NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED REPORT AND FINANCIAL &fATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Company registration number.. 4373653 Registered charity number.. 1091891
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Auditors, report 9-12 Statement of financial activities 13 Balance sheet 14-15 Statement of cashflow 16 Notes to the financial statements 17-28
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED rt of the Trustee Board for the ear ended 31 March 2025 The trustees. who are also the Directors of the charity, present their report for the year ended 31 March 2025. Due to the Trustees, status as directors under the Companies Act 2006, this report constitutes a directors, report as required by the Companies Act 2006, and has been prepared taking advantage of the exemptions conferred by Part 15 of this Act. Our ur oses and activities The objects of North and West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice (the Charity) are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in the County of Gloucestershire and surrounding areas by the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress. The main aim5 for the year continued to be the provision of free, independent, confidential and impartial generalist and specialist advice services to members of the public. The main areas where advice is given include.. welfare, debt and money advice. utilities, consumer, relationship matters, housing and employment. A team of paid and unpaid staff, adequately covered by professional indemnity insurance, ensures that the Charity is able to achieve its objectives. Achievements and Performance Respondin8 to Community Needs In 2024125, we delivered 22,989 client advice sessions, addressing 65,741 individual issues. a marked increase on the previous year's historic highs. This surge reflects ongoing cost-of-living pressures. affecting communities across our service areas. Welfare Benefits.. Remained the most significant area of enquiry with over 37,OCKI Issues, underlining the demand for 5UPPOrt navigating the benefits system, especially around disability benefits, applications, and appeals. Housing.. With 4,730 enquiries. housing emerged as a critical area of concern, reflecting the deepening housing crisis. Clients faced increasing issues including evictions, poor housin8 conditions, and homelessness. Debt.. Over 3,000 debt-related enquiries demonstrate the continuing financial strain on households. Emergencysupport.. There was Significant demand for energy-related support and emergency food, often provided through partnerships and funded initiative5. Financial Impact Our work delivered almost £20 million In financlal outcomes, including over £17 mllllon in addltional income Identthed for clients, Significantly improving financial resilience acros5 the four districts we Serve. Strateglc Partnership5 Collaboration remains central to our service model-. A new partnership with the NHS Communlty Mental Health Transformatlon Team supported patients with welfare, housing, and debt issues, showing tangible links beeen advice and health outcomes. We continued partnership5 Wlth Macmillan Cancer Support. local authorities, Barnwood Trust, and others, enhancing service reach and quality. Barnwood Trust Triage Project supported clients a¢Ssing individual grants, offering additional value through tailored advice support.
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED rt of the Trustee Board for the ear ended 31 March 2025 continued Community Innovation The Advice First Aid project delivered in collaboration with Citizens Advice Stroud and Cotswold trained local people embedded in communities le.8., in shops, hubs, VCSE organisations, and the NHS) to provide first-line advice support. This place-based approach is helping build local resilience. Financial Review The Charity's income decreased in the year by £209,173 to £1,639,148. There was restricted income in the year of£102,468. Expenditure in the year increased by £41,008 to £1,765.415. There was restricted expenditure in the year of£270.413. The Charity realised a deficit of income over expenditure for the year of £126,26712023124'. £123,914 surplus). At 31 March 2025 the charity held total funds of £697,727131 March 2024.. £823.9951. Princi al Fundin Sources Fundin8 sources are detailed in note 3 to accounts Ipages 21 & 221. Reserves Poli and oin concern The Trustees have determined to retain a 3 months of operating costs in unrestricted reserves to meet unexpected events. Where reserves fall below 2 months of operating costs the Trustees regularly review that the charity has sufficient funds in cash lor near cashl to meet the liabilities of the busine55 as such liabilities fall due. Reserves are an important element of charitable organisation fundin8 and help protect the organisation against.. al The risk of unforeseen emergency or other unexpected need for funds. e.g. an unexpected large repair bill or findin8 'seed-fundin8'for an urgent project. bl Covering unforeseen day-to-day operational costs, e.g. employing temporary stsff to cover a long- terrn sick absence. cl A source of income, e.g. a grant. not being renewed. Funds mi8ht be needed to give the trustees time to take action if income falls below expectations. dl Planned commitments, or designations, that cannot be met by future income alone, e.8. plans for a major asset purchase or to a significant project that requires the charity to provide 'matched funding..
