REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 04194542 REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1086489 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND INDEPENDENTLY EXAMINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 FOR NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE citizens advice North Hertfordshire
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE TABLE OF CONTENTS REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Introduction About Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire How we Helped - 2023124 Who we Helped - 2023124 Our Impact on the Local Comrnunity Our Future Plans STRATEGIC REPORT 13 Structure, Governance and Management Risk and Internal Controls Financial Review Reference and Administration FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 24 Independent Examiners Report Staternent of Financial Activities Statement of Financial Position Statement of Cashflows Notes to the Statement of Cashflows Notes to the Financial Statements
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES Introduction Irs been another challenging year for the thousands of people from North Herts who come to us for help and advice. The demand for our services has never been greater as our communities continue to struggle with a complex spectrum of issues, heightened by the continued cost of living pressures. Our service teams supported over 6,700 people, with c. 14,700 different issues,. these are significant increases on previous years. Additionally, the profile of people has changed, with a significant increase in the number of working people seeking help. Likewise, we are seeing a growing number of issues relating to housing. To better meet these increases and changes in demand, CANH has had to adapt its services and the way they are delivered. All this has been possible thanks to our dedicated team, and the support we receive from our funders. Time and time again the team have shown considerable tenacity and agility in identifying and adapting to the needs of our community, whilst continuing to deliver outstanding service. Our funders have also recognized the need for our services and the positive impact they have on our community. As we look for•iard, the underlying issues driving demand for our services do not appear to be improvin8. We are expecting demand to continue to increase. in a climate where opportunities to attract funding are challenging. It will be a considerable test for CANH to maintaln and Sncrease serlice availability in such an environment. Richard Thackeray Chalr of the Trustees
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE About Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire ICANH) is an independent local charity, whose principal activity IS the provision of a free, confidential. impartial. independent service of information, advice, guidance, and support ro anyone in North Hertfordshire and South Cambridgeshire. We work in partnership with other local voluntary, statutory and private agencies to help solve people's practical problems and improve their quality of life. The engagement we have with our clients and partners helps us develop our advice services in response to the changing needs of our community. Client5 can access advice in-person. by telephone, and email. We operate across the whole of North Hertfordshire and parts of South Cambridgeshire via our main office in Letchworth Garden City and outreach services from our office in Royston and other facilities in the towns and villages across the area. Our service is delivered by our highly trained people, a mixture of c. 50 local volunteers and c. 28 employed staff. We are a member of the national Citizens Advice network and our services are provided in strict accordance with the aims and principles of the National Association of Citizens Advice and the requirements of the Advice Quality Standard. We are regulated for money advice by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our Vision A society where people face far fewer problems Our Mlsslons To provide advice fit for the future,. we're there for people when they need us in the ways that help make (he biggest impact. To close the gap.. we end the disparities in access and experience for marginalised people. To take early action: we prevent more people reaching crisis by addressing problems earlier. Our Values Cllent centred: We put our clients first, treating them with care, compassion, and humility. Carln8: We are kind to all, open and honest in our communication and champion a no-blame culture. Enterprlslng." We commit to continually learning and embrace change In order to best senie our clients. Collaboratlve.. We are one team. We share our skills. insight and enthusiasm and will tackle tOU8h or complex situations with courage and candour. Professlonal: We are resourceful, always accountable and aim to work to the highest standards.
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE How We Helped - 2023124 Information and Advice CANH provides a general advice service available to anyone in North Hertfordshire and parts of South Cambridgeshire. Additionally, we work in partnership with the nine other local Citizens Advlce offices in Hertfordshire to provide Hertfordshire Adviceline and other specialist sen4ices. Clients can access our seniices five days a week in-person, by telephone, and email, We operate out of our main office in Letchworth Garden City as well as providing in-person advice from our office in Royston, the Melbourn Hub, Church House in Hitchin and from other partner locations across the district. Information about our services is provided on our website {wo4w.northhertscab.org.uk). North Herts Council provides a grant towards our core costs which supports our general advice service. South Cambridgeshire District Council provides a grant to support resident5 in the area. Our general advice service provides signposting, assisted information and detailed advice. CANH also supports a range of funded projects, providing specialist advice and casework seNices. In 2023124 CANH supported 6.717 people with 14,695 different issues via our individual advice service We reached an additional 1,388 people with our preventative workshops and outreach events. Compared to 2022123: Client numbers increased by 16% Number of issues we supported with increased by 25% Housing issues increased by 6296 8enefitS Issues increased by 21 Relationship and family i55ue5 increased by 33% Food banks and charitable support increased by 24% The top ten issues we advised on during 2023124 were: Enqulry Area Number oflssues 2023124 Benefits 4129 Housing 2646 Debt 2003 Relationships & Family 1306 br Legal 863 Charitable Support & Food Banks 825 Employment 788 Consumer 458 Financial Services & Capability 394 Utilities 262
