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2022-03-31-accounts

Annual Report & Financial Statements

For the Year: 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Contents

Statement from Chair 3
Reference & Administration Details
of the Charity, its Trustees & Advisors 4
Structure, Governance & Management 5
Objectives & Activities 9
Strategic Plan 10
Achievements & Performance,
and Aims for 2021-22 12
Financial Review 33
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 36
Independent Auditor’s Report
to the Trustees & Members of Ataxia UK 37
Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 40
Balance Sheet 42
Cash Flow Statement 43
Notes to the Financial Statements 44

Ataxia UK works across the whole of the UK and is a charity registered in Scotland (no SC040607) and in England and Wales (no 1102391) and a company limited by guarantee (04974832)

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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Introduction from the Chair

Ataxia UK had a very successful year in 2021-22, despite the continuing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on our ability to host faceto-face events and facilitate fundraising. Many supporters with mobility difficulties, who could not attend in-person events, have welcomed the advent of our online activities which have enabled their participation which otherwise would not be possible. As we re-introduce face-to-face events, we will ensure that we continue to provide them online. In this respect the pandemic has helped us understand better the ways we can improve the accessibility of our activities.

In the face of the financial pressures facing so many people, which are often more extreme for people with disabilities, we are pleased that we had already made plans to increase our advice and information service to . Our advice services have been going through a number of changes; Sheila Benneyworth, our committed Helpline Officer of 17 years, took her well-deserved retirement and an Advocacy service was introduced to provide increased support for difficult problems. We are grateful to the many volunteers who support the service.

Research into the ataxias continues apace; there has never been so many research projects and trials for the ataxias. We are encouraged that Reata, the developers of the first drug for Friedreich’s ataxia, Omaveloxolone, are planning to submit an application for market authorisation in Europe during 2022 and we will encourage them to do so in the UK. Ataxia UK’s reputation and influence in the field of ataxia research is extending through our increasing participation in the steering committees of global research projects as patient advocates.

Our DRLPA project which commenced with basic research and has progressed to more complex levels has enabled us to gain new skills and experience which will translate into other work. We were disappointed at the postponement of the International Congress for Ataxia Research which was due to be in March 2022 but pleased that it has been rescheduled to November 2022.

The Board has spent time this year considering a major refresh of our strategy and has received much valuable input from members concerning what matters most to them. We are close to finalising this refresh which will be published shortly and is more about changes in emphasis given changes in the world than significant changes in direction. The headlines are included in the report to follow.

Our financial situation has improved during the year, primarily due to the generosity of Friends and supporters who have left us numerous bequests and the loyalty of donors and fundraisers during the pandemic. The fundraising environment remains very challenging for charities such as ours, and I commend the Board for their consistent prudence in coming through these difficult times.

We know that challenges lie ahead, due to the worsening economic situation, but we have confidence that we have a Board of Trustees, a staff team, and committed supporters who will enable us to further develop our support to people affected by ataxia and ultimately ensure that treatments and cures are found.

William Littleboy, Chair of Trustees

www.ataxia.org.uk

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Reference & Administration Details of the Charity, and its Trustees & Advisors

The charity’s registered address is

12 Broadbent Close, London, N6 5JW.

The trustees that served during 2021-2022 were:

Honorary Officers

Richard Brown, MBE, Co-Chair (Elected as Co-Chair 6 October 2019, retired Nov 2021)

William Littleboy, Co-Chair (Elected as Co-Chair 6 October 2019, Chair from November 2021)

Kathy Jones, Honorary Treasurer

Ataxia UK uses the following professional advisors:

Auditors

Goldwins Limited 75 Maygrove Road West Hampstead London NW6 2EG

Bankers

Barclays Bank PLC PO Box 96 82-84 High Street Epsom KT19 8BH

Trustees

Angela Hosie (joined Nov 2021) Andrew Downie (retired Nov 2021) Prof Barry Hunt (retired Nov 2021)

Carol McCudden

HR Consultants

HR Services Partnership Bentley House North Heath Lane Horsham West Sussex RH12 5QE

Gemma Fish

Philip Griffiths Rachel Harrison (joined Nov 2021)

Robert Perkins

Solicitors

Bates Wells 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1BE

Terence McCaw (retired Jul 2021) Prof Barry Hunt is Scientific Advisor to the Board Susan Millman is the company secretary and CEO.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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Structure, Governance & Management

Ataxia UK is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales on 25 November 2003, a registered charity in England and Wales (number 1102391) and a charity registered in Scotland (number SC040607). It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, adopted on 25 November 2003.

Ataxia UK is managed by a Board of Trustees, which sets strategies and policies. An Executive Committee, compromising the Honorary Officers, the Trustee Scientific Advisor and one other trustee (one of whom must have ataxia), conducts business as required between meetings of the full Board of Trustees. The trustees include people with ataxia, friends/family of people with ataxia and others with relevant experience and expertise.

The Annual General Meeting of the charity took place on 26 November 2021.

Under the articles of association of the charity, trustees are nominated for election by the Friends of the charity, comprising beneficiaries affected by ataxia and others interested in the welfare of those affected by ataxia. Each year one quarter of the trustees retire but are eligible to stand again if they so wish. In addition, the trustees may co-opt up to three additional trustees.

New trustees are invited to an induction session with the CEO and the Chair(s) of the Board of Trustees before their first Board Meeting. The meeting covers the Ataxia UK constitution, including the objects of the charity; the legal duties of trustees; our Code of Conduct and Conflicts of Interest policies; Ataxia UK’s finances; the current strategic plan; aims and objectives, and the internal structure of the charity. New trustees are provided with the Ataxia UK’s Trustee Handbook, which includes links to the most significant documents on the Charity Commission website.

The pay and remuneration of the key managers of Ataxia UK is considered annually by a Remuneration Committee, comprising the Co-Chairs and one other committee member, and meets during the budget setting process to review salary grading levels, London weighting, increment payments and inflation rises. The Remuneration Committee is provided with comparative benchmark information relating to similar posts in corresponding organisations to assist with their decision.

Public Benefit

In compliance with the Charities Act 2011, Ataxia UK has adopted a Statement of Public Benefit as follows:

Ataxia UK is an inclusive organisation which promotes the wellbeing of all people affected by ataxia. We provide information to people affected by ataxia at the early stages of diagnosis and specialist services for this medical condition, many of which are not available from the NHS or other statutory or voluntary sources.

We work to end isolation and promote engagement in social, educational and leisure activities for people affected by ataxia and their families. We educate the broad community and key subsections within it, such as the medical and social services professions, about the effects of ataxia.

We also fund vital research projects into potential treatments, aiming to find a cure for ataxia. There is currently no specific government funding for ataxia research.”

www.ataxia.org.uk

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Statement of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Ataxia UK has also adopted a Statement of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion :

Our vision at Ataxia UK is a world free of ataxia. Our mission is to find treatments and cures for the ataxias and to support everyone affected by ataxia. We will not achieve these aims alone; that's why we consider both those who work for Ataxia UK and Friends (members) we support who are affected, and partners with whom we collaborate, to be critical to our eventual success. Ataxia UK has always been committed to equality of opportunity to ensure all those who work for Ataxia UK, and those we represent, are treated equally, with dignity and respect. We ensure this by creating an environment in which individual differences, and the contributions of all, are recognised, valued, and enabled to enhance everything we do.

One of our core values is to ensure that everything we do has the needs of people affected by ataxia at its centre. We recognise that our Friends and supporters are people with differing needs, situations, goals and lifestyles. This is why equality and diversity are fundamental to our vision. Removing the barriers that limit access for everyone requires embedding equality and diversity into everything we do. That way, everyone can be confident that Ataxia UK is diverse and inclusive.

We are led by people affected by ataxia and ensure that the majority of our Board of Trustees is drawn from the diverse community which is affected by the condition.”

We seek to ensure that every Ataxia UK campaign, programme and event promotes the principles of equality and diversity, and actively encourages our supporters and partners to share our standards and ambitions of fairness and inclusion.

Our aim is to create an environment which is welcoming to all sections of society to enable our staff to be truly representative of our Friends and supporters. Additionally, for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best, regardless of their background and abilities. We encourage and expect the highest possible standards of work and conduct in everyone associated with Ataxia UK; and we recognise that this can only be achieved if the people that work at Ataxia UK feel valued and included.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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The Trustees confirm that they comply with their duty to have regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator OSCR in exercising their powers and duties.

Ataxia UK operates throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland through its network of Branches and Support Groups, which provide activities and support to Friends. The 2020 Regional Conference was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, and the Annual National Conference was held virtually.

We have continued to work in partnership with other organisations with shared interests, principally Genetic Alliance UK, The Neurological Alliance, the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and Euro-ataxia. Our Chief Executive is the Secretary of Euro-ataxia, a federation of 20 patient organisations from 15 different European countries.

The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) is a

sub-committee of the Board of Trustees and provides independent scientific advice to the Board of Trustees on:

The SAC comprises the following independent scientific members:

Dr Franziska Denk , Dr Claire Kelly , Dr Marija Sajic , Dr Mark Pook , Professor Keith Morris and Dr Gita Ramdharry .

