REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 05018587 {England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARif( NUMBER: 1102433 REPORTOF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FOR SOLwfH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES Berringers LLP Lygon Hous8 50 London Rd Bromley BR13RA
SOUTh WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page Reference and Admlnlstralive Details Report of the Trustees 2 to 15 Report of tho Independent Auditors Statement of Flnancial Activities 16 to 18 19 Balance Sheet 20 Cash Flow Statement 21 Notes to the Cash Flow Statsment 22 Notes to the Financial Statements 23 to 33
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 TRUSTEES Allan Blake (resigned 6.1.25) Sarmad Qureshi Simon finkler Nirrnnisha Aslam Sarah Bergstrom {resign8d 28.1025) Susan Field Melani8 Felt Theodore Watk James Waugh David Jackson Nichola Mary Warr8nder (appointed 19.6.25) COMPANY SECRETARY Patrick MaleS REGISTERED OFFICE Unit 4142 Keeley Road Croydon CRO 1TF REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER 05018587 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1102433 AUDITORS Berringers LLP Lygon House 50 London Rd Bromley BR13RA CHIEF EXECUTIVE Patrick Marples BANKERS CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West MalliThJ Kent ME19 4JQ Page 1
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006. present their report with the financial statements of the charity for th8 year enthd 31 March 2025. The Irustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice appli¢able to charities preparing their account$ in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). STRATEGIC REPORT Objectives and adivftles Purposes and aims The objects of the Charity are: the relief of poverty, suffering and distress by the proirision of legal advits, assistance and representation, and the advanment of education for Ihose resident, working or in full time education in South West London, including the London boroughs of Croydon. KIngStc upon Tham85, Merton, Richmond upon Thames. Sutton and Wandsworth and, in exceptional circumstances, residents from other areas; and the promotion of other such purposes which are exciusively charitable according lo the law of England and Wales as the Trustees may from time to time detemiine. Public benefit The Trustees referred to guidance contained in the Charity Ci)rnrnission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the law centre's aims and objectives and in plannirvJ and rewewing all our activities. South Wesl London Law Centres (SWLLC) is a community based, legal practice working to relieve poverty, suffering and distress for the m05t disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our communities, in need of help at difficult lirn8s in their lives to resolve legal problems. We broadly help those who cannot afford a lawyer b access social welfare law. Public benefrt is delNered by the provision of free legal advice or affordable Gharges for seNices and representation at court in soGial Ylfa law. These professional seTviees are funded by le9al aid, grants, and donors, and operates from three branches in Wandsworth, Croydon and Merton. We continue to charge, on a limited basis. for some serviGes in employment and immigration where frjnding throu9h legal aid is no longèr available. Our Pro Bono leg81 advtCA clinics are free and staffed by volunteer advisers. 8y these rneans, the Charty aims to wnprove access to justice to vulner&le members of the communty in South West London. We are, at our core, an antI0vertY charity. We use the law to lift families and individuals out of crisis and gnie them opportuniti8s for better lives. Our m(Klel of communty lawyering is built around the real-worfd experiences of Ihose we serve. This Tneans working alongside our communities. not just delivering legal services, but listening. understanding local r8alities, and building relationships that support long-tem change. Community lawyering goes beyond casework It includes outreach. education. preventatiye woth, partnership vrith comrnunity groups, and using legal insight to infom wider advcKacy and campaigning. It recognises that problems are often Complex and cross rnultiple areas of law. While the worfd has changed in the last halfntUry. the nature of the Grises our clients face has remained stubbomly familiar.. People living in disrepair and pcx)r housing Conditions People burdened with rising rent arrears and rnounting debts Workers treated unfairty and unlawfully A persistenlty hostile environment for immigrants and migrants A welfare system that continues to fail to deliver rightful entitlements We are a SPla]iSt service. From our Gore legal representation work in courts arKI trbunals. we have developed a number of targeted prcjects to meet specific needs. But we have also recognised, since as earty as 1982, that the need in our communty goes beyond what our staff alone Can meet That's why we've Pag6 2
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 0501858n REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 worked with volunteer lawyers for over 40 yeaT5 to provide free legal advice. This vrfÉal part of our work supports hundreds of people each year. People who would otheThiise be denied their rights and shul out of justice entirely. This 50-year history rneans that thousands of people have contributed to the Law Centre, as staff, Iruslees, volunteers, or clinic participants. We want to re-engage with this wider community, racognising them as a vital part of our future. Their supporL nthorks. and ajvocacy will help us coniinue and grow our work for the next 50 years. In 2024r25 we were able to assisl 5,469 clients. This was 399 less than the previous year (2023r24 to 5,868) due to a number of fartors including remodelling of our clinic advice scheme. Our seNices include.. Legal AKJ and grant-funded casework in Sla[ welfare law. covering housing, debt, employment. and immigration. On-theday legal advice at three London courts to prevent homelessness and improve housing conditions. Free legal advice Clin in parlnership with votunteer Wers. offering acwsible guidance to the communty. Crisis navigation and cost-of-living support to help individuals m8>imise their income and maintain stable housing. Communty-driven campaigns and poficy work that amplify client voices, build sccial justice neiworks, and empower communities to protect their rights through advocacy, educalion. and collaboration. All Case Studles use fictitious names to protect the identity cllents. Volunteer5 The use of hundreds of volunteers alongside our 42 employed staff ha5 been at the heart of our law centre operdtions for a long time. SWLLC runs a significant Pro Bono Legal Advice Clinic seNice delniered through a network of hundreds of volunteer lavryers a year. Volunteers alst> help us in every a$peGt of our work: supporting recoptpJn during the daytirne and in the evening wilh admintrative tssks, to working as casew¢)rk assistants to support our Casewo teams. The work includes undertaking legal research. assisting with Creating bundes of documents. note taking and drafting letters. We recruited 30 new volunteers during the year. We continue to use intem5hips in our immigration and empbyment leams. Through these placements sorne intems have gone on to successfu15y gain paid employment. We walll lo expand this programme. Typically, our VoSuntrs have been those 5e6king new skillslexperien¢e to get bad( into the job marf(et or students wishing to further legal rAreers. On average daylime volunteers slay with the law centre between 3 - 6 monlhs,. Many of those that left went onto gain paid employment furth8riThJ their careers. Some took up paid roles at the law centre when these became avadable. There was much posf(ive feedback from our volunteer5: .1 enjoyed being able to help and support people with theirlal issues whilst leaming mor8 about Ihe probleffls Gommonty experienced. I then enjoyed adIng theirletters of aLfviGe from the advise lo see how such issues can be addressed. ltre leamt a lot from it." .1 think the law centre has helpgd shape my opinions on what fields of law to enl8r into and has develop8d my custom8r service skills significanty which helped me get my new job.. °If I could stay 8t fhe law nI, I think I would. The experience was enjoyabl8, my colleagues and clients mar18 the envimnment feel gat and l enjoyed leaming parts about dfflent areas of18w. My training was in depth, and I got the hang of rf only after Ihe fmst day. Thankyou for ttle experience, I wish you guys the best of luck.. 'Volunteering at SWLLC certainly helped me gain a Ining contract. In my final round interview, I was asked to Compa my experiences wOlg at a legal aid Gharity veuS doing a vac scheme at a COOte law Volunteets. 2024 Page 3
