CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE Operating as Citizens Advice Swale ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 A company limited by guarantee Company Registration No: 5052691 Charity Registration No: 1103010 citizens advice 'Swale
Contents Page Trustees, report (incorporating directors, report) Independent examinerfs report Statement of financial activities 14 15 Balance sheet 16 Notes to the financial statements 17-26 Administrative Information 27 CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS, REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024- CONTINUED
Trustees, report (incorporating directors. report) We're here for everyone We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice Swale we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice. We provide high quality, seamless and responsive services that meet our clients, diverse needs, helping them to act early to avoid issues escalating or to address the things that have negative effects on their lives. We're part of a national network of over 330 independent local Citizens Advice charities in England and Wales, affiliated to the national Citizens Advice organisation. We deliver free, confidential advice online, over the phone and in person. A message from our Chair It is a cliche perhaps to say that this has been a year of unprecedented change but this was certainly the case for us in 202314, with several changes in our leadership and management arrangements. In July 2023, our Chair and long standing Trustee David Walker stood down. Mark Hinton who had served as Chief Officer for seven years left us in October to lead a new initiative - the Swale Voluntary Alliance. Mark had successfully chaired that group from its early stages and we know it will go from strength to strength with him at the helm. Fiona Spall and Jude Lee took over as joint Chief Officers on an interim basis until the end of the financial year. Sarah Harvey took over as Chair on an interim basis and Pam Kenworthy was appointed from August 2024. At the end of the year the Trustees had to make difficult decisions to reduce our staffing in line with the funding available for our infrastructure and running costs. We were delighted to confirmjude Lee as our Chief Officer on a substantive basis. Despite these changes we sailed through the rigorous quality assurance process conducted by an independent assessor from National Citizens Advice, achieving all required standards. The process helped us strengthen our policies, risk management and cybersecurity arrangements as well as refreshing our governance arrangements. Through these many changes we maintained high standards of support and advice with the dedication and skills of our staff and volunteers - theyre truly exceptional. We're particularly grateful to Swale Borough Council (SBC) for their ongoing support. We do not take this funding for granted as we know that local government budgets are being severely squeezed. SBC'S grant has provided us with a valuable foundation on which to build our future sustainability. Report from our Chief Officer IVS been another busy year for us in Citizens Advice Swale, and while the cost of living crisis may no longer be making headlines, it's fair to say that it remains an issue for many of our service users. We've seen a steady rise in clients needing support with debt, benefit5 and housing issues, particularly rising rents and mortgages, as well as an increase in those living with negative budgets. Cases have become increasingly complex and clients are needing more and more time and support to resolve their issues. CITIZEN5 ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECtORS' REPORD FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024- CONTINUED
This has prompted a shift in how we are delivering services in terms of advice and accessibility. Through our energy project there is a much bigger emphasis on reducing client expenditure, as well as the general advice we already offer around income maximi5ation and budgeting. We're also working hard to form a collaborative approach to advice giving by working with other agencies to improve the client experience and also with marginalised groups so we can develop a better understanding of the services theyd like to see. Our outreach sessions on the Isle of Sheppey have been extended to cover some of the more deprived wards in the borough. These have proved popular and we have already seen a rise in demand. Funding has been a key priority during the last year and we have been successful in securing funding from various sources to help us to continue to deliver vital services to the community. As we look forward to 2024125 we're committed to making our advice service a service fit for the future. We want it to be as accessible and comprehensive as possible, targeting those groups that need us the most, whilst working with the community to understand how we can make further improvements. Our goal is to diversify our funding streams in order to create financial resilience and long-term financia5 sustainability. By becoming more innovative in how we use our resources we hope to reach sections of the community that have struggled to find a way forward. We're acutely aware that there are many people who have been unable to access Citizens Advice either through ill-health or digital exclusion. With that in mind we're committed to delivering a well supported Adviceline that can help those living in rural areas or those simply unable to access us via other means. None of this work is of course possible without the ongoing time and commitment of our amazing staff and volunteers. Their dedication to the seniice has been unwavering, which is testament to the incredibly rewarding nature of the work we do, and the fantastic team of people we have at Citizens Advice Swale. Without them, none of this would be possible. What we've done during the year .our impact 2023124 We issued 364 foodbank vouchers & 458 fuel vouchers 2,627 clients helped 15,343 issues handled £1.133.321 income gained for clients £87.183 reimbursements and loans £325.002 debts written off clients say we helped them find a way forward 70% clients say their issues were fully resolved clients would recommend our service CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECtORS' REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024- CONTINUED