The committee also included the following lay members during the year:

Yanita Oparlakova , Alick Varma , Harriet Bonney and Nathan Hall .

During this year lay member Rosemary Homayoun stood down from the committee and we are extremely grateful for her service on this committee.

Professor Barry Hunt Ataxia UK Board Scientific Advisor.

All members are unpaid volunteers.

www.ataxia.org.uk

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Employees

During 2021-22 the average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year was 19 (with all employees’ time involved in providing either support to the governance of the Charity or our charitable activities). IT support and HR advice functions are outsourced. We are currently working on a Data Officer; this role will include data protection & GDPR work.

Volunteers

In addition to the volunteers who function as trustees, many other volunteers play an important part in supporting Ataxia UK. During 2020-21 we have employed a number of interns and offered opportunities to volunteers throughout the charity. They have provided invaluable assistance in our day-to-day work, contributing towards our projects, such as the Ataxia Magazine. Our InControl Project has seen the launch of more roles for volunteers, see p.29.

The pandemic has cancelled many events that our Friends and supporters might have participated in. We are therefore especially grateful to those who have managed to raise funds for us, those who have donated to our appeals and regular givers, and the very generous support of people who have left bequests to Ataxia UK.

We are also grateful to the volunteers who assist us by serving on the Finance Sub-Committee, Scientific Advisory Committee, Medical Advisory Panel, Pharma Advisory Group, Fundraising and InControl Steering Group. During the year five trained volunteers supported the Helpline staff by answering phone and email enquiries. The contribution of all of our volunteers to the work of Ataxia UK is much valued and appreciated.

Risk Management

As in previous years, the Board actively managed the risks to the charity, focusing on the most serious. We maintain a register of risks and controls, and activities to mitigate risk throughout the year; in 2021-22 the register remained significantly influenced by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the beginning of the year the most significant risks and their mitigation were:

----- Start of picture text -----
Risk Mitigation/result
----- End of picture text -----

Risk Mitigation/result
Impact of lockdown and
isolation on benefciaries		 We provided online
activities, online speech
therapy and pilates, and
increased advocacy and
advice services.
Over-reliance on a
single funding source.		 Funding diversifed and
risk resolved by year end.
Face–to–face fundraising
and community
fundraising will be affected
by the pandemic.		 Although fundraising
has not returned to
pre-pandemic levels,
it exceeded our (reduced)
budgeted fgure.
Inadequate funds
to invest in research.		 This was mitigated by the
grant from the Covid-19
Support Fund (see detail
in Research section).

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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Objectives & Activities

Ataxia UK's charitable objectives are to ‘relieve those persons affected by ataxia’. Many different kinds of ataxia have been identified, with varying causes and characteristics. Typically, they are slowly progressive conditions in which initial clumsiness and poor balance and co-ordination can lead to total physical disability. Other symptoms may include problems with speech, sight and hearing. There is currently no treatment for most ataxias, although good progress towards treatments is being made for some.

The trustees are clear that ataxia does not just affect the person with the disorder, but also his/her carer and other members of the family. Ataxia UK regards all three groups as affected by ataxia and aims to help them all. Whilst the long-term vision is to find a cure for ataxia, trustees recognise that those affected by ataxia need a variety of support right now, and this informs our activities.

One of our primary objectives is to find the causes of, and suitable treatments and cures for the various forms of ataxia. We do this by promoting and facilitating research into the ataxias, as well as funding research projects. Research grants are made on the basis of proposals from qualified researchers that have been assessed by peer reviewers and evaluated by Ataxia UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee. All projects, where appropriate, have approval from the Ethical Approval Committee local to the lead researcher.

condition and medical care to enable the management of symptoms. Ataxia UK seeks to improve treatments and care by researching the experiences and requirements of people with ataxia and by developing replicable model solutions to the problems they experience. Our most significant work in this area is the development of Ataxia UK’s accredited Specialist Ataxia Centres: specialist clinics within the NHS that aim to bring together in a ‘one-stop shop’ all the services needed by someone with ataxia, from diagnosis to the ongoing management of their condition.

In the absence of treatments and cures, Ataxia UK recognises the need to provide as many care and support services for people affected by ataxia as our resources will allow. These services comprise all other services for beneficiaries, including information and website services, such as our quarterly Ataxia Magazine, monthly E-newsletter, Helpline services, conferences and workshops on topics of interest, our network of Branches and Support Groups, and our InControl project that aims to combat loneliness and isolation within the ataxia community.

Raising awareness of ataxia is a fundamental desire of people with ataxia. Ataxia UK is focussing its efforts on improving understanding of the condition in the NHS, where diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, but also in the social care sector, where an understanding of the condition could significantly improve the situation for people affected by ataxia.

People with ataxia want a quick diagnosis that’s delivered in a supportive and sympathetic manner, with the choices of care explained and assistance in accessing them available, if required. They want information about their

www.ataxia.org.uk

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Our Strategic Plan

There remained much work to be done to benefit people affected by ataxia under the themes of the Strategic Plan 2017-2020 and in 2020 we elected to extend it to 2022 whilst retaining the projects to which we are committed.

Strategic Plan 2017-22 contained four major ambitions:.

By 2022 we want people affected by ataxia to be able to say: “I feel supported To have increased our funded and in control” research activity

To consistently maximise the impact of research activity

----- Start of picture text -----
To have fostered best
practise in treatment & care
----- End of picture text -----

The work we have done during the year has been designed to contribute to these aims. This can be read about below under the headings of Research; Improving Treatment & Care; Services; and Raising Awareness; with Fundraising, and Communications supporting these activities.

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Strategic Plan 2022-25 contains these new ambitions:

Improve access to specialist, integrated care (including mental health care), treatments and drugs for the ataxias

Faster, accurate diagnosis

Consistently maximise the impact of research activity leading to treatments and cures

Enable greater access to services aimed at improving wellbeing and circumstances financial

Our new Strategic Plan 2022-25 takes into account the impact of the changes brought about in many areas of life by the Covid-19 pandemic which arrived towards the end of 2019-20, and the coming financial pressures which will exacerbate the existing poverty of a small but significant number of people affected by ataxia.

Some of the most significant actions we will take over the next three years to meet these objectives are:

www.ataxia.org.uk

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

FY21-22 Key Highlights

We have awarded:

grants

We have supported the recruitment of participants for:

Including this 10 there are currently 26 projects being managed.

research surveys projects

Over the 10 years our funded research has produced:

We are closely following the work of Reata pharmaceuticals as they seek approval for their drug Omaveloxolone, which would be the first drug for Friedreich’s ataxia. During the year they submitted a new drug application to the US FDA. We await the decision & will do all we can to support early approval in the UK.

87 44

papers published in scientific/medical journals

new research tools developed.

The last 10 years’ data shows that every £1 invested in research by Ataxia UK, raises an extra £4.90

in further funding used . specifically for ataxia research

Secured a grant of

£104K

from the UK Government Covid Medical Research Charities Support Fund allowing further funding of ataxia research.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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The London Ataxia centre now runs

ataxia clinics 4 a week

Plans are underway to set up a Paediatric Ataxia Centre in London in collaboration with the Adult Ataxia Centre.

The Helpline continues to support the ataxia community, with 1237

contacts during 2021-22.

Speech Therapy Project

Pilot groups trialling the peer support method in June 2021 proved effective and the service . continues to develop

with the support of a fulltime Ataxia Nurse, providing much needed assistance to the expanding clinic.

Sponsored the Sheffield Ataxia Centre Study Day

which provided training about ataxia to 180 . healthcare professionals

The Advocacy Service is already providing 1-2-1 support to people in the ataxia community with a range of issues. Successful outcomes include improvements in financial circumstances, faster diagnosis and access to specialist neurology, access to appropriate housing, and support in school for children affected by ataxia.

www.ataxia.org.uk

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Research

Host the 2022 International Congress for Ataxia Research

The International Congress for Ataxia Research, jointly organized by Ataxia UK, and the US charities National Ataxia Foundation and Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) was due to be held in March 2022. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic situation the difficult decision was made to postpone it to ensure a face-to-face meeting could be held. It will now be held in November 2022 in Dallas, USA.

Start clinical research programme in DRPLA

• In collaboration with other patient groups, support the approval and distribution of treatments for the ataxias in the UK and across the world.

Ataxia UK has been collaborating with the US Foundation CureDRPLA, to advance research in Dentatorubralpallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), a rare form of inherited ataxia. CureDRPLA provide funds to employ a Senior Research Manager to support the Head of Research in leading the DRPLA Research Programme. The expertise we are gaining will help us advance research in other ataxias.

We coordinate the DRPLA Natural History and Biomarkers Study (DRPLA NHBS) with study sites in the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan. Ataxia UK has supported the sites in preparing the study documents for submission for ethical approval. The US site started recruiting participants in April 2022 and will

be followed by the other sites during 2022-23. Ataxia UK and CureDRPLA have partnered with a Japanese academic organisation (TRI) to facilitate study start-up at the Japanese sites. Ataxia UK is also managing the contracts and grant awards to the Universities involved in the natural history study, funded by CureDRPLA.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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Ataxia UK and CureDRPLA are facilitating the

CureDRPLA Global Patient Registry, which was launched in English in February 2021 to gather patient-reported data. In November 2022, we launched the registry in Japanese, Korean, French, Italian, and Portuguese. To date, the CureDRPLA Global Patient Registry has 23 participants from six different countries.

