citizens advice Southampton SOUTHAMPTON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU (a company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Company No. 04391330 Charity No. 109367 Company No. 04391330 Charity No. 1093678 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Trustees and Directors Report Statement of Trustees and Directors Responsibilities 16 Auditors Report 18 Statement of Financial Activities 23 Balance Sheet 24 Cash Flow Statement 25 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements 26 Company No. 04391330 Charity No. 1093678 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS. REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 The Trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act) present their report and independently audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Charity number: Company number: Financial Conduct Authority FRN: 1093678 04391330 617745 Registered office: 14-15 Brunswick Place Southampton. S015 2AQ Trustee Directors: As at AGM John Yates Richard Jenkins Traute Meyer Anita Smith Sarah Lockwood Alexander Maximilian Paul Callus Sarah Schofield Chinyere Onyemenam Chair Vice Chair Co-opted 20111124 Co-opted 2613125 Co-opted 3014125 Co-opted 2419125 Other trustees Peter Robertson Lisa Goddard Mark Satchell Claire Pembroke-Burn Laura O'Driscoll Resigned 30106124 Resigned 31107124 Resigned 27111124 Resigned 2613125 Resi8ned 4111125 Executive Kirsty Rowlinson Chief Officer from 01107124 Interim Chief Officer to 30106124 Auditors: Stuart Mackie FCA MC Audit Limited Chartered AccoLfntants Station House, North Street Havant Company No. 04391330 Charity No. 1093678 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS. REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 Hampshire P09 1 QU Bankers (Main) CAF Ban1< Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling. Kent ME19 4JQ Bankers (investment): CCLA Investment Management Ltd (known as COIF) Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria House, London EC4V 4ET ICOIFI United Trust Bank Lirn ited One Ropemaker Street London EC2Y 9AW Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau is a charitable company limited by guarantee. It was incorporated as such in March 2002. The revised Local Citizens Advice Model Articles of Association, as approved by the Charity Commission, were adopted by Special Resolution on 17th November 2022. These update, and replace, the previous Articles of Association adopted in September 2014. The Articles of Association are the governing document of the charity. Membership The Charity may admit into membership individuals or organisations who: apply to the charity in the form required by the directors., are approved by the directors,. and Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS. REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 are, if individuals, over the age of 16 years who are interested in furthering the work of the Charity and who are not paid workers, employees or unpaid volunteers of the Charity. Trilstees are de facto members during their period of service. There were thirteen individual members on 31 March 2025 but no member organisations. Recruitment and appointment of trustees The maximum number of Tru5tee5 specified by the Articles of Association is 15 and the minimum is four, Trustees are either elected at the annual general meeting or co-opted by the Trustee Board during the year. The number of trustee5 appointed, whether at the Annual General Meeting or through co-option by other trustees, must not exceed the maximum of 15, All Trustees (elected or co-opted) retire from office at the third annual general meeting following their election or appointment but may then be elected or re- appointed. None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. The Trustees are responsible for setting and monitoring the objectives and strategy of the charity, and ensuring the necessary policies and procedures are ip, place to enable the team of staff and volunteers to work effectively. They have appointed a Chief Officer to manage the day-to-day operations of the Charity. The Board of Trustees meets 8 times a year, Major operating decisions are made by a simple majority of a quorate Board. Day to day organisational and routine operating decisions are delegated to the elected officers or to the Chief Officer and are reported to the Trust Board at its next meeting, Trustee induction and training New Trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law,. the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association,. background of the organisation and the involvement of Citizens Advice and major funders,. and the committee and decision-making processes of the organisation. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will assist in the performance of their role. Board Evaluation The Board undertakes an annual self-appraisal as part of a review of its own effectiveness. This forms part of the annual Leadership Self-Assessment and is Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 accompanied by a skills audit, one-to-one review meetings between trustees and the Chair of the Board, and a Board equality and diversity audit. Improvement actions and training or development needs identified as a result of the Board evaluation are incorporated in the Board's action plan and organisation training plan. Related Parties The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux Citizens Advice Citizens Advice Southampton is an associate member of Citizens Advice {CitA), the operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, with which it has a membership agreement, The national