Making a difference to local people We helped thousands of people in 202314, whether dealing with a single issue or a complex set of problems that required more specialist support. Nearly tsvo-thirds of clients were disabled or registered as having a long-term health condition. In addition to this direct support thousands more viewed our online advice pages. Why we're needed Our data helps us make sure we have the right knowledge and expertise to support people whatever their problem and however they come to us for help. A significant trend that we experienced last year was the complexity of issues that our clients are facing. Employment problems can lead people into debt which in turn affects their mental and physical health. Relationships can suffer and in some cases financial difficulties can lead to people losing their homes. Citizens Advice Swale provides people with the tools to help themselves and help them keep their heads above water. We keep people in their homes, we ensure basic needs are met, we encourage self help and educate people about how to better manage money and pay liabilities. We increase residents, incomes, we support people to stay in work. The combined impact of our advice services on health and wellbeing is palpable. People come to us with difficult situations that they might never have faced before. 84% of the people we helped said we helped them find a way forward. The majority of people we help experience a big life change before coming to us. Knowing how to take action isn't always obvious. Many of the people we see say they had difficulty knowing who to contact or how systems work. Many report needing help to use online services, forms and tools. If left unsolved, these problems don'tjust affect the individual- they impact on families and their local communities. Working in partnership to provide better support We work closely with a range of specialist voluntary and community groups so that we can refer people on to the right help that they might need. In turn we also receive referrals from them. Working in this way means we can benefit from each others, expertise, reputation and reach and provide better support to Swale residents. As well as supporting individuals we are involved in a range of collaborative groups, such as the Faversham Community Network, the Swale Voluntary Alliance and the Swale Cost of Living Working Group which help ensure that charities work to share expertise, improve information sharing and reduce duplication. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCORPORATING DIREcfoRS' REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 PAARCH 2024- CONTINUED
The top 10 issues we helped clients with in 202314: Svpport The people we support Age Disabillty l Long-term health ZO.24 J4 35.3& 4t, 44 eo.64 Ethnicity PO.Id .94 941? Gender HouslngTenure Fepr* ef¥ I_. Pi15Th7 Income Prollle ÉIWJ.f199>w £1301 £149>F 25 CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEES, REPORT IINCORPORATII4G DIREcfoRS' REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024- CONTINUED
Case studies From financial worries to debt free Debts totalling £37,000 had caused huge anxiety for one of our clients. They were struggling to deal with the huge amounts of papenNorL demands for payments and visits from bailiffs. They were living on benefits and had no available income to offer creditors other than their benefit payments. Our Money Advisor discussed the options available, including applying for bankruptcy. This would write-off their debts, remove the stress and pressure of creditors facing them and allow them to make a fresh start. The difficulty was that the application fee for bankruptcy costs £680 - a fee our client couldn't afford. Having looked at different trust funds we were able to secure generous support from the British Gas Energy Trust to pay the fee. Our client is now debt free and focussed on moving forward with their life. •' Our client received a letter from a debt collection agency wanting to recover an old debt from her of £20.000. which she disputed. Our Money Adviser. Sally. contarted the agency on behalf of the client. Today we were told that the agency has decided to no longer pursue the debt and has closed her case. 'Thank you for all your help- I couldn't have done this P. without your assistance.. ltittns Help with pension claims leads to back payment of over £6.000 Our client had never claimed their state or private pension and wasn't sure how to start. Our adviser made contatt with the Pension Service and our clienvs bank several times over two months and found that payments were not made due to a communications issue. Our client finally received over £6,000 of backdated pay and was delighted that their weekly payment was assured. Our adviser also called the clienys private pension provider and theyll be posting a claim form to our client, which we can help them to complete. In the process of helping our client, our adviser discovered a further private pension which our client could benefit from and helped them with that claim. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN 5WALE TRUFtEES' REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS, REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024- CONTINUED
Empowering our clients "I was in a real mess. and the wonderful people here at Citizens Advice Swale were brilliant. You gave me wood so that I could make a ladder to climb out of the mess I was in." advke Au8U5t 2023 Challenging benefits decisions help Our client was struggling with money due to cost of living increases, and needed help with their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which had been suspended. Following an appeal to the Tribunal from our generalist adviser, the DWP reversed their decision in the clienys favour before it went to a hearing. The client will be receiving a backdated PIP payment of approx £3,000 and their PIP has also been reinstated. Our client was struggling without this money so ivs great that they are now able to afford their living costs again. Our value to society We know that we not only make a difference to individual clients, we also deliver wider benefits to the Swale community and public institutions. These figures are produced by our national body and are credible but also conservative. In 202314 every £1 invested into our organisation was worth £17.89 in public value and £3.17 in fiscal