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We estimate the annual value ol daytime vclunteering to be £62.825. An estime of the value of annual pro bono work provided by evening volunteers is in eXS of £728,000. This is catculated on the basis that each client (including follow up work and supervision time} takes an average totsl of 3 hours of volunteer time at £164 per hour. This is a high street rate, higher than the legal rates that the ntre staff recover for professional service5 in ca5wrk arKI represenialion. My experience as a pro l)ono solicitor has had a huge impact both on myperson81 and professional lrfe. Professionally. l am able to see that the advice I give Whe it is being taken. Ihe clieft7ts do achieve good results. This can often be lrfe changing for them- swng their childTrll having theirchildren being turned in the1rCa or an abuserbeing stopped from canying out more abuse. I can seg that my hard WO in law and has Gome to lrtirfn and is being used in a good way. Personally. I get a huge s8tisfactson that l am maknng a difference howeversmall to someone's life. Where the are Inc of abuse that l am able to stop in some way. I feel that I have accomplished sonpthing personally and l am so humbled by how grat8ful the clients a that I help. This is my way of giwng something back to Ihe community and to people who truly need help and have nuNhere else to lum to. (Pm bono famity solicitor) Achievements and perfomiance The Table belc summarises our principal Acivities wi three main areas. Overall, in 2024125, we assisted 5,470 dients (5,868 in 2023124) with direct serviw. Inputs Housing Team: Six solicitors, including one who undertakes communty care and welfare rights cases. plus five paralegalslapprentices and trainees attached to the team. Activities Outputs Activity l - Provision of represontstion In social welfarè law covering mmunty care. debt. discriminatTron ernploymènt. housing, Immigration, asylum, public law and weffare rtghts 2.805 cases (2,505 in 2023124} We Garried forward 894 cases at the start of the year. Dèbt Team: Five caseworkers. Immigratlon Team: Four solicitors and two IAA registered caseworkers. including one undertaking public law. In addition Qui housing outreach and advice line assisted 264 Employment Team: One caseworker and one solicitor Cost of Living Three crisis navigators and two welfare rights caseworkers and a team leader supporting the work of the housing arKI debt teams. A Campaigns, PoIY and Community Manager romotin the law centre's work. Houslng Team (as above) Actlvity 2- Housing Possession Court Du Scheme Activlty 3 - Pro Bono Legal Advice Clinic delivered remote since March 2020 875 cases (563 in 2023124) Pro Bono Team HR and Admin Manager. triage arKI reption staff. and pro tono lawyers 1526 clients seen (2,800 in 2023124). Activlty 1: Provision of representation in social welfare law Outcomes - full specialist casework service in a broad range of social welfare law in the areas of community care, debt, discrimination. employment. housing, immigration and asylum, public law and welfare rights, GollectNely referred to as 'social weware l*. Our legal work has a broad Tange of outcomes. Page 4
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES IREGISTERED NUMBER: 0501858n REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Impact Report There are a range of impacts from our ca86worf( as illustrated in the exanwes bel¢)w. Commun Care We help people obtain the appropriat8 corrniunty care assessrnent and Serv that they are entitled to. Casework enables people with rnentsl illness, learning disabilities or other cate needs to get the support they ar8 nted to. This also helps to reduce isolation for these often very lonety indiwduals struggling to COP6 alone in the community. Dèbt We help people with a strategy for dealing with debts as eaty as poss*ile in the prCeSS as well as challenging unenforceable debts. Work is foGussed on reducing debl and finding affardable and manageable debt solutions. We work wtth individuals and families to calculate an affordable budget, so that they Can get back on track We also help people to apply for grants from a variety of sources to support their everyday needs. Our debt team, funded through Debl Free Lond. supported 1,104 pIlast year. We continue to see high demand and saw 658 clients through our Economr Justicelcost of living team. Our team is part of the Debt Free Advi partnership in London. whth has an 8x¢ellent Feefo rating based on clienl feedback. scoring 4.6 out of S. Sorne of our re¢8nt feedback has induded 'ExG8llent- l cOMMend it 100%. The seNKe was very kind, and Ihank you very much foryourtim9.'_ Sta "Very helpful selvice - I was mad6 to feel comfortable an at ease and Ihe adviser was softly spoken which hglp8d and was patient and most heruf- 5 stars C¢)mmunlty Stortes - Debt Case Studles Lena, age 43, suffered severe health issues, vthilst also being a single mother, leading to her having drfficulty finding a job. One of our expert advisors 8SSiSted Lena in applying for a DRO in May 2024. supporting her throughout the process. Lena was successful wilh her application. able to wipe away her debts and start afresh, a weight lifted off her shoulder. °Thank you for all your he l am so grntefvl all the wtykyDU have putin for me. Somefhing ltre not been able to do all my life and didny even know where to start. I shall neverforyetyou and all the effortpatience you had ftirme." Jenny, a 63-year-old wdcjw, was living alone and unempbyed. Feeling vulnerable and afraid for her future, she was able to contad our ntre5, where she was put into contact with Money Wellness, and supported through an application for a DRO. .1 am extremely happy with the advice and support l Trceived. Wrth ycvr11p, I have finally taken the steps lo getting this weight lifted off me." Pe5
SOUTH WEST LONDON IAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: OS018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 EcoDomlc Justice Cost of Livin We support people to maximise their income. claim the right benefits, and get ftjrther assistan surh as clairn grants for indNiduals in need. Our work is supported by the Lottery Community Fund. London Legal Support TrusUGreater London Authority and London Borough of Merton. We have added some on&off short-tem funding from Vwmbledon Guild and Croydon Relief in Need. Our Crisis nawgators support th work of the whole organisation by: a. Being the consistent point of contad for those accessing multiple serv. b. Securing additional ndS for the client to enable them to Stabilise Iheir short temi crisis,. e. Channelling clients through to our specialist caseworkersl legd staff $0 that their time is prioritised on providing necessary expert advi end representation- and d. Acting as case manager to ensure all internal and relevant extemal semces are working together and the client understands how they all fit together to resolve their tssues. wrth new fvnding from the Home Office we were able to assist with applications for e-visa and have set up a clinic and assisted 371 peq)18 With their aPPltIOnS through Ec0MiC Justice team and volunteers. Marla's story - Economic Justlce At 32, Maria was navigating single parenthood. life as a newcomer, and rising council tax debt, made harder by a language barrier. At a communty event. she fourKI no one who could understand her until $he reached the Law Centre's stall, where Brian. a Spanish-speaking outreach worker. reviewed her bailitT letter and quickly spotted the issue". she'd been wrongly charged as if adults lived in her home. Brian followed up with the Gouncil, provided ewdence that Maria wa5 th8 sole adult resident, and secured the Single Person Discount. wthin a week, the council corrected the error and refunded her over £1,838. Whal began in panic ended in relief. showing how vital a¢SIble support is for people facing barriers. °When I first reGeived the letter fnyn Ihe council, I feft comp18tolylo8tand scarèd. I didny know who to tum to for help. and th• 18nguaDe baniermade everything so much hanler. Meefing Brian al the outreach event changed everything forme. For the fi1 time, someone understood my situation and spoke my language. I lett like I could finally express what I was going through. Now that my bill is conBcted, l Gan locus on vihaf really matt8ts... taknng care of my Ghild. I can breathe easier. knom'ng that I have the support I n8ed and that my situation is finally resolve(r Ern We help people on a wide range of issues includirKJ.' dismissal. suspension. discrimination, unpaid wages and failure to pay the minimum wage, notice or redundancy pay, holiéay pay, breach of wntract. grievances. appeals and settlement agreements. We also specialise in discrimination cases funded through our legal aid contract. Through this wotk we help people to remain in their jobs and where appropriate obtain redress for bad employment practice. Our team doubled in size as we welcomed a newly qualffied solicitor. Alex lossifidis, supported through Awards forAII funding. This work is funded through grant funding, legal aid and various methods of affordable charging. This year we worked on 76 cases an additional 50 from Ihe previous year. We have increased our reach through volunteers to support weekly employment adwce clinic5 along tC43ether with our general pro bono clinics where we advised 568 people. Our pro bono work has been boosted through Employment Law for London partnership with BPP Law School offering a 30-minute telephon8 advice appointment for all London residents needing legal advu aly)ut a workpl&e issue. Page 6
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Sushmlta's Story - Employment Case study At 46. Sushmtta endured persistent bullying and discrimination al WOTk, leaving her depressed and overwhelmed. After a Workpla inGident where her manager pushed her, she ended up in A&E and was then unfairly dismissed. Referred by Cttizens Advi, she met with Sarah Forsyth at South West London Law Centres, who quickly recognised that her dismissal was unjust and that Sushmita had strong grounds to challenge it. Sarah adwsèd her to gather medic81 eviden arKI present it to her employer as part of an unfair dismissal claim. Wrth this guidance. Sushmita pursued the case. won, was reinstated with backdated pay, and later moved on to a heahler job. Her experien highlights the importance of accessible, free empbyment advice for those who can't access legai aid. .1 was depTrssed. and I didn't know what lo do. l knew I was in th8 Ilght but I didny know what options wa available forme to get my company to take my &tuation seriously. My manager was consfantly bullying me, making m6 do things that I wasn't supposed to have to (k). Nev8rleaving me along, and creating a lot of St5S within myself. I was too scar8d to say anything." .1 am so gratefvl for Sarah's support. Sarnh was tmly the heStpeOn.' she was so undersfanding, and was able fo give me the advice I needed to take the situation to the next stage. It is wonderful thatyour organisation exists. so thatpeople like me are able to get the help that they needed. without any wory about cosL° Housin We work with people on a wide range of different housing issues covering possession. unlawful evidion, homelessness, disrepair and anti-social behaviour. They all help people keep or gain a home. We also act for the horneless by ensuring local authorities awept their staiutory duties to provide housing. We worked on 278 cases, and 875 cSients were assisted as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme. Our new housing advice lin8 and outreach seNice assisted 264 people. Our pro bono clni¢s advised 259 clients on housing issues. Darr8n's Story - Houslng Case Study Vvhen Darren lost his job during the pandemic, he quickty fdl into debt and. not realising he Gould claim help with rent, his arrears grew to rrnre than £14,000. His landlord t¢Jok him to wurt. putting him at serious risk of eviction. There, he was relieved lo recewe free last-minute support from Florence and Jeinsen through the Law Centre5' County Court Duty Scheme. Darren explained he had t)orrowed sc¥ne money and simply needed a chance to keep his home. The duty team negotiated an agreement allowing him to stay and repay the arrears in manageable insialment5, without taking on further debt. Thejudge approv&J the plan. securing his housing and giving him Glear steps to move forward. 