body reviews the organisation's conformance to standards set out in the Membership Agreement. Southam ton Cit Counci The organisation has historically had close relationships with Southampton City Council {SCC) which provided a total of 820h of the charity's funding during 2024/25,, this includes the full value of the Advice, Information and Guidance contract encompassing funding paid to the consortium of Advice in Southampton partners. Both organisations monitor the activities of the organisation and may send appointed observers to attend Trustee Board meetings when deemed appropriate but are not considered to be related parties as defined by the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). Risk Management The organisation maintains a risk register as well as an information assurance risk register. The risk register is based on a matrix supplied by CitA. The risk register takes account of potential changes to the environment in which the organisation is working and highlights how these would impact on its services. Ongoing risk mitigation measures include: a quarterly review of the risks the organisation may face monthly review of organisational key performance indicators including financial indicators Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS. REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 the establishment and implementation of systems and procedures to manage the risk identified. Statement of Internal Control The Citizens Advice Southampton trustee board oversees the information security of all personal information of our clients, staff, funders and strategic partners that is processed. Each local Citizens Advice hold joint responsibility for client data that is held in our case management system, with national Citizens Advice Service. An information assurance management team exists at CitA to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all personal and sensitive data is maintained to a level which is compliant with the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES'AfM'D DIRECTORS, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 OBJECTIVES AN D ACTIVITI ES Objects The Charity's objects 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 in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the community in Southampton City and surrounding areas. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. Local Citizens Advice deliver advice services from community locations in England and Wales, helping people to resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free advice and information, and by influencing policymakers. Public Benefit The Trustees have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. All the charity's services are offered free of charge to the end user, and are available to the general public on a basis which is impartial, non-judgemental and confidential. The organisation offers generalist advice to all Southampton residents. This includes advice on a wide range of subjects including welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment and family issues. The organisation offers specialist regulated advice in debt management and immigration and also offers a home visiting service to clients in certain defined circumstances. Financial impact of Citizens Advice Southampton We continue to help people to resolve the challenges they face. In doing so, we create financial value. This means that we save the Government and society money by stopping problems that cost the country money. It's impossible to put a £ sign on ALL the crucial work that we do. But where we have the evidence to do so, talking about the financial value of our service tells a powerful story. Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS. REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 Fiscal value £2,483,645 Financial savings to local and national government. Public value £18,806.033 Increased levels of wellbeing, participation in society and productivity. Financial value to our clients £13,136.884 Individual financial outcomes such as getting back- dated benefits, writing-off debts and refunds for consumer issues. For more detailed information we can provide a full technical annex detailing each outcome and calculatlon for the national model.. Modelling our value to society.. The value of the Cit12ens Advice service Activities Generalist Advice for Southam ton Residents We provide generalist advice to anyone living in Southampton. The most common areas we support include welfare benefits, housing, debt, immigration, food banks, and employment. Much of this advice is delivered through the Advice in Southampton partnership, which we lead. Our partners include: No Limits- supporting children and young people Age UK Southampton - supporting older people The Environment Centre - focusing on fuel poverty and healthy homes CLEAR- supporting refugees and asylum seekers Rose Road - supporting families with Special educational needs SARC specialising in representation and tribunals Together, we ensure there is no wrong doorwhen someone in our community needs advice, Debt Su ort Our Financial Conduct Authority regulated caseworkers help Southampton residents tackle debt and avoid falling back into financial difficulty. Immi ration Su ort Our Immigration Advice Authority regulated immigration team provides free advice and casework for immigration-related issues, With the decline of legal aid, CAS and CLEAR are the only providers of free immigration advice between Southampton and Reading, Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS. REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 Su ort for Peo le livin with