value. Our seniices save the NHS £172,879 per year by reducing use. We've saved the Department for Work and Pensions £488,375 by keeping people in work. The total value to the people we help is an astonishing £4,741,735 and the total public value is £7,511,790. Regarding the local authoritys statutory duty Citizens Advice Swale has saved £180,356 in preventing homelessness, housing eviction and in council tax repayments. Our volunteers Our volunteers come from all walks of life and choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. They include students, people getting back into work after career breaks, people with part-time jobs, carers, and people who have retired. Every volunteer gets something different from their volunteering experience, such as: the opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives improving their self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing gaining invaluable work experience receiving receive high quality training and developing new skills using their existing skills and knowledge to benefit the local community meeting new people from a range of backgrounds feeling valued and part of a team. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCORPORATI1G DIREcfoRS' REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024- CONTINUED
In 2023124 our wonderful volunteers gave 9,600 hours of service and support to Citizens Advice Swale. Volunteers remain at the heart of our client-facing work- we also have volunteers who contribute their time to administrative tssks, social media and research. A huge thank you to them How we're funded Citizens Advice Swale is an independent charity reliant on funding from a variety of sources. Without the support of our funders and donors we couldn't help the thousands of people who seek our help and advice each year. On their behalf...a very big thank you! Our main funders in 202314 were: Swale Borough Council and Swale Household Support Fund Faversham Town Council Minster Parish Council Sheppey Council John Swire British Gas Energy Project Money Advice and Pensions (via our national body) Energy Advice Projett (via our national body) Colyer Fergusson The Philip and Connie Phillips Foundation Future Development 2023-24 was a challenging year, in terms of funding and service delivery. In the current economic climate 2024-25 will be no different. We were able to secure a continuation of our Money Advice and Pension Service (MAPS) funded debt advice project and Secured a further two years of funding for our British Gas energy project. However our organisation remains stretched in key areas, particularly as the number of different projects, locations and advice channels increase. At the end of 2022-23 we were faced with a potentially life-threatening cut in our core funding. This was averted, but it reminded us of the insecure world we work within. One key message to our core funder was that we need sufficient infrastructure to bid for and secure other projects that bring services to the local community- and there are very few sources able and willing to pay for that resource. The context for our work is changing too, with the "cost of living crisis" biting through winter 2023-24, and showing little sign of abating, we are increasingly dealing with emergency measures and distribution of resources such as those via the Household Support Fund, providing food and fuel vouchers and similar temporary fixes. As an advice service, we will continue to provide holistic support and our revised Mission for the coming years reflects the view that our role is preventative as well as restorative, and we will continue to work with clients to address underpinning causes as well as responding to their immediate needs where we are able to. On a positive note, our funders have continued to support us through 2023-24 and we are hopeful this will continue into the future. We have also secured some new funding which is always a positive sign of our success in what we do. We continue to be able to provide a wide range of complirnentary services, which deal with all aspects of our clients needs and wellbeing. As a relatively small Charity, we are aware of the threats we face, both in financial and operational areas. We value our staff and volunteers and believe in training and developing this valuable resource. We continue to keep a weathered eye on our major risks and explore new funding sources to strengthen our income, while efficiently managing our resources and targeting resources where they are most needed. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRU5TEES' REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTOR5. REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024- CONTINUED
Our structure. governance and management The Trustees (who are also direttors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) present their annual report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Charity constitutes a publlc benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. This report has been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reportlng by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16July 2014 as updated through Update Bulletin 1 published on 1 January 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Charities Att 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019. a) Constitution Citlzens Advice Bureau in Swale (trading as Citizens Advice Swale) is a charitable company limited by guarantee and was Set up by a Memorandum and Articles of Association on 23 February 2004 and amended on 23 October 2018. The Charity's objects are to promote through advice and prattical support, the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickne55 and distre55 in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the community in Swale and surroundlng areas. The reference and administration information is Set out on page 23 of the financial statements. b) Method of appointment of electlon of Trustees The management of the charitable company is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Trustees are elected to serve a period of 3 years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting. The Officers of the Trustee Board may not hold office for more than six consecutive years. After the end of this period, a further two years must pass before any person can hold another office. The Trustee5 are all drawn