Charity Registration No. 1103630
Company Registration No. 05056654 (England and Wales)
BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Peter Wiseman (Chair) |
|---|---|
| Jim Simmons (Treasurer) | |
| Jasvinder Thiara (Vice Chair) | |
| Jane Hill | |
| Jeff Hunt | |
| Keith Francis | |
| Chris Kenward | |
| Secretary | Bill Basra |
| Charity number | 1103630 |
| Company number | 05056654 |
| Auditor | Spencer Gardner Dickins Audit LLP |
| 3 Coventry Innovation Village | |
| Cheetah Road | |
| Coventry | |
| CV1 2TL |
BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 7 |
| Statement of trustees' responsibilities | 8 |
| Independent auditor's report | 9 - 11 |
| Statement of financial activities | 12 |
| Balance sheet | 13 |
| Statement of cash flows | 14 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 15 - 25 |
BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
The trustees are pleased to present their annual directors' report together with the consolidated financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 March 2021 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors' report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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) (effective 1 January 2019)".
Objectives and activities
Objectives and activities for the public benefit
The aims of the service are to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. The service is provided free of charge and is confidential, impartial and independent. The bureau values diversity promotes equality and challenges discrimination. These activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes and with regard to Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities
the charity should undertake.
The main area of charitable activity is the provision of generalist advice and information services to those living and working in the Boroughs of Nuneaton & Bedworth, Rugby, Warwickshire and surrounding areas In addition to this BRANCAB also provides casework services for those with complex welfare benefits and multiple debt issues as well as financial capability training to the community. BRANCAB is also expanding its financial capability work to help people in the local communities we serve become more confident about handling their financial affairs.
The bureau traditionally offers generalist advice both face to face, by telephone and by email. Face to face advice is available through the bureau’s drop in advice service at the main offices in Congreve Walk, Bedworth, Chestnut House, North Street Rugby and Nuneaton Town Hall, Coton Road, Nuneaton, CV11 5AA. Delivery of the service during COVID-19 has been predominantly through the provision of telephone, digital and email advice. Face to face delivery has been reserved for situations where the client has an additional vulnerability and the issues cannot be resolved by phone or email alone.
As a result of our experiences we are building our telephone advice capacity by working in collaboration with national Citizens Advice as part of the national Advice Line providing generalist advice and information. We are also considering expansion of our webchat facility.
The generalist advice service is operated by volunteer, fully trained, generalist advice workers who always have access to an advice session supervisor during each advice session. The service is funded by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council.
Achievements and performance
Quality Assurance
Our quality of advice is monitored constantly by national Citizens Advice. BRANCAB is recognised as an Investor in People organisation, originally achieved in 2005 and reviewed every three years. The last review, undertaken in February/March 2021, saw BRANCAB achieve Silver status. The service is also recognised as a Disability Confident organisation. In addition to this BRANCAB holds the Advice Quality Standard at Generalist Level for generalist advice and the Specialist Quality Standards for both Debt Advice and Welfare Benefits.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| Achievement and Performance – Range of Services 2020-21 | Achievement and Performance – Range of Services 2020-21 | Achievement and Performance – Range of Services 2020-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Description | Funder |
| Generalist Advice Service |
General social welfare law advice and information delivered face to face, by telephone, email and web channels |
Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council Rugby Borough Council Warwickshire County Council |
| Debt Casework Service |
Debt casework for people with multiple debts including support with personal insolvency options |
The Money Advice Service |
| Specialist Benefits Service |
Support to assist Warwickshire residents to maximise their welfare benefits income and challenge benefit decisions including representation at appeals |
Warwickshire County Council |
| Breakthrough Programme |