Cancer We offer tailored advice to individuals living with cancer and their families. Our caseworkers provide outreach at Southampton General Hospital, in hospices, and through home visits. Multi le Sclerosis Socie Partnershi Since 2014, we've partnered with the Southampton and District branch of the MS Society. Our dedicated caseworker supports clients and their families with practical matters, primarily around welfare benefits. Home and Well Home and Well is a unique collaboration supporting residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight after hospital stays. We help ensure a smooth transition home and a safe, healthy environment for continued recovery. Antelo e House Our caseworker is based at Antelope House, a psychiatric inpatient unit. They help patients address practical challenges - such as housing, debt, and benefits that can worsen mental health and hinder recovery. Homes for Ukraine We provide holistic advice and support for Ukrainian nationals and their close family members accommodated in Southampton under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, We ensure guests are safely housed and aware of their rights and entitlements in the UK. Household Su ort Fund Funded by Southampton City Council, we've expanded our advice and signposting services to support those affected by the cost-of-living crisis. In partnership with the library service, we've offered additional face-to-face appointments, phone consultations, and drop-in sessions. Un aid Carers Su ort Southampton We support all adults in Southampton who care for another adult-whether a friend, neighbour, relative, or loved one. Our team helps carers access services, information, and education related to their role, and offers opportunities for social connection through events, workshops, and one-to-one support, 3JMJ35 kL WOl4d kiiiijn ¥oa oau31S193lJ lldO)d S¥13100Yd gaN3g ]JVJ13M SIN31Y553SSYI830 ZtrE LIL'E oz HIM03d13H Ino 03W¥v) SUPPORTED PEOPLEwifH HELPEDWITH ISTRIBUTED 1.277 4,224 £215,399 IMMIGR6TKSN PAOHLEK DEBTPROBLEM5 IN HOUSEHOLD SIJPPORT ND VOUCHERS Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 FINANCIAL REVIEW Funding The Trustees are grateful to the agencies and individuals who are working so hard to help us provide and maintain a quality assured independent advice service for the people of Southampton. Most of the organisation's funding has historically been provided by Southampton City Council. The City Council's ongoing requirements are to develop an integrated advice service across the city. The management and Trustees of the organisation worked closely with the City Council through the aegis of the Advice in Southampton partnership during consultation to shape the commissioning of advice services undertaken during 201612017. The organisation leads a conscrtium, Advice in Southampton {AiS), made up of partner organisations (No Limits, Age UK, CLEAR, the Environment Centre, and the Rose Road Association) which was the successful bidder for the provision of advice services, with a contract for five years, running from 1 February 2018 to 31 March 2023, and subsequently extended until 28 February 2025, and extended again until 31 March 2026, This is rightly regarded as an important platform in the organisation's plan to achieve financial strength and a more balanced relationship with the City Council. However, the trustees are mindful of the increased pressure on public finances, which is likely to affect future commissioning arrangements. Income Income levels in 2024125 were £77,3k (5%) higher than 2023/24. The material funding sources were: Southampton City Council - AIG contract £718.3k* Southampton City Council - Homes for Ukraine £185.4* Southampton City Council Carers Support £264.5k Southampton City Council - Other £201.4k Money and Pension Service {MaPS)- Debt Advice £117k Macmillan - Hampshire Macmillan Citizens Advice Service £59.3k Energy Suppliers- Home and Well £36.1k 13 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 Southern Healtli £30k Southampton and District MS Society £16.2k Maggie's Centre Southampton £6.4k Other grants and income *Please note, these two figures include £535.4K of payrnents that we make to partners £29.6k Spending Staff costs continue to represent the greater part of the organisation's spending profile, despite increased spending on service premises and higher costs for improved IT and telephony services. Nevertheless, we were able to provide staff with a cost of living increase at market rates, Operating Model Since the end of the pandemic, our service has moved from video advice hubs back to increased face-to-face contact. We provide a weekly drop-in service at 3 city libraries, aswell as booked appointments at our office, and home visits to vulnerable clients who cannot access mainstream channels. Reserves Policy Citizens Advice Southampton Trustees recognise the need to maintain reserves to enable the organisation to: meet statutory and contractual obligations withstand an unforeseen financial setback provide temporary financial assistance for projects that are awaiting agreed funding from other organisations take advantage of opportunities that the Trustees consider will benefit the charity and the community it serves The Trustees have established a policy whereby funds not designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed, or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the organisation ("free reserves"), should be a minimum of three months of the resources expended, which equates to £340,000 in general funds. At this level, the Trustees feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the Charity for a limited 