from the Swale community. There is a maximum of15 trustees on the board with up to three nominated by Swale Borough Council and one by Faversham Town Council. We aim to ensure there is a balance In terms of the areas that the Trustees are from and the skills that they bring to the organisation. Our managers attend the trustee meetings along with up to two staff representatives and one from the volunteers: these people do not have voting rlghts but are encouraged to participate in the discussions. c) Policies adoptedfor the indurtion and training of Trustees All new Trustees receive an induction pack and training which includes the obligations of Trustees the documents which set out the operational framework for the Charity including the purpose and use of the Memorandum &Articles the Aims, Principles & Policie5 Training Pack d) Organisation structure ond decision making Citizens Advice Bureau In Swale (trading as Citizens Advice Swale) is organised with a Board of Trustees comprising a minimum of 3 members up to a maximum of15 to oversee policy and planning. Trustees meet at least 4 times a year,. in this reporting period meetings were more frequent. During the year we changed our sub-committee arrangements; Finance and fundrai5ing- meets quarterly to review the financlal, governance and risk related matters CITI/EN'S AI)VICE BURF.AU IN SWAL.E'l-RUS-fEFS' REPORT IINCORPOFUITIN'G niRFrfoRI' REPORTI FOR T14E VLAIR ENDFD ?1 MARCH 2024- C.()NI-INUF.D 10
People, equality and wellbeing Risk, information and governance Research and Campaigns The Board delegates day to day responsibility to the Chief Officer who is required to attend Board meetings and to report on all operational and financial matters including staff matters and service delivery. e} Risk assessment The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charitable company is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charitable company, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with the health and safety of all staff, clients and visitors. The quality of advice given to clients is assured through adhering to the Citizens Advice Membership Scheme. Objects of the Charity for Public Benefit The Charity's objects are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the community in Swale and surrounding areas. In order to realise this public benefit, general and specialist advice is provided by telephone, email and (when possible) by face to face appointments at the Charity's locations in Sittingbourne, Sheerness and Faversham. Advice services are supplemented by training and support activities, particularly where related to the development of money management skills and financial capability. The Charity seeks to secure additional funding from time to time to support specific projects and programmes which enhance the breadth and sustain ability of the service for local residents. We are a member of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, an independent registered charity providing advice materials, organisational support, training and quality assurance infrastructure. The national body also negotiates on the behalf of local offices with major funding providers and national Government to generate funding which is then allocated either directly or via a bidding process for local services. Financial review We started the financial year with a deficit budget of over £66k as the management team felt they would be able to secure additional funding to improve the position by the end of the year. This situation was a repeat of the previous financial year which also started in deficit. The trustees were mindful that this is not 5UStainable. While our reserves were in line with good practice our aim in future years is to at least break even. We strengthened the management team's skills in fundraising, developed a more systematic way of tracking and prioritising grant opportunities and developed a financial contingency plan. The board took decisive action to reduce core running costs through some necessary staffing reductions - some of these results are shown in the final year figures with a reduced end of year deficit of £28k but the majority of savings will be realised in the 202415 financial year. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRU<TEES' REPORT IINCORPORATING DIRECtORS' REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 - CONTINUED 11
Total income for the year was £434,487 (2023: 459,169) and total expenditure was £463,596 (2023: £459,119), which resulted in a deficit of £28,109 (2023: £50). At the year end the charitable company had reserves of £154,778 (2023- £182,887) of which £200 was restricted. It is our policy to have unrestricted reserves of approximately four months operating expenditure. Free reserves for the year was £154,578 which meets the requirements of the reserve policy, however, the trustees are working towards increasing their free reserves to meet future challenges. We were successful in securing ongoing funding from several of our funders, which has given us the momentum to work towards a healthier financial future. Reserves policy The Trustees agree to maintain unrestricted reserves of approximately four months of operating expenditure. We maintain these reserves as a prudent measure in challenging financial times. The budget for 2022-23 showed a significant deficit however the management team were able to obtain additional funding to support our services. Again, the budget for 2023-24 showed a significant deficit which required drawing on the overall reserves in 2023-24 to maintain services and structure - although we will naturally seek alternative funding streams to offset anything we need to withdraw. Going concern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. We have received substantial additional income during the last few years, from various funds aimed at supporting the community during the pandemic and current periods of high inflation, to enable the public to access our services. However, these funds are becoming more difficult to access, we are in a period of high inflation and increased demand which will place considerable challenge on the Charity. Contingency arrangements are regularly reviewed by the Board, and we are continually exploring measures to create cost-saving efficiencies, and secure additional resources. We continue to work on one major national project, MAPS debt advice, although income is likely to decline, as stated previously. Because of this we are likely to see more collaborative projects similar to that funded by British Gas Energy Trust which allowed us to deliver advice in Swale Foodbanks. In the future, we will have to weather substantial insecurity, but robust discussion has already prepared us for various contingencies. Trustees. responsibilities statement in relation to the financial statements The charity trustees (who are also directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting stsndards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the method and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102),. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business. CITIZENI Ill)VICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS, REPORTI FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 - CONTINUED 12