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED Re rt of the Trustee Board for the ear ended 31 March 2025 continued el Unrestricted funds are funds that the Charity may use for any purpose so long as it meets the aims and objectives of the Charity outlined in our governing document. A restricted fund is given to the Charity for a specific purpose and in respect of which conditions have been imposed as to its use. Funds must be spent on this purpose. Funds may not be completely spent in year and the balance, which shows as net income in the year will be spent during the next calendar year Iresulting in net expenditure). The Charity is effectively acting as a steward for these funds. The calculation of free unrestricted reserves is after taking into account any designated funds which the Trustees have deemed it appropriate and prudent to so designate. In 2024125 the expenditure on unrestricted activity was £1,495,002 indicating a level of free reserves required of at least £374k. At 31 March 2025, the charity had free reserves of £591,408. Investment Poli As noted above the Charity does not have surplus free reserves to invest. All cash funds are therefore maintained in the Charitys current bank accounts. Plans for the future Sustainin8 Hi8h Demand Cost-of-living challenges are expected to persist, and demand for advice services will likely remain high. In response, we will continue focusing on.. Secure funding for Core dellvery as the service continues to face high demand Health Inequality.. Expanding our four health-focused projects Imacmillan, Oncology, Healthy Homes, and Mental Health) to support wellbeing through advice. Housing Crisls: Advocating for rental reform and using client experiences to influence local and national housing policy. Partnershlps and Strurtural Change We anticipate that Local Government and NHS refomis. while presenting funding uncertainties, also offer strategic opportunities. We will explore how to adapt and collaborate within these reforms to maintain and grow our impact. In May 2026 Macmillan Cancer Support withdraws much of its funding for welfare benefits advice across the Citizen5 Advice network, it is important that we seek to address this funding gap to ensure vital seNices for patients continue. Community Empowennent The Advice First Aid programme will continue to scale. ensuring that communities are equipped to respond to local advice needs through a trained and 5UPPOrted network. Access and Inclusion Recogni5ing that 60% of our clients have long-term health condltions, we will continue offering multichannel access to advice services and pursue inclusive partnerships to reach those most in need. Emergency Support With the growing reliance on grants and food vouchers, we will maintain this as a key part of our crisis support strategy, ensuring households in urgent need have access to vital resource5.
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED Re rt of the Trustee Board for the ear ended 31 March 2025 continued Reference and administrative details Charity Name.. North and West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice Limited Chority Registration Number.. 1091891 Company Registration Number.. 4373653 Registered Office and OperotionolAddres5.' Messenger House 35 St Michaels Square Gloucester GLI IHX Independent Exominer.. 8onkers.' Burnside Chartered Accountants 61 Queen Square 8ristol BSI 4JZ Lloyds Bank plc Blackheath, London Branch PO Box IOIJO BXI ILT Key management personnel: Trustee Board.. Malcom Vine Derek Jones Robert Knibbs Peter Whittall Vareta Bryan (resigned 14/02/2025) Robert Priddy Mike Mintram Julia Roxans (resigned 14/02/2025) Catherine Andrews (appointed 14/02/2025) Stephen Brimfield (appointed 14/02/2025) Chief Executive Officer.. Clare Knapman
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED Re rt of the Trustee Board for the ear ended 31 March 2025 continued Strurture. Governance and Management Governin Document The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 14 February 2002 and registered as a charity. The charivs governing document is its Articles of Association. As a Company Limited by Guarantee, the Charity has no share capital and the liability of the members on liquidation is limited to £1.00. In the event that a surplus remains after the realisation of assets, that surplus shall not be distributed to the members but shall be given or transferred to such other charitable purposes as the members by ordinary resolution decide. failin8 which, the same shall be transferred to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. Recruitment and A ointment of the Trustee Board The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the Company's Articles are known as the Trustee Board. Under the requirements of the Articles of Association the members of the Trustee Board are elected to serve for a period of three year5 after which they may be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting. Due to the nature of the work undertaken within the community, the Trustee Board seeks to ensure that the diversity of the community is reflected through the Trustee Board. Individuals are approached to offer themselves for election to the Trustee Board through local networking with statutory and voluntary organisations. Potential Trustees are required to provide a list of their skills and are invited to attend Trustee Board meetings as observers in order to gain an insight into the operation and management of the service. Trustee Induction and Trainin New Trustees are invited and encouraged to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it works, by Spending time with the Chief Executive Officer and observing the service in action. All new Trustees receive a copy of the Articles of Association, Charity Commission publications including "Responsibilities of Charity Trustees" and a copy of the charity's Business Plan. Risk Mana ement The Trustees have assessed the major risks that the charity is exposed to, and are satisfied that Systems are in place to mitigate exposure to these risks. Procedures and policies are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the membership requirements of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux and the need5 of the charity. Internal control risks are minimised by, for example, the implementation of procedures for the authori5ation of all transactions. Procedures are in place to ensure the health and safety of staff. volunteers, clients and visitors to the Charity. In response to recent concerns about data security, the charity has reviewed and updated its procedures on Information Assurance. Action5 taken include the adoption of a comprehensive Information Risk Policy. the appointment of a Senior Information Risk Officer (who is responsible for insuring that the policy is implemented effectively) and the setting up of an Information Assurance Working Group. chaired by a Trustee.