14 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES. AND DIRECI ORS, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 period of time in the event of a significant drop in funding; it would then clearly be necessary to consider how replacement funding could be found or service delivery changed, At 31 March 2025, the free reserves totalled £498,448 which is £104,346 more than the previous year, Plans for the Future The Southampton City Council (SCC) contract for core Advice Information and Guidance {AIG) services provides a stable underlying funding base, and was due to expire on 31 March 2023. The contract has since been extended until 31 March 2025, which is welcome news although SCC'S subsequent plans remain unclear. However, the Board acknowledges that in the current challenging funding environment it must work to ensure increased operating costs can be met, whilst at the same time planning to enhance and diversify income streams to continue to ensure the people of Southampton can access quality information and advice services that are sustainable, and remain free to all, The Trustees will continue recent success in securing the appointment of additional and appropriately skilled trustees to support the Board's focus on developing services that are sustainable and attractive to funding bodies. We will continue to demonstrate the impact of advice and its added value to other services including health; ensure we use available technology to improve access to the service and our productivity,. extend our early intervention and prever)tion offer through the training of other front-line services in Advice First Aid,; extend access to Refernet as a means of other agencies making secure direct referrals for their service users; and work creatively to increase our workforce capacity, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Over the last twelve months, Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau has served its Socal community extremely well, despite continued uncertainty. The trustees recognise that the charity15 well managed,. a view endorsed by the City Council by continuing to contract for Advice Information and Guidance services. The trustees would like to commend the exceptional work undertaken by the skilled and committed staff and volunteers without whom the Charity could not offer the depth and breadth of advice to its many clients. They would also wish to record their thanks to the volunteers and the paid staff who have contributed so much to the smooth running and development of the Charity during the year. 15 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS. REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees (who are also the Directors of Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau, a Company Limited by Guarantee 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,. 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 disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the finaricial 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, In so far as the trustees are aware: there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and they have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of arny relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. Stateinei)l of Recoininended Pr1( clice Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS, REPORT For the year ended 31 March 2025 Approved by the trustees of the charity on and signed on its behalf by: John Yate Chair of Trustee 17 **Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS For the year ended 31 March 2025** ## **Opinion** We have audited the financial statements of Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 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, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; - have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and - have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. ## **Basis for opinion** We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' 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 FRC's 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** In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 18 **Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau REPORT FOR THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS For the year ended 31 March 2025** Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. ## **Other information** The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon. 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 statements, 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. 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 matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006** In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: - the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and - the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. ## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees. 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 19 - 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 take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report or in preparing the Report of the Trustees. ## **Responsibilities of trustees** As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) 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 trustees 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, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. ## **Our 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 a Report of the Independent Auditors 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 (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, 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: From discussion with management and those charged with governance information about the entity is documented to assess the activity within the organisation. We discuss management's assessment of risk in respect of irregularities, fraud and going concern. 