Registered Charity number 1101576 Company registration number 4876990 Brldport and Dlstrict Citlzens Advlce Bureau (A Company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Bridport and Dlstrict Cltizens Advlce Bureau Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Name of Charlty Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau Charlty number 1101576 Company number 4878990 Registered office 45 South Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3NY Outstations Tuesdays - Bridport Library, Bridport, DT6 3NY Wednesdays - Lyme Regis Town Council Office, St Michaels Business Park, DT7 3DB Fridays - Prout Bridge Project, 6 Prout Bridge, Beaminster. DT8 3AY DIRECTORSITRUSTEES ROLE DATE CO- DATE LAST DATE OPTED AS ELECTED RESIGNED TRUSTEE AT AGM Jim Smyllie Keith Wilson Jacqui Bishop Linda Child Karen Delafield Michael Fletcher David Gibson Geoff Jones Colin McReavie Sue Pemberton Jamie Scott Graham Smith Lavinia Sonnenberg Chair Treasurer 04.11.2024 04.11.2024 05.02.2024 06.05.2025 04.11.2024 18.08.2025 08.02.2022 08.02.2022 26.05.2020 06.02.2023 07.05.2024 20.08.2019 05.02.2024 22.07.2024 30.08.2025 11.07.2022 11.07.2022 10.01.2025 13.07.2020 21.03.2025 07.08.2023 22.07.2024 11.07.2022 22.07.2024 COMPANY SECRETARY Sue McLaney 01.06.2022 22.07.2024 EX OFFICIO MEMBERS ROLE Jeremy Clark Relationship Manager Cllr Sarah Williams Observer Cllr Stuart Cockerill Observer Cllr David Worthington Observer Rovarn Wickremasinghe Chief Officer Martin Wood Staff Representative Gill Acton Volunteer Representative ELECTED BY National Citizens Advice Dorset Council Lyme Regis Town Council Bridport Town Council staff Stsff Staff Chlef Offlcer Rovarn wick masinghe Bank CAF Bank. 25 Kings Hill Ave, Kings Hill, West Malling. Kent, ME19 4JQ Independent Examlners Marcus Cridland B.A.(Hons) F.C.A. Scott Vevers Ltd, 65 East Street, Bridport, Dorset. DT6 3LB Sollcltors Nantes, 36 East Street, Bridport, Dorset. DT6 3LH Page 1
Bridport and District Citizens Advlce Bureau Report of the Trustees, for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The directors and trustees present their report and financial statements for the year to 31 March 2025 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for the directors, report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the Charity's governing document, applicable law and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wth the Financial Reporting Slandard applicable in th8 UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). 1 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objects The charity's objects are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in Bridport, Beaminster. Lyme Regis and surrounding villages by the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress. Actlvltles The principal activity of Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau is the provision of free. confidential, independent and impartial advice, information and counsel for members of the public, ensuring that individuals do not suffer through a lack of knowledge or an inability to express their needs effectively. Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau aims to exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services. Publlc Beneflt The trustees have paid due regard to the Charty Commission's guidance on public benefit in deciding the activities undertaken by the local Citizens Advice during the year. The trustees are satisfied that the infomiation provided in the report and accounts meets the public benefit reporting requirements. Contributlon of volunteers As at 31 March 2025 there were 75 people associated with the bureau, made up as follows.. 9 Trustees 13 Paid staff 3 Volunteer supervisors 40 Volunteer advisers 10 Volunteer support staff As always, must stress our admiration and gratitude to our volunteers, without whom there wouldn't be a bureau. 2 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Charltable Actlvltles We helped 2273 clients with 9368 separate issues in 2024125. Benefit and debt issues accounted for 46% of the problems people sought help with. We continued to see large numbers of food bank and charitable support enquiries {210/o of total issues). including about schemes such as the Household Support Fund. We also saw a continued trend in increased problems with housing. We work with vulnerable people and increasing numbers of clients report a disability (120/0) or long term health problem {490k). Most require in depth help and often have multiple problems compounded by poor mental health. We are committed to multi-channel service delivery including phone, email and video-calling. but which also protects face to fa servi$ for the most vulnerable. The Bridport office operates a 5 day a week drop-in service Vth weekly outreaches in Lyme Regis, Beaminster and Bridport library and provide home visits as appropriate. Page 2