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED rt of the Trustee Board for the ear ended 31 March 2025 continued In response to recent concerns about data security, the charity has reviewed and updated its procedures on Information K£surance. Actions taken include the adoption of a comprehensive Information Risk Policy. the appointment of a Senior Information Risk Officer (who is responsible for insuring that the policy is implemented effectively) and the setting up of an Information Assurance Working Group, chaired by a Trustee. anisational Structure The Trustee Board may consist of up to 15 members. It meets on alternate months and is responsible for the governance, strate8ic direction and policy of the charity. At present the Trustee Board ha5 6 members from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity. A staff representative, a volunteer representative and representatives of the Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucester City Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council are entitled to attend ordinary Board meetings but have no voting rights. A scheme of delegation is in place and the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for implementing the strategic direction of the service, identifying and responding to funding opportunities and ensuring that the charity delivers the services specified and that key performance targets are met. The Chief Executive Officer is also responsible for operational day to day service delivery and, in conjunction with the line management team, for individual supervision of staff and volunteers, ensuring the team continue to work effectively and develop their skills and working prartices in line with good practice. Public Benefit The Charity Commission in its 'Charities and Public Benefit, Guidance requires that there are two key principles to be met in order to show that an or8anisation's aims are for the public benefit: first, there must be an identifiable benefit and Secondly, the benefit must be to the public or a sertion of the public. North & West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice aims to benefit the public directly by the provision of free independent, confidential and impartial generalist and specialist advice services to members of the public. Our clients come from across Gloucestershire. Related Parties The charity is a member of "Citizen5 Advice", a national charity which sets standards for advice and operational performance and supports local offices with an information system, training and other services. As part of the charity5 membership of Citizens Advice, it has agreed to operate within the national chariws policies, aims, methods and principles. The charity contribute5 to Citizens Advice national research and campaigns policy, media. publicity and parliamentary work. It also maintains an information and advice website. On a local level the charity 15 involved in local strategic partnership thematic groups and attends a range of local voluntary and ststutory sector forums. for senior staff The directors consider that the members of the Trustee Board and the Chief Executive Officer comprise the key mana8ement personnel of the charity and are responsible for directin& controlling and running the charity on a day to day basis.
