# Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau 

# Company Number 4063248 

Registered Charity Number 1088290 

A Company Limited by Guarantee 

Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 



## Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau 

## Reports and Financial Statements 2025 

## Contents 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|REFERENCE|AND|ADMINISTRATIVE|DETAILS|1|
|TRUSTEES REPORT|2|
|STATEMENT OF|TRUSTEES’|RESPONSIBILITIES|7|
|INDEPENDENT|AUDITOR’S REPORT|8|
|STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL|ACTIVITIES|10|
|BALANCE|SHEET|11|
|STATEMENT OF CASH|FLOW|12|
|NOTES TO THE|ACCOUNTS|13|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




## Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau 

## Reports and Financial Statements 2025 

## REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS 

The trustees who held office from the beginning of the year were 

## Elected by the members 

Mr W Chilvers Mr P Hollebon Mr M Tarala - Chair Ms R Woolley Ms D Hay Ms F Stevenson 

Resigned 27 November 2024 Resigned 6 Sept 2024 

Resigned 16 October 2025 Appointed 16 October 2025 Appointed 5 December 2025 

Chelmsford City Council nominated 

Councillor S Rajesh Councillor H Clark 

Nominated December 2015 Nominated 5 September 2023 

Bureau Chief Executive 

Mr R C Mynott 

Registered office Burgess Well House Coval Lane Chelmsford CM1 IFW 

Bankers 

Unity Bank PLC PO Box 7193 Planetary Road Willenhall WV1 9DG 

## Auditors 

Affinia (Orpington) Lynwood House Crofton Road Orpington BR6 8QE 

Page | 1 



## Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau Reports and Financial Statements 2025 

## TRUSTEES REPORT 

The Trustees, who are also Directors under the Companies Act 2006, present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Trustees’ Report is also a Director’s Report as required by Section 417 of the Companies Act 2006. 

The Trustees confirm that this Annual Report and financial statements have been prepared in accordance with current statutory requirements and comply with the Companies Act 2006, the requirements of the company’s governing document, and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) which are applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. 

: 

## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 

## Governing Document 

Citizens Advice Chelmsford is a registered charitable company limited by guarantee. The company was incorporatea on 31 August 2000 and registered as a charity on 31 August 2001. established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers. The company is also governed under its Articles of Association. The maximum liability of each member is limited to a sum not exceeding £10 which is the amount that each member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the charity in the event of its being wound up while he, she or it is a member or within one year after he, she or it ceases to be a member. New Memorandum and Articles of Association were adopted at an Extraordinary General Meeting in October 2022. 

## Objects and Powers of the Charitable Company 

The objects of the charitable company are to promote any charitable purpose for the public benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress, but withous limitation, for the benefit of the community in Chelmsford and surrounding areas. 

The powers of the Charity are set out in its Articles of Association and include, inter alia, the power to establish, provide and assist in the provision of Local Citizens Advice services and outlets supplying a free, independent. confidential and impartial service of advice, information and counsel for the public in a manner that furthers the charitable company’s Objects. 

## Public Benefit 

The Trustees confirm that they have considered and complied with the requirements set out in Section 4 ofthe Charities Act 2011 and have referred to the guidelines contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing Citizens Advice Chelmsford’s aims and objectives and in the planning of future activities. 

The Citizens Advice service provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. It values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. The Public Benefit is achieved by: 

- e Providing the advice people need for the problems they face: and ® improving the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. 

## Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees 

Under its Articles of Association adopted in October 2022, the Charity is required to have a minimum of four and a maximum of fifteen Trustees. Trustees are either elected at a General Meeting or co-opted by the Trustee Board at any other meeting ofthe Trustees. One third ofthe trustees will retire each year for the first three years after the introduction of the new Articles. Thereafter, elected Trustees retire at the end of the third Annual General Meeting. Co-opted Trustees retire at the third Annual General Meeting following the Trustee Board Meeting at which they were appointed. 

Page | 2 



## Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau 

## Reports and Financial Statements 2025 

It is the policy of the Trustees that, in each calendar year, the Trustee Board will: 

- e Review the range of skills, knowledge and experience ofthe Trustees and the extent to which the Trustees are representative of the community served by the Charity and to identify any gaps; 

- e To consider whether such gaps should be addressed through training or by appointment of one or more additional Trustees; and 

- To agree, if necessary, a strategy for securing expressions of interest from persons wishing to become a Trustee. 

## Admission of Members 

Under the Articles of Association, Membership is open to other individuals or organisations wne: 

- e apply to the charity in the form required by the Trustees: ané 

- are approved by the Trustees: and 

- e are, if individuals, over 16 and not paid workers, employees or unpaid volunteers of the charity. 

## Training 

All Trustees are given the opportunity to utilise Citizens Advice Chelmsford’s training facilities and attend relevant training sessions. Trustees are also invited to attend the residential annual conference of Citizens Advice. 

