REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 05018587 {England and Wales)
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1102433
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
FOR
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
Berringers LLP
Lygon House
50 London Rd
Bromley
BR1 3RA

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
R•ference and Administrative Details
Report of the Trustees
2 to 14
Report of the Independent Auditors
15 to 17
Statement of Flnancial Activities
18
Balance Sheet
19
Cash Flow Statement
Notes to the Cash Flow Statement
21
Notes to the Flnanclal Slatements
22 to 32

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
TRUSTEES
Allan Blake
Sarmad Qureshi
Simon Tin￿er
Nimmisha Aslam
Sarah Bergstrom
Susan Field
Bemd Halschka (resigned 19.2.24)
Melanie Fellen (appointed 19.3.24)
Theodore Watkins (appointed 19.3.24)
James Waugh (appointed 19.3.24)
David Jackson (appointed 19.3.24)
COMPANY SECRETARY
sts￿y Edgaf
REGISTERED OFFICE
5th Floc* Davis H(￿se
Robert Street
Croydon
CRO 1QQ
REGISTERED COMPANY
NUMBER
05018587 (England and Wales)
REGISTERED CHARITY
NUMBER
1102433
AUDrroRS
Berringers LLP
Lygon House
50 London Rd
Bromley
BR13RA
.CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Patrick Marples
BANKERS
CAF Bank Ltd
25 King5 Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ
Page 1