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE UMITED rt of the Trustee Board for the ear ended 31 March 2025 continued All Trustees give their time freely and no Trustee received remuneration during the year. The pay of the Chief Executive Officer is set by the Trustee Board on an annual basis. Trustees, responsibilities in relation to the flnancial staternents Company law require5 the Trustee Board to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including income and expenditure. for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustee Board should follow best practice and.. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently,. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. State whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. Prepare financial statements on the on-goin8 concern basis unless it 15 inappropriate t0 355ume that the company will continue on that basis. The Trustee Board is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose. with reasonable accuracy at any time. the financial position of the charitable company and 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. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Statement as to disclosure to our auditors In so far as the trustees are aware at the time of approving our trustees, annual report: There is no relevant information, being infomiation needed by the Independent Auditor in connertion with preparing their report, of which the charity's Independent Auditor is unaware. and The trustees. having made enquiries of fellow directors and the charity's Independent Auditor that they OU8ht to have individually taken. have each taken all steps that they are obliged to take as a director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Independent Auditor is aware of that information. Approved by the Trustee Board on .. nd signed on its behalf by.. F£W ,Joi1102< Peter Whittall TRUSTEE- Chalrman Date
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBER5 OF NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMrrED OPINION We have audited the financial statements of North and West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice Limited (the "charitable companVI for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities. the Balance Sheet, and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and the Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. In our opinion the financial statements.. give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, includin8 its income and expenditure, for the yearthen ended- have been properly prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102}. and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements ofthe Companies Act 2006. This report is made solely to the company's members. as a body, in accordance with Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to State to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. BASIS FOR OPINION We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI IISAS IUKII and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those Standards are further described in the Auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRCS Ethical Standard. and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in which the ISAS IUKI require us to report to you where- the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate,. or the trustees have not disclosed in the financial statement5 any identified material uncertaintie5 that may cast 518nificant doubt about the charitable company's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least e1ve months from the date when the financial statements are authori5ed for issue.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED OTHER INFORMATION The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditorfs report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statement5, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed. we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information. we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. OPINIONS ON OTHER MArrERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES Acr 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit.. the information given in the trustee5' report, which includes the directors. report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. and the directors, report included within the tru5tees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable le8al requirements. MAThERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIREDTO REPORT BY EXCEPTION We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion- adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us,. or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made- or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit: or the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies re8ime and take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the trustees. directors, report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. io