CureDRPLA commissioned a company called Casimir to conduct research interviews with six DRPLA carers and three people with DRPLA to understand symptoms, natural history, impact on daily activities and quality of life, and understand the outcomes that are important and relevant to patients and their families. Ataxia UK provided feedback on the interview guides and will provide pre-publication feedback on the manuscript.

CureDRPLA and Ataxia UK are preparing the first in-person DRPLA meeting in Boston in May 2022 which will be attended by representatives of CureDRPLA, Ataxia UK, researchers funded by CureDRPLA/Ataxia UK, and representatives from contract research organisations and pharmaceutical companies. The meeting aims to facilitate building the DRPLA patient community; share knowledge across the research projects and encourage pharmaceutical companies to advance their DRPLA programmes.

Gather and publicise information on the perspective of people with ataxia on research trials

Ataxia UK ensures the views of people affected by ataxia are considered in research activities. To this end we collaborated with researchers at the London Ataxia Centre (UCL/UCLH), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and FARA US to gather information on the perspective of people with ataxia on trials. The object was to understand the motivations and barriers to participation in clinical trials to improve recruitment, participation, and experience for people with ataxia.

Ataxia UK and FARA surveyed their members, asking questions on personal motivation, drug therapy, trial design, and on the most important symptoms people with ataxia wish to be addressed by a potential treatment. 342 people responded, and interesting data was gathered. Results were published in the medical journal ‘Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases’ in January 2022 and publicised in the ataxia community, and among researchers and pharma companies planning ataxia trials.

During the year we also worked with an academic researcher and member of our Medical Advisory Panel, to publish data from an Ataxia UK 2016 survey on the impact of ataxia on patients. This has been published in the online open access journal AMRC Open Research Platform. Despite the age of the data, there has been much interest from pharma companies in this type of information and a peer reviewed formal publication will give the data a wider reach. As we get closer to drug approvals and decisions on funding of new drugs it is important to collect information about the impact of ataxia to provide as evidence. We have also supported pharma companies in collecting similar information from people with ataxia.

www.ataxia.org.uk

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Further the involvement with Global Initiatives to help the future approval of medicines for the ataxias

Ataxia UK is a partner in the ‘Critical Path to Therapeutics for the Ataxias’ Consortium hosted by the US not-for-profit organization Critical Path Institute. This Global Consortium aims to bring together experts from across different fields of ataxia research, patient groups and pharma companies to create regulatory tools and strategies to catalyse the development of approved medicines for the ataxias. A crucial aspect of the Consortium is that it includes experts from regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in its discussions. It is funded by pharma companies who see the value of collaboration in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical product development.

Evaluate the research priorities of Ataxia UK and incorporate into the forthcoming Strategic Plan.

The Research Strategy was produced in June 2018, and needs updating to form an element of the organisation’s Strategic Plan. During the year the Research Strategy was reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). During 2022-3 a meeting will be held to get the input of people affected by ataxia. Patient engagement in research is playing an ever-increasing role in all aspects of Ataxia UK’s work. During the year there has been an improvement in the engagement of the lay members in SAC meetings due to the introduction of pre-meeting with research staff to improve the understanding of the research being evaluated and maximise their opportunities for input. We plan to launch the new Research Strategy during 2022-3.

In collaboration with other patient groups, support the approval and distribution of treatments for the ataxias in the UK and across the world.

Currently the drug closest to approval is a drug being developed for FA by Reata pharmaceuticals. Ataxia UK is following the work of Reata pharmaceuticals closely as they try to get approval for their drug Omaveloxolone, which would be the first drug for Friedreich’s ataxia. We invited a representative of Reata to the Euro-ataxia research conference we organised in June followed by a discussion. There is of course much interest in the FA community in this potential drug.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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Other Research Activities

Ataxia UK Research Grants Programme

During the year Ataxia UK awarded 10 grants, eight via our standard research programme, and two under the DRPLA programme. Including these projects there are currently 26 projects being managed.

Ataxia UK Grants

1. Dr Marcus Grobe-Einsler and Prof Thomas Klockgether (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany) ‘Assessment of ataxia severity under real-life conditions with SARAhome: A multicenter study in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3)’ – $80,000 (co-funded with National Ataxia Foundation).

2. Dr Alexandra Silva (Instituto de Invesigacão e Inovacão em Saúde – i3S, Portugal) ‘NanoSCA3: Development of brain-targeted nanobodies for application in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 therapy’ – £30,000 (co-funded with Plataforma R+SCAs, AISA, ACAH, Swedish SCA-network).

3. Dr Barbara Borroni (University of Brescia, Italy) ‘Motor and cognitive outcomes of non-invasive transcranial alternate current stimulation by entrainment of cerebellar oscillation’ – £5,000.

4. Prof Richard Festenstein (Imperial College London, UK) ‘Generation and characterization of a cardiomyocyte model for Friedreich’s ataxia to reveal the molecular mechanism of heart failure in patients’ – £5,000.

5. Dr Saul Herranz-Martin (Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Madrid, Spain) ‘Analysis of the mitochondrial dysfunction in FXN deficient neurones to generate a drug screening test’ – £4,750.

  1. Prof Paola Giunti (University College London, UK) ‘Brain pathology in an AIFM1 mutation causing Cowchock syndrome’ – £5,000.

7. Dr Yi Shiau Ng (Newcastle University, UK) ‘Balance and gait abnormalities in adult patients with mitochondrial disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6’ – £4,928.

8. Prof Anja Lowit (Strathclyde University, UK) ‘A feasibility study of LSVT Artic to improve speech performance in people with progressive ataxia’ – £2,862.

DRPLA Grants

(in partnership with CureDRPLA)

1. Dr Yael Shiloh Malawsky (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA) ‘DRPLA Natural History and Biomarkers Study (DRPLA NHBS)’ – £131,448.69.

2. Dr Giovanni Stevanin (Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), France) ‘Preclinical development of an amelioration therapy for DentatorubroPallidoluysian Atrophy – Funding Extension’ – €50,100.

Analysis of research outcomes of Ataxia UK funded research

The impact of the research we fund is evaluated every year using the Researchfish online portal with very positive findings. The last 10 years’ data shows that every £1 invested in research by Ataxia UK, raises an extra £4.90 in further funding used specifically for ataxia research. This illustrates the high quality of our funded research. Over the 10 years our funded research has produced 87 papers published in scientific/medical journals and the development of 44 new research tools.

www.ataxia.org.uk

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Medical Research Charities Covid Support Fund

Ataxia UK secured a grant of £104,000 from the UK Government Covid Medical Research Charities Support Fund. This will allow further funding of ataxia research. The fund was the result of campaigning by the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), of which Ataxia UK is a member.

Multi-Centre European Research Projects

A new call for research proposals was launched by the EU under the Horizon Europe Programme entitled ‘Developing new effective therapies for rare diseases’. The involvement of patient groups was a requirement for all applicants. Ataxia UK agreed to be a partner in two Research Consortia, and Euro-ataxia agreed to be a partner on three projects, on whose behalf Ataxia UK would carry out most of the work. The projects cover a wide range of ataxias and Ataxia UK has been involved in the project development. The results of the preliminary stage will be known in May 2022. It is encouraging to see the importance given to the participation of patient groups in research projects and for the recognition Ataxia UK and Euro-ataxia are getting within the field. Ataxia UK also continues to be involved in a number of European Research Consortia as partners to ataxia researchers. In many cases this involvement is by being a Euro-ataxia representative. It is important that Ataxia UK is supporting their projects and providing expertise and patient input.

European SCA3/Machado Joseph disease initiative (ESMI)

The ESMI consortium has successfully established the largest cohort of systematically characterised patients with SCA3 worldwide. The consortium is also playing an important role in the development of biomarkers. This is an extremely useful resource for running trials in Europe. This project has been recruiting participants since 2017 and Dr Julie Greenfield has continued to participate in the Steering Committee as a Euro-ataxia representative. Since the EU JPND funding ended the Consortium has been in discussions with pharma companies who may support the continuation of the funding and during the year a partnership with the company Servier laboratories has been announced.

Progression chart of spastic ataxias (PROSPAX) project

The PROSPAX project, launched in June 2020, is a collaborative effort between neurologists across Europe, plus Canada. The project aims to study the progression of spastic ataxias over time, from the clinical to the molecular level, including brain imaging, markers of progression and animal models. The project focuses mostly on ARSACS and SPG7, but will establish a more general research framework applicable to other spastic ataxias over time. Euro-ataxia is involved in the project as an active partner representing European ataxia patients, and is being supported by two members of the Ataxia UK research team Dr Julie Greenfield and Dr Ruby Wallis representing Euro-ataxia. An active Patient Organisation Group is leading a Work package to create Patient Reported Outcome Measures, by creating surveys and distributing among the patient groups, to be used in this study and for future trials.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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European Friedreich’s ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies (EFACTS)

This study, originally funded by the European Commission, gathers vital information about the progression of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) to generate a large FA patient database, alongside an integrated clinical and natural history database; this will be linked to a biological samples repository. It also aims to define a panel of clinical assessment tools for use in future trials. Data from this study has resulted in useful publications and is being used to plan clinical trials. Prof Barry Hunt of Ataxia UK is one of two Euro-ataxia representatives on the Steering Committee.