Partnership project works support services to enable unemployed and economically inactive people living in Coventry and Warwickshire to overcome their problems, develop their skills to move people closer to paid employment |
Big Lottery Community Fund and European Social Fund |
| Help to Claim Service | Supporting people to make their initial Universal Credit claim and manage their claim |
Pilot project funded by the DWP via Citizens Advice before national service roll-out |
| Financial Capability | Energy Best Deal Project Supporting people to access best utilities deals and save through energy conservation |
Citizens Advice |
| Advice in Foodbanks | Providing outreach advice and support to users of foodbanks in Nuneaton, Bedworth and Rugby |
Trussell Trust |
| Advice in Hill Top Nuneaton |
Providing outreach advice and support to residents of Hill Top, Nuneaton |
Big Lottery |
| Advice in Children and Family Centres across north Warwickshire |
Providing outreach advice and support to families and services users of CFCs in Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby and Atherstone |
Warwickshire County Council |
| Advice for MS sufferers |
Advice for people suffering from MS |
Coventry and Warwickshire MS Society |
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
Achievement and Performance Client statistics
| Clients | Clients | Clients | 8,800 | 8,800 | 8,800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issues | 35,162 | ||||
| Client contact channel | Total | % | |||
| In person | 103 | 1 | |||
| Telephone | 6,915 | 79 | |||
| 1,782 | 20 | ||||
| Issue categories | Total | % |
|||
| Benefits and tax credits | 7,666 | 21.8 |
|||
| Benefits Universal Credit | 8,915 | 25.3 |
|||
| Consumer goods and services | 530 | 1.5 |
|||
| Debt | 5,484 | 15.5 |
|||
| Discrimination | 100 | 0.2 |
|||
| Education | 80 | 0.2 |
|||
| Employment | 2,198 | 6.2 |
|||
| Financial services and capability | 2,666 | 7.5 |
|||
| Health and community care | 335 | 1 |
|||
| Housing | 1,720 | 4.8 |
|||
| Immigration and asylum | 232 | 0.6 |
|||
| Legal | 777 | 2.4 |
|||
| Relationships and family | 1,477 | 4.2 |
|||
| Tax | 1,342 | 3.8 |
|||
| Travel and transport | 86 | 0.2 |
|||
| Utilities and communications | 292 | 0.8 |
|||
| Other | 1,262 | 4 |
|||
| Total | 35,162 | 100 |
|||
| Outcomes | Amount | ||||
| Income gain | £6,107,547 | ||||
| Re-imbursements of services and loans | £170,941 | ||||
| Debts written off | £1,329,931 | ||||
| Repayments rescheduled | £41,305 |
Client Profiles
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Ages ranged from 16 years old to over ninety,
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54% were female and 46% male,
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33% were disabled or had a long term medical condition
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10% of clients were from black and minority ethnic backgrounds
-
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
Financial review
Core funding enables us to provide our generalist advice service and helps to provide leverage to attract other funding and projects. This is provided by Warwickshire County Council, Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council and Rugby Borough Council.
Our local authority funders are facing financial challenges due to the current difficult economic climate and future core funding of advice services is subject to or threatened with further cuts. This makes our service more vulnerable and where levels of future core funding are uncertain it is more difficult to forward plan and additionally makes the bureau a less attractive option to other potential funders.
The competition for funding new projects has increased considerably as other not for profit organisations are also looking to plug funding gaps with new projects / services or try to find continuation funding from new sources. However, the bureau has successfully obtained funding from various projects and these have contributed substantially to the surplus arising in the year. As these projects are short term the benefit will not be sustainable in the long term.
In addition our ever increasing reliance on IT and the cost of maintaining networked computer systems is an increasing cost which provision is not made through our principle funders and this needs to be a consideration for future funding negotiations. If anything, the need for enhancement has been highlighted during the current COVID-19 crisis and the external grants and funding streams are being explored.
The Trustee Board review the risks of financing of the organisation and expenditure on an ongoing basis and set their reserves policy accordingly, see below.
Investment Policy
Apart from retaining a prudent amount in reserves each year most of the bureau’s funds are to be spent in the short term so there are no long term investments. The trustee board aim to attract the maximum amount of interest that can be obtained from the reserves and review both the level of reserves and investment policy on an annual basis.