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilities statement set out on page 15, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustee5 directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosin& as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the goin8 concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operation5, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. AUDITOR'5 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularitie5, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above. to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.. An understandin8 of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the charitable company was obtained from the management and the trustees of the charitable company. The audit team was confirmed to have the appropriate competence and capabilities to identify non-compliance with the framework. The audit plan considered the risk of irregularities, including fraud. An element of unpredictability was built into our sample selettion for audit tests. The risk of fraud over income was mitigated to an acceptable level as nearly all income is grant income that is paid directly into the charitable company's bank account by funders- we agreed a risk-based 53mple of grant income to relevant documentation and performed analytical procedure5 on income. The risk of misappropriation of the charitable compan(s asset5 Was considered- the charitable companWs bank account balance wa5 tested and confirmed to relevant documentation, and expenditure was tested for validity by substantive tests that included analytical procedures. Accounting estimates were considered as part of our audit work.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORTTO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED A further description of our responsibilities for the a Reporting Council's website at www.frc.or au audit report. dit of the financial statements is located on the Financial torsres onsibilities. This description forms part of our STEPHEN BURNSIDE ACA {Senlor Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of BURNSIDE Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor 61 Queen Square Bristol 8514JZ Date: 12
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Total funds Funds Funds 2025 2024 Note Income from: Charitable activities-. Grants, donation5 and legacies Fees receivable 1,533,320 2,410 102,468 1,635,788 2,410 1,845,676 2,645 Investment income 950 950 Total income 1,536.680 102,468 1,639.148 1,848,321 Expendlture on: Charitable activities: 1,495,002 270,413 1.765,415 1,724,406 Total expenditure 1,495,002 270,413 1,765,415 1,724.406 Net lexpenditurel/income and net movement in funds fortheyear 41,679 1167,9461 1126,267} 123.914 Transfers 2,500 12.5001 Net movement in funds for the year 44.179 1170,4461 1126,2671 123.914 Reconciliation of funds.. Total funds brought forward 547,230 276,765 823,995 700,080 Total funds carried forward 591.408 106,319 697,727 823.995 The notes on pages 17 to 28 form part of these accounts. 13
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes FIXED AssFrs Tangible assets 43,211 65,026 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bankand in hand 255,422 578,825 471,925 578,093 834.246 1,050,017 CREDITORS.. Amounts falling due within one year 1179,7301 1284,1161 NET CURRE ASSETS 654,516 765.901 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 697,727 830,927 PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES 16,9321 NET ASSET5 697,727 823,995 THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY.. Restricted funds li 106.319 276,765 Unrestricted: General 12 591,408 547.230 697.727 823,995 14
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AT 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl These financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. These financial statements were approved by the directors and authorised for issue on and are signed on their behalf by.. Peterwhittall TRUSTEE- Chairman Date The notes on pages 17 to 28 form part ofthese accounts. Company number-4373653 15
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Reconciliatlon of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities Net movement in funds Add back depreciation charge Less interest received Decrease/llncreasel in trade debtor5 Ilncrease) in other debtors Increase/lDecreasel/lncrease in trade creditors Increase in other creditors 1126,2661 21,815 19501 1109,7611 326,264 1106,4091 14,9111 123,914 25,642 46,992 1230,9981 92,074 {8.0291 Net cash used ifi operating activities 12181 49,593 Cash flows from investing activlties Purchase of tan8ible fixed a55ets Interest received 16,8951 950 Cash provided by/{used In) Investlng artlvltles 950 (6,8951 Increasel(decreasel In cash & cash equivalents 732 42,698 Cash & cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 578,093 535,395 Total cash & cash equlvalents at the end of the year 14 578.825 578,093 The notes on pa8es 17 to 28 form part of these accounts. 16
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follow5.. lal Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191- (Charities SORP IFRS 10211. the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Companies Act 2006. North and West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless Otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notelsl. Ibl Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basls The trustees have considered the 12-month period from the date of approval of the financial statements. At the year end the charity has net assets of £697,727, net current assets of £654,516 and free reserves of £591,408. The charity has prepared a bud8et for 2025126 which 5how5 that a surplus is forecast. Based on its budget forecasts for the year ended 31 March 2026, the trustees consider that the charity is a going concern. (cl Income reco8nitlon policies Items of income are recognised and included in the accounts when all of the following criteria are met: The charity has entitlement to the funds- Any performance conditions attached to the itemlsl of income have been met or are fully within the control of the charity,. There is sufPicient certainty that receipt of the income is considered probable; and The amount can be measured reliably. 17