SOUTH ¥¥EST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees who are also directors of the tharity for the purposes of the Companies Act 20CE. present their
report with the financial statements of the charity forthe year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted
the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Chanties: Slatement of Recommended Practice applicable lo
charities preparing their accounts in accordance the Financial RePC￿Ing Siandard applicable in the UK
and Rewblic of Ireland IFRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectlves and actlvltles
Purposes and alms
The objects of the Charity are: the ￿lIef of poverty, suffering and distress by the provision of18gal advice,
assistance and representation. and the advancement of education for those resident, Working or in full time
educaticn in South West LorKlon. including the London boroughs of Croydon. Kingston upon Thames. Merton,
Richmond upon Thames. Sutton and Wandsworth and. in exceptional circumstances, residents from other
areas,. and the promotion of other such purposes which are exclusively Gharitable according to the law of
England and Wales as the Trustees may from time to time delermine.
The main adivilies undertaken in relation to those purposes are:
Activity 1 Delivery of professional sep4ices in cas8work and representation in variws areas of social
welfarè law
Activty 2 - Delivery of the housing court duty solicitor scherne in housing cases in Croydon. Wandsworth
and Kingston County Courts.
Activty 3 . Pro Bono Legal Advice clin￿ service.
Public benefit
The Trustees referred to guidance contained in Charity Commission's genefal gu¥Jance on public benefit
when reviewing the law centre's aims and objecttves and in planning and reviewing all our activities. South
Wesl London Law Centres {SWLLC) is a community based. legal practice working to relieve poverty. suffering
and distress for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of Ouf communities, in need of help at
difficjjlt times in their lives to resofve legal problems. We broadly help those s*K) cannot afford a lawyer to
access social welfare law. Public benefrt is delivered by the provision of free legal advice or affordable charges
for services and representation at court in social welfare law. The professM)nal services and the housing court
duty scheme are funded by legal aid. grants. and donors. and operate5 from three branches in. Battersea.
Croydon and Merton. We continue to charge for some services in employment and immigration where funding
through legal aid is no longer available. Our Pro Bono legal advi￿ dinics are free and staffed by volunteer
advisors.
By these means, the Charity aims to improve access to justice to vulnerable memt*rs of the Community in
South West London.
The 'Cost of Living Crisis,
There were many h￿hlightS to 2023124 framed by the continuing impact of increase in the cost-of4iving. the
chronic restriction in our resour￿$ and therefore our ability to deliver our serviGes. The majority of our clients
have always been in a cost of Irving 'crisis' situation-. this is nothing new. The prolonged wider national impact
is affecting greater numbers and highlighting the situation on a national basis that our clients have consistently
lived in. There has been no significant wlicy change to use social welfare law services to relieve the effects
of this 'crisis'. We can see Ihrough the l¢Jng history of our work since 1974, 50 years ago. that we do have an
impact on those in urgent need. Our project work that runs alongside our legal work has always been
focused on this. We were able to assist 5.868 clients in 2023124. Thts was 910 less than the previous year
12022123 to 6,778) due to a number of factors induding the loss of some of our court duty schemes and a
fvnder wanting rn0￿ in depth work.
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SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
All Case Studies use fictitious names to protect the identity clients.
Volunteers
The use ol hundreds of volunteers alongside our 39 emrAoyed staff (36.8 FTE) has been at the heart of our
law centre operations for a long time. SWLLC wns one of the largest Pro Bono Legal Advice Clinic seNices
in the UK ddivered through a team of around 400 volunteer lawyers. This service empowers dients by
encouraging them to take better steps to resofve problems themse￿eS. where necessary with some follow-up
by advisers (e.g. drafting documents or wnling letters on dients. behalQ. We are providing 60 appointments
week through our dinic programme.
We continued to operate our pro bono programme remotety through booked appointments held over the
telephone or through video conferencing. In a survey of our service users and volunteers we received positive
feedback on the way the seNice operates. We have introduced some flexibility into our remote appointments
having some held during the day as well as in the evenings. We continue to see if we can adapt the pro bono
offering so we can develop specialisms to carry out some casework. At the end ofthe year we started working
closer with some partners to deliver more in depth housing casework Ihrough targeted training and superyision
of a number of clinics. We recruited a part time Housing Pro Bono Supervisor.
Volunteers also help us in every aspect of our work: supporting receptlon during the da￿lme and in the evenlng
wilh administrative iasks, to working as casework assistants to support our ¢asework teams. The work includes
undertaking legal research, assisting with creating bundles of documents. note taking and drafkn'ng18tters. W8
recruited nearly 50 new volunteers during the year.
We continue to Use intemships in our immigration and efflF4oyment teams. Through these placements some
interns have gone on to successftJNy gain paid employment. We want to expand this programme. Typically.
our volunteers have been those seeking new skillslexperience to get back into the job market or students
wishing to fijrther legal careers. On average daytime volunteers stay wrth the law centre belA¥e8n 3- 6 months:
540h of those that left went onto gain paNJ employment fvrthering their careers. Some took up paid roles at the
law cenlre when these became available. There was much positive feed back from our volunteers
"I think the law centft has helpedshape my opinions on what fplds of law to enter into and has developed my
customer Service skills &gnrficantly which helped me get my new job..
"I was able to bolster my CV and in the interniew for myiob I referenced the work I had done in the law centre
and this was very us8lul. Having obtained real expwience in legal practice has been crucial to me finding
job."
We estimate the annual value of daytime volunteering to be £72.929. An estimate of the value of annual kyo
bono work provided by evening volunteers is in excess of £1.4 million. This is calculated on the basis that each
client {including follow up work and supervisM)n time) takes an average total of 3 hours of voluntèer titne at
£164 per hour. This is a high street rale, hMJher than the legal rates that the law centre staff recover for
professional servws in casework and representstion.
'Pro bono workis invalu81)le,' itfom?s the backbone of ourjustice system byensuring thal everyone. regardless
of financial means, has access to legal support and reprèsentation. It is a vital commitment that I have made
and will confinue to make to uphold the integrity of our legal system. I believe pro bono work also strengthens
the ¢ommuniti&s we serve, providing hope and a lair chan￿ for those who mKJht otherwise be left without a
voicel" (Pro bono lawye¢
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SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Achievements and perfomiance
The Table bebw surnrnarises our principal Activities in three main areas. Overal. in 2023124. we assisted
5,868 dienls (6,778 in 2022123) with direct services.
Inputs
A¢tivities
Outwts
Housing Team: Six solicitors,
induding one who undertakes
communty care and welfare rights
cases. plus four paralegals attached
to the team.
Activity l - Provision of
representation in social
welfarn law covering
community care. debt.
discriminat￿n employment.
h￿sing. immigrab"on,
asylum, public law and
welfare rights
2,505cases
{2.925 in
2022123)
We carried
fopNard
572 cases
al the start
of the year.
Debl Team: Five CaSew￿kers.
Immlgratlon Toam: Four solicitors
and one OISC registered
caseworkers, induding one
undertaking public law.
Employment Team: one caseworker.
Cost of Living
Two crI￿S navigators and two welfare
rights caseworkers and a team leader
supporting the work of the housing
and debt teams. A Community
Engagement Manager promoting the
law centre.work.
Houslng Team (as ab3ve)
Activity 2- Housing
Possession Court Duty
Scheme
Activity 3 - Pro Bono
Legal Advice Clinic
delivered remotdy since
March 2020
563 cases
(899 in
2022123
2.800
dients
seen
(2.954 in
2022123 .
Pro Bono Team
Client Seryices Manager, daytime and
8vening reception stsff. and pro bono
lawyers
Activity 1: Provision of representation in social welfare law
Outcomes - full speclalist casework service In a broad range of so¢ial welfare law in the areas of
community care. debt. discrimination. eM￿oYment. housing, iMM￿ration and asylum, public law and v￿lfare
rights, collectively referred to as 'social welfare law.. Our legal work has a broad range of outcomes
Impact Report
There are a range of impacts from our Casewo￿ as illustrated in the examples bek)w.
1. Communlty Care
We help people obtsin the appropriale communty care assessment arKI services that they are entitled to.
Casework enables people with mental illness, leaming disabilities or other care needs to get the support they
are entitled to. This also helps lo reduce isolalion for these often very lonely individuals struggling to cope
alone in the community.
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SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. Debt
We help people with a strategy for dealing wryth debts as earfy as possible in th6 process as well as challenging
unenforceable debts. Work is focussed on reducing debt and finding affordable and manageable debt
solutions. We Wofk with individuals and familEs to calculate an affordable budget. so Ihat they can get back
on track. We also help people to apply for grants frorn a variety of sources to support their everyday needs.
Our debt team. funded through Debt Fr88 London, supported 989 people last year. We continue to see high
dernand and saw 790 dients through our Cost of Lr¥ingl Welfare Rights team.
Our funder Debt Free Advice has awarded the team a Trustpilot score of 4.8 out of 5 based on feedback from
our clients.
"My advisor Lana. is amazing she listenad and helped m8 in 8V8ry way possib18 and was very pafr'8nt which
helped as I was suicidal prior to speaking wilh Lana at SWLLC. I wasny eating 8nd very mentally unwell,
Lana explained my options every step of the way making sure I fulty understood my options and have given
n7e the advice tailored to myneeds to help me go forwardand tyto resolve my debts with the help and support
I needed to deal with this and without Ihem I would not be here todaylll l am $0 grateful for there service they
literalty saved my lrfe without the seNice I would not be hvriting this review today so THANKYOU UNA and
SWLLC you do amazing hard work.. 5 Stars
Fara's Story- A Debt Case Study
Fara, a 51-year-old stroke survivor, lost her social care from Wandsworth Council due to an alleged £21.000
debl, leaving her without essential supp¢yi. Isolaled and fearful of bailrffs, she reached out to our Money Advice
Team. where adviser Andrew Boba discovered that the ￿UncIl, s adions were unlawful, as they could not
withhold care due to debt Wrth Andrew. s guidance, Fara successlulty appli8d for a d8bt relief order, which
cleared her debt and restored her access to necessary care. Today. Fara feels more secure but rernains
impacted by the trauma of her experience.
Whai the counul did was illegal, they took my care away and left me to suffer on my own. l asked myseff..
How is this my lrfe? How aro the people that are supposed to be helping me. cauwng paniG attaoks and
seizures Ihat make my health condit￿nS worse.
"I rett so much better. I feft relieved. I felt calm. I fett good that someone finally helped remove this burden fmm
me. Andrew s kind support has helped ease my mind. l finally feel like l am safe enough to leave the house
and t the medical hel I need. '
I Cost of Llvlng
We support people to maximise their income. daim the right beneffts, and get further assistswA suth as daim
grants for indivi¢Juals in need. We continued to develop our service based on exlernal evaluation and through
grants from the Lottery Community Fund, London Legal Support TmsVGreater London Authority and London
Borough of Merton. We now have team of five - iwo Crisis Navigators and two welfare rights caseworkers
together with 8 team leader. We have added some onfroff short tenn funding fr(yn Wimbledon Guild. O
Crtsis Navigators supp(Kt the work ol the whole organisatK)n by:
Bthng the consistent point of contact for those accessing muMiFle ser¥￿e$.,
b. Securing addrtional funds for the client to enable them to stabilise their short term crisis;
¢. Channelling clients through to our specialist caseworkersl legal staff so that their time is prioritised on
providing necessary expert advice and representation; and
d. Acting as case manager to ensure all internal and relovant extemal services are working together and the
client understands how they all fit together to resolve their issues.
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SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Robert's story - Cost of Living - Debt case study
At 67. Robert faced escalating financial hardship as the cost of living rose, complicating his lrfe with disabilities.
When an Unfa￿ parking fine and ¢onfliding advice from other organizations left him feeling hopeless. he tumed
to our Law Centre. Robert connected v￿th Ash, a Money Advice casew¢yker, who crafted a tailored plan to
address his needs and helped him access benefiis that increased his income by £16,000 annually. With Ash
s guidance, Robert now feels empowered and more secure, wtth renewed hope for his future.
? had seriously started panicking. Even thinking about how I feft back then mak85 my heart race. I kept
thinking. what if the ball￿$ came to take my Wheelchai￿ I was stressed... and fett like I had no opt￿n$.
y first conversation wrfh Ash significantly eased my anxiety. He was incredibly knowledgeab19. and it was
obwous that he knew what he was doing. Each question l asked had a clear, immediale answer. '
4. Employrnent
We help people on a wide range of issues induding". dismissal. suspension, discrimination. unpaid wages and
failure to pay the minimum wage, notice or redundancy pay. holiday pay, breach of contract, grievances.
appeals and settlement agreements. We also specialise in discrimination cases funded through our legal aid
contract. Through this work we help people to remain in their jobs and where appropriate obtain redress for
bad employment practice.
This work is funded through grant fijnding, legal aid and various methods of affordable charging. We now have
vo caseworkers. This year we worked on 26 cases and increased reach through volunteers to support
, vleekly em￿OyMent advice clinics along logether with our general pro bono clinics where we advised 655
people.
Our pro bono work has been boosted through Employment Law for London partnership with BPP
. Law School offering a 30-minute telephone advice appointrnent for all London residents needing legal advice
about a workplace issue.
Employment Cas• study- Tammvs Story
Tammy, a mother of three. was offered a senior fundraising role V￿th a salary of £70.000, only to have the offer
rescinded after being inappropriately questioned about her children's ages by the companWs Vice President.
Following this. the company daimed a hiring freeze. but Tammy suspected gender discrimination based on
assumptions about her ChildCa￿ responsibilities. Devastated, she sought support from our Law Centre. where
employment caseworker Sarah Forsyth gu￿ed her through a successful gender discrimination claim. The
Iribunal ruled in Tammys favour, awarding her £￿.000 in compensatson. restoring her confidence, and setting
a precedent for others facing similar challenges.
? was in a state of financial and emotional cri&s as I was the main breadwinntrr lor th8 f8mily... I f8tt less
competitive. I was in 8 tough situation. -
-Afterthe Verd￿t, the resutt was incrediTble. My onginal pursuit wasn ' tjust formyself. but to seek justice for
other women in similar situations... The burden was lrfled. .
£. Housing
We work with people on a Y￿de range of dtfferent housirrtJ issues (x)vering possession, unlawful eviction.
homelessness. disrepair and anti•social behaviour. They all help people keep or gain a home. We also act
for the homdess by ensuring loGal authorib'es a￿ept their statutory duties to provide housing. We worked
on 267 cases and 563 clients were assisted as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme. Our pro
born clinics advk8ed 724 dients ￿ h¢)using issues.
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SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Klera's Story - Houslng Case Study
At 19, Kierd became homeless after her famly rejected her uwn leaming she was pregnant and bisexual.
Faced with threats to her safety and inadequate support from the council. she was left to sleep in unsafe places
and experienced severe anxiety. Desperate, she reached oul to our Law Centre. where housing solicitors
Jeinsen and Florence intervened. They pressed the Council to fulfil its legal obligation. securing safe
accomrnodation for Kiera. Today, Kiera lives in se¢ure hwsing with her newbom, feeling hopeful and safe.
thanks to the Law Centre s unwavering supwrt.
? had no idea where I was g￿ng to go... The fear olnot knowing was absolutety crushing. .
7h8 Law Centre was more than helpful. I wouldn ' t be where l am today Witho￿ the law centre. you ' ve
b88n absolutety fantastK. -
Community Engagement and Houslng
Over the last year our Cornmunty Engagement Manager has continued talking to the community about what
they want from the law centre. As a result of a comrnunity survey. we continue to develop a series of themed
workshops on usin9 the law for support. Through these we help people lo reco9nise when they have a legal
problem. These workshops evolve and have a series of case studies Ihat are dissected as a group to find
routes to remedy a situation using the same approach in each situation: Identify. Evidonce. Report. Connect.
A major theme from our ¢onsultstions are issues around the cost of living crisis and access to. arKI the
condition of, housing. This V￿rk is Cu￿enty being fijnded through Trust for London and the Nalional Lottery
Cornmunity Fund. Our work has involved organising events and training sessions with the community. We
have also been a￿e to bring people together and engage with policy makers on both a national and local ￿Ve1
coverirwJ council tsx, fuel poverty, benefft lake up, cost of living, rights to repair, facilities in temporary
accommodation and allocation of housing. This has enabled us to feed in some of the conversations we've
had wilh our clients that are impacted by the increase in cost-of4iving and to be privy to in4epth
conversations with policy makers pushing for changes in the law and practice. We continue to see important
outcomes Ihrough teaching community members to escalate their cases themselve5 vthere there isn't the
capacity or scope within the adwce sector to tackle these problems. This has included work around the
allocation of permanent housing. We are continuing to work wth Ihe Community to pilot a citizens inventory,
$0 that people can check that temporary accommodation is safe and they understand their rights to challenge
this effectively.
Mlgrants and Asylum Seekers
This work is focussed on enabling clients lo obtain Leave to Remain. With this 'gateway' status. they can work
and eam an income legally. re-unite with famdy left behind and maximise their lrfe chances. Many of the people
who eventually come to us have failed to have their cases fully dealt with and were exploited by other lawyers.
Our small team specialises in dealing with unaccompanied minors, V￿timS of trafficking and modem slavery.
domestic violence arKI minority groups such a5 LGBTQ+ We worked on 351 cases. Our pro bono clinics
advised 460 people on immigration issues. Through new funding from Surrey County Council we are w￿rking
with those lleeing domestic violence to resolve their immigration issues. We ¢ontinued our project to improve
the immigration status of those who are street homeless as a way of helping them to move from being
homeless.
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SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Harold's Slory - Immlgratlon Case Study
Harrold. facing deportation after a 3￿mOnth prison sentence, sought help from our Law Centre and discovered
life-changing supwrt. Our immigration soliotor recognized that Harrold was a victim of chiky Irafficking, forced
into domestic servitude and denied an education by his family_ With careful legal representation, Harrold. s
appeal was upheld under Artides 3, 4. and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. recognizing the
severe risks he faced if deported and the trauma he endured. Today, Harrokl is safe. stable, and optimistic
about his future. thanks to the compassionate. dedicated advocacy he receNed.
? was in a state of.. I had just gi'ven up. I had no Lme to tum to. Before I met Paul. I was really struggling.
My personal life was a mess, I wa5 Out of money, and on lop of that. I was facing deportalion. I felt like I h8d
hit rock ljottom.
Yhe challenges I faced were not just legal." Ihey were deeply personal... Today. l am not only in a stable
situation but also optimistiG alx)ut my future%omelhing I couldn ' t hav8 imagined before SWLLC took on my
case.
7. Public law
We have the ability to lit￿ate against public authorities, this indudes dealing with Home Office delays and
refusals to make decisions on immigration and asylum cases.
8. Welfare Rights
We assist people with cases induding appeals to the secon(1 tier Tribunal. We can further litigate suitable
cases beyond this. Most of ihis work is now undertaken by our Cost of Living team.
Activity 2: Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme
Outcome - Ernorg•n¢y houslng representation across 2 county courts: We currently prowde this servic8
al Kingston and work as agent for Hammersrnith and Fulham Law Cenlre in Wandsworth. Our duty solicitors
have provided emergency legal adv1celrep￿Sen18I10n to dients at court and saved many from eviction often
providing pro bono benefit assistsnce to address urmderfying issues relating to the benefit cap and bedroom
tax. We are available to help clients lo defend themsefves against possessK)n and home evictions in both
rented and mtyigage cases.
Unfortunately, during 2023124we lost part of the cwrt duty scheme in Croydon in a Legal Aid Agency lender
round meaning that we were able to help fewer people this year. Gourt duty has been an important entry
point into the law centre into the housing and other law centre teams.
However, we reapplied in the new
lender round from the Legal Agency to cover Croydon, Kingston and Wandsworth County Courts. and
were successfvl and provide serrfices at all these courts from September 20￿..
lrnpa¢t- We continue to achieve a high success rate. In 2023124 we fepresented 563 peopbe.
Activity 3: Pro Bono Legal Advice
Outcome - Our Volunteering Programme Our clinic programme addresses legal problems in their early
5tsges and covers a w￿e range of legal subjects: Crime. Criminal Injury. Consumer, Employment, Family,
General Litigation, Housing, ImmwJration, Inquests. Motoring Offences, Personal Injury, Small Claims and Wills
and Probale.
lrnpact- The impact oftimely, accurate legal advice through a persrnaltsed intervention can p￿vent a problem
from escalating and becoming far more damaging for an individual. as as Eostly to taxpayers.
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SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Our pro bono advice clinics not only provide an avenue for cl￿ts to seek legal redress. They also empower
them with new knowledge of the law and their rights. thereby increasing confidence and capacity to approach
legal problems. Our advice also helps improve the efficacy of other public services such as education, health
or social services by helping eligible people exercise their rights lo acce5S these services in a timely fashion.
From the feedback we receive. we know that this advice unlocks problems. helps people move on with their
lives and builds confidence. Here are just a few of the comments dients have given:
"The questions I was asked were extremety detailed and thon)ugh. I have been really impressed with the
details of the advi￿ received"
°ljust needed some advice regarding a smaR claim I have submitted. The response helped me
hav• some confid8nce that I was doing Ihe right thing"
"The adwser has been very helpful and understanding, he pointed me in the r￿ht direcfron and
allowed me to strengthen my legal case. l am slill waiting lor some time to pass and after that i
will raise the mafter to Court. l am sure the chances of a positwe outcome have increased since
I have spoken with the advise
Other major achievements
Operational successes
Throughout this period. the Law Centre has taken various successful steps to secure its future:
Maintaining Financial Control - The Senior Management Team's work has been significant in maintaining
our cashflow in a difficult operatin9 environment where there is restricted legal aid and competitive grant
funding opportunities.
Maintaining grant fundlng - We are grateful for the suppot provided by our fuThJers that allowed us to
continue to operate in these drfficult times. Through Ihe year we have been able to extend the reach of the law
centre through new funding streams which now total 23. These have included..
London Borough of Wandsworth - Crisis Project to provide supp¢yi with h¢)using and imrnigration casework
Surrey County Councll - funded immigration advice to Ihose slaying in refuges fleeing domestic violence
Legal Educatlon Foundallon
funding for a trainee solicitor
Propel (Law Centres Network) - This funding has enable us to recruit an apprentice solicitor to join our
housing teaffl.
We continue to apply and develop our grant portfolio with continuing success into the next financial year.
developing partnerships
Maintainlng quality - We continued to pass both our Lexcel and Legal Aid qualty audits remotely with a
. positive audit assessment as detailed below.
Desprte the current difficutt￿$ and challenges. SWLLC should again continue to be highly commended for
sustaining an extrernety high level of compliance against the Lexcel Slandard. There Mll still be short temi
challenges around continuing to sustain those hi9h lovels of compliance in the face of continuing change and
development both intemally and exlemally. 11 remains very dear. however. that compliance remains a deeply
embedded part of the cutture and. in Lexcel t&mis. SWLLC remains an extremely well nin, and extremely well
managed organisalionll The signif￿an1 ongoing work, and influence, of the HOLP/Lexcel SRO, plus the
ongoing positive impact of the CEO and Deputy CEO. continue to pmwde a very stable plalfom? fmm which
to addrnss those challenges.
Given the current context, one of the key challenges for SWLLC is to continue to build upon the 'new nonnal.
in terms of the "postpandemic. context. This will enable SWLLC to then continue to grow and develop. SWLLC
will need to continue to proactively consKler what that °new nonnal. ￿11 mean both for
Page 9