Cerebellum and Emotional Networks (CEN)

During the year the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network was funded by the European Research Council. To investigate the brain circuits that underlie emotional behaviour, the project will create a Virtual Institute of seven European universities and seven industry/charity partners, including Euro-ataxia. The training network is focusing on the role of the cerebellum, a previously overlooked part of the brain, and its involvement in the control of emotions. The knowledge gained will inform the development of new therapeutic strategies for individuals suffering from emotional disorders. Ataxia UK’s Research Manager Dr Emily Cutting is the Euro-ataxia representative.

TREAT-ARCA

This project, started in June 2020, focuses on recessive ataxias and in particular ARSACS and ARCA2 (also called COQ8A). It aims to design a toolbox of paradigmatic treatments for a targeted molecular medicine approach to autosomal recessive ataxias; including gene therapy in animal model systems of ARSACS and ARCA2. It also aims to develop biomarkers. Dr Emily Cutting is a Euro-ataxia representative on this project.

Ataxia Global Initiative (AGI)

The Ataxia Global Initiative is a worldwide research network with the goal of facilitating the clinical development of therapies for ataxias. Dr Julie Greenfield continues to be a Steering Committee Member and co-chairs the Policy and Patient Engagement Working Group, tasked with setting all the policies for the initiative. These are shortly to be published and aim

to help with harmonisation of data collection in ataxias trials. Membership of academics and representatives from patient groups and pharma has reached over 200 and there are currently 20 global collaborative research projects, endorsed by the AGI Steering Committee.

AT Society

Ataxia UK has continued to provide a research support service to the Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT) Society, supporting people affected by AT. During the year in addition to supporting their research grant programme and dissemination activities, we organised a joint webinar on Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia types 1 and 2 (AOA1 and AOA2). The webinar featured a research update by Ataxia UK staff followed by Q&A and discussion. The event resulted in a support group being formed for families affected by AOA2, and we are exploring ways of creating one for AOA1.

Working with Pharmaceutical Companies and Industry

Ataxia UK continues to work with pharma companies who have ataxia programmes, supporting them in advancing their research. We have provided introductions to ataxia experts in a range of areas, promoted trials in the UK, and given input on trial design. We provided information on the research landscape, and explained the opportunities available in developing treatments for the ataxias to companies considering drug development programmes in the ataxia field.

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

In particular, we have been following the work of Reata pharmaceuticals as they seek approval for their drug Omaveloxolone, which would be the first drug for Friedreich’s ataxia. During the year they submitted a new drug application to the US FDA. We await the decision and will do all we can support early approval in the UK.

Pharma Strategy Advisory Committee

The Pharma Strategy Advisory Committee met in January and provided useful advice to Ataxia UK on collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, maximising our impact, and ways we can support drug development process.

Recruitment of Participants to Research Studies

Having a database of people with ataxia puts Ataxia UK in a unique position to support research via the recruitment of participating volunteers. During the year we have supported nine research projects and seven surveys.

Friedreich’s ataxia Global Registry

Ataxia UK and FARA are the lead organisations facilitating the FA Global Registry. Ataxia UK has helped recruit participants by ensuring every new Friend of Ataxia UK affected by FA is given an information flyer about the registry and a webinar we produced explaining how to register is on the Ataxia UK website. There has been a substantial increase in participants in the last year from around 1,000 to around 1,400.

Raising Awareness of Ataxia Research

Ataxia UK research staff have attended meetings and conferences throughout the year. This has been very useful in raising the profile of ataxia and Ataxia UK, creating opportunities to establish new partnerships and encouraging further research in ataxia.

Rare Champions of Hope Award

Each year, Global Genes, a leading global rare disease patient advocacy organisation, invites nominations of exceptional people for their RARE Champions of Hope Awards. We are delighted that Head of Research, Dr Julie Greenfield, selected as the winner of the in the 2021 Champion of Hope in the Science and Technology category. The Award was accompanied by a $1000 donation from Global Genes.

Research aims for 2022-23

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Improvements in treatments and care

Treatment and care aims for 2021-22

Review and update Medical Guidelines on ataxia

A Guideline development Group has been assembled to oversee the review of the Medical Guidelines and a procedure for updating the Guidelines has been agreed. During the year we aim to produce updated Guidelines.

Launch a second Paediatric Ataxia Centre

Plans are underway to set up a Paediatric Ataxia Centre in London in collaboration with the Adult Ataxia Centre. Ataxia UK has allocated funding for this, in order to employ a part-time ataxia specialist nurse to support ataxia families. There have been delays in the launch, but progress has been made.

Establish additional Ataxia UK accredited ataxia clinics

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and pressures on the NHS this has been delayed. We are making progress with discussions with one clinic and hope for it to be launched during the year.

Pilot the use of peripatetic Specialist Ataxia Nurse

Plans have been drawn up and funding is being sought for an ataxia specialist nurse in Scotland.

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Further our engagement with medicines regulators to facilitate the approval of treatments for the ataxias when they become available

Ataxia UK research staff have attended training sessions and webinars to gain a better understanding of the UK medicine regulatory system and subsequent health technology assessment and funding of drugs within the NHS. This is becoming increasingly important, as more therapies are going through clinical trials in the ataxias.

During the year Ataxia UK responded to a consultation on the creation of a new fund called the Innovative Medicine Fund. This new Fund would aim to provide early access to medicines to patients, which is based on the already established Cancer Fund. This is a system whereby after drugs are approved by the regulator, if there is a need to collect more data prior to recommendation for funding by NICE they could be selected to be made available to patients via the Innovative Medicine Fund. Ataxia UK attended discussion meetings with Genetic Alliance UK and provided a response supporting this new Fund but suggested some changes to reflect the needs of people with a rare condition such as the ataxias.

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Other activities supporting improvements in treatments and care

Development of Clinical care pathways in the NHS in England

Ataxia UK responded to a consultation on a draft Movement Disorders clinical care pathway, highlighting the need for more specific information for the ataxias and other rare neurological conditions. As a result of this, a decision was made to include an Appendix specifically on Ataxia, and Ataxia UK were given the responsibility of drafting this.

Ataxia UK’s CEO and Head of Research worked with the lead neurologists at the London and Sheffield Ataxia Centres and an Ataxia UK Friend with expertise in NHS Specialised Commissioning to produce the Clinical Care pathway Appendix on Ataxias. This was well received, and we await the publication of the Movement Disorders Pathway with this Ataxia Appendix.

Value of treatment project evaluating Ataxia Centres

Ataxia UK is a partner in this European Brain Council project, that focuses on evaluating coordinated care in three rare neurological diseases. The ataxia study is run by Prof Giunti at the London Ataxia Centre. The data collection has now ended, and the results of surveys carried out in people with ataxia in the UK, Germany and Italy assessing the value of Ataxia Centres is being prepared for submission to a medical journal.

The results of this project highlight the value of coordinated care and specialist centres to address the challenges for people living with ataxia. Based on these results, the ataxia case study working group together with the European Brain Council made a number of recommendations designed to increase access to, and raise awareness of, Specialist Ataxia Centres, as well as improving education on management of the ataxias amongst primary care settings. The results of

the Value of treatment project will be used to make policy recommendations which we hope will improve the healthcare of people with ataxia.

Medical Advisory Panel meetings

Ataxia UK’s Medical Advisory Panel met during the year and provided advice to Ataxia UK on a number of important topics such as the revision of the Ataxia Medical Guidelines and advice to people with ataxia on the Covid-19 treatments. The meetings are also an opportunity for Ataxia UK to provide an update on the latest activities and for the group to be kept updated on research developments they are each involved in.

Providing information and advice to people with ataxia during the Covid-19 pandemic

People with ataxia have continued to need support during the year on issues relating to Covid-19. Ataxia UK has responded to this by updating the Ataxia UK website with the latest information on vaccines, treatments and developments of relevance to people with ataxia. Last year a survey was written and sent to Ataxia UK Friends to ascertain the impact of Covid-19 on their ataxia. In collaboration with some members of the Medical Advisory Panel the results were analysed and submitted for publication during the year.

Ataxia UK Ethics Review Committee

Surveys that are distributed to Friends of Ataxia UK or shared on our social media channels must first be reviewed by the Ethics Review Committee. This Committee comprises five members, who either have ataxia or are family members of people affected by ataxia. The Ethics Review Committee met four times throughout the year, to review two Ataxia UK surveys and six external surveys.

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Raising awareness and understanding of ataxia amongst healthcare professionals

Healthcare professionals’ registry

We continue to reach out to healthcare professionals with an interest in ataxia via our e-newsletters sent to 300+ people on the Registry, three times a year.