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl ACCOUNTING POLICIES Icontinuedl Donations and grants Income from donations and grants, including capital grants. is included in incoming resources when these are receivable, except as follows: when donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods. when donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred and not included in incoming resources until the pre-conditions for use have been met. when donors specify that donations and grant5, including capital grants, are for particular restricted purposes. which do not amount to pre-conditions regarding entitlement, this income is included in incoming resources of restricted funds when receivable. Interest receivable Interest is included when receivable by the charity. Idl Expendlture and Irrecoverable VAT Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered. Most expenditure is directly attributable to a specific activity and is allocated to that activity. Support costs have been apportioned to each specific activity based on the staff and volunteer time spent on each activity. le} Funds accountlng Funds held by the charity are: Unrestricted general funds these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds- these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts. 18
NORTH ANDWEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl ACCOUNTING POLICIES Icontinuedl In Tangible flxed assets The cost of tangible fixed assets is written-off by equal annual instalments over their expected useful lives as follows: Leasehold Improvements Computer Equipment Office Equipment IO% straight line 20% straight line 20% straight line Igl Pension costs The charity offers paid staff a defined contribution scheme with the following providers: The Pensions Trust- NEST,. Royal London. Hargreaves Lansdown. and Standard Life. The funds of the scheme are administered by the providers and are separate from the charity- The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and is shown in Note 5 to these accounts. 19
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl PRIOR PERIOD COMPARATIVES Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Funds Funds 2024 Income from: Charitable activities: Grants, donations and legacies Fees receivable 1,518,312 2,645 327,364 1,845,676 2,645 Total Income 1,520,957 327.364 1,848,321 Expenditure on: Charitable activities: 1,419,786 304,620 1,724,406 Total expenditure 1,419,786 304,620 1,724,406 Net lexpenditurellincome and net movement in funds for the year 101.171 22.744 123,914 Transfers Net movement in funds for the year 101,171 22,744 123.914 Reconciliation of funds.. Total funds brought forward 446,059 254,021 700,080 Total funds carried forward 547.230 276.765 823,995 20
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinued} INCOME FROM CHARITABLE AcfiviTIES BY FUNDER- GRANTS, DONATIONS AND LEGACIES RECEIVABLE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Forest of Dean District Council Gloucestershire County Council Gloucestershire County Council Multiply Gloucester City Council Tewkesbury Borough Council Cheltenham Borough Council Town and Parish Councils Gloucester City Council- HSF Forest of Dean District Council - HSF Tewkesbury Borough Council- HSF Tewkesbury Borough Council Cheltenham Borough Council- HSF Gloucester County Council- HSF HSF fees CSDF Remote Service- CitA Macmillan Cancer Support Energy Advice Project Cheltenham Foodbank North Cotswold Foodbank Forest Foodbank Tewkesbury Foodbank The Big Ener8y Saving Network Help to Claim We Are Digital Good Thin85 Foundation Smart Meters Healthy Homes MAPSDAP Barnwood Trust National Benevolent Society EU Settlement Grant GCC Levelling Up Together Staff Hardship Fund CAB C05t of Living Gloucestershire Community Foundation NHS- ILB NHS- Gloucestershire ICB Advice First Aid NHS Mental Health 65,000 80.000 65,000 80.000 65,000 229,504 28,400 31,000 53,620 160,200 11,871 32.844 40,000 25.01)0 30,000 32.500 112,500 12,500 62,250 196,174 9,450 41,229 39,928 34,622 31.000 31,000 53,620 127,025 7,996 15.000 53,620 127.025 7,996 15,000 29,400 29,400 14,525 258,689 17,188 35.739 34,208 42.018 17,421 2,840 229,304 14,525 258,689 17,188 35,739 34,208 42,018 17,421 2,840 229,304 3.500 161,085 500 1,600 2,550 134,160 128,478 {1,2521 11,2521 134,500 129,564 54,208 134,500 129,564 54.208 2,042 1,994 80,280 2,500 17,582 6,440 3,750 35,000 13.7501 13,7501 183,500 35,000 183,500 35.000 Sub-total carried forward 1.494.723 98.020 1,592,743 1,830,053 21
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Icontinuedl BY FUNDER- GRANTS, DONATIONS AND LEGACIES RECEIVABLE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Sub-total brought forward 1,494,723 98,020 1.592.743 1,830,053 Gloucester Funders Thriving Communities Warm Home Discount Charis Grants Ltd Other 25,000 7,500 4,725 25,000 7,500 4,725 4,448 1,372 4,448 1,372 15,623 1.533.320 102,468 1,635,788 1,845,676 FEES RECEIVABLE Unrestricted Funds Restricted Fun Total 2025 Total 2024 GLOMAS training courses 2,410 2,410 2,645 2,410 2,410 2,645 BY A1VITy Grants, donations and le acies Fees receivable Total 2025 Total 2024 General advice Benefits advice Money and debt advice Health sector advice Energy advice Other activities 304,613 398.686 298,945 492,191 141.353 304.613 398,686 298.945 492.191 141,353 2.410 282.176 382,258 376.009 456,737 348,496 2.645 2,410 Charitable activities 1.635.788 2.410 1,638,198 1,848,321 22
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 {continuedl TOTAL EXPENDITURE Analysis of expenditure on choritoble octivities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 General advice Benefits advice Money and debt advice Health sector advice Energy advice 362,444 257,832 296,448 466,946 111,331 14,455 9,247 10.632 16,748 219,330 376,900 267,079 307,081 483,693 330.662 408,630 232,015 300,716 451,364 331,682 Charitable activities 1,495,002 270,413 1,765,415 1,724,406 Grants paid to clients Other direct costs Staff costs support costs Total 2025 Total 2024 General advice Benefits advice Money and debt advice Health sector advice Energy advice 297,976 211.971 243,719 383.890 91,529 1,456 71,352 50,757 58,360 91,924 21,917 6,116 4,351 5,002 7,879 1.879 376,900 267,079 307,081 483,693 330,662 408,630 232,015 300,716 451.364 331,682 215,338 Charitable activities 1.229.085 216,794 294,309 25.227 1,765,415 1,724,406 Other Direct Costs.. 2025 2024 Charitable activities (grants paid to clients in 20241 Bad debts expenses Other staff and volunteer cost5 Office costs Premises costs 17,118 47,254 116,795 115,057 37.126 165.748 91,436 294.309 296,224 Support Costs.. 2025 2024 Governance costs 25,227 10,121 All staff costs have been directly allocated to the activitie5 of the charity in the year on the basis of time spent by staff on each activity. 23