20 Based on these discussions and our own assessments we determined that the key risk areas were income recognition in respect of cut off issues and management override concerning the size of the organisation. We set a financial statement materiality level based on the level of income. As a not for profit organisation raising income is its primary focus which is why income was used to determine the level of materiality. Our overall assessment of risk was used to determine performance materiality at an appropriate level. Substantive audit tests were designed after assessing and performing walkthrough tests. The walkthrough testing confirmed documented systems which have been designed to act as a preventative measure against fraud and error which appear to be operating as documented. Substantive testing tested a sample of the population, representative of the population, to identify errors. The testing did not identify any material misstatements in areas tested. Audit substantive tests concluded no material errors over the key risk areas of income recognition and management override. The audit considers the organisation is not exposed to material risk of error as a result of assessing laws and regulations that are appropriate to the organisation. Management assessed there is no going concern risk. The audit undertook a review of budgets, management accounts and the review of board minutes and came to the same conclusion as management. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www. frc.org. uk/auditors responsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors. ## **Use of our report** This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' 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 charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 21 Stuart Mackie (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of MC Audit Limited Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditors Station House North Street Havant Hampshire PO9 1QU Date:...................................................... 28/11/2025 22 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) For the year ended 31 March 2025 2025 Total funds 2024 Total funds Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Note Operating activities Income from: Donations and legacies Charitabl8 activities Other (including fundraising) Total Income 1b 13,542 979,314 6,763 999,619 13,542 1,664,215 6,763 1,684,520 9,358 1,586,925 795 1,597,078 684,901 684,901 Expendlture on: Raising funds Charitable activilies Other Total Expenditure 856,875 742,370 1,599,244 1.474,216 856,875 742,370 1,599,244 1,474,216 Net incomel(expenditure) before transfers 42,745 (57,469) 85,275 122,862 Transfers between funds {57,470) 57,470 Net movement In funds for the year 85,275 85,275 122,862 Reconcillatlon of funds: Balances brought foNard 10 465,062 465,062 342,200 Balances carried forward 10 550,337 550,337 465,062 The slatemènl of financial aclivities includes all gains and losses In the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The notes form part of these financial statements. 23 |||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**2025**|**2024**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |||||**Total**|| ||**Note**|**Funds**|**Funds**|**funds**|**Total funds**| |Operating activities||||£|£| |**Fixed Assets**|||||| |Tangible Fixed Assets|7|51,889-|-|51,889|70,960| |**Current Assets**|||||| |Debtors|8|214,235 -|214,235 -|214,235|132,857| |Cash at bank and in hand||384,506|384,506-|384,506|374,046| |||598,742 -|598,742 -|598,742|506,903| |Creditors - amounts falling|||||| |due within one year|9|95,660|95,660-|95,660|110,895| |**Net Current Assets**||503,081 -|503,081 -|503,081|396,008| |**Net assets before Pension**|||||| |**reserve**||554,970 -|554,970 -|554,970|466,968| |Creditors - amounts falling|||||| |due after one year||4,633|-|4,633|1,906| |**Net assets**||550,337 -|7 -|550,337|7
465,062| |Represented by:|||||| |**Funds of the Charity**|||||| |General Funds|11|498,448|-|498,448|394,102| |Designated Funds|11|51,889|-|51,889|70,960| |Restricted Funds|11||-|-|-| |||550,337|-|550,337|465,062| `These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.` `The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on` 13 November `…………………….. 2025 and were signed on their behalf by:` `Chair ………………………………… John Yates` John Yates - ChairA a Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the year ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Operating activities Net cash provided by {used in) operating activities 10,460 172,700 Investing activities Payments for tangible fixed assets (14,977) Flnancing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in Ihe year 10,460 157,723 Cash and cash equival8nts al beginning of tha year Total cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 374,046 384,506 216,323 374,046 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net C8sh flow from operating activities 2025 2024 122,860 Statement of flnancial Activities: Net movement in funds 85,275 Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Interest from investments Loss on disposal of fixed assets (Increaselldecrease in debtors Increaselld8crease) in creditors Nat cash provided by (used in) operating activities 19,071 18,246 181,3791 12,508 10,460 58,286 26,692 172 700 The notes form part of these financial statements. 