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. This report has been prepared In accordance with Accounting the Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practices applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and the Charlties Act 2011 . Approved by the Board of Trustees on 19 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Pam Kenworthy OBE. Chair ofTrustees Sarah Harvey. Interlm Chair LITIZENS ADvifi- EIUREAU IN SVIALE I'RUSTLES, REPORT (iN(-ORPORATING DIRE.QTORS' REPORTI kOR I-HF YfAR ENI)ED 31 MARf.14 20221_ LONTINUEII 13
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Citizens Advice Bureau in Swale I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 17 to 26, Responslbilitles and basls of report As the charity Trustees of_the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responslble for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {"the 2006 Att ). Havlng satlsfled myself that the accounts of the Company are not requlred to be audlted under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examinatlon, I report in respect of my examlnation of your Charity's accounts as carried out under settion 145 of the Charities Att 2011 ("the 2011 Act"). In carrying out my examlnation I have followed the Directions, glven by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Att. Independent examiner's statements The Company's gross income exceeded £250,000, and I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wale5, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect., 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of sectlon 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter consldered as part of an independent examination,. or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FR51021. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Use of Report This report is made solely to the Company'5 Trustees, as a body, in accordance with settion 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 145 of that Att. My work has been undertaken so that I mlght state to the Company's Trustees those matters l am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose, To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's Trustees as a body, for my work or this report. 1910912024 Andrew Collyer ACA Burgess HodgsonLLP. Camburgh House, 27 New Dover Road. Canterbury. Kent. CT13DN CITIZENJC ADVICE BUREAU111 SIAIALk"fRIJSTEES' REPORT IINCORPDRATING DIREcfoRS' REPOPAT) FOR THF YEAR FNI)&D 31 MAf4CFI ?.024- CONt 'fiNLirD
Statement of financial activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024 Note Unrestrirted Deslgnated Restrlcted Funds Fund Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Income and Endowments Donatlons 9.620 9.620 9,055 Investment Income 1,112 1.112 368 Other income 2.505 2,505 3,285 Charitable actlvlties 157.817 263,433 421,250 446,461 Total incoming resource5 171.054 263,433 434.487 459,169 Expendlture on: Charitable Activities 154.993 307.603 462,596 459.119 Net Incomel(expenditure) 16.061 {44,170) 128.109) 50 Transfers between funds 16 {44.170) 44,170 Net movement In funds (28.109) (28,109) 50 Reconclllation of funds Funds brought forward at 0110412023 17 162,687 20.000 200 182,887 182,837 Funds carried forward at 3110312024 17 134.578 20,000 200 154.778 182,887 The notes on pages 15 to 26 form part of these financial statements. All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities. The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losse5 recognised in the year. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEES. REPORT IINCORPORATINIG DIREcfoRS' REPORT} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 IJAP.CH 2024. CONTINUED
Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024 Note 2024 2023 Flxed Assets Tangible assets 12 10,000 15,DOO Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 9,720 174,348 16,939 209,474 14 Total current assets 184,068 226,413 Credltors: Amounts due wSthln one year 15 139,2901 158,526) Net current assets 144,778 167,887 Total net assets 154,778 182,887 The Funds of the Charity Unrestricted fund5 Designated Fund Restricted funds 17 134,578 20,000 200 162,687 20,000 200 Total charity funds 154,778 182,887 The notes on pages 15 to 24 form part of these financial statements. The financlal statements have been prepared in accordance wlth the provision applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with the provisions of FRS 102 section 1 A- small entltles. The Trustees consider that the Company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audlt under the provisions of section 477 of the Companles Art 2006 ("the Act ) and members have not required the Company to obtaln an audlt for the year under review In accordance with section 476 of the Act. The Trustees acknowledge their responsibllities for cornplylng wlth the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 in respect to accounting records and the preparation of the financial statements. These flnanclal statements were approved and author15ed for issue by the Board and were signed on their behalf on 19 September 2024. Pam Kenworthy OBE, Chalr of Trustees Sarah Harvey, Interlm Chair Company Registration No 5052691 CITIZENS ADVICE BIJREAU IN SWALE TRU_)TfES' REPORT IINQORPORATING DIREcfoRS' RIPORTI FOR'IHL YkAIZ rNI}l) 31 MAI?LH ?Oi4- C'ONTINUEI)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 1 Accounting policies a) General Information and basis of preparatlon Citizens Advice Bureau in Swale is a private company limited by guarantee in England. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 2 of these financial statements. The nature of the Charity's operations and principal activities are the provision of free, confidential, independent and impartial advice services to the people of Swale. The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16thJuly 2014 as updated through Update Bulletin 1 published on 1stJanuary 2019. the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Att 2011. Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019 The Charity has applied Update Bulletin 1 as published on 2 February 2016 and does not include a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is applying FRS 102 Section 1A. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under historical cost convention, modified to include certain items of fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistentty applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. b) Incoming resources Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions are met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliability. Income is deferred only when the donor has specified that the income relates to a future period, or if entitlement is not met. Donated services and facilities are included at the value of the Charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Rental income is recognised as the Charity's right to receive payment is established. c) Resources expended Resources expended are recognised in the period in which they are incurred. Resources expended include VAT which cannot be recovered and is therefore reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Support costs are those that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly represent the charitable activitie5 and include office, personnel, governance and administrative costs. These costs have been allocated to expenditure in charitable 3ctivitie5. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity and include Independent Examiners, fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity. crrizENS ADVICE BUREAU IN 5WALE TRusfEES' REPORT IINIORPORATING DIREcfoRS' REPORn FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024- CONTINUED
d) Tanglble flxed assets and depreclatlon Tangible fixed asset5 of over £1,000 are capltallsed and are stated at cost less depreclatlon. Depreclation is provided are rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful Ilfe, as follows: Leasehold improvements Computers, software and equipment Fixtures and fittings 20% straight line 25% straight line 25% straight line e) Cash and Cash equlvalents Cash is represented by cash in hand and flnancial instltutlons repayable wlthout penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. f) Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year. Debtors and creditors with no stated Interest rate and recelvable or payable wlthln one year are recorded at transactlon prlce. Any loss arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. g) Employee beneflts The Charity operate5 a defined contributlon plan for the benefit of employees. Contributlons are expensed as they become payable, h) Operating leases Lease payments under operating lease, where substantially all of the rlsk and benefits remaln with the lessor, are charged as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. l) Golng concern The financial Statements have been prepared on a golng concern basls. We have sought to maxlmise income in recent times, and all expenditure is closely monitored for value-for-money and irnpact on the provision of services Following the pandemlc we are Sn a good posltlon to offer the best of the "old" and "new" methodologies, and staff and volunteers are clearly able to work from a variety of locations and using a range of tools. This puts us in a good position to be a modern, forward-thinking service. Based on these assessments and having regard to the resources available to the entity, the Trustees have concluded that there is no material uncertainty and that they can continue to adopt the going concern basls in preparlng the annual report and accounts., J) Fund Accountln8 Funds held by the Charlty are elthèr: Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with.the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Designated funds - these are funds set aslde by the Trustees Out of unrestricted general funds for specific projects or future purposes. Restrlcted fund s- these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrittions arise when speclfled by the donor or when funds are used for particular restricted purposes. k) Judgements and key sources of estimated uncertalntles No judgements {apart from those Involvlng estlmates) have been made In the process of applylng the above accounting policies that have had any significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements, except for those detailed in the above accounting pollcies. There are no key assumptlons concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertalnty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and l iabilitie5 Within the next flnancial year. LITIZENS ADVICE t3UREAU IN SWALF TRUSTEES, REPORT IINCORP()RATING OIREiTORS' REI)ORD FOR T14E YEAR ENDED J71 MAP,LPI 2.024_ fTr.NTINlJkD
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Total Funds Funds 2023 2 Donations Other Local Parishes Friends of CAB, other donation5 The Philip and Connle Philllps Foundatlon The Swlre Trust The Charitles Trust Swale Borough Council members grants Groundwork- Tesco Faversham 1,550 2,070 5,000 1.000 1,550 2.070 5,000 1.000 1,065 903 1,000 3,662 500 425 1,500 9,055 Corporate Donatlons 9,620 9,620 3 Investment Income Bank interest received 1,112 1,112 1,112 1,112 368 368 4 Other Income Sundry income and fundraising 2,505 2,505 2,505 2,505 3,285 3,285 5 Charltable actlvltles Swale Borough Council Faversham Town Councll Minster Parish Council Sheerness Borough Councll Sheppey Town Council Swale B Council- Household Support Fund Southem Water Money and Mental Health Colyer Fergusson CT- Investlng In Famllles Colyer Fergu550n CT- Communities Fund Natlonal A550ciatlon of Citlzens Advice - Money Advice Programme Energy Advice Project Advlcellne Help to Clalm Brit15h Gas Energy Trust Kickstart 135,317 6.000 135,317 6,000 133.430 6,000 5,OOD 750 restated restated restated 1,500 1,500 20,000 20,000 20,000 5.000 13,129 11,013 10,000 12,707 14,987 10,000 12,707 14,987 10,000 restated restated 81,675 36,750 81,675 36,750 15,000 (4,5361 91,850 105,918 16,300 15,ODO clawback (4,5361 91,850 75,568 43,268 1,085 157,817 263,433 421,250 446,461 Total Income for year 171,054 263,433 434,487 459.169 CII'IZkN55 ADVIQE FJDFIEAU IN SWIALE TRiJS I F.IS' REPORT IINI LofipoRATING DIREC-foRS' REPOlln FOR THE YkAII kNDED .51 MARC.H 2024- cllNTINUL-D