Sheffield Ataxia Centre Study Day

This event, which had been postponed due to the pandemic, was held in November 2021 as a virtual event. It was hosted and run by the Ataxia Centre with the aim of providing training about ataxia to healthcare professionals. Ataxia UK sponsored the event and provided logistical support. The event was successful and had a high attendance, with 180 delegates.

Ataxia UK accredited Ataxia Centres

Ataxia Children’s Centre – Sheffield Children’s Hospital

The Sheffield Children’s Centre, staffed by ataxia specialist paediatric neurologist, Dr Santosh Mordekar, supported by an Ataxia Nurse, continues to receive referrals and see children with a range of ataxias.

Sheffield Adult Ataxia Centre

– Royal Hallamshire Hospital Sheffield

The team at the Accredited Ataxia Centre consists of two neurologists (Prof Hadjivassiliou and Dr Shanmugarajah) and two Ataxia Nurses, thus is a large concentration of expertise. In addition, they have close links with the Children’s Ataxia Centre above, which facilitates the transition between children’s and adult services. Prof Hadjivassiliou continues to publish extensively on ataxia research, in particular autoimmune ataxias.

London Adult Ataxia Centre

The London Ataxia Centre, led by Prof Giunti, now runs four ataxia clinics a week, with the support of a full-time Ataxia Nurse, providing much needed assistance to the expanding clinic. There is also a multidisciplinary clinic, where patients see the neurologist along with other healthcare professionals, such as speech and language therapists and physiotherapists. In January 2022 a vestibular clinic was also established to run on the same day as an ataxia clinic, and neuroophthalmology and neuro-urology clinics, providing even more integrated care.

Prof Giunti continues to be involved in numerous research projects including trials. Her research laboratory studies a wide range of ataxias and is the only UK site for European natural history projects on the SCAs and FA.

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During the year we have been able to reinstate the support of the Ataxia UK clinic volunteers, which was suspended during the pandemic. New procedures have been put in place and the volunteers are providing support by either email, phone or videocall. This service has always been highly appreciated by patients at the clinic.

Euro-ataxia

Euro-ataxia is the federation of ataxia charities across Europe, with 20 member groups from 15 countries. Ataxia UK’s CEO is the Secretary General and Ataxia UK’s Head of Research is the Research Advisor.

We were pleased to be able to arrange a virtual conference for Euro-ataxia this year. The first day was a research conference, which consisted of eight presentations and Q&A. We invited academic researchers running large European projects in which Euro-ataxia is represented on a range of ataxias, and four pharma companies working on FA and SCAs. The event was attended by eleven out of the twenty Euro-ataxia charities, plus two other non-member charities plus some Friends of Ataxia UK. It was a very interesting diverse conference with a good level of discussion.

Various letters of support for new research projects have been written to support ataxia researchers get funding from the EU and other funders. Euro-ataxia offers to provide the patient perspective and input to funded ataxia projects where needed.

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Supporting charities in lobbying for improvements in care and research

We are active members of a number of representative ‘umbrella’ organisations, including Genetic Alliance UK /Rare Disease UK, the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and the Neurological Alliances in England, Scotland and Wales. Sue Millman, CEO of Ataxia UK, is also a Trustee of Genetic Alliance UK and Carol McCudden, is on the Board of Trustees of the Wales Neurological Alliance. All of these organisations seek to influence and improve investment, policy and practice in activities and services which influence the lives of people affected by ataxia, and we actively engage in their training, policy development, surveys and lobbying activities.

Treatment and care aims for 2022-2023

The Government has launched the follow up initiative to the Rare Disease Strategy: The UK Rare Diseases Framework in early 2021. Sue Millman secured a place on the UK Rare Diseases Forum to representing the Neurological Alliance (England) and has attended numerous meetings during the year regarding the Rare Disease Framework. The Forum enables engagement and collaboration between patient advocates, the UK Rare Disease Framework Board, the Delivery Group/ implementation boards for England and the devolved nations.

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Care and Support Services for people affected by ataxia

Care and support aims for 2021-22

The pandemic and its aftermath have prevented face-toface events though activities continue online. Work on the Investors in Volunteers accreditation has been put on hold as other activities take priority. We are now working with Breaking Down Barriers to develop and implement our diversity strategy in relation to services.

Services

During the year we created the role of Head of Services to take a strategic and operational lead in service development and delivery.

InControl

InControl is a three-year project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. The project aims to decrease feelings of social isolation and increase mental wellbeing within the ataxia community. This is achieved through the development and delivery of services, including volunteering opportunities, by and for the ataxia community. Covid restrictions and a reluctance to meet face-to-face have kept activities largely virtual.

Virtual Activities

Weekly virtual activities have been phased out in favour of less frequent, information and support-focussed sessions such as Pilates (monthly), Wellbeing Week (bi-annually), and All About Ataxia (quarterly) which are popular with the ataxia community.

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Branch and Support Groups

Our volunteers have offered 118 meetings from April 2021 to March 2022. As restrictions lifted in 2022 some groups are phasing in a hybrid of Zoom and face-to-face meetings depending on what is required locally.

Volunteer Recruitment

We have 96 volunteers in total of which 21 were recruited 2022-23. More than half of our volunteers perform more than one role.

Helpline and Advocacy Service

Helpline

The Helpline continues to support the ataxia community, with 1,237 contacts during 2021-22, mostly via email and phone. Just under half of enquiries received related to ataxia and Ataxia UK with an increasing number of contacts about welfare benefits, social care needs and housing. Initial support is required around understanding ataxia and the treatments and therapies available; further contacts occur as ataxia symptoms progress and additional support is required.

Friends Connect

The virtual befriending service has 14 pairs who meet weekly.

Speech Therapy Project

Pilot groups trialling the peer support method in June 2021 proved effective and the service continues to develop. Starting May 2022 sessions will be rolled out to the waiting list of 59 people with our own speech therapist. In the meantime, Prof Anja Lowit is conducting additional research to hone the method going forward.

Voice Banking

A funding partnership is being developed with SpeakUnique. Friends will be able to bank their voice now and choose between three synthetic voice options depending on the level of deterioration of their natural voice when it is recorded.

A review of the Helpline was undertaken during the summer of 2021 and recommendations made to enhance the service to offer more holistic support to the ataxia community.

Follow-up contacts with enquirers ensure additional support can be provided when required, including referral on to other services when appropriate.

Dedicated Helpline and Advocacy Officer recruited to work alongside Helpline volunteers and deliver 1-2-1 advocacy.

Advocacy Service

The Advocacy Service is already providing 1-2-1 support to people in the ataxia community with a range of issues. Successful outcomes include: improvements in financial circumstances; faster diagnosis and access to specialist neurology; access to appropriate housing; and support in school for children affected by ataxia. The advocacy service continues to sponsor applications to grant funds.

Membership

We welcomed 612 new Friends of Ataxia UK in 2021-22.

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Care and support aims for 2022-23

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Communications

Communications aims for 2021-22

We are re-examining our aims for awareness raising in the future and are intending to focus on raising awareness in tandem with the aims of our workplans in other areas rather than running 'independent' awareness campaigns. In particular we wish to harness our communications work in support of lobbying campaigns undertaken in support of Friend's aspirations

Throughout 2021-22 the communications team continued to support the ataxia community by providing key information at vital points throughout supporters’ journeys. One of the most important milestones in someone’s journey with ataxia is diagnosis. Sadly, too often diagnosis of ataxia can take a long time due to the rare nature of the condition. For the 2021 International Ataxia Awareness Day we ran a campaign called, “Two steps towards Speedier Ataxia Diagnosis”. The aim of which was to encourage supporters to undertake a sponsored walk whereby they would take the Ataxia UK Medical Guidelines to their GP to help raise awareness of ataxia amongst medical professionals.

The campaign was promoted on social media and reached 22,226 people on Facebook alone.

Communications aims for 2022-23

Our strategic priorities for financial year 2022-23 are:

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Fundraising

Fundraising aims for 2021-22

Financial Year 2021-22 has been another challenging year to fundraise in and whilst income is yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, we are seeing some recovery.

Ataxia UK has an in-house fundraising team undertaking a range of activities including: direct marketing; events and community fundraising; legacy fundraising; seeking grants from trusts and foundations; and major donor fundraising. We did not work with any professional external fundraisers or commercial participators this financial year. Supporters do fundraise on our behalf and are given support throughout their event by our dedicated Events and Community fundraisers. Ataxia UK is registered with the Fundraising Regulator, and we are committed to following the Regulator’s Code of Practice and Fundraising Promise which set the standards for fundraising behaviours in our interactions with the public and our supporters. We have a Vulnerable Persons Fundraising Policy which sets out how we identify such potential vulnerability and how we aim to respond in such circumstances.

In this financial year we received six complaints relating to our fundraising. We respond to each individual who registers a complaint and work with them as much as possible to come to a satisfactory conclusion. As of a result of these complaints we have reviewed existing processes, taken action where needed and continue to improve what we do in order to provide the best supporter experience we can.

