti$ed ¢ost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement ¢onstitutes a financing transaction. where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipis dis¢ounted at a market rate of interesl. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised, Basic financlal Ilablllties Basic financial liabilities. including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement conslitutes 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 liabililies dassified as payable within one year are not amorlised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost. using the effective interest rale method. Trade crediiors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations trom 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 liabililies. 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 ¢ancelled. 1.11 Employee beneflts The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's s8rvi¢es are received. Temiination beneffts are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrabty committed to lerminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. 1.12 Dèferred Income Income is deferred in respect of monies received in respect of contracts which do not commence untl aft8r the balance sheet date. 11
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 crftlcal accounting estimates and judgements In the application of the charty's accounting policies, the directors 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 undertying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting eslimates 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 affeds both current and future periods. 12-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Cash flows from operatlng actlvltles Cash generated froml{absorbed by) operations 23 14,300 (73,303) Investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Investment income received (826) 6,925 8,303 Net cash generdted from inve$ting aclivities 8,303 6,099 Net cash used in financlng actlvltles Net increasel(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 22,603 (67.204) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 287,177 354,380 Cash and cash equivalents at ond of year 309.775 287,177 13-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from donations and grants Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 Donations and gifts Grants receivable 38,713 16,080 30,414 12.948 54,793 43.362 Grants re¢eivable Other 16.080 12,948 16,080 12,948 Income from Investments Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 Interest receivable 8,303 6,925 Income from ¢haritable a¢tivitie5 Unrestrictsd Restrlcted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Totsl Performance related grants 35,993 543,276 579,269 93,533 440,322 533.855 Totsl Shop income 133,160 133.160 122,586 122,586 169,153 543,276 712,429 216,119 440,322 656,441 14-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Expenditure on raising funds Unrestricted Unrostrictsd funds funds 2025 2024 Fundraising trading:¢08ts of charity shop salarles and overhèads Other trading activities Staff ¢o$ts 30,563 79,622 34,415 79,759 110,185 114,174 Exponditure on charltable a¢tivitie$ Total 2025 Total 2024 Direct costs Staff costs Depreciation and impairment Activities undertaken diredly Service charges Insurance Repairs and renewals Telephone Printing. postage and stationery Computer costs Course fees Travelling Sundries 557,509 1,805 46.764 4,015 658 552,057 4,774 59,283 4,805 689 178 1,053 3,226 1,490 3,564 386 2,422 2,588 2,867 4,167 83 2,864 623,566 633,927 Share of support and govemanGe costs (see note 8) Governance 5,285 8,314 628,851 642,241 Analysls by fund Unrestricted funds - general Restricted funds 109,331 519.520 102,034 540.207 628,851 642,241 15-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Support costs allocated to activities 2025 2024 Govemance costs 5,285 8.314 Analysed betwoen: Total 5,285 8,314 Directors None of the directors (or any persons ¢onnected with them) reLYived any r8muneration or expenses during the year. 10 Employees The average monthly number employees during the year was: 2026 Number 2024 Number 23 23 Employment costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries 637,131 631,816 There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. Remuneration of key management personnel The remuneration of key management personnel was a5 follow5.. 2025 2024 Aggregate compensation 119,365 121,970 11 Net movement in funds 2025 2024 The net movement in funds is stated after chargingl(crediting)'. Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 3,850 1,805 3,710 4,774 16-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12 Galns and losses on investments Unrestricted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2025 2024 Gainsl(losses) arising on- Revaluation of investments 39 13 Taxation The chaiity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charrtable purposes. 14 Tangible fixed assets Offl¢• Shop Flttlng$ Equlpffl9nt Total Cost At 1 April 2024 20.448 7,500 27.948 At 31 March 2025 20,448 7,500 27,948 Depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2024 Depreciation charged in the year 18,593 1,805 7,500 26,093 1,805 At 31 March 2025 20.398 7.500 27.898 Carrying amount At 31 Mar¢h 2025 50 Al 31 March 2024 1.854 1.854 15 Flxed asset inve¥tmonts Llsted Inveslments Cost or valuation At 1 April 2024 Valuation changes 99 39 At 31 Mar¢h 2025 138 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 138 At 31 March 2024 99 17-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 60,237 5,040 2,134 53,817 1,637 67,411 55,454 17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Other taxation and social security Accruals and deferred inwme 11,638 7,288 10,395 12,265 18.926 22,660 18-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18 Restricted fund8 The reslricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to spe¢ifi¢ conditions by donors as to how they may be used. At 1 April 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers At 31 March 2025 Springboard Back to Work ESCC Helpline ESCC Specialist ESCC HWL&H Magdalen & Lasher UC Project Foreshore Trust British Gas Energy Twst (BGET) Sussex Communty Foundation National Lottery Community Fund Grant Henry Smilh Foundation The Blagrave Trust Silver Lady Fund Isabel