Reserves Policy
The Trustee Board has considered the bureau’s requirements for reserves in light of the main risks facing the organisation and following Charity Commission good practice guidelines. The Trustee Board recognises the importance of establishing the long term financial sustainability of the organisation, especially in an environment that relies on short term, time limited funding.
Members believe one way of achieving this is to establish reserves to enable the organisation to survive the vagaries of short term funding. Consequently the Trustee Board is required to ensure that monies are available for each year to meet any reasonable unforeseeable contingency. They believe that an amount of at least 12 months operating costs which equates to £328,140 based on operating costs for the annual year 2019/2020 will be adequate. They have also designated funds for the following purposes, IT equipment renewals and upgrades, building repairs and staffing costs (mainly redundancy costs) as well general contingencies.
The bureau holds total reserves of £505,147 (2020 £477,876) at 31 March 2021 of which £34,772 (2020 £nil) are held for restricted purposes. Included in unrestricted reserves is £20,000 (2020 £20,000) which has been designated specifically for the purpose of replacing IT equipment. It is not possible to specify when this expenditure is likely to be incurred.
The Bureau is not exposed to price or credit risk and in view of the substantial bank deposits there are no liquidity or cash flow risks.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
Plans for Future Periods
Our future strategic plans can be summarised under 4 categories:
Access: extending how we give advice, increasing the range of advice given, extending and developing advice to excluded groups and work with partners to provide access to advice services.
Equality and Diversity: improve access to advice for excluded groups and use our influence to promote
equality and diversity.
Resilience: Strengthen our financial position, upgrade and improve our ICT infrastructure and invest in leadership and governance
Influence: Participate in national campaigns, develop our social media presence, build on our partnership working and continue to invest in training to develop our team and services offered.
Structure, governance and management Governing Document
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 1 st October 2004. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1. During the financial year 2006/7 the bureau changed its name to Bedworth, Rugby & Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau, with the approval of the Charity Commission and Companies House in readiness of the amalgamation with Rugby Citizens Advice Bureau. The Memorandum and Articles of Association were also changed and approved to reflect the changes caused by the amalgamation.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Peter Wiseman (Chair) Jim Simmons (Treasurer) Jasvinder Thiara (Vice Chair)
Jane Hill Jeff Hunt Keith Francis Martin Eversfield (Deceased 29 March 2021) Chris Kenward
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustee Board Members
The directors of the charity are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as members of the trustee board. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the trustee board are elected to serve for a period of 3 years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
The bureau seeks to ensure that trustee board members reflect the diversity of the community it serves. The bureau seeks to recruit new members who have the ability to make an effective contribution to the board through their skills, knowledge and experience, as well as having a proven interest in the work of the charity.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
Trustee Induction and Training
The trustees are familiarised with the practical work of the charity and are encouraged to attend the annual Planning & Development Days held each year to work alongside bureau workers to develop future objectives.
In addition to this new trustees are invited to attend an induction meeting with the Chief Executive Officer to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within it operates. This covers:
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The obligations of trustee board members
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The main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Memorandum and Articles.
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Resourcing and the current financial position as laid out in the latest published accounts and annual budgets
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Future business plans and objectives
Information for trustee board members is available locally through a Trustee Board Information Pack and nationally on Citizens Advice’s Cablink and Bureau Management Information System (BMIS) websites. Citizens Advice also publishes self-study training packs on a variety of topics relevant to the trustee board and these are distributed to trustees. In addition to this there are various opportunities to attend trustee development days organised locally by Citizens Advice.
Risk Management
The Trustee Board has conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. The risk register has been established and is updated at least annually. Where appropriate systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of authorisation of all transactions and projects. A disaster recovery plan has also been produced and is updated at least annually. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers and visitors to the bureau.
Organisational Structure
The trustee board meets quarterly and is responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. Members are from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity. The Chief Executive Officer (who is also the company secretary), the Deputy Chief Executive and minute secretary are paid staff who attend board meetings without voting rights.