'It was a daunting pmspect to present ryself in court and I was gTrt9fv1 forthe duty team. The exp9rience and knowledgg of the legal system from my solicitors helped me to be better-infomied about my situation and my lights... l arn over the moon my eviction has been stopped, and I have full underntanding of what i need to do to keep Iwing at my addss. Once again thank you foryour expe89. 10/ICY Community Engagement and Houslng Over the last year our Campaigns. Policy. and Communty Manager continued tslking to the community about what they want from the law ntre. As a result of a community survey, we continue to develop a sèries of themed workshops on using the law for support. Through these we help people to recognise when they have a legal problem. These workshops evolve and have a series of case studies thal are dissected as a grcrtjp to find routes to remedy a siiuation using the same approath in eath sÈtuation: Identfy. Evidence. Report, Connect. Paae 7
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES IREGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 A major theme from our consultations are issues around the cost of living crisis, the lack of economic justice and access to, and the condtbon of. housing. This work 15 curréntly being fijnded through Trust for London and the National Lottery Community Fund. Our work has invOd organising events and training sessions with the communty. We have also been able to bring people together and engage with policy makers on bolh a national and local level covering council tax, fuel poverty, benefrt take up, cost of living, rights to repair, facilities in lemporary accommodation and allocation of housing. This has enabled us to feed in some of the Gonversations we've had with our clients that are irnpa¢ted by the inGrease in cost-of-living and to be privy to in-depth conversations with policy makers pushing for changes in the law and practice. Wo continue to see important outcomes through teaching community members to escalate their rAses themselves where there isn't the capacty or scope within the advice SOr to t&kle thesè problems. A significanl part of this work has been work with those Itving in temporary accommcmjation in Wandsworth and Croydon. Our Campaigns, Policy and Community Manager has run regular adion meetings in community spac8s and established quarterfy forums, with many participants new to the group and needing immediate support. We have become a trusted partner to local authorities for evidence, insight and resident VOIC8, With action meetings used to surfaGe issues and the Wandsworth forum used to resolve them. When Croydon's restructuring disrupted formal forums. we maintained momentum with open letters, rnla engagement, public events communty days. This cort)ination secured practical improvements and rebuilt constructive relationships with housing leaders while retaining ¥prcpriate challenge. The work is delivering concrete results: close working in wandsWcth got addibonal showers and laundry rooms installed-, fortnightly resident engagement Meetings now run in TA bICkS with council officers., in Croydon, residents obtained bidding nurnbers and were added to the housing register, gNing hundreds the ability to bid. residenls moved to more suitable homes or into pernnent social housing,. a large group ompensation ¢laim vms progressed after a fire: and residents were trained to lodge effeGtNe complaints and secured Compensation for poor treatrnenL ran and As lum Seekers This work is focussed on enabling clients to obtsin Leave to Remain. With this 'gateWa status, théy can work and eam an income leg8lly, re-unite with family left behind and maximise their lrfe chances. Many of the people who eventually Come to us have trdiled to have their Gases fulty dea wf(h arKI were exploited by other lawers. Our small team specialises in dealing wilh unaccompanied minor5, Wctims of trafficking and modern slavery, domestic violence and minority groups such as LGBTQ+. We worked on 315 cases. We took on 60 more cases this year through increased caparAty from our GLA Immigration Homelessness and Surrey t)omestic Violence projects. The leam continued to be rated 'excelent' in Legal Aid Agency independent peer review. FIDM both a pracbcalstandpoint (file Managenn¢ rgGord keeping and funding requirements) and a legal standpoint (advice. assistance, undetanding of Ihe law andpresentstion of the Gases). Ihe files fftvffewed wern of a unifom71y high standard. It is evident that the caseworkers in the team not only have a high level of expertis8 and expe178nc8 but hav8 a genuine commitment to theirdients and to ensul1r they arn PSented in the best way pwible on ea¢h case. - Peer Review Report Marième's Story - Immigratlon Case Study At 60, Marieme fled Mauritius af18r years of sexual and gender-based wOnCe. exploitation, and a conviction that led to death threats on her release. Traumalised and struggling vAth severe mental health difficulties. she found it extremety hard to disckjse her pasi or engage with the asylum process. Wilh steady support from a South West London Law Centres solicitor, Marieme felt safe enough to share her experiences. We secUd a delay lo her Home Office interview and gathered strong medical and expert evidence, including assessments from the Helen Bamber Foundation. Her cas8 was so clear and well-SUPPQrted that she was gtanted refugee ststus without needing a substantive interview. giving her k)ng-awatt8d safety and stabilty. Page 8
sOH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUER. 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 "l am gteful to tha South West London Law Centres forproviding me with such an amazing solicitor Miss. Sabira. She has woth for me with a lots orundetandlng, compassion and honesty. S17e deserv8S the l)esl. I would ref8ranybody WI are in need of pll)fvssion81 advice and solicitor to approach the sLc Wit1t any doubt. Thankyou very much lo Miss. Sabl. and 811 hercolleagues and supeNisor. for theirsupport. Public law We have the ability to litigate against publi¢ authorities, this irKludes dealing wrth HLYne Office delays and refusa15 to make decisions on immigration and asylum cases. Welfarè Rlghts We assist pecple with cases including appeals to the second tier Tribunal. We can further litigate suitable cases beyond this. Most of this w(xk is now uThJertaken by our Cost of Living leam. Actlvjty 2: Housing Possession Court Duty Schem8 Outcome - ErnergenGy housing representstion across 3 county courts: We were sUssl in our legal aid tenders and now provide a service at Croyd¢)n. Kingston and Wandsworth county courts covering the whole of our South West London and surrounding areas. Our duty solicitors have provided emeryency legal advicelrepresentation to clients at court and saved many from eviction often providing pro bono benefft assistance to address underfying issues relating lo the benefft cap and bedroom tax. We are available to help clients to defend theMSee5 against possession and home evictM)ns in both renied and mortgage cases. Impact- We continue to hleye a high success rate. In 2024r25 we represented 875 people, an additional 312 cases from the preVuS year. Actlvlty 3: Pro Bono Legal Advice Outcomo- Our Volunteering Programmo Our clinic prograrnrrb8 addresses legal problems in their early stages and covers a wde range of legal subjects: Crime, Criminal Injury, Consumer, Employment, Family, General Litsgation, Housing, Inquests. Motoring Offences. Personal Injury, and Small Claims. This service empowers cSients by enGouraging them to tske better steps to resolve prd)lems tmselVes. where necessary with some followryup by advisers (e.g. drafting documents writing letters on clients, behalfj. Impact- The impact of timely. accurate legal advice through a personalised intervention can prevent a problem from escalatlng and becoming far rnore damaging for an indmdual. as well as costly to taxpayers. Our pro bono advice clinics not only provide an avenue for dients to seek legal redress. They atso empower them with new knowledge of the law and their rights, thereby increasing Confiden and capacity to approach legal problems. Our advice a150 helps improve the efficacy of other public Services such as éducation, health or scrial service5 by helping eligible people exercise their rights to access these Services in a timely fashion. We assisted 1,526 clients this year and aanged an average of 4D cCSu1tatiOnS each week. Our pro bono programme continued to operate remoteiy through booked telephone and video appointments. with sessions available both during the day and in the evenings to increase flexibility for clients. Th6 areas of law covered were: Consumer, small claims and general litigation: 13% Employment.. 380 Family.. 250 Housing.. 170 Other (crime, education, personal injury): 70 We saw fewer clients through our pro bono clinics last year as we restructured the programme to make betlèr use of the resources available. We shifted our focus to supporting our 11 partner fm$ and developing more specialist dini¢s, particularfy in housing. A pro n0 housing supeNisor vrns appointed to work Closely Page 9