## Organisational Structure 

The charity is governed by its Trustee Board. The Trustee Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction and policies ofthe Charity. The Trustees carry the ultimate responsibility for the conduct ofthe Charity, including ensuring that it satisfies its legal and contractual obligations. The Trustees meets at least six times per year as a Trustee Board and delegate the responsibility for day-to-day running and implementation of strategies to the Chief Executive and senior management tearr. 

The Chief Executive and senior management team are responsible for the provision of services of the Charity. The Chief Executive is employed on a full-time basis and is assisted by both paid staff and volunteers. The services are delivered from the Charity’s Coval Lane offices (its central bureau) and other outreach facilities. 

Citizens Advice Chelmsford is a member of National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, registered charity number 279057. This membership provides a framework for standards of advice and casework management, as weli as monitoring the Charity’s progress against these standards. The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux has over 350 members throughout England and Wales, and members can be contacted via the following address: 

## Citizens Advice 

3 Floor North 

200 Aldersgate 

London 

ECIA 4HD 

The Charity is also a consortium member of Citizens Advice Essex, registered charity number 1153582. 

Page | 3 



Chelmsford Citizens Advice Burea
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
Risk Man4g¢m¢n¢
The Trus£ee5 have adopted a statement of risk policy under whicli:
Triistces must ensure that the major risks to which the Charity is cxposed aTe reviewed and systsms established
io mitigate those risks-
Rt is recognised that risks call arise both from the Charitj s activities and a failure to act or cxploit
opportunities,.
Staff and volwiteers air ¢xpe¢ted to consider the risks ot any activity and act in accordance with any
recommcndations for risk management: and
Proposed new activities, significant increases in existing activities and significant changcs in the way thnse
activities are pursu¢d. ar¢ first required to be the subject of a propLr proposal to lh¢ TrnsteL's and risk assessed.
The Trusiees regularly review the major risks to whicli the Charity is exposed and engage with ihe svstems thai are in
place to mana&ie and mitigate those risks. A risk management committee meets regUl￿rIY to track thc risks faced bv th¢
Charity and monitor agreed mitigations. These risks and mitigations are documented in a risk register. The minuiei.
rnonthly report, and risk register from the risk managemerjt committee are shared with the Trustses during meetings OF
the Trustee Board.
Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safcty ot stafy, volunteer>, clienls and visiiors to ihe
Charity's premises at Burgess Well House, Coval Lane. These procedures are owned and maintained by the Chief
Executive. To ensure a consistent quality of delivery for all op¢rational matters, the Charity compli¢s wilh the
membership reqUi￿ments of Citizens Advice and of the Advice Service Alliance (ASA) and 15 audii¢d regularly by
those bodies.
O￿ECTIVFs AND ACTIVITIKS
Achievement and performallct
During the 2024- 2025 financial year. Citizens Advice Chelrnsford undertook the tollowin¥'.
14.183 Clients were assisted with 29.388 issues.
Financial Services and Capability continue to be the most common advice issue, reflecting the importance o!
Pensionwise and the ongoing cost of liN'ing crisis. 8,069 clients were seen and 10,630 issues were addressed
regarding Financial Services and Capability.
Assisled 1.793 clients with 5.115 Benetits, tax credits and Unfftversa] Credit issues in the 2024- 2025 financial
year. Personal Independence Payments and Benefit Entitlements continue to be the main issues faced by
elienis. Total income gain across all areas, including loans and reirnbursements was £3.529,294.
Assisted 814 clients with 1.839 debt issues. £81.584 of debt was written off because of our guidance and
support. Fucl dcbt now make5 up thc majority of debt issues addressed by the Charity.
The Chelmsford Law Clinic continued to provide 30 minutes of free legal advice. The Clinic helped 365
clients with 729 issues Govering 8 areas of law. The Chelmsford Law Clinic works with ils pro-bono provider%
and Law Works partner organisations to support many of these clients and enable them to g'ain access to in-
depth pro-bono advice.
During the 2024 - 2025 financial year. over 80 volunteers gave their time to support Citizens Advirz
Chelmsford.
Page14