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
culture, working mefhods, fvnding. superwsion and compliance. There is also a need 70 continue to protect
the cullure"_ it is the ¢ultur8 that. in large part. has both enabled, and will continue to enable, the successful
development of SWLLC. Integralto allof this ￿11 be the need to maintain a cost effective organisati()n stnjcture,
and the continued refinement of the cufture which will need to remain proactively focussed on client Garg.
dev81opmenVgmk¥th. funding sources, agi18 decision making and agile working. Other key challenges are the
need to develop a Premises Strdlegy in the event.that the Croydon offiGe is closed by the Local Authority.
There is a need to Gontinue to proactivelymonitorperfom7ance, continue to ènsuré promptand effective billing,
and ensure that the support functions can continue to meet the challenges of increased casework
Volume￿¢0MpleXty. In addit￿n, SWLLC will need to continue to proactively address the Crit￿81 need to secure
additional fvnding streams and/or protect its current ones in order to both sustain. and further improve, its
finan￿al resilience. Some significant progress has l)een made on these issues. but more can, should. and ￿.
being donell
Lexcel Audit (April 20241
Entering 50 years of service to our local cornmunities
We are coming to the end of our 49￿ year and will start celebrating our 50th year from the date the first law
centre opened in Balham in a dilapidated shop in'June 1974. Shortly afterwards in the 1970s there were
three law centres in Wandsworth. Sadly, that is not the case now. The law centre has gone through many
changes but desprte this has continued to thrive and survive through thick and thin. Many of the problems that
were being tackled in 1974 are slill being dealt with by the law centre l(xlay. We are incredible proud of being
able to help many thousands of peoF4e to improve their lives by getting them access to legal advice and
support. We are proud to be part of a movement of law centres that has developed the concept and areas of
social welfare law Ihat are so important to making justice and access to rights a reality. We are thankful to the
stsff, volunteers, trustee l)oard and fvnders who have enatr￿e￿ this all to happen.
Financial review
Financially. as for many in this sector, this year has been challenging.
Restrictions of the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 {LASPO) continue to make it
extremely difficult for the Law Centre to operate as fairfy and effectively as it should. Legal Aid is now worth
less than 50% in real terms than a decade ago. We continue to find ways to address the difFiculties this causes
to our funding. now supported currenlly by 23 grant fundws to whom we are extremely grateful. We are
considering ways can further hamess the legal FKofessK>n's support as well as increasing even further the
number of grant-funded projects we can undertake.
The charity's income for the year was £1.774.272 compared to £1,569,154 in 2022123. The total expenditure
in the yearwas £1,725,837 compared to £1,544,089 in 2022123. The net result produced a surplus of£48,435
(2022123 surplus 25.065). Restricted funds increased by £92,496 and unrestricted geneTal funds decreased
by £44,061.
SWLLC held funds of £689.055 at the year-end. of which £231.651 was restricted and £457,404 was
unreslrictsd.
In 2023124, South West Lorrfjon Law Centres. main Soufce of lunding was Grant Income, ￿e to
challenges around Legal income.
Page 10