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES {REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 with tsvo of our largest fimis. piloting new rrndels that involved booking Specif matters rather than running larger general clinics. Several firms are now offering limited housing casework serwces. and others are piloting full ¢asework and representation for clients experiencing issue5 such as withheld deposits. We also introduced mandatory use of the case management system and required advisers to submit written notes oftheir adw¢8. While this wa5 essential for risk management and compliance. some advisers found the addilional administrative work challenging. which contributed to a reduction in indNidual volunteer solicitor attendan. This change has had the greatest impact on the availability of inmigrati¢X advice. The Croydon office move in earty 2025 caused temporary diswption. and redd reception capacity (due to lower numbers of ¢)ffice volunteers), 15mited the number of clients we were able to book and support through the Clin5. Although these changes led to lower overall numbers. they have Eaid strorKJ fndatIOnS for a more targeted, specialist and higher4mpact pro bono service going forward. Client feedback continues to highlight the transfomative effect of timely and accurate legal advice, helping people resolve problems. regain confidenGe and move forward with their lives. Here are just a few of the comments Glients have given.. °In my case I ngeded a legal advice on mysitualion and after9xplnlng thomughty my case, I receive a very good advice fiDll7 Ihe solicitor which put my mind in peace." 'The serviGe is very efficient and the infonnation is well undstOod. 11pnted me in the iyght diTrction to take action. Very helpfvl, dear and usefiil adviGe. Much appreciated.. .1 was a mgmber of a trade union when I got Ihe advice from youra(fvisor. I can definitety say Ihat J would give your advisor 10 maths out of 10. forthe timely and light al¢e he gave me due to which I could file discrimin8tion claim against my employer. My trdde union didn't gwe mg good advice and henGe I didn't17ave onfmyence in my union. I wish that the Govemment couldgive you moTr funding to hglp p80ple lika me to take thp Qoso to a logical conclusion, that is, right fn)m gJiJing 8(fvice. filling the necessary fom78 and the repsentatIOn at Employment Tribunal/County Court. l am 100% confident that your advisors / solicitord will do a better and effective job than a paid solicitor. My eamest request to the authorth'es is to give more funding to SWLLC and other helpfvl ooanffsatffons to help people in need of right. effKient and timely advicg. I have only the good things to say about the SeNiS given by SWLLC. Please continue the good 'Wann and caring even when they dony knowyou. no judg8meiit and helpful." 'Yourlaw adviso extremè1yprofes't)nal andgive appnw17ate and 17ght adviGe for the situation a person is in. I would give your adviso ten out of ten. The advice is always spot on. Thank you so much for Ihg seNice you gwe to tha sIety." Other major achlevements Operntional successes ThroughoLrt this period, the Law Centre has taken vaTiQWS successful steps to secure its fuiure: Maintaining Flnancial Control- The Senior Managemenl Te,$ work has been sNJnificant in maintaining our cashflow in a difficutt operating environment. where there is restricted legal aid and competitive grant funding opportunilies, reSUng in a small surplus. Maintsinlng Grdnt Funding - We are grateful to all ourfunders for the support that enabled us to continue operating in a Challenging year. We expanded the Law Centre's reach by securing funding strearns, bringing our totsl number of active grants to 18. ]ludIng new support frcTh the Home Office E-visa Fund. These grants, tQ3ether with legal aid fvnding, have strengthened ourpacIty in housing and court duty WC>rk, Econ&mic Justice (including E-vi5a support). arKJ employrnent imigration casework. Page 10
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We continue to grow our grant portfolio arKI build strong partnerships as we rnove into the next financial year. Mainlaining Qualty - We ntInued to pass both our Lexcd and Legal Aid qualty audiis remotePy with positive audit assessment as detailed below. "Despite the current difficulties and challgnges. SWLLC should again ntinue to be ¢ommended for sust8ining an 8xbEmely high level of compliance ag8inst the Lexcel Slandard. There will sbll b8 short t8mi challenges around Continuing to sustain Ihose high levels of compliance in the fac8 of continuing change and developn7ent both intemally and extemally. It Trmains very dear. however, Ihat Complian remains a deeply embeddgd part of the cutture and, in Lexcel temis, SWLLC aInS an extremely well njn, and extrem81y well managad organisationll The significant ongoing wort and inffuenca. of the HOLPLexcel SRO, plus the ongoing positive impact of thg CEO. continue to provide a very stableplaffom? from which to address those challengas." Grven th8 cunErit Gontext one of the key challenges for SlhiLC is to o)ntinue lo fully rnviaw, fine and 8mbgd, Stmckn, prOs8 and system given Onng change, particularly Ihe departur8 of the Depuly CEO. Tris will 8nable the organisation to then continue to grow and develop. SWLLC wll need to continue IG proactwelyconsider what that will mean bofh forcUltu. woh(ing melhod4 funding, supeNi&on and Compliance. There is also a need lo continue lo ptect the cultu-_ it is the culture that, in large part, has both &nabled, and will Gontinue to anable, the successful developmenl of the organisation. Int8grnl to all of this will be the need fo maintain a cost effective organisation s1rncfu, and the continued reffnement of the culture which will need to Main proactively ftKussed on client Care. developmenvgmwth. funding sources agile deslon making and agile W01ng. Other key challenges the need to continua to prDaGtively monitorperfonnanGe, improve pmmpt and effgdive billing, and ensuTr Ihat the support functions can continue to meet the challenges of increa58d casewort volumeslcomplexily. In addition. sLc will need to continue to proactively addsS the ciiiical need to secure additional fvnding sttpams and/orprotect its cunpnt ones in order to furtherimprove. its financial resilience. Cnlicaty it will need to effeGtively manage Ihe office move. and rf Mll ne8d to begin to Gonsider the impact of any IntrcUct1On." Loxcal Audil (April 2025) Enterlng So years of service to our local communltles We are celebrating our 50 year from the date the first law centre opened in Balham. in a dilapidated shop, in June 1974. Shortly afteNards in the mid 1970s there were three law centres in Wandsworth. Sadly, that is not th8 case now. The law ntre has gone through many changes but despite this has continued to thrive and survive through thick and thin. Many of the problems that were being tackled in 1974 are still being dealt with by the law centre today. We ar8 incredibly proud of being able to help many thousands of people to improve their lives by getting them access to legal advice and support. We a proud to be part of a movement of law fttres thal has developed the concept and areas of sccial welfare law that are so important to making justice and access to rights a reafity. We are thankful to the staff, volunteers. tNstee board and fijnders who have enabled this all trj happen. In November 2024 we held an event at Clifford Chance. where we invf(ed supporters and potential sponsors for the Law Centre. Our guest speaker. l. Stephanie Boyce, spoke about the Importan of access to justice and the rol8 of law centres. In June 2024. we were proud to have two of our solicitots. Sabira Kashmiri and Paul Keeley, shortlisted for the 2024 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards. Sabira. recognised in the Social Welfare category, has delivered transformative results for survivors of domestic abuse. Irafficking, and human rights abuses, earning praise for her meliculous, ¢lpasSiOnale approach. Paul, shortlisted in the Public Law category, is a high respected advocate with cver 15 years, experience. known for his strategic wort< on complex deportation cases and his dedication to clients often failed by prevw)us representation. Page 11
SOLwfH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES {REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Financial review FinanGially, as for many in this Sector. this year has been challenging. Reslrictions 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 worth less than 50% in real terms than a deGade ago. We continue to find ways to address the drffLculties this causes te our funding. now supported currently by 18 grant funders to whom we ae extremety grateful. We are considering ways we can further hame55 the legal profeSsn'S support as well as increasing 8ven rther the nurnber of grant-fvnded proie¢ts we can urvjertake. The charity's incorne forthe yearwas £1.761.577 compared to £1.7T4,272 in 2023r24. The total expenditure in the year was £1.759,131 compared io £1,725,837 in 2023f24. The ret result produced a surplus of £2,446 (2023124 surplus £48.435). Restricted funds decreased by £54,973 and unrestricted general funds increased by £57,419. SWLLC held funds of £691,501 at the year*nd, ofwhich £176,678 restrKted and £514.823 was unrestriGted. In 2024125. South West London Law Centres. main source of funding was Grant Income. due to chall8nges around Legal Aid income. W8 received funding and grants from: Croydon Relief in Need., D8bt Free Ad¥ice', Greater Londm Authority (GLA) Homeless. Home Office E-visa fund" Law Centre Nelw¢yk Propel. Legal Education Foundaiion,. London Legal Support Trust- Cost of Living" London Legal Support Trust - Kingston & Surrey. Lottery Awards for MJI: Lottery Communty Fund - Crisis Proje¢t,' Merton Council., Surrey County Council - Domestic Violence Prqect. Th8 Access to Justicg Foundation Improving Outcomes Through Legal Support (IOTLS); Trust for London Employment., London Borough of Wandsworth- Cost of LIvg Proiectr. and Wimbledon Foundatv)n", Trust for London - Tporary AcCom0daln SWLLC retained a number of donors and corporate sponsor5 as well as raising funds through various fundraislng activitie8. Re8erv8s policy The Trustees have considered the followng factors when considering a reseNes polw: The organisalion's conlTactual obligations to its stsff in lenns of parental rights. sickness pay and redundancy provisions. The organisation's obligations to maintain a safe and clean working environment,. Certain equipment bs essential for our work; and The timing of legal ad income is uncertain. The nature of the law centre'5 business means that at any one moment in time it has very considerable work in progress. Th is refleGted in its material reseNe postlion. The Tru5teos havo adopted a target for unrestricted reserves of three months expendtture which is approxirnately £427.5()7 at 31 March 2025, our UnStriCted reserves stood at £514,823 (2023124 £457,404). Because reseNes ar8 effecttvely held as work in pro9sS rather th8n cash the Trustees continue to prioritise the effectlV8 management of worf( in progress- turning it into cash as quickly as pjssible as well as looking for other means whereby cash res8e$ Can be built up. This will ¢ontinue lo b8 a major focus of the Law Centre's work in the comuig year. Golng concern The ongoing impaGt of bolh the freezing of legal aid and limtied alternative sources of funding available for our operational activities has rnaintained our focus on going concern. There is considerable impact on the abilty of the Law Centre to eam Legal Aid income through an effectNe 25 year freeze on rates of remuneration. The Law Centre has expanded its share of grant Incon where w8 can. The Twstees Page 12