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEI
FÉDancial Performance
The results for the yeai. ended 31 March 2025 are set out in the Statement of Fiiiancial Actkvities on Page I l. These
show an operating surplus for the year of £1 I C),477. The a¢tuaTial adjustm¢nt of the Defined Benefit PeT)sion Scheme
of £19.000 surplus which includes the impleTnentation of an a&set ceiling. This resulted in a reporting surplus in the
ye&r of £138,477. Net assets at 31 March 2025 wer¢ £402,275 {£263,798 2024). Unrestricted reservcs were £3C)4,631
.Ind restricted reserves including the pension surplus were £37,644.
The Financial Statements do not reflect the value of time donated by volunteer advisers. cleri¢al assistants and other
supportcrs. The Charity continues to depend on unpaid volunteers to function effectively.
PrineFp#I Funding Sources
The principal funding source for the Charity for the provision of general adviLe continues to be by WRV of grani incom¢
from Chelmsford Cili, c.ouncil and Essex County Council. HM Treasury has provided restricted funds throuoh tri-.
National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaiix for Pensionwise (a proje¢t that advises clients on the opiioIis oDeTr
to them in respe¢t of their pension opportunities). Other major funding sources have come from the Ess¢x Communin
Foundation and from Citizens Advice Essex for spectfic project work.
Donotions
The Trustees are most appreciative of the many organisations and individuals who have made don2tions during this
financial vear.
Investment Policv
Aside from retaining a prudent amouni in reserves eacli year, most of th¢ Charity's funds are to be spent in the short
term, and so there are few funds available for long tern) investment. The Charity's investment policy is to place any
surplus funds in interest earning Deposit bank ac￿untS 10 maximis¢ incom¢ whilst providing security for capital.
Reserves Poliri-
It is the aim ot. the Trustees to hold ui)reslricted liquid reserves amouxting to £155.000 whi¢li reflects the risks oi
unpla[￿ed closur¢ of Chelmsford Cilizen5 Advice. At 31 March 2025. unrestricted reserves totalled L329.944 bero
th¢ Pension Fund Reserve of £19,000 is added. The Tru5tee5 carefully monitor the Charity's reserves and will r¢viev
the Charity's Reserves Policy at le&st annually. The Trustee Board can chRnge the amount of unrestricted liquid
reserves held at anv lime.
PLA]YS FOR THE FUTURE
The strategic direelion of the Charity is dictated by and documented in Cirizens Advi¢e Chelmsford's strategic business
plan, which is a living document that the Trustees regularly review and update throughout th¢ year. lthis buyincss plan
$5 used to it)form the decision-making of the Trustees, Staff and volunteets, and to monitor the perfom)8nce of the
Charity. The Trustees ¢xpe¢t that the Charity will continue to work towards a¢hReving its three main strategic
objectives..
En5urKng that our advi¢F is always high quality, a¢¢¢55iblr, t&i113r¢d ￿14 timFIy"
Speaking up for our clients and lobbying for meaningful change: and
Guaranteeino that our services will be available whenever our clienls need them.
Citizens Advice Chelmsford is influenced by relevant local and nationa] policies. The policies of central governmen,,
itnpaet on the voluntary sector's funding re¥iines, which are operated by the principal funders of the Charip
Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council. As a tEsuli, the Truste¢3 ke¢p under ￿V1<W how b¢st to responc.
to these external challenge5 and explore with existing funders othei LCAS and the National Association of Ciiizens
Advico UurcAux, Ptsrtner.*hip-E di4¥crent W￿y* ¢5f Tnb.
Page15

Chelmsford Citlzens Advice Bureau
Reports and Finallcial Statements 2024
ACCOUNTAN'TS
NSO As5(Kiate5 LLP who carried out the independent review of the trustee for last year have joined the Affillia group
of accounlanis. tax &pd business advisLrs. A4 the revenue for 2025 exceeds £l,000.000, the trust is required to have
an audit of its finanLial statements. Affinia have expressed their Miillingness lo audit the financial statements for 2025
s required under current charity legislation. The Financial Statements haile been prepar¢d in accordance with
Accounting and R¢porting by Chariti¢s= Statement of Recommended Prartice (SORP) which are applicable to ¢harities
preparing their ￿cOUnts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicdble to the United Kingdom and
Republic of Ireland ({FRS 102) effective l January 2015) and the Companies Act 2006.
Approved by the Trustee Board on .
IL
L)
and signed on its belialr.
Mark Tarala
Chair of Trustees
FugeI6

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees (who are also directors of Chelmsford Citizens Advic¢ Bureau for the purposes of company law)
are responsible for preparin& the Trustees, Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable
law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practic£).
Company law requires the truste¢s to prepare financial statements for each f2nancial year which give a true and fair
view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of ihe incoming resourees and application of resour¢es of
the charitable company for that peTiod. In pi'eparing these tinancial statements, the irustecs are required io-.
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently,.
ObSe￿e the methods ￿nd prinLTpIL5 in lh¢ Cl?￿ritIeS SORP-
make judg¢in¢iits and estiinates that are reasonitblL &iIid prudent.
state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material d¢partur¢s
disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
pi'epare the financial statenients on the Lloing concern basis unless it is appropriate to presume that ihe
tiharitable company will continue in operation.
The tru51ees are responsible for keeping proper accounting reLords that disclose with reasonable accuracy ar anv T1￿.
the financial posilion of the charitable Lompany and enable them lo ensure that the finanLial slalernLnis CUTnplv with
Charities Act 2011 and the provisions of th¢ Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguardino Ih:
assets of the charithblc Gompany and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevenlion and detection of fraud and
other irregularitie&
The trustees are responsible tor the maintenance and integrity of the Corporate and financial infomiarion
included on the charitablL company's website. Legislation in the Llnited Kingdom govern?71g the pr¢parai'iot)
and dissemination of fixiancial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions,
Page17