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl STAFF COSTS AND TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION Staff costs were as follows- 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Employer pension contributions 1.079,821 1,047,203 86,609 81,199 62,655 67,060 1,229,085 1,195,462 Particulars of employees.. The average number of full-time equivalent staff employed by the charity during the financial year amounted to: 2025 Total 2024 Total Mana8ement staff Paid staff 45 46 46 47 Staff levels have been kept on the same level as in prior year. No member of staff was paid £60,000 or more. The chariWs Trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year12023124.' £nill. Trustee expenses paid during the year were £nil12023124'. £1201. No charity Trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity12023124.' £nill. There were no other related party transartions with Trustees during the year. The key management personnel of the charity comprises of the Chief Executive Officer. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity lincludin8 redundancy costsl were £61,78312023124: £55,088). NET IEXPENDITUREIIINCOME FOR THE YEAR This is stated after charging: 2025 2024 Depreciation Auditors, remuneration- audit fee Auditors, remuneration- non audit services 21,815 7.938 9.612 25,641 6.300 10,435 24
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl TANGIBLE ASSETS Leasehold Improvements Computer Equipment Office Equipment Total COST At l April 2024 Additions 70,952 72,377 34,787 178,116 At 31 MARCH 2025 70,952 72.377 34,787 178.116 DEPRECIATION At l April 2024 Charge for year 37,943 7,238 49.037 11,907 26,110 2,670 113,090 21,815 At 31 MARCH 2025 45,181 60.944 28,780 134,905 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 MARCH 2025 25,771 11,433 6,007 43,211 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 MARCH 2024 33,009 23,340 8.677 65,026 DEBTORS 2025 2024 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors 149,179 106,080 162 39,418 432,486 21 255.422 471.925 CREDITORS 2025 2024 Amounts falling due within one year- Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income Other creditors 18,807 22,600 94,134 44,188 112,816 63,224 74,055 34,021 179,730 284,116 25
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl 10. DEFERRED INCOME Deferred income comprises grants received in advance. 2025 2024 Balance as at l April 2024 Amount released to income earned from charitable activities Amount deferred in year 2,840 83,538 12,8401 183,5381 51,250 2,840 Balance as at 31 March 2025 51,250 2,840 11. RESTRICTED FUNDS Balance b/f Incoming Outgoing resources resources Transfer Balance clf Revenuefvnds Household Support, Rescue and Fuel Funds Survivin8 Winter North Cotswold Foodbank White Goods Cheltenham - Cost of Living Staff Hardship Fund Tewkesbury Borough Council Fund 266,432 2,500 48,848 1214.6371 100,642 12,5001 1,456 2,474 3,903 11,4561 2,474 3,203 17001 153,620 53,620 276,765 102,468 1270.4131 12,5001 106,319 Pur oses of Restricted Funds Surviving Winter Funding is provided from Gloucestershire Community Foundation for grants towards winter fuel costs for individuals who require financial assistance. Household Support. Rescue ond Fuel Fund5 Funding from the local authoritie5 to provide emergency grants to households to help them pay their fuel bills. 26
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 {continuedl 11. RESTRICTED FUNDS Icontinuedl Staff Hardship Fund Funding to provide emergency 8rants to staff members to help them pay their fuel bills. North Cotswold Foodbonk White Good5 Funding to provide grants to people in North Cotswold Area to help them buy White Goods. Tewkesbury Borough Council Fund Funding to finance office costs of North and West Gloucestershire Citizens Advice Limited and payroll of staff providing advice to the citizen5 of Tewkesbury Borough Council. 12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Net current assets Tangible fixed assets Total At 31 March 2025 Restricted funds 106.319 106,319 106,319 106.319 Unrestricted funds General funds 43,211 548,197 591,408 43,211 654,516 697,727 13. CONTINGENT LIABILITY With respect to the charitrfs position in its legacy pension scheme operated by The Pensions Trust. a liability on withdrawal was calculated with respect to the five deferred member5 of the scheme amounting to £2,343 as at 30 September 2024. This liability ha5 not been accrued in the charitys accounts as of 31 March 2025. The charity will provide for any liabilities when agreement has been reached between the DWP and The Pensions Trust. 27
NORTH AND WEST GLOUCEsfERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Icontinuedl 14. TOTAL CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS Total cash & cash equivalents as at 31 March 2025 are represented as follows.. 2025 2024 Cash at bank Cash in hand 578.351 474 577,619 474 578,825 578,093 15. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments fall due as follows.. Non-cancellable o eratin leases 2025 2024 Net obli8ations repayable.. Within one year Between one and five years 44,488 112,772 44,488 157,260 157,260 201.748 28