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ontinued measures to deal with this by undertaking a scenarK)-based budgetir@ exercise to quantrfy the poterrtial def1t and put in place early 5aving5 measures. This wotk continues by hamessing our comunty eng4ement vrk. By listening to what the communty wants and rther developing pilots we have added to our portFolio. We are optimistic that the relationships that we have developed with new and 0st[n9 funders, and efforls put into diversfying our fundraising based on new areas of demand, will assist towards meetwYJ our cornmitments. The Law Centre will start the year 2025126 with a small bLKlgeted deficit. There are a number of grant fvnds that are Goming up for renewal during the year. The board wll carry a full mid year review to make sure that the law centre remains on traGk as well as close regular monitoring of the cash position. Actions being tsken includes moving to Cheaper premises in Croydon and freezing a number of roles when they become vacant. Earty work is taking place for the budget for 2026127 to review further remedial adion that need to be tsken to remain on a stable financial footing this includes some restructuring. Like many organisations we have been affected by the cyber attack on the Legal Aid Agency and the changing land5¢ape of grant funding which is leading to a review of the size and scope of the law centre. The Budgets are regularly raeWed by the Trustees at Board level and through a Finance Sub-commillee. Fundraising note We are mindful of the code issued by the Fundraising Regulator. Ilve did not use any third parties in our fundraising activities and no complaints were received in the year. Princlpal rlsks and uncèrtaintles South West London Law Centres und8rtod( a strategic revtew and developed a revised thre&year strategic plan. The Law Centr8 undertakes a fornal risk management review throughoui the year. This fomis part of the business plan cycle. It inVoeS identifyirvJ the types of risk the Charity faces. prioritising them in tems of potential impact and like11hcd of occurrence. and identifying ways of mitigating the risks. The major risks are reviewed regularty by the trustees on a quarterty basis through a risk register covering govemarKe, regulatory and compliance, financ1. operational and extemal factors. Plans for the future: The Year Ahead - Our Strategic ObjectNes 2025-26 As South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) marks 50 years of hting injustice, this strategic plan s8ts out our vision for the future. a future where everyone. regardless of Income, has access to the law and the Fower to enforce their rights. SlhiLC is one of the UK'S largest and most impacfful Law Centres, supporting thousands of individuals across six London boroughs and beyond. At a timè of growing poverty. rising housing need, and widesprèad inequalty. our work has never been more critbfal. Wrth a dedicated staff team, an of hundreds of pro bono kners, and a deep cmneciion to the communities we serve, we combine specialist legal expertise with grassrcots engagement. We are not just helping people solve legal problems, we are building fairer futures. This strategy outlines our aims for 2025 - 2028.. to deliver high-quality legal support, ensure long-tem sustainabilty, engage meaningfvlly wtth our communities, champion 50¢ial justice through evidence and advocacy. and to strengthen our governance. It also recognises the serious ¢hallen9es we face, including stagnant legal aid, increasing demand, and pressures on recruitment and digital access. But we are not standing still. We are investing in our people, our partnerships, OLsr technology. and our voice. We are driven by a mission to fight injustice, inequalty, and poverty, and we are ready to meet the future with detemiination and ambition. Our Current Challenges There are some major challenge5 ahead. The rrnjre wnmediate are.. Broader demand- The Gornmunity need5 for specialist legal advice go far beyond our current capacity Recruitment- Our thilty to attr&t suitabty qualified staff to maintain and grow capacity Within our specialist advicè teams Page 13
SOUTh WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Reduced funding opportunities- legal aid funding has been stagnant for mre than Iwenty years and, although there are some fee increases on the hCtIon. these will take a number of years before we see their effects. Grants are less available and more unprediGtabie. Changes in access- The service delNery model has changed signitsntly since cowd. Online delivery is now mre common and, whilst this opens up geographical reach increasing access and demand for s8Nices, coping wilh that demand creates signtficant pressures on our staff. Harnessing the rapid changes in technology so Ihat they are good for our clients and the law centie. Harnessing tho data within the law centre, so that along with case studies we Can continue to champion and campaign for our work Our Strntegic Alms for the Next 12 Months Secure funding to address the budget deficil. nprOVe pay. and support modest growth. Retain our current Staff team while expanding capacty within the housing team. Make better use of our data to champion our wort( arvj strengthen our message a5 an anti-poverty charity. Develop and establish the new Croydon Offi site. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Constitution and Organlsational Strurture South West London Cenlres (SWLLC) is a Charitable Cunpany limited by guarantee. It wa5 incorporated under a Mémorandurn and Artictes of Assooation which Vre amended 15 December 2017, and was granted charitable status on 2 March 2004. The ovemll responsibilty of SWLLC belongs to thè Trustee5 (toard of direciors) which meets bi-monthly. The Board is supported by a Fit)ance SUb-ccmittee. Day lo day responsibility for managing the law Gentr8 is delegated to the charity's Chief Executtve Officer (CEO). Patrick Marples and the Senior Management Team. Our Deputy CEO, Stacey Edgar. left in October 2024 to become Executive Director of Southwark Law Centre. The current senior management team comprises of the Head of Legal Service,. Finance Manager, Operations Manager. Strategic Development Manager and Campaigns, Policy and Community Manager. The remuneration for koy management staff is detemiined by following a criieria of consistency with the responsibilities assigned, and alignment and success in achieving the organisation's overall Strateg aims and pr6vaiiing rnarket trends. Appointment of trustees SWLLC is a charitable company rrtanaged by a board of voluntsry Irustees comprised of local groups and indwiduals. Voluntary organisalions from SWLLC'S catchment area, representing vulneTable individuals and groups in need of our services, are encouraged to become mernbers of the organi5ation and stand for election to the board as are concerned indivsduais from across the six boroughs. The amended articles changed the way Ihat trustees are appointed. The sEe of the board is now restricted to 12 and trustees are eligible to stand for up to 2 tems of 4 years before a break. Trustees due for relection retire from office at the AGM and those eligible Can stand for reEeciion. Induction and training of new trustees Skill gaps on the Board are regularly identifi8d and as a result efftirts are madè to identtfy new Trustees capable of filling any gaps. Induction and training of truslaes is currently carried oul on an ad-hoc basis as and when the needs arise. The Trustees have developed an induction prcgramme and are reviewing training policies as part of lis current rewew. Related partles The charity received donations of £951 (2024: NIL) from ivs Trustees in the year. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBIUTIES The trustees {who are also the directors of South West London Law Centre5 for the purposes of Gompany lawl are responsible for preparing the Report of thè TrUstS and the financial statements in aGGordan¢e with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Aepted Accounting Practice). Page 14
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CErREs (REGISTERED NUMBER: 05018587) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBIUTIES - continued Cornpany law requires the trustees to prepare financial ststements for each financial year which gwe a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources. including the income and eXpendrtu, of the thatitable c(Mnpany for Ihat period. In preparing those financial statements. the trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistlY., observe the methods and principles in the Charty SORP: make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent" state whether applicable a¢UntIng standards have been followed. subject to any rnaterial departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements-, preparè the financial statements on the going Goncem basis Un it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will conts'nue in busine53. The Iruslees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the finanGial posilion of the charitable company and lo enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 21)OS. They a also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking Teasonable steps for the prevention and delection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the trustees are aware: there is no relevant audtl information of which the charitable coMpS auditors are unaware" and the trust$ have tsken all steps that they ought to have t*en to mak8 themsalves aware of any re16vant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. rt, approved by order of the board of trustees. as the . and sign on the board's behalf by: Report of the trustees, incorporatiro a strate cornpany directOTS, On ..... . Trustee Sarmad Qureshi Pa3e 15