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Research and Campalgns We identify cases of injustice in matters of social policy and work at both a local level and through the Citizens Advice network to bring about change. In 2023124 we.. Engaged with two of our MPS, Bim Afolami and Sir Oliver Heald. to discuss the impacts of rising negative budgets and increased energy and housing costs on their constituents Published a report on the increase of food bank usage locally Participated in Scams Awareness Fortnight, Consumer Week, Talk Money Week, and Take S Contributed to National Citizens Advice campaigns addressing issues such as.. Renters, Reform Bill Encouraging uptake of Pension Credit Uprating benefits in line with inflation Impact of negative budgets Unfreezing and uprating the Local Housing Allowance Community Engagement Our Community Engagement team works to reach more people than we can with our individual advice service. In 2023124 we ran a programme of workshops on Financial Capability, Coping with the Cost of Living, Scams Awareness and Prevention, Consumer Tips, and Energy. In total 116 workshops, events and outreach sessions were held both online and in-person reaching 1,441 attendees In addition, we.. Reached 11,142 unique visitors through our website Iwww.northhertscab,or8.uk) , making it easier for our local community and agencies to self-refer to our services Maintained regular postings on Facebook, Twitter. Instagram and Linked In to let people know how we can help, sharing useful information and amplifying our campaigns Ran a weekly column in The Comet and Royston Crow covering a range of advice topics and keeping the community updated on our seniices and ways to support us Ran articles in oiher local publlcatlons Including parish magazines Attended a range of events throughout the year offering information and an introduction to our services. This included attending the Royston May Fayre, local support groups, community cafes, Letchworth Schools Partnership outreach sessions, and sUPPOrt groups for asylum seekers and Ukrainian guests. We regularly attend community network meetings organised by North Herts Council and others. Household Support Fund In 2023124 CANH participated in the distribution of Household Support Fund, an initiative set up by the Dept of Work and Pensions, to make funds available for distribution to support those m05t in need to help with the significantly rising living costs. CANH distributed £10,000 (via Herts County Council who also funded us to deliver accompanying advice)
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE ANO DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Our Services Generalist Advlce Servlces North Hertfordshire General Advice (funded by North Herts Council)- Information. signposting and advice on all enquiry areas available in-person in Letchworth, Royston. Baldock & Hitchin, via email, telephone and Herts Adviceline. South Cambrldgeshire General Advice (funded by South Cambridgeshire District Council) - Information. signposting, and advice on all enquiry areas available in-person at Melbourn Hub and Royston, via email and telephone. Out of Hours Hertfordshlre Adv5celine {funded by Hertfordshire County Council and delivered cross-county by Citizens Advice North Herts and Citizens Advice Stevenage) - Information, signposting, and advlce on all enquiry areas, available week day evenings and Saturdays. Cost ol Llvlng Generallst Advlce (funded by Hertfordshire County Councll) - Addltional resource to help us respond to the increased demand on our service caused by the cost-of-living crisis. Informatlon, signposting, and advice. Movln8 Forwards Together (funded via North Herts Council and delivered in Partnership with Create Community & North Herts & Stevenage C4lSI - Information, signposting, and advice to help prepare residents to take up employment or volunteering opportunities. Rural Outreach (funded by Hertfordshire County Council)_ Increase access to our services in rural areas, with an emphasis on the issues that are most affecting residents during the c05t-of-living crisis. Advlce In Brltlsh Slsn Language (funded by Hertfordshlre County Council and dellvered by Citizens Advice Welwyn-Hatfield to our clients) - Information, signposting, and advice on all enquiry areas. Household Support Fund (additional advice funded by Hertfordshire County Council) - HSF vouchers have been one of our advice tools this year. We received some funding alongside the vouchers to support the accompanying advice. Speclallst Advlce Services Flnanclal Incluslon for settle tenants (funded by settle)- Speciallst advice and casework in beneflts and debt for settle tenants In North Herts. Letchworth Flnanclal Health (funded by the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation) . Specialist advice and casework in benefits and debt for Letchworth residents. Financial capabllity support delivered in community settings, online and on a one-to-one basis. Letchworth Food bank Flnancial Incluslon (funded by the Trussell Trust via Letchworth Food bank) - Specialist advice and casework in benefits and debt for people needing food bank 5UPPOrt. Homelessness Prevention (funded by North Herts Council) . Specialist housing advice and court desk representation service for clients facing eviction from their properties.
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Energy Advlce (three programmes funded by Big Energy Saving Network, BEIS and Southern Gas Network via Citizens Advice) - Advice on energy bills, energy saving and efficiency, fuel debL smart meters, and carbon monoxide safety measures, given in group and one to one sessions. Crisis Intervention (funded by Hertfordshire County Council) - Specialist Advice and casework for those in need of crisis support. An additional energy advice offer was funded for 2023124 in response to the cost-of-living crisis. Dlsablllty 8eneflts Advlce {funded by the Graham Rowlandson Foundation) - Specialist Advice and casework for those applying for and appealing disability benefits decision5. Scams Champlon (funded by the Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner) - Community talks and workshops to raise awareness of scams and what to do if you are a victim of one. Welfare Beneflts Appeals {funded by Hertfordshlre County Council and delivered cross-county by Citizens Advice Stevenage)- Advice for residents appealing benefits decisions. We can refer our clients in this situation to this service, capacity allowing. Herts Economlc Recovery Team (funded by Hertfordshire County Council and delivered cross- county by Citizens Advice Hertsmere and Citizens Advice Watford) - Debt advice and casework for vulnerable residents. We can refer our clients to this serrfice, capacity allowlng.
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Who We Helped - 2023124 CANH'S advice services are available to everyone with most of our resources spent helping those who are most in need. Typically, these are people in crisis situations, those with one or more markers of vulnerability, and those in poverty. The complexity of client cases continues to increase, and we are seeing more clients who are unable to access support services elsewhere due to funding and capacity challenges across the voluntary and public sector. The cost of living crisis, inflation, and increased housing costs continued to cause hardship for many residents. Our client base widened further with 44% of people seekin8 help from us being in employment (up from 32% in 2022123). Housing overtook debt for the first time to become our second largest area of work behind benefits. Homelessness, threatened homele55ness and private sector rented issues were the drivers behind this. Although debt dropped back to our third largest enquiry area overall, we still saw a 7% increase in people coming for help with this. Negative budgets are a problem in North Herts as they are across the country. Citizens Advice data places 4.6% of people in the Hitchin constituency and 6% of people in Hertfordshire North East in a situation where their income does not cover their essential costs, meaning that each month households will be falling further into debt. Examples of the people we helped Maggle's Story Maggle has slgnlflcant moblllty problems and oth•r physlcal restrlctlons. Her husband, Davld, has dementla and she Is hls maln carer but stru88les wlth thls role due to her physlcal Ilm5tatlons. The couple were seeklng help wlth Attendance Allowance appllcatlons. They wer• referred to a speclallst beneflt advlser who over the course of two appolntments completed AA appllcatlons for both Maggle and Davld. Davld's appllcatlon was successful. and he was unsurprlslngly awarded the hlgher rate due to the level ol care he requlres. However. Inltlally Maggle was turned down. The speclallst advlser consldered there was a case to challenge thi5 declslon and submitted a Mandatory Reconslderatlon request to the DWP. This was successful wlth the DWP reverslng thelr declslon and awardlng Maggle the hlgher rate. Thls Involved an annual Income galn for the couple of £10.582 whlch wlll allow them to pay for more help at home.