A scheme of delegation is in place whereby the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has the day to day responsibility for the provision of services. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the charity delivers the services specified and that key performance indicators are met as well as ensuring progress to meet the strategic service development objectives detailed in the Business and Development Plan. The Deputy Chief Officer and Lead Advice Service Supervisors have day to day responsibility of the operational management of the service supported by a team of Advice Session Supervisors. This includes individual supervision and ensuring that the team continues to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice.
Staffing
The bureau has 34 paid staff, both full and part time consisting of 1 x Chief Executive Officer, 4 Advice Services Managers, 1 x Finance Administrator, 1 Finance Consultant, 1 x Breakthrough Project Manager, 2 Breakthrough Project Support Workers, 10 x caseworkers and 14 x outreach / project funded advice workers. The bureau team also consists of over 55 volunteers, the majority of whom are trained generalist advisers working on average two days per week each. The value of volunteering based on paid equivalent roles equates to over £326,563 per annum. Without the skill and dedication of the volunteers the bureau would not be able to provide its essential service to the community.
Related Parties
BRANCAB is a member of the national organisation, Citizens Advice, the national charity (charity number 279057) which sets out the framework for standards of advice and case management and supports members with an information system, case management system, training and other services.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Auditor appoinbj a5 aL*tOr oflhe Mpar Fxrt at a GBnBral MgotsrvJ. was approved ty the Board ofTntss. Tnjstee Dat8d'.
BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
The trustees, who are also the directors of Bedworth Rugby and Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The charity trustees (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each 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 of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Bedworth Rugby and Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2021 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) .
In our opinion, the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2021 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees' r eport; or
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sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the s tatement of trustees' r esponsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below .
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Enquiring of management, those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims;
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Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance ;
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Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
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Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of business and reviewing accounting estimates for bias.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: http s :// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Use of our report This report is made sokty to the chanty's tnjstees, as a ty. in aw)rdanGe part 4 of the Charities (Aecounts and Reports) Regulatn5 2008. Our audrt work has been undertaken so that we might state lo the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors. report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent pemiitted by L8w, we do not accept or assume responsibilty to anyone other than the charity and the charty's twstees as a body. for our audrt work, for this report or for the opinions we have fomed. Trh Ft(4 Debra Knlghton FC {Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Spencer Gardngr Dickins Audit LLP Chartered A¢¢ountants ststutory Auditor 3 Coventry Inn¢)vation Village Cheetah Road Coventy CV12TL sPenr Gardner Dickins Audit LLP is eligible for appointrnent as auditor of the charity ty rtue of hs eligibility for apF>)intment as auditor of a company undgr of section 1212 of the CompaniesAct 201X. 11
BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2021 2021 Notes £ £ Income from: Voluntary income 3 100 - Charitable activities 4 369,036 672,058 Investments 5 235 - Total income 369,371 672,058 Expenditure on: Charitable activities : Operation of Citizens Advice Bureaux 6 376,872 637,286 Net (expenditure)/income for the year/ Net movement in funds (7,501) 34,772 Fund balances at 1 April 2020 477,876 - Fund balances at 31 March 2021 470,375 34,772 |
TotalUnrestricted funds 2021 2020 £ £ 100 20,170 1,041,094 309,756 235 528 1,041,429 330,454 1,014,158 328,140 27,271 2,314 477,876 475,562 505,147 477,876 |
Restricted funds 2020 £ - 701,599 - 701,599 705,005 (3,406) 3,406 - |
Total 2020 £ 20,170 1,011,355 528 1,032,053 1,033,145 (1,092) 478,968 477,876 |