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Review the existing Fundraising Strategy

A review of the existing Fundraising Strategy was presented to the board May 2021.

Broadly, the review concluded that given the turbulent and unpredictable nature of the fundraising environment we find ourselves in that we adjust our strategy and focus on:

Continue to increase the number of people who give to Ataxia UK regularly

Whilst only a small increase, the number of people giving a regular gift to Ataxia UK increased 2% compared to the previous financial year.

Begin work on charity wide supporter journey

Due to changes in team structures and a challenging recruitment environment, this work has been postponed until key vacancies can be filled.

Fundraising aims for 2022-23

Our strategic priorities for financial year 2022-23 are:

Continue to adapt our fundraising approach to changing and challenging external environment and maintain income

Throughout the year we constantly reviewed our activity looking for opportunities and working with the ever-changing Covid landscape. One such change was deciding to hold our Ataxia Classic cycle ride virtually instead of physically this year.

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Financial Review

For the year ending 31 March 2022

Overview

In what has continued to be a challenging environment due to the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and difficult economic times, we are filled with gratitude for the continued support and generosity of our supporters. The charity has successfully navigated the year and will continue to ensure that our income is used in the most effective way to meet our strategic goals.

The Balance Sheet and Statement of Financial Activities shows a significant improvement in Ataxia UK’s funds, as a result of a £234K surplus in the year (2020/21: (£1,103K). A net liabilities position still exists on the balance sheet due to the 3 years expenditure commitment being made for the DRPLA and NKX6-2 projects last year, whilst the funding will be received gradually over the 3 year period of the projects. The net liabilities position on the balance sheet has decreased to (£128K) from (£361K) in the prior year. The projects had a delayed start so the funding has been pushed out a year but the situation will be resolved over the next 2 years as year 1 funding has already been received.

The deficit in restricted funds, of which DRPLA and NKX6-2 funds are part, have also decreased over the year to (£851K) (2021: (£960K)). Once the outstanding restricted funds are removed the net total is £243K (2021: £134K). General unrestricted funds have however increased to £724K (2021: £599K). Further details of reserves are given later in this review. We continue to maintain a healthy cash flow and have cash at bank and in hand of £1.8 million.

Review of income

Income £1,575K

----- Start of picture text -----
Donations Legacies Lottery
£858K £258K £89K
Childlife
£80K
Fundraising
£240K
Other
£50K
----- End of picture text -----

Total income for 2021/22 was £1,575K (2020/21: £1,906K) a decrease of 17%. Donation income was substantially lower than the previous year, £858K (2020/21: £1,278K) a decrease of 33%. Legacy income has significantly increased to £258K for the year (2020/21: £189K), an increase of 37%. We remain very grateful to the Friends and supporters who remember us in this way. Income from fundraising activities increased to £240K (2020/21: £227K) an increase of 6%. The decrease in donations and increase in fundraising income reflects a change in activity as more fundraising has taken place in the year as we came out of Covid-19 restrictions. Childlife income increased to £80k (2021: £63K) an increase of 27%. Grants received decreased from £147K to £136K. The grants received income is made up of lottery funding of the In Control project (£89k), co-funding (£31k), plus other welfare grants (£16k).

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Review of expenditure

Expenditure £1,341K Expenditure £1,341K Expenditure £1,341K
Research
Activities
£501K		 Care Services
£331K		 Raising Funds
£340K
Raising
Awareness
£105K		 Governance
£64K

Our spending on research activities decreased to £501K (2020/21: £2,227K), a decrease of 77.5%. This significant decrease is due to a reduction in research grants being made in the year, £249K versus £1,989K in 2020/21, a decrease of 87% on prior year. The two DRPLA grants amounting to £175K account for the majority of the research grants made during the year. The detailed breakdown of the research grants made can be found in note 9. There was a 15% increase in spend on care services to £331K (2020/21: £288K). Cost of raising awareness decreased slightly from the previous year to £105K (2020/21: £109K). Expenditure on raising funds increased slightly to £340K (2020/21: £324K). Governance costs increased by 8% to £64K (2020/21 £59K) due to the survey and research into Situations of People with Ataxia and we would not expect governance costs to increase otherwise. We have cut some governance costs by implementing a new accounting system and appointing new auditors. There was no research conference held in the year due to Covid restrictions.

Investment policy and performance

Our investments are, in all cases, held in the form of publicly quoted bonds and cash. There are no restrictions on the Charity’s power to invest and the trustees have not adopted an ethical investment policy. Cash balances not immediately required are kept in interest bearing accounts with banks that are subject to strict credit criteria. All investments matured during the prior year and with the current very low interest rates have not, as yet, been re-invested.

Reserves levels at year end

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 (£K) 2021 (£K)
General funds 570 590
Designated funds 154 8
Total unrestricted funds 724 598
Restricted research funds (951) (1,065)
Restricted services funds 99 105
Total restricted funds (852) (960)
Total funds held (128) (362)
----- End of picture text -----

The charity saw an increase in reserve levels ending the year on (£128K) (31 March 2021: (£361K)), due to the total net income of £234k generated in the year.

Restricted funds were (£851K) (2020/21: (£960K)), (detailed in Note 24) with their still being deficit positions for DRPLA and NKX6-2. These deficit positions have not decreased in the year due to a delay in the start of the research projects so year 2 and year 3 payments have been pushed out by a year. Ataxia UK has signed agreements in place outlining the payment structure ensuring these future commitments will be met.

Designated Funds totalled £154K (2020/21: £8K) representing funds held at branches (£8K) and other designated funds (£146k) as detailed under Note 23. The trustees have set up four designated funds during

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the year in addition to the funds held at branches. These are unrestricted funds which have been set aside by trustees for an essential spend or future purpose. The designated funds are:

Covid-19/going concern

With the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic during the last year, the importance of having adequate reserves, as detailed above, continued to be a priority. Covid-19 has had, and continues to have, an impact on how we raise funds but due to the generous support of the ataxia community it hasn’t had a significant impact on our results to 31 March 2022. Due to the current challenging economic conditions as a result of the pandemic plus other world events, we will maintain the close scrutiny of the management accounts and cashflow and take whatever steps necessary to ensure the continued viability of the charity.

General reserves of the charity as at 31 March 2022 were £570K (31 March 2021: £590K) a 3% decrease. The trustees consider that it is both prudent and appropriate as part of their risk management policy to maintain a minimum level of contingency within free reserves to provide against any unforeseen changes in income and/or expenditure. The reserves policy continues to be that holding unrestricted free reserves equal to a minimum of 3 months operating costs (presently £70K per month, 2020/21: £64K per month) was an acceptable level to hold. This reflects a balance between being prudent and allowing the charity to direct as much resource as possible into research and care activities. ‘Free reserves’ of the charity are calculated as unrestricted funds less the net book value of tangible fixed assets, £22K (2020/21: £30K). As at 31 March 2022, free reserves totalled £548K (2020/21: £560K) equating to 7.83 months operating costs (2020/21: 8.73 months) and is therefore in excess of the reserves policy.

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of Ataxia UK for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company, and income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 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:

In preparing this report, the trustees have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.

Brexit

The trustees are continuing to assess the impact on the charity of the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU. They are not expecting this to have a significant impact on the charity.

Covid-19

The trustees continue to assess and monitor the impact of the pandemic and the consequences for Ataxia UK. In the short term we are striving to preserve sources of funding, whilst continuing to provide the support required by our community.

Approved by the trustees on 28 July 2022

William Littleboy, Chair

Kathy Jones, Treasurer

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Independent auditor’s report to the members of Ataxia UK

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Ataxia UK for the year ended 31 March 2022 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows 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, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

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 Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRCʼs 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.

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 auditorʼs report 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

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Charity and environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 or the Charity Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of the trustees

As explained more fully in the trusteesʼ responsibilities statement, the trustees 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 they 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 Charityʼs 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 Charity 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 an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (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 noncompliance 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 are set out below.

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38

Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.

This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and under Section 44(1) (c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

for and on behalf of Goldwins Limited Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants 75 Maygrove Road West Hampstead London NW6 2EG

Anthony Epton (Senior Statutory Auditor) 3 August 2022

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Statement Of Financial Activities

(incorporating the income and expenditure account)

(incorporating the results of the Charity's branches)

For the year ended 31st March 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Total funds
2022 2021
Notes £ £ £ £
Income
Donations and legacies 3 590,170 526,258 1,116,427 1,467,220
Other trading activities 4 221,390 18,572 239,962 226,588
Charitable activities 5 8,510 209,607 218,117 210,191
Investments 6 1 - 1 1,505
Total income 820,071 754,437 1,574,508 1,905,504
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 (228,420) (6,608) (235,028) (234,302)
Charitable activities 8 (466,381) (639,278) (1,105,659) (2,772,654)
Total expenditure (694,801) (645,886) (1,340,687) (3,006,956)
Net losses on investments - - - (1,076)
Net income/(expenditure) 125,270 108,551 233,821 (1,102,528)
Transfer from Unrestricted - - - -
to Restricted
Net movement in funds 125,270 108,551 233,821 (1,102,528)
Total funds brought forward 598,643 (959,987) (361,344) 741,184
Total funds carried forward 723,913 (851,436) (127,523) (361,344)
----- End of picture text -----

The SOFA has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing.