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 202S
INDEPEIYDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHELMSFORD CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Opinion
We have audited the financial statemen18 of Chelmsford Citizens Advtce Bureau for ihe year ended 31 March 2025
which coimprise the statement of financial aGtivities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and noles to the
financial statements. includlng Significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied
in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FinanciMI Reporting
Standard 102 The Financial Reporling Siandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Jreland (Unite41 Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial staiementS-
give A true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its
inwming resourLes and appliLation of r¢sources, for the year then ended.
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom G¢n¢rally Accepted Accounting
Practice. and
have been prepared Trn accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
B8S15 for opinio
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law.
Our responsibilities under those standards are furtlJ¢r desci'ibed in Ihe Audilor s re.YpongihilitiLJy for ihe audil of thv
.linancial statements section of our i'epoi1. We are independent of the Trust in accordance with the ethical requirements
that are relevant lo our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Etliiknal Standard, and we have
fultilled our other ethical responsibilities ill aLcordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence
we have obtained is suffi¢i¢nl' and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Other matters
The comparative figures wcrc unaudited and a prior year adjustment has been made from our audit work on the opening
position. Accordingly, we do not cxpress an opinion on the Comparative figures included in these financial statements.
Concluyion5 relating to going concer
Iii auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that th¢ Trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting
in the prep<irdtioii ofthe financial stat¢i))ents is appropriate.
Based on the work we have perfornied, we have n()t identificd any ma(crial uncertainties relating to events or conditions
that, individually or collectively. may casi signififyant doubt on the Trust's ability to continu¢ 95 a ¥oing concern for a
period of at least twelve months from when the financial 5t&tements ar¢ authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and
the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other iuformgtion
The other information comprises the infonnation included in the annual report other than the financial statements and
our auditor's rcport thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other inforrnalion conlaiTTr¢d within the annual i'eport.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not covet. the other information and we do not express any form of
88suranee conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, ITJ doing so, consider whether
the other infomiation is materially incoT7SiStent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course
of the aiidit, or othenvige appears to be materiallji misstated. If we identify such Tnaterial inconsistencies or apparent
material Inisstatements, we are required to detemiine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial
stateiT]ents themselves. If, bas¢d th¢ work we have performed, we Conclude that there is a tnaterial misstatemcnt of
this oÉher information, we are required to report that facL
We have nothin£ to report in thjs regard.
PaRe18

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
.ryqatters on whieh we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and
Reports) Re.
ulations 2008 TCqUiTeg us to report to you if. in our opinioll-
the inforn)ation given in the financial statement5 is inconsislent in anv material respect with tl)e
Trustees, report- or
sufficient accounting records have not been kepi: or
the finarLcial stateinents are not in agreeinent with the accounting records. or
we have not received all the infortnation and explanations w¢ r¢quir¢ for our audit.
As explained mor¢ fvll}' in the statement of Trusiees, responsibililies. Ih¢ Trustces, wlio are also the directors of the
Tru,8t for the puJpos¢ ot. company l&w, are respoiisible for the preparation of the financial statements 14 nd foi being
satistied that they give & true and fair view, and for such int.ernal control a% the Tru%tccs dLtLrmine is necessary to
enable the preparation ot financial statements that are free frotn niaterial misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the finJnLial 5tatetnents, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Trust's ability to continue as a
going ¢onc¢in. disclosing), as appli¢able, matters relai¢d to gyoing concem and using ihe going concern basis of
accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable cornpany OT to ¢¢as¢ op¢rations. or have no
realistic alternative but lo do so.
Auditor's responslbilities for the audit of the fillAneial statements
We liave bccn appointed as auditor under sedion 144 of the Chariti¢s Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act
and relevanl regulations made or having effect ihereunder,
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from
material misstalemeDt, whether due to fraLEd or error, aT)d to issue ali auditoi's report that includes our opinion.
Reasonablc assurance is a high level of assurance bul is not a guarantee th2t aft audit conducted in awordance with
ISAS (UK} will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstateinents Can arise from fraud or error aiJd
Are considered materi￿[ it, individually or in the atv
greiyate, they cnuld r¢asoiiably Ix expected to i1￿]u¢ll¢¢ th¢ economic
decisions of users taken on the bAsis of these finanLlkil 5taiements.
Tlie extent lo which our procedures are capttble of detecting irregularities, including fi'aud, is detail¢d below. A thrther
description of our wponsibiliti¢y is available on the Financial Reporting Coun¢il's website at: https-11
www.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilitie5. This description fornis parl of our audilor's report.
This report is made solely to the Charity's trustees. as a body, in accordance with'Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and
Rcports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might Stai¢ to the ihuily's trustees those
mattcrs we are required to stat¢ to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To ihe fullest extent permitted
by law, we do not acr¢pl or assume responsibility to anyoiie otlier than the charity and the charity'5 trustees as a body*
for our audit work, for this report. or for the opinions we have fonned.
uise Hallsworth FCA (SeNior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of AtTinia (Orpington), Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
Lynwood House
Crofton Road
Orpington
BR6 8QE
Date.. 23 December 2025
Page19