Blackman Foundation ESCC Additional Measures Fund Independent Age HVA- Big Local Project Magdalen & Lasher 258 655 258 612 (43) (83,630) (167,260) (55,335) (30,749) (5,400) 83,630 167,260 55,335 30,749 5,400 58,349 {57,767) {10,01)O) 582 10,000 20.000 22,150 {3.333) 16,667 22,150 13,039 (13,039) (2,648) (1,304) 1,892 1,304 50,022 18.651 {39.022) (22,800> 11,000 4,149 2,413 2.413 27,190 {27,190) 31,818 543,276 (519,520) 55,574 19-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18 Rostricted funds {Contlnuedl Provlous year: At 1 April 2023 Incoming Resources resour¢e$ expended Transfers At 31 March 2024 Springboard Back to Work ESCC Helpline ESCC Specialist ESCC Support ESCC HWL&H Magdalen & Lasher UC Project For8shore Trust British Gas Energy Trust (BGET) Grants from Sussex Communrty Foundation National Lottery Awards for All The Blagrave Trust Isabel Blackman Foundation ESCC Additional Measures Fund HVA- Big Local Pioject Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm Frant AsS to Justice Foundation RVA Hfu Grant Independent Age grant 258 655 258 655 89,364 115,741 36,242 64,878 30,749 600 (95,585) (115,741) {36,242) (73,019) {33,193) (5,196) 6,221 8,141 4,596 13,752 48,940 (62,692) 3,333 10,000 13,884 4,208 10,000 (3.333) {10,000) {16.492) (2.904) 10,000 15.647 13,039 1,304 43,000 2,413 (43.000) 2.413 5,000 10,607 2,084 (5,000) (21,224) (2,084} (14,5021 9,510 1,107 18,651 4.149 109,194 440,322 (540,207) 22,509 31,818 -20-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18 Restrlcted funds (Continued} The Springboard Fund is a furniture starter grant to help young homeless people under 26. The Back to Work Fund provides grants for the long ieTm unemployed to purchase the required tools. dothes, travelling expenses etc as required to help them secure employment. East Sussex County Council fund the Benefrts Advice Proje¢t {BAP) t0 5UPPOrt residents who are affected by ongoing welfare benefft changes and issues. The project employs 7.4 fte specialist advisors, comprising of, 5.4 casewort advisors and 2.0 telephone advisors to operate the Benefits Helpline to residents living in East Sussex. The Universal Credit Support Project funded by the Magdalen & Lasher Charity is a project to assist Hastings residents to claim and maintsin their entitlement to Universal Credit. In addition, a further grant from the Magdalen & Lasher Charity is to provide assistance to the charity's Pension and Grants Committees. The Foreshore Trust fund a project to enable the delivery of benefits surgeries al specified venues within Hastings Borough Council. The British Gas Energy Twst (BGET) fund a project to deliver Energy Advice, Budgeting Advice and Income Maximisalion as well as specialist benefrts advi. HARC is the lead partner in a partn8rship with Energise Sussex Coast. The project commenced on 1st October 2020 and will run until 31 st March 2026. A grant from The Sussex Community Foundation has enabled HARC to support hard to a¢h and vulnerable clients at Rye Foodbank. The National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All) grant is to provide additional support to our Benefits Triage Outreach and Helplin6 services. The Blagrave Trust are funding HARC to explore more effective ways of communicating our service, and the support we can offer, to young people. The project commenced in March 2022 and is for three years. The Isabel Blackman Foundation grant was to purchase some new IT equipment (moniiors and laptops). The East Sussex County Council grant is to put in place 'Additional Measures, for providing financial and benefits advice to people that have been affected by the increased eost-of-living. The Big Local Norlh East Hastings granl is to enable the delivery of beneffts surgeries for people residing in the Big Local area. The Henry Smith Foundation grant is to provide financial and welfare benefrt advi over a three year period for people from disadvantaged communities in Hastings and Rother. The Independent Age grant is to provide additional Welfare Benefits advice capacity to improve the lives of lo¢al older people facing financial hardship. The Silver Lady Fund grant supports the delivery of ben8ffts surgeries at specified venues in the local area. 21
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19 Unrestricted funds - Designated At 1 April 2024 Transfers At 31 March 2025 34 months running costs 200.000 10,000 210,000 Prèvlou$ year: Al 1 April 2023 Transfers At 31 March 2024 Three months running costs 180,000 20,000 2IXI,000 £210,000 of designated funds have been set aside to contribute towards 34 months running costs of the charity. 20 Unrestricted funds At 1 Aprll 2024 Incomlng resources Resour¢es expended Transfers Gain$ and At 31 March losses 2025 Unrestricted funds 90,106 232,249 (219,516) {10,000) 39 92,878 Previous year: At 1 April 2023 Incoming Resources resources expended Transfers Galns and At 31 March losses 2024 Unrestricted funds 82,409 266,406 (216,208) (42,509) 90,106 21 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestrictsd Unrestricted funds funds general Designated 2025 2025 Restricted funds Total 2025 2025 At 31 MarGh 2025: Tangible assets Investments Current assetsl{liabilities) 50 138 92.690 50 138 358.264 210,000 55,574 92.878 210.000 55.574 358,452 -22-
HASTINGS ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION CENTRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 21 Analysis of net assets between fund5 (Contlnued Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general Deslgnaled 2024 2024 Restrlcted funds Total 2024 2024 At 31 March 2024.. Tangible assets Investments Current asset51(liabilities) 1,854 1.854 99 319.971 88.153 200,000 31,818 90.106 200,000 31,818 321,924 22 Related party transactions There were no disdosable related paty transactions during the year (2024- none). 23 Cash generated fromllabsorbed by) operations 2025 2024 Surplusl{deficit) for the year 36,528 (49,679) Adjustments for: Investment income recognised in statement of financial aGtivities Fair value gains and losses on investments Depreciation and impairment of tsngible fixed assets {8,303) <39) 1,805 (6.925) (8) 4.774 Movements in working capital: (Increase) in debtors (Decrease)lincrease in creditors (11,957) (3.734) (24.868) 3.403 Cash generated froml(ab$orbed by) operations 14,300 (73,303) -23-