Bridport and Dlstrlct Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees, for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Our 5-year core contract funding from Dorset Council to provide information, guidance and advice for Dorset residents runs until September 2026. This has brought welcome stability but we are increasingly reliant on the need for project funding as a revenue stream. Nexi year we will prepare for a contract retender or commissioned grant process. Our main projects included specialist benefits casework assisting clients in the Bridport and District and Weymouth areas with complex benefit issues, disputes and appeals. By the end of the second year (March 2025) of this three year project we had helped 378 Clients and achieved financial OLrtcomes of £1.4 million for them. We continued an energy project providing practical energy and efficiency advice, income maximisation and outreach work. We maintained our Wessex Water project to assist people who have problems managing their water bills. We were able to support a debt advice role thanks to funding from Dorset Community Foundation, Dorset Council and a sub contract with East Dorset and Purbeck Citizens Advice. Dorset Council continued to help us manage the demand for services and support our capacity for income maximisation and outreach work through an additional grant released because of the ongoing cost of living pressures on residents. We continued to see high demand for 'crisis support, issues with food bank referrals. Household Support Fund and local charitable support applications. In regular, independent SUeyS of our clients, experience of the service through the year, 87% of those surveyed reported that we helped them find a way forward with their problem, 820/0 said their problem had been resolved, 850h found our service easy to access, while 900/0 of clients would recommend us to others. We make positive impacts on the lives of our clients through, for example, reduced stress and improved finances following advice. Of those surveyed 750kn said that following advice from us their mental health had improved. 860A reported that they would not have been able to resolve their problem without our help. Our assistance resulted in significant financial outcomes.. income gains for clients in the whole service totalled just over £1.9 million pounds and we achieved £230.00 in debts written off for our clients in 2024-25. Our quality of advice and client satisfaction are monitored on a quarterly basis and we achieved excellent results in 2024-2025. The office holds an Advice Quality Standards accreditation in generalist advice, telephone help and welfare benefits casework. One of our aims is to responsibly influence the policies and practices that affect our clients. Research and Campaigns activities include regular communication with our MP on both progressing difficult case issues and policy matters. During the Election we contacted all the prospective parliamentary candidates and presenled information about the range of issues we are seeing with those who engaged. We worked closely with Dorset Council and other local CA offices on a pension credit tak&up campaign when the Govemment introduced means testing for the Winter Fuel Allowance. This resulted in InCaSed numbers supported to claim these entitlemenls. We work closely with the Citizens Advice in Dorset office on co-ordinating research and campaigns matters and shared service delivery including the Adviceline telephone service and the Single Point of Contact third paty email referral system. Our fundraising team has been successful in achieving a number of grants including for project work, core costs and training. We would like to thank Alice Cooper Deane Foundation, Bridport and Lyme Regis Town Councils, Bridport Lions and Rotary Clubs, Citizens Advice in Dorset, Dorset Community Foundation, Hall and Woodhouse, Henry Smith Charitable Foundation, Morrisons, National Citizens Advice, National Lottery Community Fund, Parish Councils, Prout Bridge Project, Valentine Trust, Wessex Water, West Dorset Mencap, our main funder, Dorset Council and all those who have donated to the service, for financial assistance and support in 2024-25. Page 3
Brldport and District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees. for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 3 FINANCIAL REVIEW Flnanclal Posltlon The bureau has concluded the year in a reasonable financial position, despite the deficit, which is £9,350 (2023124 £36,849) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Total income was £285,511 (2023124 £240,391) an increase of £45,120, 160/0 from prior year. This takes the organisation back to 2022123 levels. Total expenditure was £294,881 12023124 £277,240). Costs have increased by £17.621. reflecting a significant increase in salaries due to both an inflationary pay increase in the year and the increase in staff numbers to staff projects. Salary related costs are £20,516 higher than prior year. All other overhead costs were £2,895 lower than prior year. Depreciation at £6,795 (2023124 £7,117) is similar to last year. At the end of the year the total funds stood at £173,275 {2023124 £182,625). General unrestricted funds were £126,833 (2023124 £139.422)- £11.173 represented the net book value of fixed assets leaving free reseNes of £115,660. Restricted funds at the year end were £4,442 (2023124 £1,203). In addition to this there are unrestricted designated