REPORT OF ThE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES Independent audltofs report to the members of South West London Law Centres Opinion We have audited the financial ststements of South West London Centres for the year ended 31 March 2025, which comprise the Statement of Financial actyvities, Balance Sheet. Cash Flow Ststement, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of signtficant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Stsndard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard appficable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generalw Accepted Acmjnting Practice). In our opinion, ts financial statements: - give a true and fair view of the state of the chartsble compatys affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of the charitable company's net movement in funds, including the income and expenditure. for the y8ar then ended., - have been propedy prepared in accordance with Unrted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prtice. and - have been prepared in accordance with th8 requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basls for opinion We conducte(l our audit in accordan with Inteinati(Thl Standards ¢)n Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under thc>se standards are further described in the Auditorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of cwr report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audtt of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard. and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance wtth these requirements. We believe that the audti evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions ralatlng to going concern In auditing the financial slatements, we have Cc¥lUded that the Irustees. use of the goi COnM basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements 15 appropria Based on the work we have perfomied. we have not identsfied any material UnrtaIntieS relating to events or conditions that. individLI81ty or Cdlectwely. may cast signffi¢ant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continu8 as a going c<Mcem for a period of at least twelve months fTOrn 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 infomiation The trustees are responsible for the other InfonatIOn. The other infomiation comprises the infom)ation included in the Trustees. Rewrt. Our opinion on the financial statsments does not cover the other infomiation and, except to the extent otherwise explrity stated in ow repo¢ we do not express any fomi of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audrt of the financial statements, our SpOnsibl11ty is to read the other infomiation and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial stalernents or our knowledge obtained in the audii or othetwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inGonsistencies or apparent mat8rial misstatements, VR are required to determine whether there is a matenal mis5tat&ment in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other infonnation. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude thal there is a material misstatement of this other information. we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 20( In our opinion, based on Ihe work undertaken in the course of the audit: - the information given in the Truste8s' Report (which includes the directors, report prepared for the purposes of company law} for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements,. and Page 16
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES - the dire¢tors' report included within ts Trustees. Report have been prepared in accordan wth appli¢able legal requirement3. Matters on which we aro requlred to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we hav8 Tr)t Identffjd material misstateffEnts in th8 TTUStees' Report (which iKorporates the directors, report). We have nothing to report in r8speci of the folltrNing matters in reLation to which the Compani8s Act 2006 requires us to report to yau rf, in our opinion: - adequate accounting records hav8 not been kept by the charitable company; or - the Gharitsble company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records arKI r8tums' or - certain disclosures of trustees, remuneratvjn specifted by law are not made,. or - we have not received all the infomation and explanations we require for our audit: or - the trustees were not entiled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies, regime and take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the trustees. report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic repc RponsIbilItieS of trustees for the financial ststèments As explained more ful in the trustees, responsibilities statement s& out on page 2, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for Ihe preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they gNe a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees detemine is necessary to enable the preparaion of financial statements that are free from rnaterial misstatement, wheiher due to frdud or error. In preparing the financial statements. the trustees are responsible for assessing Ihe charitable company's abilty to continue as a going conrn, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concem and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees eilher intend to liquKlate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative bul to do so. Auditoffs r8SPOn6ibilities for the audit of the financial ststgrnents Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assuran about whether the financial staternents as a whole are free from material mKsslatement. whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditovs report that includes cur opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assumce, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) wll always deteci a material misstatement when il exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if. individually or in the aggregate. they Gould reasonably be expected to lnfiUen the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial ststements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance wtEh laws and regulations. We d8shJn procedures in line with our responsibilities. oullined above. to detect material misstatèments in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The exient to which our procedures are capable detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below- Based on our understanding of the charitable company and the environment in which it operates, we identffied that the principal risks of non-compliance wilh lavts and regulations related to the regulatory requirements of the Charity Commissn, and we considered the extent to which nonryc0mpllan might have a material effect 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 the Companies Ad 2006, Charbties Act 2011. and Payroll and Sales Taxes. We evaluated management's inntiVeS and opportunities for frdudulent manipulation of the financial statements (inGluding the risk of override of controls), and determined that the prinGipal risks were related to the posting of inappropriate joumal entries or the manipulation of accounting estimales, such as the recognition of work in progress. Audit proGedures perfornied by the eng¥ment team includod: - Inspecting correspondence with regulators aTrJ lax authorities. Page 17
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TOTHE MEMBERS OF SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES - Discussions with management including consKration of known or sUsped instances of non-complian with laws and regulation and fraud. - Evaluating management's controls designed lo prevent and deteGt irregularities: Identifying and tssting joumals, in particular journal entries postad wth unusual accounl ccmbinions, postings by unusual users or with unusual descriptions. and - Challenging assumptions and judgements ffAde by management in thèir crtstical auntIng 8siimates. Because of the inherent limitstions of an audit. there is a risk that we WILI not detect all irregularities. including those leading to a material miTJStatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increase5 the more that compliance with a law or regulation is renKved from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as will be $$ likely to become aware of instanGe$ of nonwcompliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occuffing due to frdud rather than error. as fraud involves intentional nce31Men( forgery. collusion, omission or misrepresentstion. A fvrther description of our responsbilities for the audit of the financial statements is kjcated on the Financial R8POrting Council's website at: VhVW.frc.org.uklauditorsrespons&)ilities. Thls description fomis part of our audttots repoTL Use of our report This report is mad8 solely to the charitable company's membws, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Art 2006. Our audii work has been undertaen so that we might State to the ¢haritable wmpanws members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditorfs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent pemitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitsble company and the charitable companys members. as a body, for our audit work, for this reporL or for the opinions have fomed. icky Hutson BS¢ ACA FCCA (Senior Statutory Audttor) for and on behalf of Berringers LLP Lygon House So London Rd Bromley BR13RA Date.. Page 18