|---|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON crrizENS ADVICE BUREAU BALANCE SHEEr ASAT 31 MARCH 2021 Fixod ass¢ts TangitAe a&sets 16,323 Current ass•ts Debto Cash at arKI in haThJ 102,465 521.348 690.855 774.789 623.813 Cr•dIt¢. amounts faNlThJ du• Tlthln 11 (279.5051 {1622e4)> 461,553 Totsl assots lo ¢urranl Ilabllltl•s 505.147 477,876 Income fund5 Restricted fun(Is Unreslricled fiJrK 12 470.375 477.876 .147 477,876 Act 2(MJ6. f(x the y ended 31 Marth 2021. thxNb h85 been led out mler se(aion 144 of Ihe CharibesAct 2011. The directors a(cledge their restn[bIllieS for o3mpl wtth the requirements of the CompanEs Ad 2006 respect to ao)Junt"ng records and pyeparalion offfinancial stsMts. The Membe have rKt required the to (thw) an aj11 of its fingn(aal at&ments wbjor the requirements the Companies Act 21. for the ye in q$t in with section 476. Tt9 financial statsm8nts have b8on wep¥ad p) a(aXff with thg provi£*)rts aPIcable to compani88 subjet# to the small companies wme. ic].!ilJo41. man Company R•glstratlon 05056654 13-
BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 16 Investing activities Investment income received Net cash generated from investing activities Net cash used in financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
2021 £ 235 |
£ 169,272 235 - 169,507 521,348 690,855 |
2020 £ 528 |
£ 51,862 528 - 52,390 468,958 521,348 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Bedworth Rugby and Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Mitre House, School Road, Bulkington, Bedworth, Warwickshire CV12 9JB. Bedworth Rugby and Nuneaton Citizens Advice Bureau meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. It does not have a share capital and the liability of each member is limited to the guarantee given by that member which shall not exceed £1.
The charity is under the control of the Trustees.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling , which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
The Trustees have reviewed the charity’s budget and cash flow forecast and considered any material uncertainties, particularly with regard to future funding. Based on this review, the Trustees are satisfied that at the time of approving the financial statements the charity has adequate resources and that the going concern basis of accounting remains appropriate.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used or through the terms of an appeal . The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.4 Income
All income is included in the statement of financial activities, exclusive of vat, when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
-
Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
-
Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of service provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.
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Investment income is included when receivable.
-
Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliveries, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
Where income has been received but the performance of the contract work has not been performed at the balance sheet date then such income is included as a liability and carried forward as deferred income. Work performed but not completed or billed at the balance sheet date is included in Debtors at an estimated value.
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT, where the VAT cannot be recovered.
Expenditure which is directly attributable to specific activities has been included in these cost categories. Where costs are attributable to more than one activity, they have been apportioned across the cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of these resources.
1.6 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Equipment, fixtures and fittings 10% on a reducing balance basis Computer equipment 25% straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.
1.7 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any ) .
1.8 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.9 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future p aymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Voluntary income
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds |
|
| 2021 | 2020 |
|
| £ | £ |
|
| Donations and gifts | 100 | 20,170 |
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
4 Charitable activities
| Unrestricted Funds | Unrestricted Funds | |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council (NBBC) | 95,315 | 85,312 |
| Rugby Borough Council | 73,000 | 70,000 |
| Warwickshire County Council (WCC) | 157,459 | 163,884 |
| CAB sundry grants | 12,900 | - |
| VAT recovered (paid) | - | (9,190) |
| Rent received | - | (250) |
| Other income | 3,362 | - |
| WCC Additional advance provided due to COVID 19 | 27,000 | - |
| 369,036 | 309,756 | |
| Restricted Funds | Restricted Funds | |
| 2021 | 2020 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Citizens Advice - Money Advice Service | 178,297 | 175,233 |
| Financial Capability | 12,720 | - |
| Citizens Advice - UCS Help to Claim | 57,817 | 54,343 |