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Yvette's Sto Yvette receives Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment. She is a full-time carer for her two children. aged 4 years and 8 weeks. Yvette approached our 8enerallst advlce seNlce as hlsher prices charged for food and energy were leavlng her wlth no money at the end of the month. With Council Tax arrears of £1000. she had recelved a letter from the local authority informlng her that a balllff would soon be Instructed to vislt her. Our advlser Immedlately contacted the local authorlty. requestlng that they postpone any vlslt from a balllff and to glve her and Yvette tlme to welsh up Yvette's optlons at a full appolntment. The local authorlty agreed to stop all actlon. and our advlser supported Yvette to use an online budgetln8 spreadsheet as a tool for plannlng her flnances. A food voucher was Issued. Yvette was referred to one of our speclallst debt advlsers who Is currently worklng wlth Yvette to maxlmlse her Income and sort out her debts. *Client names changedfor confidentiality purposes
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Our Impact on the local community Solving practical problems has wide ranging and long-lasting positive effects on individuals and our local community. People are flnanclally better off as a result of our advlce. We generated £2 million in financial outcomes for our clients in 2023124. These financial outcomes include benefits gained, debts managed, debts written off and refunds gained. This rneans that people have more money in their pocket. are better able to manage any debt and have increased confidence in managing their money. People's health Is Improved as a result of our advlce. As well as financial outcornes for individuals and our community, practical advice has a positive impact on people's health. Last year.. 68% of clients reported feeling less stressed. depressed or anxious after receiving advice from CANH 58% felt that their physical health had improved. Solvin8 practical problems means that people are better able to cope with and participate in everyday life, includlng improved relatlonships with others and being better able to remain In or find employment. Our advlce has a wlder posltlve Impact on our local communlty For every £1 invested in our servlce in 2023124. we generated: £2.49 in savings to government and public services (fiscal benefits) total of: £1,990.486 £14.65 in wider economic and social benefits (public value) total of,. £11.705.408 £7.59 in financial value to the people we help {specific outcomes to individuals) total of £6,062,307. Data from Q4 2023124 Client Experience survey- a follow up survey condutted by national Citizens Advice with CANH clients between 3 and 6 months after receiving our advlce Data from National Citizens A(fvice's Treasury approved financial dats modellin8 tool 10
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE What our clients are telllng us As part of our client survey, we asked people we have helped about their experience of the seniice: 88% would recommend our service. 87% said that we helped them find a way foNard 77% said that their problem was fully or partially resolved after our advice Examples of CANH Client Feedback include: I think the teom ore so good in my areo of Letchworth. It mode the difference co my poin ond helped with so much. There has to be a Citizens Advice, so mony people low income disobled, hurt or mental health issues - this is all they have. Thankyou ollfor beins there. rhe service I received was exceptionol. Not only did Iget advice ot the time, but my enquiry wosfurther discussed after I left and I was emoiled with updated informution. I got some doy reply with useful information ond suggested solution, It allowed me taking the appropriote action to solve the problem without deloy. Thonkyou. Sometimes difficult to get answers on the internet because of too much folse info. ltts reassuring that we con still contact the CAB" as desperatefor help, extremefy stressed and didnt know where to turn. I was helped. guided. which reolty eosed my stress. CA8 is such o help to oll. Thank you" "An absolute life saver. The stress was eased so much for me. I really couldn't hove done it myself. An amazing chority. Thonkyou so much." "Greot seThice provider,. really hove your interest ot heart really supportyou ond more importantly listen toyour needs and assistyou. I would be lost without this seThice os it hos served me well eoch time I have had to coll or pay o visit to the bureou. Citizens Advice is one of the lostgreot services we have in thls country. Citizens Advice representatives always go obove ond beyond, l am olwoys sotisfied with their service. Thonk you so much Without the Citizens Advice 8ureou I would not be able to cope with life ondfor tho¢ i om extremely grateful. Thank you 3 Data from 2023124 Client Experience survey- a follow up sutvey conducted by national Citizens Advice with CANH clients beljveen 3 and 6 months after receiving our advice
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Our Future Plans Since we agreed our last strategy. towards the end of 2021, the needs of our community and our operating environment has changed. As a result of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis we observe heightened inequality in our area, exacerbated by soaring housing costs. which has led to more individuals experiencing deprivation and seeking our assistance. Demand for our services has surged as individuals on the edge of managing their finances now find themselves in crisis, while even those in employment are seeking advice amid rising costs that outpace salaries and benefits. Financlal vulnerability and negative budgets are becoming increasingly common. All our core advice areas have seen increases in client numbers over the past three years. particularly Housing, Benefits, Crisis Support and Family issues. The complexity of client enquiries has increased, with more people needing further guidance even after their initial queries are addressed. This backdrop has driven the development of our new three-year strategy. We know we need to meet more demand and offer the services our community needs to support people who are in trouble. We also need to ensure that the Citizens Advice seniice In North Herts and South Cambs suniives in the long term. We are seeing significant challenges in the charity funding environment. CANH has achieved substantial growth over the past six years,, income & expenses have grown by 106%, with an annual growth rate of approx. 18%. However. increased demand and reduced funding means that we need bring in new sources of income, and create a more efficient organi5ation. Underplnning our strategy is a commitment to partner and collaborate with other organisations where it benefits our clients andlor our organisation. We currently engage in many partnerships that deliver additional services or referral pathways for local residents, Over the next three year5 we will continue to build on these relationships. Strateglc Goals 2024127 Accesslble Advlce Prevent Problems Incluslve Advlce We will offer one to one advice where and when people need us. We will increase our prevention work. We will increase the number of people we support from marginalised communities. Be Fonanclally Secure We will ensure our financial resources are sufficient and Be a Great Place to Work Work Smarter We will ensure our diverse team is set up to deliver our shared missions and vision We will ensure our infrastructure is fit for sustainable. purpose. 12