25 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 Accounting Policies Basis of preparation The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit enlity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Char(ties.' Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in acaordance with the Financial Raporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 (effective 1 January 2019),, Financial Reporting Slandard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the U K and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included al market value, as modified by the reva lualion of certain assets. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainlies regardinÉ7 the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. Financial Instruments The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subseque.ntly measured at the present value of fulLJre cash flowts (amortised costl. Financial assets held al amortised cost comprise cash at bank and in hand and debtors excludlng prepayments. Financial liabilities held at amortisp.d c.ost comprise creditors excludinq deforred income and taxatir)n payable. Financial liabilities that are provisinns are held at fair value. No discounting has been applied on the basis Ihat the Periods over which amounts will be seltled are such that any discounting would be immaterial. Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the dlscrelion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds are unreslricled funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. Re8trir,Ipd fijnds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions Imposed by donors or which have been raised by the company for particular purposes. The cost8 of raislng and administering such funds are charged against the specific fuiid. The aim and use of 8ach restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial slalements. InGome All income is included in the slal@ment of financial activities when the charity is enlilled to thé funds and the amount can be measured with re8sonable certainty. Income is deferred only when Ihe charity has lo fulfll conditions before becoming entitled to it or where th6 donor has specified that the income is to be expended In a future period. VolLJntary income is received by way of grants, donations, and gifts, including gifl aid incorne where applicable, and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Income from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for when it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quanlif led and is material. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts. 26 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 Interest receivable Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the company-, this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank, Resources expended Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred, Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reporled as part of the expenditure to which it relales. Expenditure on raising funds; comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income, Charitable expendilure comprises those costs incurred by the charily in Ihe delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. The primary functional activity of the charity is the giving of free and confidential advice to the public.11 includes both costs that can be allocated directly to this activity and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Support costs includes all Ihose overhead costs of office and bureau accommodation, utility servlces, and olher services and costs, which are in support of the activity. They also include those costs not associated with Ihe other two headings and includes costs of meeting the constitutional and statulory requirements of the charity, the audit fees and costs linked to the stralpgic management of the charity. They have been allocated to activity cost calegories on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the actlvlly that incurred the original VAT. Operating leases and hire purchase agreements The chsrity classifies the lease of property and prlntlng and lelecommunlc2tions equipment as operating leases; the tille to the properly and equipment remains with the lessor. Rental charges are charged on a straighl-line basis over the term of the lease, Taxation The company, being a reglstered charity with minimal trading income, has bee.n granted exemption from lax under Section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. No provision for taxation has Iherefore been made in these accounts. Tanglble flxed assets and depreciation All assets cosling more thal £1,000 are capit21ised. Tangibl?. fixp.d as.%p.ts other than freehold land arc stated at cost less depreciation. Doprociation is providcd at rates calculated lo write off the cost less estimatod rosidual value of each assct over ils cxpected useful life, as follows= Leasehold improvements Computer equipment Furniture and equipment over the length of the lease 25°/D on the straight-line method 25 % on the straight-line method 1.10 Debtors 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 an> trade discounts due. 27 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 1.11 Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturily of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or sim ilar account. 1.12 Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due lo settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their setllemenl amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. 