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
We received funding and grants from..
AB Charitable Trust, Debt Free Advice. Greater London Authority Homeless Immigration Project.
Law Centres Neiwork- Propel, Legal Ed￿ation FoLtndation, Locality. London Legal Support Trust
(Cost of Living and Surreyl, Lottery Communty Fund -crisis Project. London Borough Of Merton.
London Borough of Wandsworth (Crisis. EUSS, Reni Subsidy and Cost of Livin9 projects), Merton
Giving. Merton Social Prescribers. Surrey County Cwncil. The Access to Justice Foundats'on, Trust
for London (employment and temporary accommodation projects) and Wimbledon Guild.
SWLLC retained a number of donors and corporate sponsors as well as raising funds through vari¢Jus
fundraisirKJ activrties.
Reservos policy
The Trustees have considered the following factors when considering a reserves policy:
The organisation's contTactual obligations to its staff in terms of parentsl rights. sickness pay and
redundancy provisions.
The organisation's obligations to maintsin a safe and clean workirwJ environment and to meet its obligations
to suppliers and ststutory parties on a timely basis; and
The timing of legal aid income is Un￿rtaIn.
The nature of the law centre's business means that at any one moment in time it has very considerable work
in progress. This is reflected in its material reserve wsitKJn. The Trustees have adopted a targét for
unrestricted reserves of three months expenditure which is approximately £431.459. At March 2024, our
unrestricted reserve5 Stood al £457.40412022123 £501,465). Because reserves are effectively held as work
in progress rather than cash the Trustees continue to prioritise the effective management of work in progress:
tuming it into cash as quickly as possible as well as looking for other means whereby cash reserves can be
built up. This will continue to be a major focus of the Law Centre's work in Ihe coming year
Going concern
The ongoing impact of both the freezing of legal aid and limited altemative sources of funding available for our
operational activrties has maintained our focus as a going concem. There is considerable impact on the ability
of the Law Centre lo eam Legal Aid income through an effective 25 year freeze on rates of remuneration. The
Law Centre has expandèd its share of grant income where we can. The Trustees continued mèasures to deal
with this by undertaking a scenario-based budgeting exercise to quantify the potential deficit and put in place
early savings rneasures.
This work continues by hamessing our cornmunity engagement work. By listening to what the community
wants and further developing pilots we have added to our kM)rtfolio winning new funding from the London
Borough of Wandsworth. 8xpandir¥J our reach through funding by Surrey County Council and seeking funds
lo help train new solicrtors from The Legal Educab'on Foundation and Propel. We are opts'mislic that thè
relationships that we have developed with new and existing funders. and efforts put into diversrfying our
fundraising based on new areas of demand, will assist towards meeting our commitments as well as seeing
our legal income groN.
The Law Centre will stsrt the year 2024125 with a small b￿Jgeted deficrt. 'The board will cary a full mid year
review to make sure that Ihe law centre remains on track as well as dose regular monitoring of the cash
position. Aclions being taken includes moving to cheaper premises in Croydon and freezing a number of roles
when they become vacant. Early work is tsking place for the budget for 2025126 to review further remedial
adion that need to be taken to remain on a stsble finarwl foob.ng where we continue face the strictures of
legal aid together with an over subscribed and competitive competition for grants.
. Page 11