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE STRATEGIC REPORT Structure, Governance and Management Legal status North Hertfordshire and District Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered company and charity, incorporated on 4 April 2001 and registered as a charity on 4 May 2001. The charity operates under the name Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire {CANHI. The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee. It does not have a share capital. It is not liable for corporation tax on its investment income, nor on other income derived from carrying out its charitable objectives and applied for that purpose. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association and is governed under its Articles of Association (as adopted by a special resolution passed at a General Meeting held on 25 March 2019), which include the objectives and powers of the charitable company, The Trustees. who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities,, Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 (effective 1 January 2019). Our people Our team consist5 of hlghly skilled individuals acting as trustees, executive managers, advisers, and support staff, who are either employed as paid staff or volunteer their services. On average throughout the year CANH employed 28 part-time and full-time paid staff, which equates to an average full-time equivalent of 18 people. For 2023124 the average number of volunteers was 50, which equates to an average full-time equivalent of 7.5 people. Our volunteers make a significant contribution, estimated to be worth over £478,039, to both the charity and the wider local community. CANH recruited and trained 9 new volunteers In 2023124 as part of Its on-going recruitment of new volunteers. We continued our successful Easter and summer holiday work experience scheme to introduce 6th form and university students to our advice and campaignin8 work and to raise awareness of volunteering with a younger age group. Organisation structure The charity is run by a Board of Trustees. currently 7 members. all of which are volunteers (see list below), who are also Directors of the Company, who meet at least quarterly. A Chief Executive has been appointed to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. 13
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Our Trustees and Directors of the Company Currently servlng Trustees R. Boxall J. Brooks D M Currie Chris Hayward S. Ross R P Thackeray F Weir Appointed 17 October 2023 Vice Chair Appointed 17 October 2023 Treasurer, Appointed, 14 March 2023 Chair Trustees who resigned during the period L Platten-Hawes Resigned 0310812023 D Coyle Resigned 1711012023 Chantel Hayward Resigned 3111212023 SJ Clarke Re518ned 0810312024 Our management team R. Waters L. Fraser P. Vieira B. Morris Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary Head of Advice & Quality Head of Resources Head of Community Engagement 14
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Statement of Trustee Responsiblllties The trustees (who are also the directors of North Hertfordshire and District Citizens Advice Bureau for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently: observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which dlsclose 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. 15
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Recruitment and appointment of new Trustees Trustee vacancies are advertised from time to time. Applicants are invited for an interview, with a resulting recommendation being made as to their suitability for appointment as a Trustee. Each individual member Trustee is elected (or re-elected) at an Annual General Meeting, which is held no more than 15 months after the previous meeting (a limited number of Trustees may be co- opted between Annual General Meetings). Co-opted trustees, and one third of other trustees, must stand down at each AGM. but may stand for re-election. However. subject to limited exceptions, a trustee who has served for at least 9 years will not be eligible for re-election. The Trustees elect a Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer from among their number, normally at the first Trustee Board meeting following the AGM. Trustees are provided with a thorough induction process, and follow a training and development plan to support them with their role. Public Benefit The Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit includes two key principles, namely: Principle 1.. There must be identifiable benefit or benefits Principle 2: Benefit must be to the public, or a sectlon of the public The principal activity of CANH is the provision of a free. confidential, impartial, independent sep4ice of information, advice, guidance, and support to anyone in North Hertfordshire and South Cambridgeshire. This is to meet the charity's objects of promoting any charitable purpose for the public benefit by the advancement of education, protection and preserrfation of health and relief of poverty, sickness. and distress. The benefits to the public of carrying out this principal activity have been clearly identified and articulated in this report. The Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in exercising their powers and duties and are satisfied that the charity does meet the public benefit requirements. 16
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Risk and Internal Controls Our trustees are responsible for the effective management of risk and for making Sure that internal controls are in place and operating as designed. The Trustee Board conducted their periodic revlew of our policy on Risk Strategy. Our strategy towards risk and our risk appetite are as follows: To manage risks which are in line with our strategic objectives To avoid risks which are not in line with our strategic objectives andlor could jeopardise the suNival of the organisation Where risks are agreed to be in line with strategy, to act to mitigate the likely impact and have contingency plans in place. Throughout the year, the CEO identifies new risks and validates existing risks, assesses the likelihood, impact and appetite for each risk, the plans for managing them and the adequacy of those plans. Thls is then recorded in the CANH Risk Register. CANH operate a robust system of internal financial controls as laid out in various policies and procedures. On a periodic basis the Trustee Board review and agree on budgeting systems and financial reports. On a quarterly basis, the Trustee Board assess the key risks facing CANH, the severity of those risks and the plans to mitigate the likely impact of those risks. The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks. 17
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Financial Report Income In 2023-24 CANH received grants and other income totalling £845,566, up from £644.155 in the prior year. This growth is a result of net increases in income from grants, donations and fundraising. Grant income is the predominate source of funding for CANH, primarily from the public and not-for- profit sectors. In 2023-2024 grant income grew to £798.340 from £622.194 in the prior year. The significant streams of grant income received from our core funders include: £266,159 from North Hertfordshire Council, of which £208,134 represents the core grant in support our general advice seNice. available to anyone in North Hertfordshlre. £175.313 from Hertfordshire County Council for the provision of specialist advice and casework for those in need of crisis support; Out of Hours Adviceline service,. and to help us respond to the increased demand on our service caused by the cost-of-living crisis. £142.500 from Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation for Specialist advice and casework in benefits and debt for Letchworth residents. Financial capability support delivered in community settings. online and on a one-to-one basis. £110,500 from settle for the provision of Speciallst advice and casework in benefits and debt for settle tenants in North Herts. Grants are typically awarded for fixed terms of up to three years, a significant number of these grants were due to expire during 2024. Despite the significant pressures on public sector fundin& CANH has been successful in retaining a number of its existing grants, whilst attracting new funding to extend its service. These successes help provide for a level of financial stability for 2023124 and beyond. CANH is very grateful to its core funders for this on-going support. However, it remalns a strategic priority for CANH to continue working closely with its core funders in order to maintain existing funding. whilst identifying and securing additional income from a more diverse mix of sources. Funds received from donations and fundraising activities are a small but important source of income for CANH. In 2023-2024 income from donations and fundraising was £20.461, up from £16.321 in the previous year. The increase in donations raised provides evidence of the impact that CANH has on their clients. Our Funders Our main funders during the period were: North Hert5 CouncillNorth Hert5 Council Housing Department South Cambridgeshire District Council settle Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation Hertfordshire County Council Hertfordshire Citizen's Advice- Communications support National Association of Citizen's Advice Bureau - CSDF Support Graham Rowlandson Foundation Letchworth Foodbank and the Trussell Trust 18