1.13 Pensions and retirement benefits The charily oper8tes a defined contribution scheme. The amount charged lo the statement of financial activities in respect of pension costs and (Jther post-retirement benefits is the contributions payable in the year. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet. Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Donations Total 2025 Total 2024 Unrestrlcled Restricted Voluntary Income Donations 13,542 13,542 9,358 13,542 13,542 9,358 Charitable Activities Total 2025 Total Unrestricted Restricted 2024 Soulhamplon Cily Council - Core Grant 268,340 268,340 450,004 261,203 440,460 Southampton City Council - AIG Southampton City Council - Homes for Ukraine Southampton City Council - Carers Support Soulharnpton Cily Council Household Support Fund Southampton City Council - Other Cilizens Advice Hampshire Home and Well Citizens Advice Hampshire - Macmillan 450,004 185,430 185,430 176,500 264,499 264,499 253,625 200,000 1,364 200,000 1,364 83,480 36.075 36,075 26,563 59,315 59,315 56,203 28 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 Citizens Advice Hampshire - Maggies Southern Health Mental Health Home Office - EUSS Southampton & District MS Society Citizens Advice - Money Advice Service Citizens Advice- Other income Other grants for advisory services 6,368 6,368 30,000 32,853 7,500 1,000 30,000 16,170 16,170 15,000 116,968 116,968 474 29,207 109,675 15000 107,863 474 29,207 979,314 684,901 1.664,215 1,586,925 Other Incorne Tatal Total 2024 Unrestricted Reslricled 2025 Rent from hire of roorns 2,600 2,220 1,943 6,763 2,600 2,220 1,943 6,763 Bank interest Miscellaneous income 795 Total Other Income 795 29 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 3 Analysis of expenditure Unreslricted Reslricled Reslricled Generalist Admsory Services Money Advice Servi Specialist Advisory SeNices 2025 2024 Raising funds Charitable Activities Staff costs Other direcl costs 425,759 105,136 83,585 110.604 9,733 452,201 619,947 567,069 580,894 570,536 Support costs 325,980 39,372 46,876 412,228 322,786 Total Expenditure by Acllvlty 856,815 132,690 609,680 1,599,244 1,474,216 Generalist Advisory Services Money Advice Servic8 Specialist Advisory se￿ICe8 Support Costs 2025 2024 Management Office, IT & communications Premises Governance Other 180,913 53,367 68,636 14,609 8,454 21,895 6,407 8,349 1,673 1,049 26,039 7,556 10,130 1,904 1,246 228,847 67,330 87,115 18,186 10,749 152.159 63,104 86,893 9.270 11,3Jf9 Activity Total 325,980 39,372 46,876 412,228 322,786 The basis of allocation of support costs is hours worked 4 Net incomel (expenditure) for the year 2025 2024 This is stated after charging.. Depreciation Auditors, remuneration Operating lease costs-premises 19,071 18,246 8,141 7,705 44,380 38,354 30 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 5 As at 31 March 2024, the company had commitments under non- cancellable operating leases as follows: Land and buildings 2025 2024 Within one year Between two and five years After five years 36,528 182,640 36,528 182,640 36,528 255,696 219,168 6 Information regarding Trustees, Directors and Employees 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social secui-ily costs Pension costs Other staff costs 768,660 670,429 53,742 46,122 18,784 13,006 7,608 3,497 848,795 733,054 The average number of employees, analysed by function was.. 2025 2024 Charitable purposes 23.0 24.8 Management and administration of charity 10,80 38.5 33.8 No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 Key managament Personnel and Costs.. Chief Officer, total employment costs including employers national insurance and pension contributions: £54,400 (2024: £58,300) Trustee remuneration & Related Party transactions Trustees were remunerated £155 for expenses incurred while performing dulies12024.. £01. All payments were by way of reimbursement for expenses. The trustees had indemnity insurance in place during the year. 31 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 7 Fixed assets Fixtures, fittings and equipment Land and Buildings Improvements Total Cost Al l April 2024 Additions Disposals 95,466 74,250 169,716 At 31 March 2025 95,466 74,250 169,716 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year Disposals 44,145 10,600 54,611 8,471 98.756 19,071 Al 31 M8rcl 2025 54,745 63,082 117,827 Net book value 2025 40,721 11,168 51,889 Nel book value 2024 51,321 19,639 70,960 8 Debtors 2025 2024 Grants receivable Other Debtors Prepayments Trade Debtors 28,427 1,000 9,132 176,676 14,630 117,227 214,235 132,857 9 Creditors - amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Accruals Trade Creditors Other creditors including lax and social security Grants received in advance 17.518 53,655 23,187 1,300 76,881 7,949 23,465 2,600 95,660 110,895 32 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 Analysis of net assets between funds General Unreslricled Funds Designated Unreslricled Funds R251ri¢led Total Funds Funds Tangible Fixed Assets Current Assets 51,889 51,889 Cash Other CA Current Liabilities Current liabilities due after one year Net Assets 384,506 214,235 (95,660) (4,633) 498,448 384,506 214,235 (95,660) (4,633) 550,337 51,889 11 Movement In funds Al 1 April 2024 Incom8 Expenditure Transfers Al 31 March 2025 Restricted Funds: Money Advice Service Specialist Advisory Services 116,968 567,933 (132,6901 (609,680) 15,722 41,748 0.00 Total Restricted Funds 684,901 742.370 57,470 Unrestricted Funds: General fund and advisory seNices Fixed Asset Fund 394,102 70,960 999,619 (837,804} (19,071) (57.470) 498,448 51,889 Total Unrestricted funds 465,062 856,875 57,470 550,337 Total funds 465,062 1,684,520 1,599,244 550,337 33 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Outgoing Resources