6 Resources expended Unrestrlcted Funds Restrlcted Funds 2024 2023 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities Dlrect staff costs Indirect Staff costs Office 119,511 4,385 6,732 4,032 227,894 7,978 14,865 11,759 347,405 12,363 21,597 15,791 295,602 4,448 restated Premises restated Governance (see note 6 (b)) Other Swale food bank. Contribution to costs restated 35 6,129 6,164 900 Support costs {see note 6 la)) restated 158.169 154,993 307 603 462,596 459119 6 (a) Support costs allocated to actlvltles 2024 2023 Dlrect staff costs reststed 39,913 98,160 27.813 Indlrett Staff costs Office Premises Governance restated restated reststed 8,948 6,768 3,355 292 59,276 24.679 7,517 Other 158,169 6 (b) Governance costs 2024 2023 Staff costs Independent Examiners, fee5 Trustee Insurance AGM and Trustee5 meeting costs 4,352 1,900 307 1,940 307 958 7,517 3,355 7 Net Incomel{expendlture) for the year 2024 2023 Thls Is stated after charglng; Depreclatlon of Tangible assets Operating lease rentals Independent examlners fees 5,000 1,665 1,940 5.000 1,665 1,900 8 Independent examiners remuneration The Independent examiners remuneratlon amounts to an Independent examlners fee of £194012023: £1900) CITIZENS ADVICE BLIREAU IN SIIIALE TRUSTFES, Rf.PORT IINCORPORATING DIREcfoRS' REPOR I I Foft TFIE YEAR kNDFD 31 MARCH 2024- CONiif¥lLJI.D
9 Staff costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Soclal securlty costs Defined contribution pension costs 359,801 21,357 6,160 369.654 22,389 6,071 387,318 398,114 No employee recelved total employee benefTt5 (excluding employers pension costs) amounting to more than £60,000 in the perlod. The average monthly number of employee5 and full time equivalents {E) durlng the year was as follows: 2024 2024 2023 2023 Number FfE Number FTE Provislon of servlces 21 13 10 Tru5tees' and key management personnel remuneratlon and expenses None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year,12023.' Nil) neither were they reimbursed expenses during the year (2023., Nil). The totsl amount of remuneration received by key management personnel is £67,964 (2D22: £63,912). The Trustees consider key management personnel to be comprised of M Hinton, F Spall, J, Lee and the Trustees. 11 Taxation The Company is a reglstered Charity and is not subject to Corporation Tax. Computer5 software & Fixtures equipment & fFtting5 Leasehold Improvement5 12 Tangible fixed assets Total Cost A5 at 1 Aprll 2023 Addition5 Disposals 55,321 26,284 4,018 85,623 As at 31 March 2024 55,321 26,284 4,018 85,623 Depreciation As at 1 April 2023 Di5POsals Charge for the year 40,321 26,284 4,018 70,623 5,000 5,000 As at 31 March 2024 45,321 26,284 4,018 75,623 Net book values A5 at 31 March 2024 10,000 10,000 As at 31 March 2023 15.000 15,000 CITIZENS AIJVICE BURFAU IN SWALI TRUSTEIS REPOP.T IINCORPORATING DIRELTORS, REPORTI FOR I"HL YEqR ENDFf) 31 MARCH 2024- CON"liNIJ¥D
13 Debtors 2024 2023 Prepayments Accrued Income 533 16,300 639 9.187 9,720 16,939 14 Cash at Bank and In Hand 2024 20Z3 Lloyds TSB Deposit account Lloyds TSB Current account Metro Bank 61,870 25,602 86,876 41,348 81,858 86,268 174,348 209,474 15 Credltors: amounts falling due withln one year 2024 2023 Taxes and social security Other creditors and accruals Provision and Clawback Deferred income 6,015 8,504 11,780 12,991 11,833 25,206 21,487 39,290 58,526 16 Funds Reconciliatlon. STATEMENT OF FUNDS. CURRENT YEAR Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at 11412023 resources Expended Transfers 311312024 Unrestrlcted Funds General Funds 162.687 171,054 (154,993] {44.170) 134,578 Deslgnated fund Stafflng Contingencies fund 20,000 20,000 Restricted fund5 Business Gas Energy Trust Swale BC Household Support Fund Wllllam Barrows Charity Colyer Fergu550n C T- Investing in Families Colyer Fersu550n C T- Community Fund National Cltlzens Advice Energy Advlce Project MoneyAdvice and Penslons seNlce Swale BC- collaborative grant for Faversham Money and Mental Health Community Fund Southern water Help to Claim - net clawback Kick5tart 91,850 20.000 194,131) 119.885) 12,281) 115 200 200 14,987 1 D,000 (15,873) (10,592) (8861 (5921 36.750 81,675 136,374) 1116,569) 376 (34,8941 12,707 (13,706) (473) (999) 1473) (4,5361 (4,536) 263,433 1307,6031 44,170 Total Resources recelved and expended 182.687 434,487 (462,5961 154,578 ctT17kNS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUJfEFS' REPORT (INCORPQRATING DIREC.foRS' REPORT) FOR l Hk_ yE,R F.NIDED 31 MARCH 2024 . CONI INufD
16 Funds Reconclllatlon- Contlnued STATEMENT OF FUNDS- PRIOR YEAR Balance at Incoming Resources 11412022 resources Expended Transfers Balance at 311312023 Unrestricted Funds General Funds 162,637 145,713 {153,585) 7,922 162,687 Designated fund Staffing Contingencles fund 20,000 20,000 Restrlcted funds Business Gas Energy Trust Swale BC Household Support Faversham Town Council - restated 43,268 20,000 6,000 5,000 750 (43.049) (18,000) (5.500) (4,400) (600) 219 2,000 500 Mlnster Parlsh Councll - restated Sheerness Town Council 60D 150 Wllliam Barrows Charlty Colyer Fergusson C T- Communities Fund Colyer Fergusson C T- Investlng In Famllles National Citizen5 Advice 200 200 11,013 10.000 111,0131 110,7171 1717} Energy Advice Project Money Advlce and Pension5 service Help to Claim Swale BC- CollaboratSve grant for Faversham Money and Mental Health southern water 16,300 105,918 75,568 425 115,8001 (112,6161 164,7001 (4251 {13,1291 14,5001 (1,085) 500 (6,698) 10,868 13,129 5,000 1,085 500 Kickstart 200 313,456 (305,5341 17,922) 200 Total resources received and expended 182.837 459,169 (459,1191 182,887 Purpose of funds: Unrestricted Funds: These funds can be used In accordance wlth the Charitys objectlves at the dlscretlon of the Trustees. Designated Fund,. Staffin Contin encies Fund Afund created by the Trustees to provide a contingency reserve to cover recrultment. training and potential redundancy costs should fundlng sources reduce. Restricted Funds: The MoneyAdvice and Pensions Service, in partnership with Clt12ens Advlce, fund5 the Debt Advice Project. The Charity recelved a number of grants for increased capacity. Unspent funds have been transferred to unrestricted general funds in accordance with the agreement. CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN &WAI_E TRUSTEIS, RkPORT (INCORPORATING DIREL I ORS, REPORTI E-OR THE YEAR ENDED 31 WIARCH 202A CON-I INLI Efj