| WCC - Family Centres | 38,724 | 47,495 |
| WCC - Specialist Benefits | 206,559 | 212,339 |
| WCC - Carers Service | - | 4,471 |
| Orbit - We are Digital | - | 7,688 |
| Big Lottery BBO | 158,004 | 200,030 |
| Big Lottery Big Local | 4,800 | - |
| ME Society Service | 7,000 | - |
| Trussell Trust | 8,137 | - |
| 672,058 | 701,599 | |
| Total income from Charitable Activities | 1,041,094 | 1,011,355 |
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
5 Investments
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds |
|
| 2021 | 2020 |
|
| £ | £ |
|
| Bank and COIF deposit interest received | 235 | 528 |
6 Charitable activities : Operation of Citizens Advice Bureaux
| Depreciation and impairment Rent, rates and service charges Salaries and pension costs Computer expenses and information fees Travelling and training Light, heat and water Printing, postage and stationery Telephone Repairs and maintenance Insurance Sundry expenses Bank charges Redundancy costs Grant funding to third parties Audit and accountancy Legal and professional fees Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
2021 £ 6,460 82,718 769,608 29,954 2,865 12,050 18,521 10,330 3,800 6,817 26,341 376 32,133 - 7,585 4,600 1,014,158 1,014,158 376,872 637,286 1,014,158 |
2020 £ 11,880 73,165 737,975 46,699 27,872 20,235 25,141 3,344 5,203 5,072 14,329 449 44,830 4,920 6,483 5,548 1,033,145 1,033,145 328,140 705,005 1,033,145 |
|---|---|---|
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
7 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year. (2020: None)
No trustee expenses have been incurred and n one of the trustees claimed any expenses from the trust during the year. (2020: None)
8 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| Management Administration Advisors Total The staff costs were made up as follows: Employment costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more were: Key management personnel |
2021 Number 6 4 24 34 2021 £ 677,392 50,618 41,598 769,608 2021 Number - |
2020 Number 6 7 18 31 2020 £ 651,756 52,557 33,662 737,975 2020 Number 1 |
|---|---|---|
The charity considers its key management personnel comprise the trustees and the chief executive.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| 9 Tangible fixed assets Equipment, fixtures and fittings Computer equipment £ £ Cost At 1 April 2020 34,020 166,674 At 31 March 2021 34,020 166,674 Depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2020 29,772 154,599 Depreciation charged in the year 424 6,036 At 31 March 2021 30,196 160,635 Carrying amount At 31 March 2021 3,824 6,039 At 31 March 2020 4,248 12,075 10 Debtors 2021 Amounts falling due within one year: £ Other debtors 68,007 Prepayments and accrued income 15,927 83,934 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2021 Notes £ Other taxation and social security 64,570 Grants received on behalf of other Bureaux 109,344 Trade creditors 5,491 Grants received in advance 94,650 Accruals 5,450 279,505 |
Total £ 200,694 200,694 184,371 6,460 190,831 9,863 16,323 2020 £ 97,548 4,917 102,465 2020 £ 40,967 96,230 - 11,249 13,814 162,260 |
|---|---|
Grants received on behalf of other Bureaux:
The bureau occasionally receives income as an agent for other Citizens Advice Bureaux and other partners, as part of the original grant applications. In the year to 31 March 2021 the bureau received £384,918 (2020: £396,169) in this respect and at 31 March 2021 £109,343 (2020: £96,230) had not been distributed to partners.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
12 Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
| Movement | in funds | Movement | in funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | Incoming |
Resources | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | |
| 1 April 2019 | resources |
expended | 1 April 2020 | resources | expended | 31 March | |
| 2021 | |||||||
| £ | £ |
£ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Money Advice Service | - | 175,233 |
(175,233) | - |
178,297 | (178,297) | - |
| Citizens Advice - Help to | |||||||
| Claim | - | 54,343 |
(54,343) | - |
57,817 | (57,817) | - |
| Big Lottery - Capital | 3,406 | - |
(3,406) | - |
- | - | - |
| Big Lottery - BBO | - | 200,030 |
(200,030) | - |
158,004 | (158,004) | - |
| WCC - Family Centres | - | 47,495 |
(47,495) | - |
38,724 | (30,494) | 8,230 |
| WCC - Carers Service | - | 4,471 |
(4,471) | - |
- | - | - |
| WCC - Specialist Benefits | - | 212,339 |
(212,339) | - |
206,561 | (181,002) | 25,559 |
| Orbit - We are Digital | - | 7,688 |
(7,688) | - |
- | - | - |
| Citizens Advice - Financial | |||||||
| Capability | - | - |
- | - | 12,720 | (11,737) | 983 |
| Big Local | - | - |
- | - | 4,800 | (4,800) | - |
| ME Society Service | - | - |
- | - | 7,000 | (7,000) | - |
| Trussel Trust | - | - |
- | - | 8,137 | (8,137) | - |
| 3,406 | 701,599 |
(705,005) | - |
672,060 | (637,288) | 34,772 |
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
12 Restricted funds
(Continued)
Purposes of Restricted Funds:
Money Advice Service
Funding provided for debt casework services in Nuneaton and Bedworth and Rugby.