SOUTH WEST LONI)ON LAW CENTRES (REGISTEREO NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Budgets are regularly reviewed by the Trustees at Board level and through a Fw)ance Sub- Commbttee.
Fundraislng note
We are mindful of the code issued by the Fundraising Regulator. We did not use any third parties in our
fijndraising activities and no complaints were received in the year.
Prlncipal rlsks and uncertaintles
South West London Law Centres undertook a straiegic review in 2023124 and developed a rèvised three-year
strategic plan. The Law Centre undertakes a fomal risk management review throughout the year. This forms
part of the business plan cycle. It involves identifying the types of risk the charity faces, prioritising them in
terms of potential impact and likelihood of occurrence. and identrfying ways of mitigating ihe risks. The major
risks are reviewed regularly by the trustees on a quarterly basis through a risk register covering governance.
regulatory and compliance. financial, operational and extemal factors
Plans for the future.. The Year Ahead - Our Strategic Objectives 2024-25
Update- Curront situation and update on the last strategic plan
In 2024 we are celebrating our 50th anniversary. We want to take this milestone anniversary to celebrate,
rellect and adapt so that we can put ourselves in a strong position for the future for the benefit of our Glients
and staff.
Our last three-year plan was Tffiitten before the pandemic. It was an ambitious attempt to modernise and drive
our growth to meet the ever increasing demand for our service5. Covid-19 wa5 so disruplive ihal we had to
set aside plans for strategic growth and focus on survival. The irnpacl of the pandemic will be felt for some
considerable time and has been closely followed by a WKle reaching cost of living 'crisis' impacting both our
clients and our ability to deliver services. The realty is that our dients have abways been in 'crisis' mode.. it Is
Ihe extension of that distressed stste to far more families and indiwduals arKJ its public recognition that has
heralded the terrn 'crisis'. Through concerned and generous funders we have been able lo in¢rease
significantly the levels of our grant funding. However. our legal income has remained depressed, poorly
remunerated and slow io recover from the pandemic. Recruitment at all levels has become substantially rn￿e
difficult, but particularly for qualified legal staff in soual welfare areas of law.
The overall direction of the plan and goals for the next three years has not changed significantly. We have set
out the actions for next year only as the environment continues to change rapidly.
Our Current Challenges
There are some major challenges ahead. The more immediate ones are:
a. Broader demand - The community needs for specialist legal advice go far beyond our current capacty
b. Recruitment- Our ats'lity lo attract suitably qualified staff to maintain and grow capacty within our specialist
advice teams
c. Reduced funding opportunities - Legal aid funding has been stagnant for more Ihan twenty years.. grants
are less available and unpredictable.
d. Changes in access - The service delivery model has charvJed signtficantly since covpj. Online delivery is
now more common. This opens up geographical reach. increasing access and demand for services.
However, coping Wtlh that demand creates significant pressures on staff.
Summary of the past three years
How we measure success aThl the vision we set ourselves in the prevM)us version of this strategic plan are set
out below..
Success is Unlocking Justice Ihrough...
Growth with enhanced funding to match our clients. needs, both geographically and in areas of legal need
A good employer developing staff and recruiting and growing our own
Working smarter technology in a smarter working environment
Page 12

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Convincing more funders and sponsors that funding SWLLC is the right thing to do in order to meet the
legal need5 of the most vulnerable in our society.. we have io su￿eed in this.
Where do we see the Law Centre in 3 years. time? _ in 2027 SWLLC is...
An established voice in London and natH)nally.' a cutting-edge legal advocate for those in most need with
professional external communications developing and promoting policy and campaigns developed from
casework and slrategic cases
Financially stable. attractive to m¢xe and varied funders
A One Slop Shop for our dients delivering holistic and integrated advice and casework: we deal with the
whole of the problem, not just the symptoms
Hosting Pro Bono clinics that generate some disuete caseworf(
Attracting and retsining stsff including 'home grown, qUalif￿d stsff through innovation in our staff offer and
development opportunities
Lived experience is incorporated into our work and influencing our future development
A better working eniiironment is established
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic and the cost of Imng crisis, we believe we have made
considerable Pr￿JreSS towards these objectives. We ncm need to consolidate what has been achieved and
r&focus on our strategic growth in order lo maintain th8 current trajectory.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all our many sponsors and funders. They hav8 Stuck V￿th us and increased
in number during a very drfficult period for the sector.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Constitution and Organisational Structure
South West London Law Cenlres (SWLLC} ts a Charitable Company limited by guarantee. It was incorporated
under a Memorandum and Articles of Association vthich were amended 15 December 2017. and SWLLC wa5
granted charitable status on 2 March 2004.
The overall responsibility of SWLLC belongs to the Trustees (board of directors) vthich meets bi-monthly. The
Board is supported by a Finance Sub-committee. HR SU￿coMmittee and Fund Raising Sub-committee. Oay
to day responsibility for managing the law centre is delegated to the charitys Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Patrick Mafples and the Senior Management Team, comprised of the Deputy CEO, Sta￿Y Edgar. Head of
Legal Service and Housing Soliciior. Katy Forkah. The remunerab'on for key management staff is determined
by following a criteria of consistency with the responsibilities assigned. and alignment and success in achieving
the organisalion's overall strategic aims and p￿Valling market trends.
Appoinlmenl of trustees
SWLLC is a charitable company managed by a board of voluntsry trustees comprised of bcal groups and
individuals. Voluntary organisalions from SWLLC'S catthment area. representing vulnerable irKlividuals and
groups in need of our Se￿iCe$, a￿ encoura9ed to become members of the organisalion and stand for election
to the board as are concemed individuals from across the six boroughs. The amended articles changed the
way Ihal trustees are appointed. The size of the board is now restricted to 12 and trustee5 are eligible to stsnd
for up to 2 terms of 4 years before a break. Trustees due for revelection retire from Offi￿ at the AGM and those
eligible can stand for re4lection.
Inductlon and training of new trustees
Skill gaps on the Board are regularly identrfied and as a result efforts are made to identfy new Trustees capable
of filling any gaps. Induction and training of trustees is currently carr￿d out on an ad-hoG basis as and when
the needs arise. The Trustees have developed an inductK>n programme and are reviewing Iraining policies as
part of its current review.
Related parties
There are no related parties, transactions.
Pa9e 13

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustee5 (who are also the direclors of South West London Law Centres for the Pu￿OseS of company law)
are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and Uniied lQ"ngdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally AC￿pted Accounting
Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statemenls for each financial year which give a true
ar)d fair view of the state of affairs of the chantable company and of the incoming resour￿$ and application of
resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those
financial statements. the trustees are required io
select siNtable accounting pclicies and then apply them consistently.
obseNe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP:
make judgements and estimales that are reasonable and prudent..
stale whether applicRble accounting sta￿lardS have been followed. subiect.to any material departures
disclosed and explained in the financial 51atemenis-
prepare the financial statements on the goirKJ concem basis unless it is inappropriate to wesume that the
charitab18 company will continue in business.
The truslees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disdose with reasonable accuracy
at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that Ihe financial
statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsi1￿e for safeguarding the assets of
the charitable company and hen￿ for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detedion of fraud and
other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial infomation
included on the charitable company's website.
Members of the charily guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 lo the assels of the charity in the
event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees at 31 Marth 2024 was 91 (2023: 891. The trustees
are members of the charity but Ihis entitles them only to voting rights. The twstees have no beneficial interest
in the charity.
In so far as the tnjstees ar8 aware:
there is no ￿levant audit information of which the chariiable company's audilors are
unaware; and
the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant
audit information and to establish that the audrtors are aware of that information.
Report of the trustees. incorporating a strategic report. approved by order of the board of trustees, as the
company directors. on .......2.1.lje￿fflber.2a24... .. and s￿ned on the board's behalf by..
Trustee
Page 14