funds of £42,000 (2023124 £42,000). The Trustees have recognised the risk to future grant receipts from the recently formed Dorset Council so have allocated £12,000 to this specific risk, £10,000 to Propety and Equipment and £20,000 as a contingency to cover statutory liabilities payable to employees in the event of bureau closure. This is not to say that we expect this to happen in the foreseeable future. Note that a new lease has still to be negotiated with our landlord Wessex Water. The lack of an increase in our core grant over a considerable number of years previously, and for the lifetime of the new contract, means that we are constantly seeking alternative ways of covering inflationary increases to our core costs. We continue to attempt to diversify our sources of funding and a group of our Trustees has this specific responsibility. Prlnclpal Fundlng Sources Our principal source of funding is Dorset Council., they provided 380/0 of the Bureau's income. when income via Citizens Advice in Dorset is included. The contract for delivering the Dorset Council Information Advice and Guidance contract is held by Citizens Advice in Dorset from 1 October 2021. CAID distribute the funding to the three Dorset Local Citizens Advice offices through a service level agreement with each office. The contract is for three years plus a further tsvo years which was confirmed by the Council in May 2025. Other sour8 of income Yre Bridport Town Council. Lyme Regis Town Council, Local Parishes, and other charitable bodies shown in the notes on pages 15, 16 and 17. Investment Pollcy Paragraph 4.15 of its Memorandum of Association gives Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau the power to invest or deposit funds in any laul manner whilst having regard to the suitability of investments and the need for diversification. The Bureau does not invest surplus funds, but does maintain a policy of holding resources in excess of requirement in an interest eaming account. Page 4
Brldport and Dlstrict Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees. for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Funds In Deflclt Losses on all funds in deficit have been charged against General ReseNes in the year. Where projects cover their marginal costs but do not cover their fully apportioned cost (i.e. including general overheads) it is sometimes decided that the project should be carried out as it has a benefit to the local community. Reserves Pollcy Bridport and District Citizens Advice is required to ensur8 that free monies are available in each financial year to meet any foreseeable contingency. Bridport and District Citizens Advice estimates income for 2 years ahead and will try to ensure that this is derived from as wide a variety of sources as possible. Bridport and Distrid Citizens Advice has a policy to hold a minimum General Reserve of £125,000. The basis for this level is to cover termination costs in the event of the bureau ceasing to operate (costs would be incurred in relation to the premises and to employees) and to cover 6 months operating costs. 4 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT Governlng document Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity and a Company limited by guarantee. The maximum liability of each member is limited to one pound. At 31 March 2025 the company had 14 members entitled to vote. Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The registered name of the charity is Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau. It was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 26 August 2003. Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau commenced operations on 1 July 2004 at which date the assets and liabilities of the unincorporated Bridport & District Citizens Advice Bureau were acquired. Recrultment, appolntment of trustees The twstees. who are drawn from the local community. are elected by members of the Bureau (individuals who are not paid or volunteer workers at the Bureau, and any body corporate or unincorporated association interested in furthering the work of the Charity and whose application for membership has been approved by the Trustee Board) at the Annual General Meeting unless nominated by member organisations or co-opted by the Trustee Board. All elected trustees must retire from office at the third Annual General Meeting followng the Annual General Meeting at which they were elected, but may stand for revelection. All nominated and co-opted trustees shall retire from office at the third Annual General Meeting following the ordinary meeting of the Trustee Board at which they Vre appointed but may be re-appointed. Organisational structure Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau is governed by its Trustee Board which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and the policy of the charity. These policies are implemented by the Bureau management. The trustees carry the ultimate responsibility for the conduct of Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau and for ensuring that the charity satisfies its legal and contractual obligations. Trustees meet as a minimum quarterly and delegate the day to day operation of the organisation to senior management and to subcommittees controlled by trustees. The Trustee Board is independent from management. A register of Trustees. interest5 15 maintained at the registered office and is available to the public. Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau is a member of The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, which provides a framework for standards of advice and casework management as well as monitoring progress against these standards. Page 5