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Expenditure In 2023-2024 the total resources expensed in running the charity grew to £802.893 from £668.896 in the previous year. Detailed below are the key areas of expenditure: 31103124 lo23 Unr•strictad R•strict•d Total T1 Exp•ns• typ• Funds Funds Funds Funds Salarle5 and other employnent costs 5ff & Volunteer expenses Office expensvj Premises 136,391 51)3.1 645,49 541.146 5.706 7,484 &837 19.532 85825 63.498 6.767 29,352 3Q119 31,641 Govwnance 1.076 1.277 1,71XJ Other, including Hardship fund Other Apportionrr*nt 631 2.818 &452 25.925 -25.925 Depreciation. EquipmL Fxi&Ftgs 17.534 17.534 1 5.532 Total r•sourc•s •xp•ni•d 211687 $90,3)6 1893 668.896 Key hlghllghts Salar5es and other employment costs The growth in salaries and other employment costs to £645.499from £541.146 in the previous year highlights the continued Investment in our people to meet the increased serrfice need, The average number of full-time equivalents was 18. up from 16 in the previous year. CANH contlnues to review its Staff remuneration in order to remaln competitive and, where possible, help offset the adverse impacts on our staff of rising living costs. However, there continues to be significant upward pressure on salaries and other employment costs a5 a result of two key challenges: The adverse impact on employees of inflation and the c05t-of-living crisis. The shortages of qualified people in the broader labour force and the impact this has on retaining existing staff and recruiting new staff The ability of CANH to recoup these additlonal costs, due to the terms of its existing funding contracts, is limited. This is a key financial risk for CANH. Non-salary expense categorles Significant effort has been employed to closely manage non-salary expenses. whilst maintaining investments in staff training and office equipment. These efforts have helped limit the rise in non- salary expenses to £157.394 from £127,750 in the previous year. This net increase is primarily due to additional expenditure on IT equipment and maintenance services. The outlook for 2024-25 could 19
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE see further increases due to the inflationary pressures on bought-in services. The ability of CANH to recoup these additional costs. due to the terms of its existing funding contracts, is limited. Balance Sheet sr As of 31 March 2024. CANH held Total Funds of £353,480, this compares to £310.807 on the 31 March 2023. The increase in Total Funds over the period of £42,674 represents the net surplus for the current financial year. This net surplus was an improved status and is consistent with CANH'S strategic priorities for 2022 to 2025. si CANH continues to benefit from a strong cash flow. The total cash and cash equivalents as at 31 sr March 2024 were £350.797 compared to £427,374 as at the end of the previous year. This decrease in cash and cash equivalents is offset by a decrease in Creditors to £87,362 from £241.550 for the previous year, leaving net current assets at £329.135, up from £268.928 in the previous year, Reserves pollcy Deciding the level of resenies that a charity needs to hold is an important part of financial management and forward financial planning. Failure to do this may result in reserves levels which are either,. Too high, which could unnecessarily limit the amount spent on charitable activities and the potential benefits a charity can provide,. or too low, which could put the charity at risk of continuing its activities due to unexpected financial dlfficulties, increasing the risks of unplanned and unmanaged closure and insolvency CANH Trustees, on a regular basis, review the total amount and designation of reserves to ensure they are at a level that enables CANH to manage financial risk and income volatility over the medium to long term. The level of reseNes should enable CANH to maintain an optimal level of seniice, whilst meeting its financial commitment5 as and when they fall due. Resenies represent the total unrestricted funds at a point in time. As at 31 March 2024. CANH held £353,480 of unrestricted funds, of which £108.173 is held as general funds required to cover possible deficits in future years, and £245,307 has been designated to cover the following.. net book value of tangible fixed assets of £24,345; operating risks and exceptional costs of £12,500, and hardship funds of £928,. opportunities and other future investments of £75,000,. and sr £115,000 to cover key financial risk scenarios including income, liquidity, and cessation rlsks. Finally. one key risk indicator 15 the level of reserves (unrestrlcted funds). less net book value of st tangible fixed assets, as a proportion of annualised general running costs. As at 31 March 2024 CANH held reserves sufficient to cover over five months, worth of operating costs. This falls within the National Association of Citizens Advice low risk category of three to six months, worth of costs. 20
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Investment of Reserves CANH'S policies govern the Investment of Resenies. which includes guidelines on asset mix and types of investments including equity fund investments. As at 31 st March 2024 CANH held: £350,797 of its assets in cash and cash like securities; and £64,057 invested in the Fidelity Index World Fund P Accumulation fund. Trustees review the investments at least annually to ensure it is consistent with liquidity and performance requirements of CANH. 21
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Going Concern The financial position and performance have been outlined in the financial review. The trustees have assessed our position and concluded that CANH is well-placed to meet our liabilities as they fall due and to manage the business risks we face. This position is supported by a strong cash flow, sufficient reserves, good relationships with our key funders and a proven ability to secure new income. Our planning and reporting processes, including financial projections, take into consideration the current economic climate and its potential impact on our various sources of income and planned expenditure. We have therefore adopted the going concern basis of preparation of these financial statements on the basis that we have concluded there is a reasonable expectation that we have sufficient resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. being at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, Approvals The Report of the Trustees. incorporating a Strategic Report are approved by order of the Board of Trustees, as the company directors, on 19 September 2024 and signed on Its behalf by.. R. Thackeray- Trustee - Chair 22