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
Independent audltofs report to the members of South West London Centres
Opinion
We have audited Ihe financial ststements of South West London Law Centres for the year ended 31 March
2024, vthich cornprise Ihe Slatement of Financial activities, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Stalement, and not8S
to Ihe financial statements. including a summary of sKJnificant accounting policies. The financial reporting
frarnework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting
Standards, including Financial Reporling Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland {United Kingdom Generally Atcepted Accounts'ng Practrce).
In our opinion, the financial statements-.
give a true and fair vrew of the stale of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of the
charitable companvs net movement in funds. including the income and expenditu￿. for the year then ended.,
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounts'ng Practic8"
- have been prepared in accordance with the requiTements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accorrlance with Intemational Stsndards on Audiling (UKJ (ISAS (UK)) and
applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are fijrther described in the ALKltlo¢s responsibilities
for the audit of the financial statements section of.our report. We ar8 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
FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these
r8quirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtsined 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 financtal sialement5 is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed. we have not idenlified any material uncertainties relating to events or
conditions that. individually or collectively, may cast signif￿ant doubl on the charitable company's ability to
continue as a going concem for a period of at least Iwelve months from when the financial statemenls 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 infomiation
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other infomiation comprises the information
induded in the Trustees, Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other infomiation
and. except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our rep)rt. we do not express any fomi of assurance
conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial ststements. our responsibility is to read the other information and.
in doing so, consider whether the other infomiabon is materially incnnsistenl with the financial statements or
our kno￿edge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstsled. If we identfy such
material Inconsistencies or apparent material misslatemenls, we are required to determine whether Ihere is a
material rnisstatement in Ihe financial ststements or a material misstatement of the other information. If. based
on the work we have performed, we conclude that th8re is a material misstatement of this other inf0M￿tion.
we are required to report that facl. We have nolhing to report in this regard.
. Page 15

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion. based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
- the infomation gNen in the Trustees. Report Ivthich indudes the directors. report prepared for Ihe purposes
of company law) for the financial year for vh)ich tt)e financial ststements are p￿pared is consistent with the
financial ststements., and
- the diredors. report induded within the Trustees. Report have been prepared in accordan￿ with applicable
legal requirements.
Mattors on which w• ara rnquirèd to report by exception
In the light of the Kno￿edge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the
coutse of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees, Report (which incorporates
the directors, report)-
We have nothing to report in resped of the followng matters in relation to which the Cornpanies Act 2006
requires us to report to you rf. in our opinion-.
- adequate accounting records have not been kept by the charitable company., or
- the charrtable company financial statetnents are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.
- certain disclosures of trustees. remuneration speofied by law are not made: or
- we have nol received all the infomiation army explanab'ons we require for our audit; or
Responsibililies of trustees for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the trustees. responsibilities stalement set out on page 14. the trustees (who are
also Ihe directors of the charrtable company for the purposes of company lawl ar8 responsible for the
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied thal they gNe a true and fair view, and for such
inlemal control as the trustees detemine is necessary lo enable the prepara￿.￿ of fina￿la1 ststements that
are free from material misstatement. whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing lh8 financial statements. the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's
abilty to continue as a going concem. disclosing. as applicable, matters related to going concern and using
the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to I￿uldate the charitable ¢ompany or
to cease operations, or have no realistic altemative but to do so.
Auditoes rnsponsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to oblain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free
from rnaterial misstatement. whether due to fraud or error. and to issue an audittirfs report that includes our
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high bevel of assurance. but 15 not a guarantee that an audit conducted in
accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material rnisststement when it exisis. Misstatements can arise
from fraud or error and are considered material rf, individually or in the aggregate. they could reasonably be
expeded lo influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial stalements.
Irregularities. induding fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulalions. We design
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above. to detect material misstatements in respect of
irregularities, induding fraud. The extent to vthich our prc￿dures are capable of detecting irregularities.
induding fraud is detsiled below:
Based on our understsnding of the charitable company and the environment in which it operates, we identified
that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations relaled to the regulalory requirements of
the Charity Commission. and we considered the extent to which n￿<0MplIan￿ might have a material effeGI
on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the
preparation of the financial statements such as Ihe Companies Act 2006. Charities Act 2011. and Payroll and
Sales Taxes.
Page 16

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
We evaluated rnanage￿nt.s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial
statements (including the risk of override of controls). and determined that the principal risks were rèlated
lo the posting of inappropriate joumal entries or the manipulation of accounting estimates, such as Ihe
recognition of work in progress. Audii wocedures performed by the erKJagement team induded..
- Inspecting correspondence with regUlat￿S and tsx authorities:
Discussions with management induding consideration of known or suspected instances of non-
compliance with lav￿ and regulatK)n and fraud,.
Evaluating managemenvs controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities"
Identfying and lesling joumals. in particular joumal entries posted with unusual account combinations,
postings by unusual users or with unusual descrip￿.0n$- and
- Challenging assumptions aThJ judgements made by management in their crit￿al accounting estimates.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit. there is a risk that we will not delect all irregularities. including
those leading to a material fflisstatement in the finanaal statements or non-compliance with regulation. This
risk increases the more that Complian￿ with a law or regulation is removed from Ihe events and transactions
reflected in the financial statements, as we V￿11 be less likely io become aware of instances of non4ompliance.
The risk is also greater regarding irregularities ocwrring due to fraud rather than em)r. as fraud involves
intentional concéalment. forgery. collusion. omission or mtsrepresentation.
A further description of our resp)nsibilitses for the audii.of the financial statements is located on the Financial
Reporting Councl's web￿e at: W4YW.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This description forrns part of our
auditorfs report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable companrfs members. as a body. in accordance V•ryth Chapter 3 of
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might slate to the
charitable compan￿$ members those matters we are required lo stste to them in an Auditorfs report and for
no other purpose. To the fullest extent pennitted by law. we do not a¢￿pt or assume responsibility to anyone
.olher than the charilable company and the charitable cornpany's members. as a body. for our audit v￿rk, for
"thts report, or for the opinions we have f(Thed.
Ricky Hutson Bsc ACA FCCA (Seniw Slatulory Auditor)
Berringets LLP
Lygon House
50 London Rd
Bromley
8R13RA
02te'.
Page 17

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2024
Total
funds
2023
Total
funds
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
fund
Notes
INCOME FROM
Grants and dcffiations
185.433
1.126,250
1.311,683
1,158,419
Legal and advice servlces
Investment income
459.311
3.278
459.311
3.278
409,863
872
Total
1 126 250
1.774,272
1569,154
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitsble activltles
Legal and advice services
692,083
1.033.754
1.725,837
1,544.089
NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE)
(44,061)
92.496
48,435
25,065
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
501,465
139,155
640,620
615,555
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
457,404
231.651
689.055
640.620
These notes forn part of these financial statements
Page 18

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587)
BALANCE SHEET
31 MARCH 2024
2024
Total
funds
2023
Total
funds
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
fund
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
12
3.603
3,603
11.604
CURRENT ASSETS
Work in progress
Debtors
Cash at bank
13
14
329.556
437.765
127.046
329,556
437.765
358.697
316,801
453,366
328.206
231.651
894.367
231.651
1,126.018
1.098.373
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
15
(440.566)
(440,566)
(469,357>
NET CURRENT ASSETS
453.801
231.651
685.452
629.016
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
457,404
231.651
689.055
640,620
NET ASSETS
457,404
231.651
689.0SS
640,620
FUNDS
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
16
457.404
231,651
501,465
139,155
17
TOTAL FUNDS
689,055
640,620
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on
..21.L).ocombpr.2Q24.. . .... and were signed on its behalf by:
Trustee
These notes forrn part of these financial statements
Page 19

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2024
2023
Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
103.863
Nèt cash provided by operating activities
30.833
103.863
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Interest received
{3.620)
3,278
(10,369)
872
Net cash used in investing actsvities
Change in cash and cash equivalents
in the reporting period
Cash and ca$h oquivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
30.491
94,366
Cash and cash equivalents at the end
of the reporting poriod
358.697
328,206
These notes fom) part of these ffinanaal statements
Page 20

SOUTH Y¥EST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERAllNG
ACTIVITIES
2024
2023
Not income for the reporting period las per th• Ststemont of
Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Interest received
(Increaselldecrease in work in progress
Decreasel{increase) in debtors
(Decreasellincrease in credilors
48,435
25.065
11.621
(3.278)
(12,755)
15,601
28.791
10.716
{872)
IOS.448
(59.767)
23,273
Not cash provided by operations
30,833
103,863
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
At 1.4.23
Cash flow
At 31.3.24
Net ush
Cash at bank
328,206
30,491
358 697
328.206
30.491
358.697
Total
328.206
30,491
358,697
These notes fom part of these ffinancial ststements
Page 21