Chelmsford Cltizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the year ended 31 March 2025
Restated
2025
20?4
Notes
Unrestricted Restricted
TolAI
un￿$(ricted Reslricted
Total
IDeome
Bank intercst
received
Donations
Charitable activities
()ther income
Total income
3,383
17
166,682
3.383
17
962,555 1,129.237
47,062
962.55) 1,179,699
1.721
1,721
122,855
52,042
176,618
745.894
868,749
52,042
922,512
217,144
745,1194
[1 %penditure
Charitable aciiviiies
FRS 102 pension
movements
Servitye ¢osts
Employer
ontribution
152,976
918,098 1,071,074
197,642
687,365
885.007
15
20,000
20,000
8,000
8.000
15
Totsl resources
expended
152,976
938,098 1,091,074
197,642
695.365
893,007
N¢t Incom¢
(expenditure) in th¢
yeAr
64,168
24,457
88,625
(21,024)
50,529
29,505
Actuarial gains
(losses) on defined
benefit pension
schcrne
15
19,OOD
19,000
(210.000) (210,000)
Net income (deficit)
in the year After
actuariAI
adjustments
43,457
107,625
21,024
159,471
180 495
B4lan¥e brought
forivai'd
Net movements from
above
TraT]sfer between
tunds
Balance earried
forward
194,067
100,583
294.650
229,222
245,923
475,145
fv1,168
43,457
107,625
(21,024) (159.471) (180,495)
106,J96
106,396
14,131
364,631
402 275
194,067
100 583
294 650
Page | 10

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
BALAIYCE SHEET
as at 31 March 2025
Restated
2024
Notes
2025
2025
2024
Fixed assets
11,621
8,667
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Current assets
106.238
477,823
584,061
76,275
315,762
392,037
Creditors: Amounts falling due
Ivithin one year
io
(212.407)
(126,054)
'et current ass¢ts
371,654
265.983
Cash Flow generated from
operations
Defined bLnefit pension scheme
assets( liability)
383,275
274.650
Defined benefit pension scheme
19,000
20.000
Net Ylssets
402.775
294,650
lJnrestricÉed funds
Pension tiind reserve
Restricted funds
Net Reserves
364,631
19,L)00
18,644
402,275
194,067
20,000
294,6$0
For the year ending 31 March 2025 th¢ company was entitled to ¢x¢mption from audit under s¢ctioM 477 of the
Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies,
"the results for 2025 require an audit of its financial stat¢mcnts for Éhe year in question in accordance with 5e¢tion 476
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying wtth the requirements of the Acl with respect to
accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financtal statem
ts w￿¢ approved by the truste¢s on ...
Iq
Mark Tarala
Chair of trugtees
Page | 11

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
for the year ended 31 March 202S
2025
2024
Cash Flow5 from Operating AeÈivities
Net income (expenditure) in th¢ year
Adjustments for
D¢pre¢iation
Interest
{InLrea.4e)l Decrease in debtors
Encreiisel (Decrease) in creditors
FRS 102 Defined benefit pension scheme adjustment
119,477
( I,J47)
6,181
{3,383)
(13.295)
38,833
20,000
10,102
(1,721)
(45,297)
78,240
,000
C8sh Flow general'ed from operatiODS
167.813
47,977
Interest income
Purchase of tangible fixed &ss¢ts
3.383
(9.135)
1,721
(3,600)
Net increase l(decreAs¢) ID casb
162,061
46,U98
Cash At beginDiDg of the year
315,762
269,664
Cash at the end of tbe year
477,823
315 762
Puge | 12

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
Accounting Policies
Accounting¥ Conventio
'rhe financial statemcnts have been prLyared in accordance wtth Accounting and Reporting by Charities:
Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their ￿COUnts in accordance with the
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective l Jaiiuary
2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. Clielmsfoyd Cilizens Advice Tn¢ets the
definition of ￿ public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially reco(snised at historical
cost or transa¢tion value Lmles8 Otherwis¢ stated iii th¢ relev&ni accountiiig policy notes.
Basic Financial Assets
Basi¢ financial as5¢ts, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, ar¢ initial ly measured at
Iransadion price including tran$￿tion costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the
effective interest method unless the arrangeinent ¢onstituies a financing transaction. where the trdnsaction is
Ineasured at the prestnt valuc olthe future receipts discounted at a niarket rate of interest. Financial assets
classified as receivabl¢ within one year are not amortised.
Basic FinaT]cial Liabilit1¢5
Basic financial liabilitie5, including crediiors are initially recognised at transaction price unless the
attangement con8tilutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured al the present value
ot'thc future paymL'nts discounled at a markct rate of inter¢st. Financial liabilities Llassified as payable
within one year are not amortised.
rinancial Instruments
The charitj has elected to apply the provisions of Section I I 'Basic Financial Iiisl'ruinents, and Section 12
Ollier Finan¢ial Instruni¢nts Issues, o* FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Fiiiancial insu-uments are re¥ognised in tlie charity's balance slieet wlien the Lhariiy becomes party to th¢
Loiitraclual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilitics are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial stateinents, when
thcre is a legally enforceable right to set off the reco(Fnised ainounts and there is an ii)teiition to settlc on a net
basis or to realise the asset and settl¢ the liability simultaneously.
Fund Accounting
Unreslricled funds are available for usc at the discretion of the charity in fuTiherdnLe of their charit&ble
obj¥ctives. ThL Ch(Irity hi15 LLrtiiin rLStricted funds where speci'fic conditions have been imposed by the doiior.
Voluntary Income
Cash donations and gifts &re included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when the amounts
T¢ceivabl¢ have been ascertained.
Investment Income
Intcrest receivable is included gross.
Grants lieceivabl
Grants are recognised as income when they are re¢eiv8ble. Related expendit￿re is included under the
appropriate heading.
Pagg | 13