All recognised gains and losses are included in the SOFA.

The accompanying pages form part of these financial statements.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

40

Statement Of Financial Activities

(incorporating the income and expenditure account)

(incorporating the results of the Charity's branches)

For the year ended 31st March 2021

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds
2021
£ £ £
Income
Donations and legacies 599,322 867,898 1,467,220
Other trading activities 222,340 4,248 226,588
Charitable activities 8,888 201,303 210,191
Investments 1,505 - 1,505
Total income 832,055 1,073,449 1,905,504
Expenditure on:
Raising funds (233,384) (918) (234,302)
Charitable activities (399,810) (2,372,844) (2,772,654)
Total expenditure (633,194) (2,373,762) (3,006,956)
Net losses on investments (1,076) - (1,076)
Net income/(expenditure) 197,785 (1,300,313) (1,102,528)
Transfer from Unrestricted (18,646) 18,646 -
to Restricted
Net movement in funds 179,139 (1,281,667) (1,102,528)
Total funds brought forward 419,504 321,680 741,184
Total funds carried forward 598,643 (959,987) (361,344)
----- End of picture text -----

The SOFA has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing.

All recognised gains and losses are included in the SOFA.

The accompanying pages form part of these financial statements.

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41

Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Balance Sheet

As at 31st March 2022

Balance Sheet
As at 31st March 2022
2022 2021
£
£
29,946
-
29,946
6,218
212,094
1,617,472
1,835,784
(993,083)
842,701
872,647
(1,233,991)
(361,344)
590,306
8,337
598,643
(959,987)
(361,344)
These accounts are
prepared in accordance
with special provisions of
part 15 of The Companie
Act relating to small
companies and constitute
the annual accounts
required by The Compan
Act 2006.
The fnancial statements
were approved by the
Trustees on 28 July 2022
and signed on their
behalf by:
William Littleboy, Chair
Kathy Jones, Treasurer
The accompanying page
form part of these
fnancial statements.
Charity Number:
1102391
Company Number:
04974832
Notes £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investments
15		 21,624
-		 21,624 29,946
-
Current assets
Stock
16
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
18
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
19		 -
272,777
1,760,675
2,033,452
(836,495)		 6,218
212,094
1,617,472
1,835,784
(993,083)
Net current assets 1,196,957
Total net assets less
current liabilities		 1,218,581
Creditors: amounts falling
due after more than one year
20		 (1,346,104)
Total net (liabilities)
21		 (127,523)
Accumulated funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
22
Designated funds
23
Restricted funds
24		 569,800
154,113
723,913
(851,436)
Total funds (127,523)

These accounts are prepared in accordance with special provisions of part 15 of The Companies Act relating to small companies and constitute the annual accounts required by The Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 28 July 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

The accompanying pages form part of these financial statements.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

42

Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended 31 March 2022

Cash generated from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash fows from investing activities:
Dividends and interest from investments
Purchase of property, plant and equipment net of sales
Proceeds from sale of investments
Net cash provided/(used in) by investing activities
Net increase in cash:
Cash at bank and in hand less overdrafts at the beginning of the year
Change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand less overdrafts at the end of the year
Reconciliation of net income to net cash fow from operating activities
Net (expenditure)/income
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Net losses on investments
Dividends and interest from investments
(Increase)/Decrease in stocks
Decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash provided by operating activities
Analysis of cash at bank and in hand less overdrafts
Cash at bank and in hand		 2022
£
144,012
1
(810)
-
(809)
143,203
1,617,472
143,203
1,760,675
2022
£
233,821
9,132
-
(1)
6,218
(60,683)
(44,475)
144,012
2022
£
1,760,675
1,760,675		 2021
£
879,388
1,505
(2,797)
160,475
159,183
1,038,571
578,901
1,038,571
1,617,472
2021
£
(1,102,528)
8,457
1,076
(1,505)
(63)
104,340
1,869,611
879,388
2021
£
1,617,472
1,617,472

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43

Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

1. Charity Information

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The company is registered in England and Wales (company registration number 4974832) with a registered office at 12 Broadbent Close, London, N6 5JW. It is also a registered charity in England and Wales (Registration number 1102391) and Scotland (Registration number Charity SCO40067). The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

2. Principal Accounting Policies

note ii NKX6-2) below for further details. Covid-19 has continued to impact how we raise funds but due to the generous support of the ataxia community it hasn’t had a significant impact on our results to 31 March 2022.The cost of living crisis could have an impact on the 2022/23 financial year. We continue to take steps to ensure the continued viability of the charity. The cashflow was reviewed regularly to ensure that actual unrestricted cash was going to be adequate at all times. The Finance Committee meet regularly to monitor the situation and the fundraising department are continuing to pursue other ways to raise funds to safeguard income. A budget and associated cash flow have been drawn up for the next financial year 2022/23 to maintain robust future forecasting. We continued to have the office closed for most of 2021/22 with only a minimal number of staff going into the office. Our systems have allowed remote working with minimal disruption. The Trustees feel there are adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future. The Trustees feel that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Accordingly, we continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this annual report and financial statements.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

44

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

except a) to the extent that equivalent reserves are maintained in restricted funds and b) to the extent that they are funded by commitments from other bodies. The movements on general funds and designated funds are shown in notes 22 and 23.

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46

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

3. Donations and Legacies Income

Donations
Legacies		 2022
£
858,024
258,403
1,116,427		 2021
£
1,278,323
188,897
1,467,220

4. Other Trading Activities

Fundraising activities 2022
£
239,962
239,962		 2021
£
226,588
226,588

5. Charitable Activities Income

Childlife
Annual conference
Grants receivable
. Investment Income
Income on investment portfolio
Interest		 2022
£
80,000
2,327
135,790
218,117
2022
£
-
1
1		 2021
£
62,500
909
146,782
210,191
2021
£
114
1,391
1,505

6. Investment Income

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47

Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

7 Raising Funds Expenditure

Raising Funds Expenditure
Costs of generating funds
Investment managers fees		 2022
£
235,028
-
235,028		 2021
£
234,161
141
234,302

8. Charitable Activities Expenditure

Research activities
Ataxia centres
Care services
Total
Generating funds
Research conference
Raising awareness
Governance
Total charitable activities
Total support costs
Staff costs
Offce costs
Depreciation		 Direct
Costs
£
172,510
-
175,945
348,455
-
-
32,253
-
380,708
2022
£
305,096
158,787
9,132
473,015		 Grants
£
248,753
-
3,183
251,936
-
-
-
-
251,936
2021
£
316,885
124,159
8,457
449,501		 Support
Costs
£
79,799
-
151,356
231,155
104,785
-
72,950
64,125
473,015		 2022 Total
£
501,062
-
330,484
831,546
104,785
-
105,203
64,125
1,105,659		 2021 Total
£
2,226,523
-
287,553
2,514,076
90,212
-
109,173
59,193
2,772,654

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

48

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

9. Research Grants

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£ £
Research grants made in year comprise
Development of a selective high throughout screening assay 26,000
for the discovery of compounds replacing frataxin in FA
Etravine as a potential therapeutic for Friedreich ataxia 20,000
PROSPAX: an integrated multimodal progression chart in spastic ataxias 5,000
An Online Knowledge Translation Platform for Ataxia Research: 1,200
Responding to Community Feedback from Stakeholders
Investigating the use of the Ataxia Instrumented Measure – Spoon (AIM-S) in measuring 71,311
upper limb function in Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA)
Comprehensive Biomarker Characterisation in Dentatorubral-Pallidoluysian Atrophy 1,033,858
(CBC-DRPLA)
London Paediatric Centre 23,000
DNA repair pathways underlie common genetic mechanisms that modulate 2,100
onset in spinocerebellar ataxias and other inherited ataxias
DRPLA: Biomarkers, Somatic Instability and creating a DRPLA cell line resource 492,318
Generating new Friedreich’s Ataxia animal models for validating 30,000
HSV-1 FXN gene therapy in Dorsal Root Ganglia’
SCA Global Flash Talk 352
‘NKX6-2 Related Spastic Ataxia and Leukodystrophy: 69,988
Natural history, biomarkers and the potential of gene transfer methods
‘A joint model of online SLT intervention and peer support to enhance communication 5,977
effectiveness and participation in people with progressive ataxia.’
The DRPLA Natural History and Biomarker Study’ 126,084
Development of a PRIME editing therapy for Ataxia-8 34,600
due to the c.121 A to T point mutation
Scope of work for the DRPLA Natural History Study 51,131
ARCA Global Conference 380
University claimed less than amount of grant awarded (3,858)
Assessment of ataxia severity under real-life conditions with SARAhome: 20,000
A multicenter study in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (Sca3)
----- End of picture text -----

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

Research grants made in year comprise
Funding extension for the grant application entitled ‘Preclinical development
of an amelioration therapy for Dentatorubro-Pallidoluysian Atrophy		 2022
£
43,264		 2021
£
DRPLA Natural History and Biomarkers Study (DRPLA NHBS) 131,449
Motor and cognitive outcomes of non-invasive transcranial alternate
current stimulation by entrainment of cerebellar oscillations		 5,000
Sheffeld Ataxia Study Day 700
Generation and characteization of a cardiomyocyte model for Friedreich’s ataxia
to reveal the molecular mechanism of heart failure in patients		 5,000
Analysis of the mitochondrial dysfunction in FXN defcient neurones
to generate a drug screening test		 4,750
Brain pathology in an AIFM1 mutation causing Cowchock syndrome 5,000
Balance and gait abnormalities in adult patients with mitochondrial
disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 6		 4,928
A feasibility study of LSVT Artic to improve speech performance
in people with progressive ataxia		 2,862
NanoSCA: Development of brain-targeted nanoboides for application
in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 therapy		 25,800
248,753 1,989,441

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

50

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

10. Staff Costs

Staff costs comprised:
Salaries
Social security contributions
Pensions
Redundancy and termination costs		 2022
£
664,733
70,028
34,104
29,125
797,990		 2021
£
651,929
57,934
30,021
-
739,884

The average number of employees during the year was 19 (2021: 18) with all employee time involved in providing either support to the governance of the charity or support services to charitable activities.