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Reference and Administrative Details Registered Name The charity and company registered name is North Hertfordshire and District Citizens Advice Bureau. The charity operates under the name Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire (CANH). Reglstered Company number Registered Charlty number 04194542 (England and Wales 1086489 Chlef Executlve Company Secretary R Waters R Waters Registered prlnclpal office 49 Station Road. Letchworth, Herts. SG6 38Q Other offlces Town Hall Melbourn Street Royston Herts. SG8 70A Independent examlner Bradshawjohnson Chartered Accountants Croft Chambers, 11 Bancroft Hltchin Herts. SGS 1JQ Bankers CCLA Investment Management Ltd COIF Charity Funds Senator House 85 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4ET CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Sollcltors BWB Solicitors 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 18E Heckford 19 Leys Avenue Letchworth Herts. SG6 3EB 23
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU ('the company) I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024. Responslbllltles and basls of report As the charity's trustees of the Company {and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 20061'the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 I'the 2011 Act'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515) {b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examlner's statement Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can conflrm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a registered member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I conflrrn that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination,. or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102)). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Neil Harding FCA Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Bradshawjohnson Chartered Accountants Croft Chambers, 11 Bancroft Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 IJQ Date: 30th September 2024 24
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITY IN THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2024 31/03/2024 31m312023 Notes Unrnstrirted Fund5 Restrirted F¥nds To¢vl Fundj rotal Funds INCOMEAND £NDOWAIENTS FROM Don015 ond legocies 20.467 20.461 16.321 Choritvble artiviti•S Gronts recovoble 208.134 S90.206 622. 194 (knff imdins actMue5 Investm[ income 2.160 24.606 Z160 24. 606 3,080 2,560 Totol 255,361 590,206 845,566 644. 155 EXPENI)ITURE ON Charithble ortiviti•s RUn1?s ille chonty 212.687 590.206 802. 893 668.896 Netgoins on invesiments 2.667 NETINCOAIE 42,673 42. 073 22.074 REcaYciLIA TION <%¢ FUNDS Totallunds brnu8ht/ornarnl 310.807 314807 332.881 Totollunds carri•dlonvard 351480 353.480 310.807 Contlnulns Operations All income and expenditure have arisen from continuing activities. 25
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 MARCH 2024 3110312024 Total Funds 3110312023 Total Funds Unrestricted Ftsnds Restf iCt•d Funds Not• Fix•d Assets Tangible asseis 12 24.34S 24.345 41.879 Current assets Debiof5 and prepayments Inve5rmenis Cash at bank 1,643 64,057 285.807 1.643 64.057 350,797 30.928 52,176 427.374 14 64,9 351.7 64.9r4J 416.497 510.478 Credltorj lkniounts falling due In one yearl 122.3721 64.9YJI I. 3621 1241.5501 NET CURRENT ASSErs 329.135 329. 13S 268.928 TOTALASSEfs LE55 CURRENT LIA8ILrriES 353.480 353.480 310.17 NEf ASSErs 353.480 353, 410 310,7 FUNOS Unresincied funds RestrKred funds 353.480 310,W7 TOTAL FUNDS 353,1 310.? 26
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION - continued The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for: (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006.. and (b) preparing financial statements which 8ive a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 39S and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 21 st September 2023 and were signed on its behalf by: R, Thackeray- Trustee - Chair 27
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatln8 as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 313112024 313112023 Notes Nei Income lor the reportln8 perlod las per ihe Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments lor: Depreciaiion charges Gainsllosses on invesimenis Inieresi receNed Fund Mènagemeni fees Oebiors Iincreaseldecreasel Cfediiors Iincreaseldecreasel 42.674 122,0741 17,534 111.8811 15.533 12,6671 12,5601 91 1&9021 189.512 14.452 1139,3551 N•t cash 8enera¢ed from op•r•tln8 •rtlvlt1•5 176.5771 168,933 Cash flows from investin8 aCtlvltl•s Sale of Investments Purchase of iangible asseis Purchase of (urreni asset Investmenis Interest Received 2, 560 Net Cash 8ener•ted fromlused In Investlns 4ctl¥l¢les 2.560 N•t ¢h•n8• In ¢ash and ush equlvalents In reportlng perlod Cash and cash equlvalents at the be8innin8of the reportln8 period 176,5771 171.493 427,374 25S881 Cash and cash equlvalents at the end of the reportln8 period 350.797 427,374 28
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 1. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS Asat Other non- cash Asat 0110412023 Cash flow 3110312024 Net cash Cash at bank 427,374 (76,577) 350.797 Total 427,374 (76,577) 350. 797 Llquld Resources Deposits included in cash Current asset investments 52,176 11,882 64,058 52.176 11.882 64.058 Total 479.550 6,ST7) 11,882 414,855 29
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE North Hertfordshire and District Citizens Advice Bureau is a charitable company incorporated in England. The registered office is: 49 Station Road, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 3BQ The charitable company's financial statements have been prepared in compliance with Charitles SORP {FRS 1021 as it applies to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES 8asls of preparlng the financlal statements The financial statements of the charitable company. which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102. have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 102)'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effectlve 1 January 2019),, Financlal Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Srandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, North Hertfordshire and District Citizens Advice Bureau meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. After making enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements as outlined in the Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities. Income All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity Is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The followin8 specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: Voluntary income is received by way of grants. donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receivable. Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts. Investment income is included when receivable. Expendlture Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a Ilability is incurred. Expenditure includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. 30
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them, NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continued Tangible fixed assets Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated usefu I life. Fixtures and fittings: 10% on cost Computer equipment: 20% on cost Minor addltions of less than £1,000, or other additions as agreed by the Trustee Board, are not capitalised. Taxatlon The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. Fund accountln8 Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the general objectlves of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. Penslons During the year, the charitable company operated a pension scheme with the National Employment Savings Trust {NESTI. Contributions payable for the year are charged in the statement of financial activities. Legal status of the charltable company In the event of the charitable company being wound up, each Trustee (being a member of the charity) has undertaken to contribute to the assets of the charitable company such amounts as required but not exceeding £1. This guarantee extends until one year after a Trustee ceases to be a member. The Trustees are directors of the charltable company. Debtors and prepayment5 Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discount5 due. Cash at bank and in hand 31