sOH WEST LONDON LAW CEMfRES STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Total funds 2024 Total fvnds Unrestricted Restricted funds ftJrKJs Notes INCOME FROM Grants and donations 2C6.497 1.17.450 1,273.947 1.311,683 Legal and advice serviGes Investment income 484,030 3.600 484,030 459.311 3.278 Total 694,127 1.761,577 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable acttvitt8S Legal and advice services 636,708 1.122 423 1,759 131 1.725,837 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE) 57,419 {54.973) 48,435 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought fcrtward 457.404 231,651 689,055 640,620 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 514,823 176,678 691,501 689,055 The notes form part of these financial ststements Page 19
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES (REGISTERED NUMBER: 0501858n BALANCE SHEEr 31 MARCH 2025 2025 Total fiJnds 2024 Total funds Unrestrided Restricted funds funds FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 12 1.279 1,279 3,603 CURRENT ASSETS Work in progre5S Debtors Cash at bank 13 14 321.855 469.697 181,8Crf) 321.855 469.697 358,478 329.556 437,765 358,697 176 678 973.352 176.678 1,15D.030 1.126,018 CREDITORS Amounts falling dug within one year 15 (459,808) {459,808) (440,566) NET CURRENT ASSErs 176,678 685 452 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 514,823 176.678 691,501 689,055 NET ASSETS 514,823 176 678 691.501 689,055 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 16 514,823 176,678 457,404 231651 TOTAL FUNDS 691501 689.055 The financial statements were ar4)roved by the Board of Tnth and authorised for issue on . and were signed on its behalf by: Trustee Sannad Qureshi The notes form part of these fintncial statements Pag8 20
SOLTfH WEST LONDON LAW CENTrES CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Cash floY4E from operating activities Cash generated from operations 383 30,833 Net cash (used in)Iprovided by operating &tiVTlies 383 30,833 Cash flows from investing activitles Purchase of t8ngible fixed assets Inierest r1Ved (3,438) 3,600 (3,620) Net cash provided byl(used in) investing 8Ktivtties 342 Change In cash and cash equivalents in the reportlng perlod Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting perlod Cash and cash equlvalents at the end of th8 reporting period (219) 30,491 358,697 328 206 358 478 358 697 The notes fom part of these financial siatements Page 21
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 RECONCIUATION OF NEf INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTMTIES 2025 2024 Net income for the reporting period (as par the Statsment of Financial Activitles) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Interest received DeGreasel(increase) in work in progress (Increase)Idecrease in debtors InGreaseJ(decrease) in crediiors 2,446 48.435 5,760 (3,600) 7,701 (31.932) 19,242 11,621 (3,278) (12,755) 15,601 28.791 Net cash (used invprovided by operations ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NEf FUNDS At 1.4.24 Cash Ik)w At 31.3.25 Net cash C8sh at bank 358.697 219 358,478 358,697 219 358.478 Total 358,697 219 358.478 The notes fom part of these financral statements Page 22
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEKrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The financial statements of the charitable company, whi¢h is a public benefit entty under FRS 102. hav8 been prepared in accordance with the ChaTities SORP {FRS 102) 'Pttounting and Reporting by Charrlies: Statement of Recommended pract applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicab18 in thè 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 Ccxnpanies Act 2006. The financigl ststements have been prepared under the hiStOral cost Convent)n. GOING CONCERN The trustees consider there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concem. The financial position, reserves levels and future plans gives the trustees confidence the Charity remains a going conrRm foi thè foreseeable future. INCOME All income is recognised in the Ststemenl of Financial Activities vthen the company is legally entiued to the income and the amount can be quantifi with reasonab accuracy and re¢elpt is probabl8. Legal Aid Agency income is Unted for on a receivable bask% when the income is measurable and certain. In the case of Legal Aid, the Legal Aid Agency income is usualty recognised once they have nfirmed the payment. Legal Help income is recognised under the Unffied Contract when SWLLC has closed the cases and is enttlled to claim the fee. Voluntary income is reived by vray of donations and Govenants and is included in full in the statement of financial actwities when receivable. Grant income is recognised in full in the statement of finanual activities in Ihe year in which it 15 re¢oivable or r8C8Died whichever is the earlier. EXPENDITURE All èxpenditure is accounted for on an accrua15 basis and has been included under expense Gafiegories that aggregate all costs for allocation to adrvities. Where costs Cannot be directly attributed to pariicular activities they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resources. Overheads have been alkjcated on the basis of staff Iwne. Fundraising costs are those inGurred in seeking vontary contributKJns and (k) not include the costs of disseminating infonatIon in support of charitable activities. Support costs are those incurred diredly in support of expendilure on the objects of the company, Any irrecoverable VAT is written back to gene1 expenditure. Governance costs are those incurred in winectton with enabn9 the company to comply with extemal regulation, constitutional and statutory requirwnents. and in pvIding support to the Trustees in the discharge of Iher statuttxy duties. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Assets costing more than £11XI are captsiised. vthere the benefits of capitali5ation are material. Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the ¢ost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value. over their expecied useful lives on the following basis: Fumiture, fittings and equipment- Over 3 year5 Page 23 conlinued...
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continuod FOR TrIE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTING POUCIES - continuad WORK IN PROGRESS Work in progress represents the value of all open legalty aid funded cases. These cases had been opened bul were not yet completed, as at 31 March 2025. Work in progrv3s has been valued at the tower of cost and net realisable value taking inlo aLrount payments that have already been receNed. TAXATION The charity is exempt from corporatlon tsx on its charttable activities. FUND ACCOUNTING General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at discretion of the Directors in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds ar6 funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors whiGh have been raised by the Company for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering SLKh funds are charged against the specific fund. The aym and use of each reskncted ftJrKI is 881 out Bl the notes to the financial $tstements. HIRE PURCHASE AND LEASING COMMITMENTS Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of FinancRI Activities on a 6traight line basis over the period of the lease. PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POST-REfiREMENT BENEFrrs The charitable company operates a defined contribubon pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable companvs pension scheme are charged to the StaterrEnt of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY Estimat8s and judgements are continually evaluabj and are based on historical experience and other factors. including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. AAhough these estimates are based on the trustees. best kn¢)wledge of the amount, events or actions adual results ultimatety differ from these estimates. Estimates have been used in the calculation of the perns1 liability and valuation of the contribution by volunteers. The valuation of ourworf( in progress is normally Ii)oked at on a quarterly basis, to assess the value of time earned but not billed. A prowsion is held against legal casework where li has been determined that the Iil(elihood of recovery of costs is kvi. Page 24 Continued...
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 GRANTS AND DONATIONS Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 General donations Solicitor and long lerm donations Pro bono volunteers London borough of Merton London borough of Croydon other grants 8,811 185.000 5,744 226,909 10,916 76,241 76,241 19.177 984.718 991,873 1,273,947 1,311,683 The charity rec8ived no donations in kirKI in 2025 (2024: NIL). The charity has benefiled during the year from pro bono legal volunteers, wh¢)se professional services had we paid for would have been valued at £1.4m (2024: £1.4m). We have ¢alculated the financial benefrt provided to SVdLLC. by the volunteers by estimating the cost of day time volunteers only. At a conseNative estimate, daytime lUnteerS provide the equivalent of £62.825 in added value (£11.44ph adrninistrationlreception and £15ph casework support). We estimate the value of pro bono work provided by our evening volunteers at arouTKi £1.4 mlllion, cn the basis that each client (including follow up wor* and superwsion time Gan lake 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, artd also assumed that rates have slayed fixed sinGe last year. LEGAL AND ADVICE SERVICES 2025 2024 Legal and advice services 484,030 459,311 INVESTMENT INCOME 2025 2024 Interest receivable 3,278 Page 25 continued...
SOUTh WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Support costs (see note 7) Direct Costs Totsls Legal advtce services 1.737,505 1759,131 SUPPORT COSTS Governance costs Finance Totals Legal and advice seNices 176 21,450 Supwrt ¢osts, induded in the above, are as follows: 2025 Legal and advice servr 2024 Total activities Bank charges Audff(ors' remuneration Accountancy fees 176 11.275 161 11,000 8,675 21.626 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) Net incomel(expenditure) is ststed after chargingl(crediiing): 2025 2024 Auditors, remuneration Depreciation - owned assets Hire ofplant and mxhinery 11,275 5,760 25.585 11,000 11.621 TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees. remuneratim or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. TRUSTEES. EXPENSES There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 Mar¢h 2024. Page 26 continued...