The senior management team consist of the Chief Executive and the heads of Development, Finance, Fundraising, Research and Services. The total employee benefits of the senior management team were £335,048 (2021: £291,107).

The following number of staff members received emoluments in the year:

2022 2021
£80,000 – £89,999 1 1

The pension contributions in respect of the above named individual in the year totalled £4,190 (2021: £3,700).

Ataxia UK operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the amounts above represent the charity’s total liability for the year.

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

11. Pension Schemes

All permanent members of staff were eligible to receive payment of 5% of their salary paid into a stakeholder personal plan. The pension premiums payable during the year were £34,104 (2021: £30,021). There was no outstanding balance (2021: £0) at the year end.

12. Trustees

Certain trustees carry out duties that would otherwise be undertaken by paid staff. They receive no remuneration but, along with the other trustees, may claim reimbursement of out of pocket expenses. During the year, all board meetings were held remotely and as a result no trustee expenses were incurred. 0 trustees (2021: 0) claimed expenses totalling £0 (2021: £0).

13. Net (expenditure)/income is stated after charging:

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£ £
Auditor's remuneration 9,980 15,545
Depreciation 9,132 8,457
Operating lease costs 1,000 1,000
----- End of picture text -----

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52

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

14. Tangible Fixed Assets

----- Start of picture text -----
Building Other Total
Works Assets
£ £ £
COST
As at 1st April 2021 35,007 69,375 104,382
Additions - 1,164 1,164
Disposals (29,674) (30,289) (59,963)
As at 31 March 2022 5,333 40,250 45,583
DEPRECIATION
As at 1st April 2021 31,839 42,597 74,436
Charge for year 1,067 8,065 9,132
Disposals (28,681) (30,928) (59,609)
As at 31 March 2022 4,225 19,734 23,959
NET BOOK VALUE
As at 31 March 2022 1,108 20,516 21,624
As at 1st April 2021 3,168 26,778 29,946
----- End of picture text -----

Included within the net book value of the 'Other Assets' is an amount of £3,000 (£4,000 in 2021) relating to items acquired on Finance Lease/Hire purchase.

15. Investments

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£ £
-
Market value at 1 April 161,387
-
Disposals (169,390)
-
Unrealised gain/(loss) 8,003
Market value at 31 March - -
----- End of picture text -----

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Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

16. Stock

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£ £
Stock for resale - 6,218
17. Debtors Under 1 Year
2022 2021
£ £
Income tax recoverable 108,860 113,383
Other debtors 131,482 71,525
Prepayments 32,435 27,186
272,777 212,094
----- End of picture text -----

18. Cash at bank and in hand

The Trustees maintain a policy that all cash balances are held in interest bearing accounts with the exception of a nominal daily float held on current account. Interest receivable is disclosed in note 6.

19. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£ £
Other creditors 25,764 9,919
PAYE/NI 19,639 16,252
Deferred income 13,086 10,185
Accruals 31,157 45,593
Research grants 746,849 911,134
836,495 993,083
----- End of picture text -----

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

54

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

20. Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£ £
Research grants 1,346,104 1,230,991
Misc creditors - 3,000
1,346,104 1,233,991
----- End of picture text -----

21. Analysis of net assets between funds

Fixed assets
Investments
Stock
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
1,241,516
(2,092,952)
(851,436)		 Designated
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
154,113
-
154,113		 General
Funds
£
21,624
-
-
272,777
365,046
(89,647)
569,800		 Total 2022
£
21,624
-
-
272,777
1,760,675
(2,182,599)
(127,523)		 Total 2021
£
29,946
-
6,218
212,094
1,617,472
(2,227,074)
(361,344)

22. Unrestricted Funds

----- Start of picture text -----
General Designated Total
Funds Funds
£ £ £
Balance as at 1 April 2021 590,306 8,337 598,643
Net increase/(decrease) in funds 125,494 (224) 125,270
during the year
Transfers (146,000) 146,000 -
Balance as at 31 March 2022 569,800 154,113 723,913
----- End of picture text -----

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55

Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

23. Designated Funds

Funds held in branches
Coeliac UK Joint Project
In Control Project
Premises Fund
Research Conference Fund		 Opening
Balance
£
8,337
-
-
-
-
8,337		 Net
Movement
£
(224)
-
-
-
-
(224)		 Transfers
£
-
30,000
71,000
35,000
10,000
146,000		 Closing
Balance
£
8,113
30,000
71,000
35,000
10,000
154,113

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56

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

24. Restricted Funds

General Research
Friedreich's ataxia research
Cerebellar ataxia research
Young Person's projects
Jerry Farr travel fund
Welfare
Welfare – The Gift of Speech
Goods and Services Received
Helpline
Misc Grants
Childlife
Exeter
Awareness
Kennedy Award
Research Stem Cell FA
Mark Dower Trust
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Research
Project
DRPLA Research
In Control Project
Ataxia Centres
DRPLA Department
Scotland
NXK6-2
AOA2		 At 1 April
2021
£
-
(1)
87
7,959
671
634
-
-
31,870
450
-
582
4,895
16,948
-
1,326
-
(1,047,450)
4,784
51,039
11,536
800
(46,782)
665
(959,987)		 Income
£
178,525
64,953
2,627
-
-
-
30,607
6,610
-
-
80,000
-
-
-
97
3,625
2,076
174,713
89,671
-
118,477
-
-
2,456
754,437		 Expenditure
£
82,585
51,794
525
-
-
-
8,983
6,610
-
-
80,000
-
724
4,750
19
3,183
415
174,713
116,855
-
114,239
-
-
491
645,886		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(31,870)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
31,870
-
-
-
-
-
-		 At 31 March
2022
£
95,941
13,158
2,189
7,959
671
634
21,624
-
-
450
-
582
4,171
12,198
78
1,768
1,661
(1,047,450)
9,470
51,039
15,774
800
(46,782)
2,629
(851,436)

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57

Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

Note i: DRPLA research grants of £1.8m were issued during the 2020/21 financial year with income being received of £0.8m. Two of the research grants are being funded over three years leaving a deficit of £1.0m which equates to the year 2 & year 3 payments. Both projects have had a delayed start which has resulted in year 2 & year 3 payments being delayed. Ataxia has signed agreements in place outlining the payment structure ensuring these future commitments will be met.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

Note ii: Two NKX6-2 research grants of £105k were issued during the year with income being received of £58k. One grant was fully funded, and the second grant will be funded over three years. The £58k deficit equates to year 2 and year 3 funding which is being held in an escrow account. The project has had a delayed start which has resulted in year 2 & year 3 payments being delayed. Ataxia has a signed agreement in place outlining the payment structure ensuring these future commitments will be met.

25. Capital Commitments

There are no capital commitments at 31 March 2022 (2021: Nil)

26. Lease Commitments

At 31 March 2022 the charity had future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Payments due:
Within one year
Within two to fve years		 2022
Land &
buildings
Other
£
£
50,604
1,608
61,802
3,217
112,406
4,825		 2021
Land &
buildings
Other
£
£
49,604
1,608
29,302
4,825
78,906
6,433

www.ataxia.org.uk

59

Ataxia UK[ | ] Annual Report 2021–22

Notes

To the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022

27. Associated Organisations

The charity is a member of a consortium, with three other charities, called Childlife, through which the member charities are able to collectively raise funds for their respective causes through the operation of combined payroll deduction scheme and donor development.

Childlife is a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales – number 3696656 – and a registered charity – number 1080536. Each of the members of Childlife provide a guarantee limited to £1.

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

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ATAXIA 61 www.ataxia.org.uk

www.ataxia.org.uk

Ataxia UK 12 Broadbent Close London N6 5JW

Ataxia UK works across the whole of the UK and is a charity registered in Scotland (no SC040607) and in England and Wales (no 1102391) and a company limited by guarantee (04974832)