Bridport and District Citlzens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees. for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The Bureau also co-operates and liaises with a number of other advisory services, local charities and social services departments on behalf of clients. Major Risks Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau has worked on a Risk Management exercise. The trustees recognise that any major risks to which the charity is exposed need to be reviewed and systems put in place to mitigate those risks. Included in external risks is that of loss of funding. Whilst the funding from Dorset County Council has now been secured through CAID for the 5 years commencing 1 st October 2021, our share of that funding wll decrease over this period, following the adoption by CAID of a new funding allocation formula. based on population and deprivation metrics. Nevertheless our current 2 year plan shows that we are able to maintain our resetves at an acceptable level. We lease our premises from Wessex Water. Our lease has expired and we will be negotiating its renewal. We are confident that we will be treated as sitting tenants. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for the authorisation of all transactions and projects and to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charity. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they still meet the needs of the charity. 5 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBLITIES The Trustees are required under Charity law to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the financial aclivities of the Charity 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 Charities SORP., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with applicable laws and regulations. They are also responsible for ensuring that the Charity maintains an adequate system of internal control designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss or unauthorised use and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. Small company provlslons In preparing this report, the Trustees have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006. Approved by the Board on Iv and signed on their behalf by: JIM Sm Chair of Trustees Page 6
Bridport and Dlstrict Cltizens Advlce Bureau Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Bridport and Distrlct Citizens Advice Bureau I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 8 to 18. Rgsponslbllities and basls of report The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is required. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, and - to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent examlnevs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charitable company and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that vnuld be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.. 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect. the requirements.. - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006: and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of the Companies Act 2006, and wth the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102), have not been met., or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Mr. M. J. Crldland B. IHons) F.C. Scott Vevers Ltd Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 65 East Street Bridport Dorset DT6 3LB Date- Page 7
Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (Includlng Income and Expendlture Account) Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds Totsl funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Notes Income and endowments from: Donations and grants Investments- UK bank interest received 50,642 711 234,158 284,800 711 239,596 795 Totsl Income and endowments 51,353 234,158 285,511 240,391 Expenditure on: Cost of raising funds Charitable activities.. Operation of Bureau 346 63,596 346 294,515 642 276,598 230,919 Total expendlture 63,942 230,919 294,861 277,240 Net deflclt for the year (12,589) 3,239 (9,350) (36,849) Transfers beeen funds Net movement in funds {12,589) 3,239 (9,350) 136,849) Reconciliation of funds Funds brought forward 181,422 1,203 182,625 219,474 Funds carrled forward 10 168 833 173275 182825 All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above tsvo periods. The notes on pages 10 to 18 fomi an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8