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACCOUNTING POUCIES
BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the charitable company. which is a public benefrt entity under FRS 102.
have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by
Charities: Slalement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing th8ir accounts in
accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS
102) (effective 1 January 2019),. Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements
have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
GOING CONCERN
The trustees consider there are no material uncertainties about the Charty's ability to continue as a
going concern. The financial tM)sition. reserves levels and future plans gives th8 trustees confidence
the Charity rernains a going concern for the foreseeable future.
INCOME
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financhal Activilies when Ihe company is legally entided to
the income and the amount can be quantified ￿th reasonable accuracy and receipt is probable.
Legal Aid Agency incorr* is accounted for on a receivable basi5 when the income is rneasurable and
certain. In the case of Legal AVJ. the Legal Aid Agency income is usually recognised 0￿e they have
confirme(I the payment. Legal Help income is recognised under the Unified Contract when SWLLC has
closed Ihe cases and is entitled to daim the fee.
Voluntary incoma is received by way of donations and covenants and is induded in full in the statement
of financial acts'vits'es when receivable.
Grant income is recognised in full in the staternent of financial adtvities in the year in which it is
receivable or received whichever is the earlier.
EXPENDITURE
All expenditure is accounted ft)r on an accrua15 basis and has been indud8d under expen8e categories
that aggregate all costs for allocation to activrties. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular
actmties they have been allocated on a basis consistent th8 use of the resources.
Overheads have been allocated on the basis of staff time.
Fundraising costs are It￿e incurred in seeking Voluntary contributions and do not indude the costs of
disseminatin9 infomiation in support of charitable activrties.
Support costs are those incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the company. Any
irrecoverable VAT is written ￿ck lo general expenditure.
Govemance costs are those incurred in Lvineclion with enabling Ihe company to comply with extemal
regulation, constitutional and slatutory requirements, and in providing support to the Trustees in the
discharge of their statutory duties.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Assets costing more than £100 are capitalised. where the benefits of capilalisation are material.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provKled at rates calculated
to write off the cost of fixed assets. less their estimated residual value. over their expected useful lives
on the following basi5'.
Fumiture, fittin9s and equipment- Over 3 years
Page 22
continued..

SOUTH WEST. LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ACCOUNTING POUCIES - continued
WORK IN PROGRESS
Work in prtsJress represents the value of all open legally aid funde(I cases. These cases had been
opened but were not yet completed. as at 31 March 2024. Work in progress has been valued at the
lower of cost and net realisable value taking into account payments that have alraady been received.
TAXATION
The charity is exempt from c(KporatK)n Lax on its charitable activities.
FUND ACCOUNTING
Gener￿ funds are unreslricted (unds vthich are available for use at the discretion of the Directors in
fijrtherance of the general oty'ectives of the company and whith have nol been designated for other
purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by
donors which have been raised by Ihe company for particular purposes. The cost ot raising and
administering such funds are charged against Ihe $￿ifiC fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund
is set (yjt in the notes to the financial statements.
HIRE PURCHASE AND LEASING COMMITMENTS
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Slatement of Financial Activities on a straight
line basis over the period of the lease.
PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the
charitable company's pension scheme are charged lo the Statemenl of Financial Activities in the period
to which they relale.
CRITICAL ACCOUNnNG JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIIIIATION
UNCERTAINTY
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are ￿Sed on historical experience and other
factors, including expectstions of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Although these estimates are based on the trustees, best knovAedge of the amount,
events or actions actual results ultimately drffer from these ests'Tnates. E5timate5 have been used in the
calculation of the pension liability and valuation of the contribution by volunteers. The valuation of our
work in progress is normally looked at on a quartedy basis, to assess the value of time eamed but not
billed. A provision is held against legal casework where it has been determined that the likelihood of
recovery of costs is low.
GRANTS AND DONAnoNS
Total
Funds
2024
Total
Funds
2023
General donations
Soliotor and long term dona￿nS
London legal support trust (Surrey)
London borough of Merton
London borough of Croydon
(Xher grants
5.744
226.909
10,916
76,241
12,658
178,025
14,686
56,000
57,342
839,708
991,873
1.311.683
1.158.419
The d)arity received no donations in kind in 2024 (2023: NIL).
Page 23
continued...

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTrES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
GRANTS AND DONATIONS - ¢ontlnued
The charity has benefited during the year from pro bono legal volunteers. whose professional services
had we paid for would have been valued at £1.4m (2023. £1.6m).
We have calculated the financial benefit provided lo SWLLC, by the volunteers by estimating the cost
of day time volunleers only. At a conservative eslimate. daytime volunteers provide the equivalent of
£72.929 in added value {£11.44ph administrationlreception and £15ph casework support).
We estimale the value of pro bono work provided by our evening vcAunteers at around £1.4 million
ptyjnds on the basis that each client {including follow up work and supervision time cartr take a
combined total of volunteer 3 hours at a cost of £168p). We have used an estimated high street rate,
which is higher than the legal rates that the law centre staff recover, and also assumed that rates have
stayed fixed since last year.
LEGAL AND ADVICE SERVICES
2024
2023
Legal and advice seNi¢es
459.311
409.863
INVESTMENT INCOME
2024
2023
Interest receivable
3.278
872
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Support
costs (see
note 7)
Direct
Costs
Totals
Legal and advice services
1,706.1x11
19.836
1 725 837
SUPPORT COSTS
Goveman
costs
Finance
Toials
Legal and advice sep4iGes
161
19.675
19.836
Page 24
continued...

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
SUPPORT COSTS - continued
Support costs. induded in the above. are as fdlows:
2024
Legal and
adV￿e
services
2023
Total
activities
Bank charges
Auditors. remuneration
Accountancy fees
161
11,000
8.675
369
15,000
7,500
19.836
22.869
NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE)
Net incomel{expendtture) is ststed after chanJingl(crediling)".
2024
2023
Auditors. remuneration
Depreciation - owned assets
Hire of plant and machinery
11.000
11,621
15.000
10,716
25.843
TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFrrs
There were no trustees. remuneration or other beneffts for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the
year ended 31 March 2023.
TRUSTEES, EXPENSES
There were no trustees. expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for the year ended
31 March 2023.
10. STAFF COSTS
2024
2023
Wages and salaries
Soual security costs
Other pension costs
1.185.193
111.156
47.316
1.118.754
107,131
2.040
1.343.665
1,227.925
The average monthly number of employees during Ihe year was as follows:
2024
2023
26
12
Legal service and advice
Support and fundraising
12
41
38
No employee received remUneral￿n afflounting to more than £60,000 in either year. remuneration
of the Charity's key management personnel in the year was £56.895 (2023: £56,038).
Page 25
continued...

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
10.
STAFF COSTS - Continued
Redundancy payments were £13.745 (2023: £NILI in the year.
11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES
Unrestn'cted Restricted
fvnds
fund
Total
funds
INCOME FROM
Grants and donations
230.148
928,271
1,158.419
Legal and advice services
Investment income
409.863
872
409.863
872
Total
640.883
928.271
1.569.154
EXPENDITURE ON
Charilable aclivities
Legal and advice service5
635.126
908.963
1,544.089
NET INCOME
5.757
19.308
25,065
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought fomard
495.708
119,847
615.555
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
501.465
139,155
640,620
12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Plant and
machinery
COST
At 1 April 2023
Additions
139,236
3,620
At 31 March 2024
142,856
DEPRECIATION
At 1 Aprrf 2023
Charge for year
127,632
At 31 March 2024
139,253
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
11,604
Page 26
continued...