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Cash at bank includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 32
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continued Credltors and provlslons Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event thai will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due 10 settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably, Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. Flnancial Instruments The investments are managed on behalf of the charity by Fidelity International. Investments are stated at market value as of 25th March 2024. The market value Is derived from the Valuation Statement supplied by Fidelity International. The Statement of Financial Activities include the net gains and losses (realised and unrealised) arising on the revaluations and dlsposals throughout the year. The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic fi nancial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 3. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 31103124 31103123 Donations 20,461 16,321 4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 31103124 31103123 Fund raising 2,160 3.080 33
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 5. INVESTMENT INCOME 31103124 31103123 24,606 2,560 6. INCOME FROM CHARITIABLE ACTIVITIES 31103124 31103123 Grants Receivable 798,340 622,194 Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: 31103124 31103123 Unr•strlrt•d R•strlrt•d Toi•l Tot•1 Gr•ntor Fund•d A¢tlvlry Funds Funds Fundi Fund5 Nonh Herts Councll CO Grant- Genera Advlce Court Desk. Homelessness Prevention 208,134 208,134 153,900 North Herts Councll 27.857 27.857 26,530 Health Protectbon Board. Rural Outreach North Herts Councll 18,168 18,168 11.159 North Herts Council Moving Forvlard Together 12.000 11000 20.500 South Camb5 Distritt Council General A<fvite 21.CvJO 21,OOQ 17.850 settle Financlal Inclusion 110,SCQ 110.500 106,000 Letthworth Garden City Heritsge Foundation Financial Heatth 141500 142.5 107.450 Hertfordshire County Council Hertfordshire County Council Crisis Inierveniion 29.587 28.748 Crisis Enhancement 19.050 19.050 Hertfordshire County Council Out of Hours Advice 98,101 98,101 35,204 34
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operating as cinzENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Hertfordshlre County Councll Hertford5hlre Police & Crlme Cost of Llving- Generallst Adwser 28,575 28,575 9,525 Commlssloner Scams Adthce 2.51x1 Isix) Isoo Henfordshlre Cornmunity Foundatlon Frank Lltchfield Hertfordshire Citizens Advice Communications Support 11,666 11.666 3.334 Graham Rowlandson Foundatlon National As50clation ol O"tizens Advlce 8L¢reaux Dlsabillty Benefits Advlce 10,000 10.1)00 i 0,000 CSDF 12,750 12.750 Narional Association of Cirizens Advice Bureaux Energy Advlce Programme 27,485 Trussell Trust Re Letchworth Foodbank Financial Inclusion 45.9S2 45.952 22,006 Various other one off funding Various 35.003 Total 208.134 590.206 798.340 621194 7. TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 31103124 31103123 Unrestrlcted Restrlcted Total Total Expense type Funds Funds Funds Funds Salaries and other employment costs 136,391 509,108 645.499 541,146 Staff & Volunteer expenses 5,706 7,484 13.190 8,837 Office expenses 19.532 66,293 85.825 63,498 Premises 6.767 29,352 36.119 31,641 Governance 201 1,076 1.277 1,790 Other. including Hardship fund 631 2,818 3.449 6,452 Other Apportlonment 25,925 -25,925 Depreciation- Equipmt. Fxt&Ftgs 17,534 17.534 15,532 Total resources expensed 212.687 590,206 802.893 668.896 35
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE 8. NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 31103124 31103123 Depreciation - owned assets 17.534 15,532 9. TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended 31 March 2023. 10. STAFF COSTS The average monthly number of employees durin8 the year was as follows: 31103124 31103123 Average monthly number of employees 28 28 Average monthly number of employees (Full time Equivalent) 18 16 No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 31103124 31103123 Employment costs Total Total Wages and salaries 580,716 484.427 Social security Costs 42,481 38,094 Pension costs 22,302 18,625 Total 645.499 541.146 36
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Key Management Personnel CANH has identified the key management personnel as the executive team, as highlighted in the strategic report. Total employment costs for key management personnel are as follows: 31103124 31103123 Total Total Employment costs 155,655 204,367 37
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 11. 2023 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 31103r23 Unre5trlcted Restrlcted Total Funds Funds Funds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 16,321 16,321 Charlt•ble actlvltl•s Grants receivable 188.903 433.291 622,194 Other trading activities 3,080 3,080 Investment Income 2,560 2,560 Total 210,864 433,291 644,155 EXPENDITURE ON Charltable artlvltles Runnins the charity 235,605 433,291 668,896 Net gains on Investments 2,667 2.667 NET INCOME .22.074 -22,074 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought fornard 332,881 332.881 Total funds carried forward 310,807 310.807 38
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Flxtures. Flttlngs & Computers Cost At 114123 289.301 Additions At 3113124 289,301 Depreciatlon At 114123 247.422 17,534 Charge for the year At 3113124 264.956 Net Book Value At 3113124 24,345 At 3113123 41,879 13. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31103124 31103123 Trade debtors (Accrued income) 30,413 Prepayments 1,643 515 39
NORTH HERTFORD5HIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZEN5 ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE 30.928 14. CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS 31103124 31103123 Listed investments 64.057 52.176 This is made up as follows: 31103124 Listed investments: 64,057 15, CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Unrestrlct•d Restrlcted 31103124 31103123 Funds Funds Total Total Accrued Expenses 5,190 5,190 1.300 Deferred Income 64,990 64,990 220,352 Other Creditors 17,182 17,182 19,898 22,372 64.990 87,362 241.550 40
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE 16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Tranfers Asat Incornlng Resouces 31103123 R•sources ExpeThd•d etween Funds 31103124 UTrrestrlcted Funds General Fund 65.500 255.360 1212,687) 42,674 108.173 D•slgnated Funds Designated Funds irwested in Fixed Assets 41,879 41,879 Designated Fundsfor baseline running c05lS Designated funds for operating rlsks and exception costs Designated Fund for opportuniries and future Investmen¢s i i s,000 115,000 12,500 11500 75.000 75.000 Design•ted Hardship fund 928 928 Total Unr•5tr1rted Funds 310.? 240,733 1198.1)fj0) 42.674 353.410 R•s¢rl(¢•d Funds Gr•n¢or Funded Actlvlty Courr Desk- Homelessness North Hert5 Council Preveniion 27,857 127.8571 Health Protecrion 8oard - Rural Outreach North Herts Council 18,168 118,1681 North Herts Council Movin8 Forward To8ether 12,000 112.0001 South Cambs District Council General Advice 21,¢JOO 121.0001 setile Flnanclal Incluslon 110,500 1110,5G¥)) setile Welfare Benefits Letchworth Garden Clty Herl(age Foundation Financial Health 142,500 1142,5001 Hertlordshire County Council Crlsis Inteen(lOft 29,587 129,5871 Hertfordshlre County Council Crisis Enhancement Ene 19,050 119,0501 Hertfordshire County Council Oui of Hoijrs ALfvlce 98,101 198,1011 Cost of Lwin8. GenerJlls¢ Athiser Herrfordshire Councy Council Herrfordshire Police & Crime CommiSoner 28,575 128,5751 Scams Athice 12,51J)I Herrlordshire Ciii2ens thlce Communicarions Support 11,666 111,6661 Graham Rowland50n Foundation Disabilty Benefits Advicè 10.000 110,0001 Nat, Assoc. of Citizens Advice Bureaux CSDF 12.750 112,7501 Tru5sell Trust Re Letchworth Foodbank Financial Inclusion 45.952 145,9521 Tot•1 R•s¢rlrt•d Funds 590.206 1590,2061 TOTAL FUNDS 310.007 830.939 flU.2661 41674 353.410 41