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 10. STAFF COSTS 2025 2024 Wages and selaries Social security costs Olher pension costs 1.235,938 122,774 50,583 1.185.193 111,156 47.316 1.409.295 1.343.665 The average monthly number of amployeos during the year was as foll(ylls'. 2025 31 11 2024 29 12 Legal seNice and advice Support and fundraising 42 41 No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year. The remuneration of the Chariws key management personnel in the year was £49,000 (2024.. £56,895). Redundancy payments were £NIL {2024: £13,745) in th8 year. 11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted RestriGted funds funds Total funds INCOME FROM Grants and donations 185.433 1,126,250 1,311,683 Legal and advice seniices Investment income 459,311 3,278 459,311 3,278 Total 648 022 1,126,250 1774.272 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activittes Legal and advice servi 692,083 1.033.754 1.725,837 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) (44.061) 92.4 48,435 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 501.465 139.155 640.620 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 457.404 231651 689,055 Page 27 continued...
SOLrrH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSErs Plant and machinery COST At 1 April 2024 Additlons 142,856 3.436 At 31 March 2025 146,292 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 Charge for year 139,253 5,760 At 31 March 2025 145,013 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 1.279 At 31 March 2024 3.603 13. WORK IN PROGRESS 2025 2024 Wotk-iTrprogress 321,855 329.556 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Trade debtors other debtors Prepayrnents and accrued income 239,375 211.379 18,943 128.193 252.495 57,077 489,697 437.765 Page 28 continued...
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 2024 Clients, funds held Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Other creditors Accrued expenses 114.800 264,399 54,153 10,556 87,634 277,548 24,316 8,803 42,265 459,808 440,566 16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 31.3.25 At 1.4.24 Unrestricted funds General fund Fixed ass* fund 453,801 3,603 59,743 2,324) 513,544 457.404 57,419 514.823 Restricted funds General fund D8signated fund 231.651 (74.968) 156.683 19.995 231.651 54.973 176 678 TOTAL FUNDS 689.055 691.501 Net movement in funds. included in the above are as follubvs: Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestri¢ted funds General fund Fixed asset fund 694,127 (634,384) 2,324 59,743 694.127 {636,708) 57,419 Restricted funds General fi]nd Designated nd 1.035.078 (1,110.046) 32.372 174,988) 19,995 1,067,450 1,122.423 64.973 TOTAL FUNDS 1.761,577 1,759,131) Page 29 continued...
SOLrfH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- conlinued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - contSnued Comparatives for movement In funds movement in funds At 31.3.24 At 1.4.23 Unrestrlcted funds General fund Fixed asset fund 489,861 11,604 (32,440) 11.621) 457,421 17 501,465 (44,061) 457,404 Restricted funds General fund 139,155 92.496 231,651 TOTAL FUNDS 48,435 689,055 Comparative net mvement in fvnds. in¢luded in Ihe above are as follchvs: Incoming sources Resources expendèd Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Fixed asset fund 648.IY22 (680.462) 11.621 (32,440) 648.022 (692.083) (44.061) Restricted funds General fund 1.126,250 {1,033,754) 92,496 TOTAL FUNDS 1,725 837 1.774,272 L 48.435 A curreni year 12 rnonths and prior year 12 months crfflbined PK)5ition i8 as follows., Net movement in funds Al 31.3.25 At 1.4.23 Unrestricted funds General fund Fixed asset fvnd 489,861 30,739 17.381 520.600 5,777 501.465 13.358 514,823 Restricted funds General fund Designated fund 139.155 17.528 19,995 156,683 139.155 37,523 176678 TOTAL FUNDS 640,620 50,881 691,501 Page 30 continued..
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS- contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - cortinued A current year 12 months and pmr year 12 months wmbined net movement in funds, includèd in the above are as follows: Inwming Resources resources expended Movement in funds Unrestrfcted funds General fund Fixed asset furKI 1.342.149 (1,311.410) 17.3811 30,739 17,381 1.342.149 (1,328,791) 13,358 Restrlcted funds General fund Designated furKI 2,161.328 (2.143.800) 12,377 17,528 19.995 2.193,700 2.156,1 TOTAL FUNDS 3 535 849 3.484,*8 50,881 Fixed Asset Fund This represents Ihe net book value of fixed assets hekl within unreslrtded furKIs. Designated fund This repres8nls the fvnds. held within restricted fvnds. allocated forthe o)Tre move tsking place in the year ending 31 March 2026. Page 31 ontinued...
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CEFifRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMETrTfs- Contlnued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 17. RESTRICTED FUNDS BrOut Fonyard Carried Income Ey4)•nthlwo Forward The Croydon Relief in Ne&J Fund Office Move DesvJnat&J Fund Debt Freo Athlce GiA- SLRA Immwjtalion Gran to dients LCN Propel Legal Educalion Foundali LLSTIGIA- Cost of Living LLST- Surrey Lottery - Crisis PtoieL Lottery - Employment Merton CoutKil l Merton Givir 1.547 SreY CC- DV 65,999 Access lo Justice FourKlalion 1465 Trust for LoTrJon Employnt 3,333 Trust for Li)ndon Tetnp Accom 26.592 HO E visa grnnts 12.942 Wandsworth Council - Cost of Living WmJlodon Guikl - CAiSiS Fund 19,177 32.372 22.3B7 52.744 (17.579) (113m g02,38n (52,744) (9.712) (25,920) (46,OC#J) (110.170) 1.598 19,995 246 124 25,796 110.170 20.962 80.316 20,962 78.629 15,Crf)O 168.854 20.rf) 81241 65,0 113.395 40.000 25,)0 (170.541) (5,(M)O) (80288) {99.701) (115,860) (40,000) (49,TT2) (32.976) 3.333 1.820 (20.034) 1,471 13.334 47.921 10,IXMJ (3722n (14.167) 12.165 9,167 Toi 1.7.450 {1.122.423) 176.678 Purpose of restricted funds: Croydon Relief In Need - a grant towards th8 Cost of Living team to provlde Servi In Croydon. Debt Free Advico a grant received from Toynbee Hall in consortium with other London advice agencies, funded by the Money and Pensions Service to provide fa to face debt advi across South West London Greater London Author6ty (GLA) Homeless - a grant to provide immigration advice and casework to rough sleepers as part of a pan London partnership. working alongside South London Refugee Associatlon in the South West Region. Grants to Clients - grants received from various x)urces for direct payments to clients. Home Offic8 E-visa fund - a new grant to help vulnerable pecple to access their E-visa. There was a liming difference on the grant payment from the provider, and this was funded from unrestricted funds during this interim. Law Centr8 Network - Propel a partnership grant administered by the Law Centres NeOrt{ through Propel funding from London Funders. to help support legal apprenticeships as a way of qualifying as a solicitor at the law Gentre.. Page 32 Gonlinued...
SOUTH WEST LONDON LAW CENTRES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENfs- continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 17. RESTRICTED FUNDS - Gontlnued Legal Educatlon Foundation - a grant to fund a trainee solicttor rcAe wlth supenrision costs. London Legal Support Trust - Cost of Living - a grant to fund a specialist weare rights and crisis navigatbn servi. This is part of a wider pan London partnership funded through the GLA London Legal Support Trust - Klngston & Surrey - carried fopmard fvnds to contlnue to support development of work in Kingston and Surrey. Lottery Awards for All- a new grant to supp(Kt ow employment and discrimination work Lottery Community Fund - Crfsis Project- a new grant to fund a spe¢ialist vRlfare rights and crisi5 navigation service as well as management and communty engagement costs grant lo fund SpealIst advice and casework h Merton plus an additional Merton Council emergency fvnd grant Surrey County CounGil . Domestlc Ifiolence Projgct- a carried forward grant to provTrde casework and advice on immigration issues to the residents of domestic violence rege$. The grant wi51 help support the refuges to take on people fleeing domestic violence who have outstanding immigration issues. The Access to JustiGe FouDdatlon - Improvin9 Outcomes Through Legal Support (IOTLS) grant prograrn. The purpose of supporbng organisations wothng to sustsin and improve aGrLs$ to early social weffare and family legal support and adviGe. to enable users to resolve these problems a5 early as possible and avoid ihe need for ¢ourt or tribunal proceedings where possible. Trust for London - Employment- a ant towards the cost of an employment caseworker. Trust for London - Temporary Accommodation ProjeGt grant to develop coordinatlon and campaigning for better conditions of those in temporary ac¢ommodation through community engagement Work. London Borough of Wandsworth - C05t of Living Project immigration advice to the residents of Wandylrth. Wlmbledon Foundation - a grant towards work within our Cost of Lmng team. grant to wovide housing and 18. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES The charity re¢6ived donations of £951 (2024: NIL) from ivs Trustees in the year. There were no other related patty transactions lor the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024: NIL). Page 33