16 Purpose of Funds- contlnued A project that support5 clients wlth energy advlce and rnoney management 5UPPOrt In partnershlp wlth Swale Foodbank. One of a number of delivery partners providing support for community particularly food and fuel vouchers and financlal capabllity and income maximisation. This grant contrlbutes to the cost of providlng casework for Faversham Clients. These are grants that contribute to the cost of provldlng advlce servlces for Sheppey clients. li Thls grant has been provided for use In cases of extreme hardship of residents of the parlsh of Borden. A grant to support staff cost particularly to support supervlsion. er li Acquiring new IT equipment and reviewing new approach to service delivery. I boratlve rant fo Fa Collaborative bid from Faversham community network to increase our opening hours in Faversham admlnlstered by Faversham Umbrella. A fund pravided by Kent County Council tallored for Mental Health cllents, to provide long term support and assist with financial capability and maximise income. The Fund is managed by North West Kent Citizens Advice. Ener vic Pro ect National Cltizens Advice funding to provide support for clients with high energy usage, to reduce bills through efflclent savlngs. A grant to provide financial capabillty and In particular to help cllents manage flnances and avoid the need for further debt support. el to Claim Funding given by the National Citizens Advice to provide assistance for clients making a Universal Credit claim. This project ceased in 2023. A grant to as515t with employment costs, to enable those first leaving school to get work experience for a period of 6 months. This project ceased in 2023. usiness Ener and Industria Funding received via Citizens Advice to provide additional resources during Covid times, in particular advice to assist cllents to manage their debts, the grant was pald in 2020121 but the service is for two years. IA Various members grant5 for specific costs as set out above and general office running costs. CiTli.ENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEFS, REPORT IINC(JRPORATING DIRICTORS, R.EPORD roR T14f VLAR ENDED )1 MAP,CH 2024- CONTINUED
17 ANALYSIS OF NEfASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS- General Deslgnated Restrlcted fund5 funds nds Total 2024 CURRENT YEAR Tarigible fixed assets Current assets 10,000 533 (7,1371 131,182 10,000 9,720 {39,2901 174,348 9,187 132,153) 23,166 Creditor5: Amount5 falling due Cash at Bank and In Hand 20,000 Total net assets 134,578 20,000 200 154,778 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS- General Designated Restrlcted funds funds funds Total 2023 PRIOR YEAR Tanglble flxed assets Current assets 15,000 16,939 158,5261 189,274 15,000 16,939 158,5261 209,474 Cred5tors: Amounts falling due Cash at Bank and In Hand 20,000 200 Total net assets 162,687 20,000 200 182,887 18 Flnanclal Commltments At 31 March 2024 the charlty had total future mirlimum base payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follovws.. 2024 2023 Not laterthan one year Later than one and not18ter than five years 7,110 24,000 7,666 19,111 31,110 26,777 Pensions and other post retirement benefits The Charity operates a defined contribution pension plan for its employees. The amount recognised as an expense in the period was £6,16012023: £6,071). There were no liabilities outstanding (2023: Nil) in relation to thi5 penslon plan cornmitment. Related party transactions There were no related party transactions during the year {2023'. nil). orr17.EN> AllViCE tIUREAU IN 5WALE TRUSTEES, REPORT IINcofipoRATING DIRicfop.S' REPORD FOR TH'= Yb.Al< ENI r)ED 31 MARCH 2.0?4- CONI"INUED
19 COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Incorporatlng an Income and Expendlture Account) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Unrestrlcted Deslgnated Restrlcted Funds Fund Funds Total 2023 Total 2022 Income and Endowments Donatlons 8,630 368 33,188 41,818 368 29.036 33 Investment Income other Income 3,285 133,430 3.285 413,698 1,724 373,348 Charltable Actlvltles 280,268 Total incoming resources 145,713 313,456 459,169 404,141 Expendlture on Charitable Activities 153,585 305,534 459.119 431.492 Net Incomel(expendlture) {7,8721 7,922 50 127.3511 Transfers between funds 7,922 17,922) Net movement In fund5 50 50 (27,351) Reconclllation of fund5 Total funds brought forward 162,637 20,000 200 182,837 21Q,188 Total funds carried forward 162,687 20,000 20Q 182,887 182,837 C.ITIZEN5 AfJvici-. F3URIAU IN SWALE'fRUSTFÈS' REPORT IINCORPORAI"INfa DIRF.CtORS' REPORTI FOR THE I'FAR fNI)E.D 31 MARCH 2.024- f.ONTINUED
Administrative information Name Richard Calvert Appointed Retired 25July 2023 25July 2023 25July 2023 28July 2024 23 October 2023 Trustees David Walker (Former Chair) Michael Moore Paul Miller Ethan Dighton Safiya Nelson - Treasurer Hannah Edwards - Treasurer 02 June 2024 02July 2024 Sean Grace 23January 2024 Sarah Harvey (Interim Chair) Pam Kenworthy (Chair) Amanda Tennant 26 April 2022 25 April 2023 24January 2023 24January 2023 30 April 2024 19January 2024 Barrie Neaves Brett Appleton Paul Stephen Swale BC Tim Gibson Swale BC Representatlve Members 06June 2023 06June 2023 Hannah Perkin Swale BC 17 September 2019 25July 2023 25July 2023 02 November 2023 Kieran Golding Swale BC Elliottjayes Swale BC Mark Hinton Company secretary Jude Lee Fiona Spall (Manager} 02 November 2023 Management Team 16 October 2023 24 May 2024 Mark Hinton (Manager/Chief Officer) Jude Lee 02 November 2023 16 October 2023 Registered office Swale House East Street 5ittingbourne ME10 3HT Company registered number 5052691 Charity registered number 1103010 Citizens Advice Registered Number 7510016 Independent Examlner Andrew Collyer ACA Burgess Hodgson LLP Camburgh House 27 New Dover Road Canterbury CT13DN CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU IN SWALE TRUSTEES, REPORT IINCORPORATING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 IthARCH 2024- CONTINUED n7