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continuad
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
13. WORK IN PROGRESS
2024
2023
W0￿-t￿prOgresS
329.556
316,801
14. DE8TORS: AIAOUNTS FALUNG DUE IfftIN ONE YEAR
2024
2023
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
128.193
252.495
57,077
148,035
191.144
114,187
437.765
453.366
15. CREOITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE ￿THIN ONE YEAR
2024
2023
Clients. fvnds held
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
Other credÈlors
Accwed expenses
87,634
277.548
24.316
8.803
42.265
149.238
232,503
37.319
7,258
43,039
440,566
469.357
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
in funds
At
31.3.24
At 1.4.23
Unrestricted funds
Generd fund
Fixed asset fund
489.861
(36.060)
453,801
501,465
(44,0611
457.404
Reslrlcted funds
General fund
139.155
92.496
231.651
TOTAL FUNDS
640,620
48,435
689,055
Page 27
continued..

SOUTh WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - COntin￿d
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- contlnued
Net moverrEnt in furKls, induded in the atove are as foll0v￿.
Incoming
s￿rCeS
Resources
expended
Movement
in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Fixed asset fund
648,022
(684.082)
8,001)
(36.060)
648,022
(692,0831
(44.061)
Reslricted funds
General fund
1.126.250
(1.033,754)
92,496
TOTAL FUNDS
1.774.272
1.725.837)
48.435
Comparatlves for movement in funds
Net
movement
in funds
At
31.3.23
At 1.4.22
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Fixed asset fund
473.388
22.320
16,473
10.T16)
489.861
495.708
5,757
501.465
Restri￿ed funds
General fund
119.847
19.308
139.155
TOTAL FUNDS
615.555
25.065
640.620
Cornparative net movement in funds, induded in the atKsve are as follows..
Incoming
resources
Resources
exFended
Movement
in funds
Unrestrfcted lunds
General fund
Fixed asset fund
640.883
(624.4101
10,716)
16,473
10.716)
640,883
(635.126)
5.757
Restricted funds
General fund
928.271
(908,963)
19,308
TOTAL FUNDS
1.569.154
1,544,089)
25.065
Page 28
continued...

soirrH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
16.
OVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
Net
movement
in funds
At
31.3.24
At 1.4.22
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Fixed asset fund
473.388
22,320
(19.587)
18,7171
453.801
3,603
495.708
(38,304)
457,404
Restricted funds
General fund
119,847
111.804
231.651
TOTAL FUNDS
615,555
73,500
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in furKls, included in the
above are as follows-.
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Movement
in funds
Unrestrl￿ed funds
General fund
Fixed asset fund
1.288.905
(1,308,492)
18,717)
{19,587)
18.717)
1.288.905
(1,327.21)91
138.304)
Rèstrfcted funds
General fund
2.054,521
{1,942.717)
111,804
TOTAL FUNDS
3.343.426
3,269.926)
73,500
Fixed Asset Fund
This represents the nel tK)ok value of fixed assets held within unrestricted funds.
Page 29
continued.

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
17. RESTRICTED FUNDS
Brought
Forward
Carried
Forward
Income
Expenditure
AB Charitable Trust
Debt Free Advice
GLA Homeless
Grant to Clients
LCN Propel
Legal Education Foundation
Locality
London Legal Support Trust- Cost of
Living
London Legal Support Trust - Surrey
Lottery CF - Crisis Project
London Legal Support Trust
Merton Council
Merton Giving
Merton Social Prescribers
Surrey County Council Domestic
Violence
The Access to Justice Foundaiion
The Good Things Foundation
Trust for London- Employment
Trust for Londm Temporary
Accommodab'on
Wandsworth Council - Crisis Fund
Projects
London Borough of Warmlsworth -
EUSS
London Borough WarKJsworth Rent
Subsidy
London Borough Wandsworth Cosl of
Living Project
Wimbledon Guild
22.000
226,909
63.260
9.381
17.168
46.000
{22,000)
{226,909)
{63.2601
(7,1191
{17.043)
{46.000)
(7.500)
{95,480)
305
2,566
124
7.500
95,480
14.616
78.475
5,000
10,916
164.500
(4,570)
(162,6591
15,000)
{80,694)
16,339)
(6,250)
(34,001)
20,962
80.316
82.241
1.547
6.339
1,250
5,000
100,000
65.999
114.627
(112,162)
(2,000)
(56.667)
(57,037
2.465
2,000
60.000
80.417
3.333
26.592
3,212
1.222
(1,2221
12.942
6.997
(6,9971
12,942
6.294
(6,2941
26.040
(24,567)
1.470
16.000
{2.666)
13.334
Total
139.155
1.148,937
(1.056,441)
231,651
Page 30
continued...

SOLITH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Purpos• of restrictsd funds:
AB Charitable Trust- a grant towards the cost of a part time Communications manager post
Debt Fre• Advico -
grant received from Toynbee Hall in consorlium wilh other London advice
agencies, funded by the Money and Pensions Service to provide face to ta￿ debt advice across Soulh
West London
Greater London Authority (GLA) Homeless - a grant to provide immigration advice and casework to
rough sleepers as part of a pan London partnership, V￿rkIng alongside South London Refugee
Association in the South West Region.
Grants lo Cli•nts - grants received from various sourcos for direct payments to dients.
Law Centre Network Propel - a partnership grant administered by the Law Centres Nefvffjrk through
Propel funding from London Fundefs. to help support legal apprenticeships as a way of qualitying as
soliator at the law centre.
Legal Education Foundation- a grant to fijnd a tfdinee solrutor role wtlh supervision costs.
Locality - a carried fornyard grant towards refurbishment cost of the Merton office and spent on a partial
refurbishment of the office including installing a new bojler and IwJhting.
London Legal Support Trust- Cost of Uvlng - a granl to fund a specialist welfare rights and Crisis
navigation service. This is part of a wider pan London partnership funded through the GLA
London Legal Support Trust - Klngston & Surrey - grants to continue to support development of
work in Kingston and Surrgy.
London Legal Support Trust - a grant rarried forward for the refurbishment of our Off￿eS in Merton
and wmpleled this year.
Lottery Community Fund - Crisis Project- a new grant to fund a specialist welfare rights and crisis
navigation service as well as management and communty engagement costs
Merton Council - a granl to fund specialist advice and casework in Merton plus an additional rent
subsidy payment for the prior year.
Merton Giving
a brought forward grant to fund additional training and supervision costs for
volunteers working on the Cost of Living project
Merton Social Prescribers
a pilot grant to provide debt advice to referrals from Merton Social
Prescribing team which completed in June 2023
Surrey County Council Domestic Wiolence Project - a new year grant lo provide casework and
advice on irnmigration issues to the restdents of domestic violence refuges. The grant will help support
the refuges to take on wple fleeing domestic Violen￿ who have outstandiry immigration issues.
The Acce5S to Justice Foundation - Completion of grant under Help Accessing Legal Support to
SUPFK)rt access into law centre services. A further 21 mcmth grant under Improving OLttcomes Through
Legal Support IIOTLS) grant program. The purpose of supporting organisations v￿rking to suslain
and improve access to early social welfare and family legal support and advice. to enable users to
res¢Jve these problems as earty as possible and avoid the need for court or lribunal proceedings where
)ssible.
Page 31
continued...

SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Good Thlngs Foundatlon- a pilot grant lo fund digikl training for dients ¢oming through our Cost
of Living projects.
TNSI for London Employment- a grant towards Ihe cost of an employment casewcrfker.
Trust for London - Temporary Accommodation Proio¢t
a grant to develop coordination and
campauning for better conditions of those in temporary accommodation through community
engagement work.
Wandsworth Couneil- Crisis Fund Projects- brought forward grant towards additional training and
supervision for volunteers w(Kking on the Cosl of Living project
London Borough of Wandsworth - EUSS - a brought forward grant towards the fijnding of part of an
immigration post specialising on helping Ihose needing support with EUSS applications. These funds
were spent with a new grant dealing with housing and immigration issues.
London Borough ol Wandsworth - Rent Subsidy - a brought forward one off grant to support local
Wandsworth charities through cost of livin9 crisis used to support our rentsl commitments
London Borough of Wandsworth - C05t of Livlng Project
immigration advice to thè residents of Wandsworth.
a new project to provide housing and
Wlmbledon Guild- a grant towards work within our Cost of Lbving team
18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no relaled paty transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: NIL).
Page 32