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
Operating Leases
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Profit and Logs 2ceount on a straight line basis over the
period of the leas¢.
i.io
Allocation of GeneTal FuTbds Costs Under Expenditure Headings
Overall Expenditure has been allooated between the following major cost centres..
Raising fund5
Charitable activities
Depreciation
Fixed assets are %tatcd klt Cost, or estimated market value at (he date ot receipt where ihe asset has been donated
to the charity. The Bureau has a d¢ minimus pulicy of ¢apiLqlisation of fixed assets of £500. Deprecialion is
calculated to wrTte-off fixed assets over their eytimated useful lives at the following annual rates..
IT. Telecom
330/0 on cost
Oftice Equipment12 L/lo on cost
Restricte{] Funds
1.12
Where resiriciions have been placed on the use of income, the Amount received has b¢cn Gla55ified ay restricted
income.
1.13
Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis.
Defined contribution pension scheme
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
1.15
Defined b¢n¢fit pension scheme
Retirement b¢n¢fits to ¢mploy¢es of the ¢harily are provided by the Local Government Pension Scheme
('LGPS'). This is a defined benefit scherne and the assets arc held separately from those oFih¢ charity.
Th¢ LGPS is a ￿nded mulii-employer schemc and the assets are held separately fi'om those ot. the charity in
5cpaidte trustee administered funds. Pension 5chenie assets al'e measured at fair iialiie and liabilities are
measured on an actuarial basis USillE the proj¢ctcd unit credil method and discounted al a rate equivalent
the current rate of return on a hi¥h-quality corporate bond of equivalent terni and currency to the liabilities.
The actuarial i'aluations are obtained At least triennially and are updatd at each balance 8heet date. The
aTnounts charged to net in¢orne or expenditure are the current service costs and the costs of scheme
Introductions, benefit changes, sciilemexits and curtailmeiits. They are included as part of sthff eosts as
illcurred. Net it]tere5t on the net defined benefit liabilitylassel is also recognised in the sthtemenl of finarivial
aclivilies and Lomprises the inlerest cost on the detined benefit obligation and interest income on the Scheme
sgets, calculated by multiplying the fair value of the scheme assets at the beginnin(* of Éhe period by thc r&te
l15tyd to discount the benefit obligations. The diffEr¢n¢e between the interest in¢ome on the SLheme Lissets and
Ihe actual return on thl scheme assets is recognised in other recognised gains and losse5. Aciuarial gains and
losses are reconnised immediately in other recoonised oains and losses.
Page | 14

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
Interest Income
2025
2024
Bank interest on deposit accounts
3,383
1,721
Donations
The Charity benefits greatly from the involvement and support of it5 many volunteers, details of which are
given in the atmual report. In accordance with accounting stsndards. the economic contribution of volunteers
is not measur¢d in th¢ accounts.
Charitable Activitie4
2025
2024
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Grants
Chelmsford City Council
Essex County Council
Citizens Advice Essex
Other
156,314
2,000
5,399
2,969
103.583
5,413
5,238
8,621
166,682
122,855
Restricted
Resiricied
Grants
Pensionwise
Civil Military Partnership Board
Foodbank
519,613
480,230
4,687
39,238
35,240
53,004
81,928
43,127
21,992
British Gas Energy trust
Essex Comn]unity Foundation Writtle Housing
Citizens Advice Essex - Warm Flomes
Citizens Advice Essex - Warm Start
28,214
73,575
41,952
152,154
26.100
Toomey
Pmbation
UK Power networks
11,150
73,262
962 555
745,894
Pagg | 15

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
Other Income
20?5
2024
Central Law Group
47,062
52.042
47.062
52.042
Resou rces expended - Charitable Activities
2025
Restricted Total
2024
Unr¢stricted Restricted Tutal
Unrestricted
Rtststed
Restated
Salari¢s and pension
osts
staft'and volunteer costs
otfice
Premises
Govemance
overhead contribution
Independent
examination
Panner Payments
othei. costs
90.013
7,712
28.472
27,127
(450)
633,606
3,420
34,27?
38,832
3,993
723,619
11.132
61744
65,959
3,343
101.190
{2.876)
532,820 634,010
9,031
6,15)
17..319
52,885
13,626
65,550
1,133
351
51,924
{782)
7,130
7.130
196,743
204
1,500
1,500
112,710
11,846
196,743
7,232
112,710
726
(7,028)
11,120
Total resources
expended
152,976
918,098 1,071,074
197,642
687,36$ 885,007
Employees and Truslees
Restated
2024
stsff Costs
2025
Wages and salaries
649,773
569,588
Social seLurity costs
58.394
50,116
Pension costs
15,452
14,306
rutal
723,619
634,010
Averagt monthly head count
25
25
One employee earned in excess of £60,000 during the year (2024 - one)
Remuneration for Key Management Personnel iotalled £156:027 (2024 - £123.930}
No trustcc received any remuneration or had any expenses reimbursed durin8 the year (2024: rEone).
Page | 16