Bridport and District Citlzens Advice Bureau (Registration number: 4876990) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Notes Flxed assets Tangible assets 11.173 17,968 Current assets Debtors Short term deposits Cash at bank and in hand 28,712 79.770 124,603 24,153 79,214 67,542 233,085 170.909 Llabllltles Creditors: amounts falling due thin one year Net current assets (70,983) (6.252) 162.102 164,657 Net assets 173,275 182,625 Funds of the charlty Restricted income funds Unrestricted income funds General funds Designated funds Total unrestricted income funds 10 4.442 1,203 10 10 126,833 42.000 139,422 42,000 168,833 181,422 173,275 182,625 The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025. Dlrectors, responsibilities.. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of the accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476,. and The d1CtOrS acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to arKounting records and the preparation of the accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102 SORP. The financial statements were approved by the Board on . behalf by: and signed on their JIM Smy Kelth Wllson (Treasurer) The notes on pages 10 to 18 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 9
Brldport and District Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Ststements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Accountlng pollcles a) General Informatlon and basls of preparatlon Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau is a private charitable company limited by guarantee and incorporated in England and Wales. In the event of the charily being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the Charity information on page 1 of these financial statements. The nature of the charity's operations and principal activities are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the community in Bridport, Beaminster, Lyme Regis and surrounding villages by the advancement of education. the protection and preservation of health and the relief of povety, sickness and distress. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102} and the Companies Act 2006. The accounts include the results of the charitys operations which are described in the Trustees, Report, all of which are continuing. Advantage has been taken of the exemption under FRS 102 1A for smaller charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows. b) Accountlng convention The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern. c) Income All income is recognised when the charity is entitled to the income, there is sufficient certainty of receipt and so it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. All monetary donations and gifts are included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable provided that there are no restrictions imposed by the donor as to the timing of the related expenditure, in which case recognition is deferred until the conditions have been met. In addition to the above, the charity also receives help and support in the form of voluntary assistance in advising the public. This help and support is not included in the financial statements. d) Expenditure Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered. All expenditure which is directly related to the provision of advice seThices is included within charitable activities. Other costs incurred have been allocated beeen charitable activities, and fundraising and publicity- Where such costs relate to more than one functional cost category they have been split on an estifflate of time basis. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the ststement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term. e) Overhead Apportlonment Direct Salaries and other direct costs are charged to the relevant projects. Support cost overheads are where possible apportioned to projects in a consistent way so as to absorb the total of management. administration, office. premises, governance and other costs across restricted and unrestricted projects. Page 10
Bridport and Distrlct Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Q Tanglble Flxed Assets Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost (or deemed cost) or valuation less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. g) Depreclatlon and amortlsatlon Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over an expected useful life as follows.. Asset class Depreclatlon method and rate Fixtures, fittings and equipment 5 year straight line h) Debtors and credltors Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable wthin one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. 11 Funds Income received for purposes specified by the donor is included in a separate restricted fund against which appropriate expenditure is allocated. Designated funds are allocated out of unrestricted funds by the Trustees for specific purposes. The use of such funds is at the Trustees, discretion. j) Pensions The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contribution5 are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. k) Tax The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation lax purposes. l) Financial Instruments Classrfication Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial liabilities and equity instrurnents are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangement entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities. Recognition and measurement All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified a5 at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value {which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs). unless the arrangement onstitutes a financing transactions. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for similar debt instruments. Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when. and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liabilily simultaneously. Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to anolher paty. Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires. Page 11