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 16. Purposes of Restricted Funds North Herts Councll - Homelessness Preventlon: This fund provides representation and debt advice to clients finding themselves in financial hardship and facing threatened homelessness. North Hert5 Councll - Health Protectlon Board Rural Outreach: this enables CANH to extend access to our services in rural areas. with an emphasis on the issues that are most affecting residents post-covid and during the cost-of-living crisis. North Herts Councll - Movln8 Forward Together: Information, signposting, and advice to help prepare residents to take up employment or volunteering opportunities South Cambrldgeshlre Dlstrlct Councll- General Advlce: This fund provides for general advice and specialist {disabilityi welfare advice to the residents of South Cambriclgeshire, It supports the provision of outreach service in Melbourn. settle: This fund provides support for the delivery of money advice to help clients with debt issues to budget their income and expenditure, enabling them to draw up acceprable and realistic repayment plans for priority creditors. Letchworth Garden City Herlta8e Foundatlon - Flnanclal Health., This fund provides for specialist advice and casework in beneflts and debt for Letchworth resldents. Financial capability support dellvered In community settings, online and on a one-ro-one basis. Hertfordshlre County Councll - Crlsls Interventlon". This project, funded by Hertfordshire County Council, provides in-depth support and casework for people with urgent or complex needs through debt, benefits, housing, or other advice. Hertfordshlre Pollce & Crlme Commlssloner- Scams Champlon: Community talks and workshops to raise awareness of scams and what to do if you are a victim of one. Hertfordshlre County Councll - Household Support Fund: In 2021122 and 2022123 Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire participated in the distribution of Household Support Funds. an initiative sponsored by the Department of Work and Pensions, to make funds available for distribution to support those most in need to help with the significantly rising livin8 Costs, Hertfordshlre County Councll . Hertfordshire Famlly Centres: Advice and support for families at outreach locations. A three-month pilot project to provide generalist advice to families at local Family Centres in Baldock, Royston and Hitchin. Hertfordshire County Council - Out of Hours Hertfordshire Advice.. Information, signposting. and advice on all enquiry areas. 42
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued Hertfordshlre County Council - Cost of Livin8 Generallst Advlser,. Additional resource to help us respond to the increased demand on our service caused by the cost-of-living crisis, Information, signposting. and advice. Hertfordshlre Pollce & Crlme Commlssloner- Scams Advlce: Community talks and workshops to raise awareness of scams and what to do if you are a victim of one. Hertfordshlre Communlty Foundatlon - Frank Lltchlleld: A pilot scheme to help increase access to our seniices in rural areas, with an emphasis on the issues that are most affecting residents post- Covid and during the cost.of.living crisis. Hertford5hlre Cltlzens Advlce - Communlcatlons Support: Provide support for Hertfordshlre Citizens Advice comrnunications Strategy. Graham Rowlandson Foundatlon., This project, funded by the Graham Rowlandson Foundation, provides advice and support to clients needing help with disability benefits. Help to Clalm; This project Iprovided by grants from National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux originating from the Department of Work and Pensions) provides support for clients making their initial Universal Credit applications. Energy Advlce Programme,. This fund (provided by grants from the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux originating from energy suppliers) supports the delivery of group sessions to frontline staff and community groups on energy advice. and the delivery of energy advice appointments to clients. In addition. it has funded an Energy Champion role to engage with local stakeholders, provide peer-to-peer support and training within the Citizens Advice network regionally and to assess the impact of advice. Money and Penslons Servlce.. These funds provided by the Money and Pensions SeNice supports a debt advice service. Trussell Trust Re Letchworth Foodbank - Flnanclal Incluslon: Specialist advice and casework in benefits and debt for people needin8 food bank support. Purposes of Unrestrlcted Funds General: This fund reflects the accumulated surplus arising from the general activity of the charity after allocating income and expenditure to other funds where appropriate and consistent with the policy of the charity. Designated- Investments In Flxed Assets: This fund represents amounts set aside to fund the depreciation of the fit-out costs associated with relocation in 2016 to the charity's current main office in Letchworth. 43
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZEN5 ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Deslgnated - Basellne Runnlng Costs: This fund provides for the impact of key financial risk scenarios including income, liquidity. and cessation risks. which could result from a significant decrease in core funding. Designated - Operating Risk5 and Exceptional Costs: This fund provides for the financial impact of exceptional items that are not covered in the annual planning cycle. including operating risks that could result in an exceptional cost. Deslgnated - Opportunitles and Future Investments.. To provide financial resources to cover the costs of investment in people and resources to better support existing and anticipated gro¥wth in client demand for advice services. This includes future investments in IT equipment. Deslgnated- Hardshlp: this represents a fund established by donations to be used for discretionary hardship payments to clients (e.g., local travel costs related to accessing our advice or resolving an issue). 17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024. 18. LEASING COMMITMENTS The company signed a new lease in June 2016 on its principal office (which is also its registered office) for a period of 15 years (with a break option after l O years) from 30 June 2016 at the rate of £19.800 per annum Ilncluding VAT at the current rate of 20%). Its commitments are as follows: 31103124 31103123 Due within one year 20,810 19,800 Due within two to five years Mln 107,235 84.302 Max 136,105 101,578
NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU operatlng as CITIZENS ADVICE NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE Citizens Advice helps people find a way forward. We provide free, confidential and independent advice to help people overcome their problems. We are a voice for our clients and consumers on the issues that matter to them. We value diversity, champion equality, and challenge discrimination and harassment. We're here for everyone. ooo northhertscab.org.uk Published September 2023 Cltlzens Advlce North Hertfordshire is the operating name of North Hertfordshlre & Dlstrlct Cltizens Advice Bureau Registered charity number 1086489 Company number.. 4194542 Citizens Advice membership number: 7010004 Registered by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 617683 Registered office: 49 Station Road, Letchworth Garden City, Herts, SG6 38Q Telephone: 01462 688000 45