Warwickshire Specialist Benefits Service
Funded by Warwickshire County Council to provide specialist benefits casework support to Warwickshire residents across the county including income maximisation through benefits take up, support to ask for a reconsideration of benefit application decisions or support to appeal to Tribunal. The service also provides benefit awareness sessions for local frontline workers.
WCC Family and Children's Centres
Funding provided by Warwickshire County Council for outreach advice and support to families and service users.
Financial Capability
Citizens Advice provided funding for energy best deal financial capability work and We are Digital provided funding for the ‘Earn It Don’t Burn It’ project.
Big Lottery Building Better Opportunities (BBO) Breakthrough Programme
Funding provided to help the unemployed and economically inactive people to develop financial literacy and life skills and overcome barriers and help to move them towards employment.
Rugby Borough Council – Personal Budgeting
To provide personal budgeting support to local residents of Rugby transitioning to Universal Credit.
Orbit – We are Digital
Funding to support Orbit Housing tenants with financial capability. This project ceased in March 2020.
Carers Support Service
Warwickshire County Council provided funding to support the commissioned Carers Support Service to provide additional benefits advice support for carers across Warwickshire.
Help to Claim Service
Funding from DWP (via national Citizens Advice) to participate in the pilot of the Help to Claim Service to support vulnerable people to make their initial claim for Universal Credit and offer support through to receipt of the first payment.
Big Local
This funding relates to the delivery of outreach within the Hill Top and Wembrook area of Nuneaton.
MS Society
Funding to provide benefits maximisation to clients and carers of Multiple Sclerosis.
Trussell Trust
Funding for the provision of outreach services in Nuneaton, Bedworth and Rugby.
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
| 13 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2021 2021 £ £ Fund balances at 31 March 2021 are represented by: Tangible assets 9,863 - Current assets/ (liabilities) 460,512 34,772 470,375 34,772 |
TotalUnrestricted funds Restricted funds 2021 2020 2020 £ £ £ 9,863 16,323 - 495,284 461,553 - 505,147 477,876 - |
Total 2020 £ 16,323 461,553 477,876 |
|---|---|---|
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BEDWORTH RUGBY AND NUNEATON CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021
14 Operating lease commitments
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
| Within one year Between two and five years In over five years |
2021 £ 36,065 126,521 7,000 169,586 |
2020 £ 54,897 134,588 35,000 224,485 |
|---|---|---|
15 Related party transactions
Payroll bureau and accountancy services are supplied by Bishop Simmons Limited, a company in which J Simmons is a director and shareholder. These services were provided at a charge of £1,920 for the year (2020: £1,980). As at 31 March 2021 £nil (2020: £1,980) was outstanding to Bishop Simmons Limited.
16
| Cash generated from operations Surplus/(deficit) for the year Adjustments for: Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets Movements in working capital: Decrease/(increase) in debtors Increase in creditors Cash generated from operations |
2021 £ 27,271 (235) 6,460 18,531 117,245 169,272 |
2020 £ (1,092) (528) 11,880 (23,103) 64,705 51,862 |
|---|---|---|
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