Bridport and District Citlzens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 2 Donations and grants Unrestricted funds 2025 2024 Restrlcted funds 2025 2024 Total funds 2025 2024 Government & public authority grants Charitable Trusts Donations 24,355 12,846 13,441 14,390 123,642 113,513 147,997 10, 790 106,516 97.802 119,362 1.981 4,000 1, 120 17,441 127,903 108,592 3, 101 50,642 27,161 234,158 212.435 284,800 239,596 3 Investments: UK bank Interest recelvable Income from UK bank interest was wholly attributable to unrestricted funds in both years. 4 Cost of ralslng funds Unrestrlcted funds 2025 2024 R8Strlcted funds 2025 2024 Total funds 2025 2024 Fundraising & publicity 346 642 346 642 346 642 346 642 5 Charltsble activities Unrestricted funds 2025 2024 Restrlcted funds 2025 2024 Total funds 2025 2024 Staff costs Direct costs Support costs Governance costs 44,156 4.101 14.553 786 31,990 198.660 190.310 242,816 222,300 7,251 6,984 9, 949 11,085 17,200 16,189 23,979 18,723 38,532 34.912 1,014 1,296 1.172 2,082 2. 186 63.596 56,444 230,919 220, 154 294,515 276,598 Direct costs Recruitment & training Travel Other staff & volunteer costs Grants & disbursements 3,139 718 244 6,017 877 357 5.172 1,183 402 227 6,958 1,015 412 1, 564 8,311 1,901 646 227 12,975 1,892 769 1, 564 4,101 7.251 6,984 9, 949 11,085 17,200 Page 12
Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 5 Charltable actlvltles (contlnued Unrestrlcted funds 2025 2024 Restrlcted funds 2025 2024 Total funds 2025 2024 ort costs Premises Utilities Insurance Telephone & communications Printing, postage & stationery Books & information Equipment costs Computer soare & maintenance Legal & professional fees Depreciation Sundries 5,857 2,601 238 2,123 573 5,989 2,485 278 2, 665 694 326 27 252 61 3, 300 112 9.650 4,285 392 3,499 944 16 146 150 21 4,229 647 6,925 2,874 321 3,082 802 376 32 291 71 3,817 132 15,507 6,886 630 5,622 1.517 25 234 241 34 6,795 1,041 12,914 5,359 599 5,747 1,496 702 59 543 132 7,117 244 88 91 13 2,568 394 14.553 16,189 23,979 18,723 38,532 34,912 Governance costs Accountants, fees 786 1,014 1,296 1,172 2,082 2, 186 786 1,014 1.296 1,172 2,082 2, 186 6 Informatlon regardlng employees and trustees 2025 2024 Wages & salaries Social security costs Pension costs 224,513 206,523 11.673 9,861 6,630 5,916 242.816 222,300 The average number of employees. analysed by function was: 2025 2024 no no Charilable activities Management and administration 10 12 No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000. Trustees receive no remuneration for their duties. Trustee indemnity insurance has been purchased. There were no trustees for whom benefits were accruing under pension schemes. Pension schemes for employees are operated on a defined contributions basis. There is a Standard Life scheme to which the Bureau contributes 50kn of pensionable earnings. This scheme is closed to new members. There are also contributions made in respect of the auto-enrolment scheme which are paid into Nest, the scheme set up by the Government for this purpose. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the Bureau in independently administered funds. The pension cost shown in the accounts represents contributions payable by the Bureau and amounted to £6.630 (2023124 £5.916). There were no contributions payable or outstanding at the year end. Page 13
Bridport and District Citlzens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 6 Net income for the year 2026 2024 This is stated after charging- Depreciation Accountants, fees - independent examination Accountants, fees - other services 6.795 1,550 532 7,117 1, 550 636 7 Flxed assets Flxtures, flttlngs & equlpment Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions 78.481 At 31 March 2025 78,481 Depr8clation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year 60,513 6,795 At 31 March 2025 67,308 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 8 Debtors 2025 2024 Prepayments and accrued income 28,712 24,153 9 Creditors - amounts falllng due wlthin one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Accruals Receipts in advance 870 1,550 68,583 705 5,547 Page 14