Movement in Funds Money Advice Service Specialist Advisory Services 116,968 567,933 (132,690) (609,680} (15,722) (41,748) Total Restricted FLtnds 684,901 {742,3701 {.fj7,4691 Unrestylcted Funds: General fund Designated funds 999,619 {837,8041 (19,0711 161,816 (19,071) Total Unrestricted funds 999,619 (856,875) 142,745 Total 1,684,520 (1,599,244 85,275 Comparatlves for movement in funds At1 Aprll 2023 At31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Restricted Funds: Money Advice Service Specialist Advisory Services 109,675 {111,058) 1,383 576,725 {644,678) 67,953 Total Restricted Funds 686,400 755,736 69,336 Unrestricted Funds: General fund Fixed Asset Fund 267,972 74,228 910,678 (715,212} 13,2681 169,3361 394,102 70,960 Total Unrestricted funds 342,200 910,678 718,480 69.336 465,062 Total funds 342,200 1,597,078 1,474,216 465,062 34 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Outgoing ResourGes Movement in Funds Restricted Funds: Money Advice Service Specialist Advisory Services 109,675 576,725 (111,0581 (644,6781 (1,3831 (67,953) Total Restricted Funds 686,400 (755,7361 (69,3361 Unrestrlcted Funds: General fund Designated funds 910,678 (715,2121 (3,2681 195,466 {3,268) Total Unrestricted funds 910,678 1718,480) 192,1g8 Total 1,597,078 {1,474,2161 122,862 12 Purpose of Restricted Funds Advice Information Guidance (AIG) - The provision of the complete panoply of advice services to the papulalion of Southam ptun by telg.phone and face to f8ce services, in coalition with the six other local age,ncies that comprise the Advice in Southampton IAIS) consortium (Age UK, Clear, EU Welcome, the Environment Cenlre, No Limlls, Rose Road Assoclatlon). Money & Pensions Service Debt Advice Project {MaPSDAP) The provision of specialist debt advice by telephone, digital and face-to-face services. Specialist Advisory Services.. MS Society-The provision of targeted employment, housing, beneflts and debt advice for people and their families affected by Multiple Sclerosis within the Southampton and District branch area of benefit. Hampshire Macmillan Advice Service -The provision of a holistic welfare benefits, employment, housing, debt and general advice seNice for people affected by cancer. 35 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 13 Provisions for Liabilities 2025 2024 Provisions 4,633 1,906 Southampton Citizens AdviGe Bureau participates in a multi-employer scheme which provides benefits to some 1,300 non-associated participating employers. We account for th@ scheme as a defined contribution scheme. A full actuarial valuation for the scheme was carried out with an effective date of 30 September 2017. This valuation showed assets of £794.9m, liabililies of £926.4m and a deficit of £131.5m. To p,liminate. this funding shortfall, the pension scheme trustees, and the participating employers have agreed that additional contributions will be paid. Where the scheme is in deficit and where the Charity has agreed to a deficit funding arrangement, the Charity has recognised a liability for this obligation. The amouiil recognised is the net present value of the deficit reduction contributions payable under the agreement that relates to the deficit. The present value is calculaled using tlie discount rale detailed in these disclosures. The unwinding of the discount rate is recognised as a finance cost, Reconclllatlon of openlng and closing revisions Period Ending 31 March 31 March 2025 2024 Period Ending Provision at start of period Unwinding of the discount factor Deficit contribution paid Impact of any change of assumptions Amendments to contribution schedule Provision al end of period 1,906 50 (1,9431 29 4,591 4,633 4,079 157 (2,331) 1.906 Period Ending 31 March 31 March 2025 2024 Period Ending Interest expense Impact of any change of assumptions Amendments to contribution schedule 50 29 4,5SI 157 31 March 2025 31 March 2024 31 March 2023 /0 per annum /0 per annum /0 per annum 4.84 5.31 Rale of discount 5.52 36 Southampton Citizens Advice Bureau NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2025 14 Related Party Transactions The Bureau is an associate member of national Citizens Advice {CilA), with which it has a Nrtembership Agreement. There is no operating or financial inter-dependence between CitA and the Bureau. The national body reviews the Bureau's conformance to standards sel out in the Membership Agreement. The Bureau has historically had close relationships with Southampton City Council which provided more than 82010 of the charity's funding during 2024125 (including the total value of the AIG contract). Both orgaiiisations monitor the activities of the Bureau and send appointed observers to attend Trustee Board Meetings when deemed appropriate, bul are not considered to be related parties as defined by the Charities statement of recommended practice (SORP). 15 Comparative Statement of Flnanclal AGtlvities 2024 Total funds 2023 Total funds Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Note Operating activities Income from: Donations and Ip.gacies Charitable activities Other (including fundraising) Total Income 1b 9,358 900,524 7g5 910,678 9,358 1,586,923 795 1,597,078 2,485 1,168,532 951 1,171,967 686,399 686,400 Expenditure on.. Raising funds Charitdble aclivities Otlier Total Expenditure 718,480 755,736 1,474,216 1,177,309 718,480 755,736 1,474,216 1,177,309 Net Incomel(expenditurel before transfers 192,198 {69,3361 122,862 (5,344) Transfers between funds {69,336) 69,336 Net movement in funds for the year 122.862 122,862 {5,344) Reconciliation of funds,. Balances brought forward 10 342,200 342,200 347,544 BalanGes carried forward 10 465,062 465,062 342,200 37