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Flnancial Statements 2025
Fixed Assets for Charity Use
2025
2024
IT, Telecom
FT. T¢leeom
& Office
Equipment
Totsl
Office
equipment
Cost
I April 2024
Additions
31 March 2025
168,535
4,814
173,349
168,535
9,135
177 670
164,9.35
4,321
168,535
D¢pre¢iation
I April 2024
Charge
31 March 2025
159.869
5.631
165.499
159,869
149,766
10.103
159 869
550
550
166,049
Net Book Value
31 March 2025
31 March 2024
3,771
8,667
15,169
All &ssels are used for charitabl¢ purpos¢s
Pa¥Èl 17

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
Debtors
2025
2024
Accrued Income
Prepayments
100,604
70,105
6,170
76,275
106,238
10
Creditors
2025
2024
R￿tated
Creditors.. Amounts falling due within one year
Othei. creditors
212 407
211,407
126 054
126.054
11
Deferred income
Deferred income is included within=
Creditors due within one year
137,213
63,168
Deferred in¢ome at l April 2024
lieleased from previous years
Resources deferred in the year
63,168
(63,168)
137,213
63.168
Deferred income &g at 31 March 2025
Deferred income at 31 March 2025 relates to income r￿e1Ved in advance for ECF writtle housing funding of £44,120
(2024.. £13.168) and Toomey funding of £93.093 {2024.' 50,000).
Page | 18

Chelmsford Cltizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
12
Funds
Total
resources
expended
Opcning
Balance
Incoining Resources
Resources
expended
Actuarial
adjustment
Transfer from Closing
unrestricted
Balance
2025
Restricted funds
Pcnsionwisc-R
Warrn Homes -R
Wami Start-R
ECF Housirig fund -
UR
Foodbank
BGET-R
Probation - R
UK power networks
32.435
519,613
(526,165)
(526,135)
(25,883)
28.214
(27,918)
{27,918)
(296)
5.155
6.185
4.714
4,334
(25,419)
(52.111)
(39,838)
(37,373)
(25,419)
(52.111)
(39.838)
(37,37J)
1,728
81,928
(36 002)
8.003
8,913
41,952
27.760
152,154
(135.370)
(135,370)
{44,544)
c.ivilian Military-R
I"oorney
Peiision reserve
73,575
(73,904)
(73,904>
(1,000)
329
20.000
(1,000)
i y,000
Total Restrfcted
Fullds
100,583
962,555
(918,098)
(1.000)
(919,098)
(106,396)
37.644
Designatsd fuDds
Uiireslricled funds
194,067
217,144
(152,976)
(152,976)
106,396 364,631
Total Funds
294,650 1,179.699
1.071,074
1,072,074
402,275
Page | 19

Chelmsford Citlzens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
'I'otal
Opening
Balance
Incoinin
Regources
Resourc¢s expended
Restated
Actuarial
adjustment
resources
¢xpended
Restated
Transfer from c.losing
unrestricied
BalaM¢e
Restated
2024
Restrlcted thnds
Pensionwise-R
Wann Homes -R
Wami Start -R
ECF Housing fund -
7,687
480,230
22,983
26,100
(455,482)
(29,814)
(27.1 72)
(4.55.482)
(29,814)
(27,172)
32,435
147
925
(47,849)
(33.053)
(30,615)
(6,816)
(47,&19)
(33,053)
(30,615)
(6.816)
5,155
6.185
4,714
4,334
Foodbank
B(iET- R
Probation - R
UK pow¢1 networks -
39.238
35,24L)
89
73,262
4,687
(45,502)
(11,062)
(45,502)
(11,062)
{218,000)
27,760
Civilian Mililary-R
PerAsioll Teserve
6.375
238.000
{218,000)
20,000
Total Restricted
Funds
245.923
745,894
(687,365) (218.000)
(905.365)
14,131
100,581
Designated funds
Unrestricted funds
229,222
176,618
(197,642)
(197,642)
(14,131) 194,067
Total Funds
475,145
9•2,512
885,007
218QOO
1 103,007
294 650
13
Capital Cominitment5
There were no capital commitments at 31 M￿Ch 2025 (2024 NIL)
14
Related Party Transactions
Income
2025
2024
Citiz¢ns Advice Essex
270,846
168,735
270,846
168,735
Expenditure
Citizens Advice Essex
250
25U
250
250
At 31 NlarGh 2025 there was no balance due to or from Citizens Advice Essex.
Page | 20