Bridport and Dlstrict Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 10 Funds At 1 Aprll 2024 Income Expendlture Fund At 31 March transfers 2025 Restrlcted funds Dorset Council Dorset Council (Cost of Living) Dorset Community Foundation CITA Energy WHD EAP Westwey CITA Energy- EOP Mencap Lions Club Trainee Advisor DCF spoc Henry Smith Trust Bavlap and Hospital Independence at Home SGN Energy (CAEDP) A]ice Ellen Cooper Dean Wessex Water TAP Valentines 50.754 28,648 8,000 10,500 5.664 23,340 2,055 (50.754) {28.648) (8,766) (10,500) (5,664) (23,292) (2,055) 766 48 20 20 3,450 4,000 10,400 59,400 (550) (10,400) (59,400) (227) 411 184 7,397 10,000 4,000 10,000 (7,397) (10,000) (3,266) (10,000) 734 1.203 234,158 (230.919) 4,442 Unrestrlcted funds Deslgnated funds: Propertyl equipment fund Local Govemment reorg. statutory Liabilities 10,000 12,000 20,000 10,000 12,000 20.000 42,000 42,000 General funds 139.422 51,353 (63,942) 126,833 181.422 51,353 (63,942) 168,833 Total funds 182,625 285,511 294 861 173,275 Page 15
Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statsments for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 10 Funds (continued) At l Apn"I 2023 Income Expendlture Fund At 31 March transfe 2024 2024 Restricted funds Dorset Council Dorset Council (Cost of Living) Dorset Community Foundation Community Organisation Cost of Living Westwey Access to Justice - Benefits SupeNisor Mencap Hall and Woodhouse Lions Club Nat CitA Cost of Living Send CiTA- M8Ps Debt Trainee Bavlap Independence at Home Hospital Fund Car Boot Fund- Smart Phones 58,933 16,230 7,313 25,465 4, 585 (58, 933) (16,230) (9, 777) (15.276) (10. 189) (4,585) 3,230 766 27,950 (27, 950) 2, 739 (2, 739) (1,000) 200 15.000 270 (450) (15,000) (70,400) (57, 700) (270) (344) 20 10,400 57, 700 681 411 350 500 20,611 212.435 (220. 154) (11, 689) 1.203 Unrestrlcted funds Designated funds.. Property/equipment fund Local Govemment reoo. statutory Liabilities 10,000 12,000 20,000 10,000 12,000 20,000 42,000 42,000 General funds 156, 863 27.956 (57, 086) 11,689 139,422 198,863 27,956 (57.086) 11,689 187.422 Totsl funds 219,474 240,391 277,240 182, 625 Page 16
Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 10 Funds {contlnued) Purposes of funds.. RESTRICTED FUNDS: Dorset Councll This funding is to provide general advice but under the terms of the seiCe Level Agreement has to be shown as restricted. Dorset Councll (Cost of Llvlng)- to provide income maximisation and money advice for households on low income experiencing financial difficulties. Dorset Community Foundatlon - funding for debt advice. CITA Energy WHD EAP- Energy advice for people experiencing ,or at risk, of fuel poverty. Westwey - Income Maxlmlzatlon Followng the introduction of Universal Credit in the local area. Dorset Council has funded 1.1 full-time equivalent caseworkers across West Dorset & Weymouth. The Bridport position is 5 hours per week. CITA Energy - EOP - to provide energy and carbon monoxide advice for people experiencing, or at risk, of fuel povety and energy outreach advice sessions for consumers. Mencap funding to provide a dedicated face-towface and phon&line advice service for people with a leaming disability. Lions Club - to pay for Debt Relief Order fees for clients who cannot afford the fee. Tralnee Advlsor DCF - funding for a trainee advisor post. SPOC - funding to provide a referral seNice for third party organisations into Citizens Advice in Dorset. Henry Smlth Trust - funding to provide a specialist welfare benefits casework sep4ice. Bavlap and Hospital - funding to support medical treatment costs for clients. Independence at Home- funding to support Costs of independent living for clients. SGN Energy (CAEDP) - funding to provide energy debt advice. Alice Ellen Cooper Dean - funding for volunteer co-ordinator post. Wessex Water - TAP - Wessex Water awarded us a grant to support some of their customers in financial difficulties onto more advantageous tariffslschemes. Val8ntines - funding to support specialist benefits advice. DESIGNATED FUNDS: Propertylequlpment Fund - This reserve is to cover future expenditure on our South Street office. Local Government reorganlsatlon - to cover the risk of future reductions in council funding. Statutory Llabllltles - to cover employee tem)ination payments if they became necessary. Page 17
Bridport and Dlstrict Citizens Advlce Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 11 Analysls of net assets between funds General Deslgnated funds funds Restrlcted funds Total funds 2025 Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 11,173 186,643 (70,983} 11,173 233,085 (70,983) 42,000 4,442 Net assets 126833 173 275 Genernl Designated funds funds Restricted funds Total funds 2024 Fixed 8ssets CunBnt assets Cuffent liabilities 17,968 127, 706 (6,252) 17,968 170,909 (6, 252) 42,000 1,203 Net assets 139 422 182 625 12 Leasing commltments At 31 March 2025 the Bureau had no commitments under non-cancellable operating leases. We will be negotiating a lease for future years with our landlord Wessex Water. 13 Related party transactlons and control There were no related party transactions requiring disclosure in either year. 14 Flnanclal Instruments 2025 2024 Categorisation of financial instruments.. Financial assets that are debt instrument measured at amortised cost 204,373 146,756 Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 70,983 6,252 Items of Income, expense, galns or losses The total interest income for financial assets not measured at fair value through profit or loss is £711 (2023124 £795). Page 18