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
15
Pension Contribution
The Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau participates in a defined benefil schcmc bascd on final pttDsionable
pay operated by Essex County CoLincil. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of Ihe charity.
The Lontributions are detennined bv independent qualified actuaries on the basis of triennial valuatftons using
the projected unit rndhod. CurrcTrtly there 1$ one employee within the scheme. with employ¢r contributions of
The most recent full actuarial valuation was at 31 March 2023 and has sp￿lfIed the employer rates applicable
for the three years from l April 2020. 1,0 asgess the value of the charity's liabililies, the value of the liabilities
calculated for the funding valuation at 31 March 2023 have been rolled forward allowing for the dilyerent
tinan¢iLI assumption8 required under FRS 102. To calculate the asset share the assets have been rolled forward
allowing for investment reiurns, contributions paid into and estimated benefits from the Fund by and in respect
of the charity and its employees. The assumptions that have the Tll05t significant eff￿¢ on th¢ r¢sults of the
valuation are ihose rcgdrding the rate of return on investments and the rate of incre&%e in salarie8 and pensions.
Et w&8 assumed ihat ihe discouni rate would be 5.70 °/0 per annum, that salary increases would be 3.90 0/0 per
annum and that pension increases would be 2.90 0/0 per annum.
Assets
2025
£'ooo
2025
2024
£'ooo
2024
Equitie%
Gilts
Other bonds
Properry
Cashltemporary investments
Alternative assets
Other managed funds
452
13
67
16
125
153
55
437
14
56
54
15
120
144
15
18
Total
826
100
788
100
Page | 21

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports 2nd Financial Statements 2025
Asset reconciliation
2025
£'ooo
788
38
2024
£'ooo
704
34
52
2023
£'noo
689
Opening fair vallle of Fund llssels
Intcrest on assets
Returns on assets less interest
Other actuarial gains l(losses)
Adininistration expenses
Contribution by employer
Contributions by scheme participants
Estimated benefits paid
(16}
{4}
19
(10)
(9)
{8)
Closillg fair value of fund assety
826
788
704
Defined benefit obligation reconciliation
Opening defined benefit obligation
Currenl service cost
Interest Cost
Change in financial assumptions
Change in demographic assumptions
Experience gainsl(loss) on def. benefit obligations
Estiinaled benefits paid
Pasl.5ervice costs, including curtailments
Contribulions by Scheme participants
501
21
24
(56)
466
20
22
597
30
(188)
{17)
(6)
(io)
{9)
(8)
Clo$lng defined benefit obligalions
488
501
466
Remeasurements in other income
Return on Fund assets in exce45 of interest
Other actuarial gains/(losses) on assets
Change in financial as5uniptions
Change in demographic assumptions
Experience gainsl(loss) on def. benefit obligations
chan¥¢s in effe¢t of a8set ceiling
52
(16)
(4)
188
17
(31)
56
(i)
(267)
(39)
R¢m¢asurement of Ret assels/(defined liability>
19
(210)
Page | 22

Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau
Reports and Financial Statements 2025
VAlue of seheme Juets and liabilities
2025
£'ooo
2024
£'ooo
2023
£'ooo
Value of scheme assets and liabilities
Fair value of FLEnd assets
Pregcnt value of defined benefit obligation
changc5 in cftcct of asset ceiling
Net pension scheme asset ( liability)
826
(488)
788
(501)
267
20
704
(466}
19
238
Amounts reeogntsed In SOFA for the year to 31 March 2025
Senwice cost
Net interest on deferred liability
21
20
12
30
20
27
Less Employer contribution
Nil
Nil
(19)
FRS102 disclosures are not on the sam¢ basis as the triennial actLtariEI review of the pension fuTrd valuation and
th¢ two are for different purposc%. FRS 102 is a one-off assessment at the year-end for accounling disclosure
purposes. The IIRS 102 calrulations are more prescriptive. At the current time they emphasis¢ the liabilities and
produce a b&lanG¢ shecl position worse than the triennia] valuatTon position,
16
Contingent Liabilities
There is a current employment tribunal Case ongoing against the company. The case is in progress and the
current timetable of hearings in iiot confirmed, Th¢ directors believ¢ that there will b¢ no liability once the
final hearing has been completed
HM Government has propos¢d local government will be replaced by Unitary Authorities from April 2027.
Submission on the propos¢d stnjclure and land boundaries have been subrnitted to Ftm Government from
interested parties. This may result in changes to the way clients are supported by Citizens Advice throughout
Essex and could resuli in ¢hang¢s to the numbers and structure of Local Citizens Advice in Essex.
17
Ultimate Controlling Party
The Charitable company is managed by its trustees/director5 and h&s no ultimate controlling party.
18
Prior period adjustment
31 March 2024
Funds as TepoTled- 8ffected by restatement
294.650
Notes to restatement
A prior period adjustment has been made relating to the derecognition ora liability provision. The adjustment
decreased creditors by £30,852 and increased ov¢rdll funds by £30,852.
Pog¥ | 23