REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 05190146 (England and Wales} REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1106738 Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Ststements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 for The Bedford and District citizens Advlce Bureau
The Bedford and Distrlct Citlzens Advice Bureau Contents of the Financlal Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Page Report of the Trustses Independent Examinerfs Report Ststement of Flnancial Activitles Balance Sheet 10 to 11 Cash Flow Statement 12 Notes to the Cash Flow Statement 13 Notes to the Financial Statements 14 to 24 Detailed Statement of Financial Actlvities 25 to 26
The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charrties preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) (effective 1 January 20191. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectlves and aims The objectives of Citizens Advice Bedford are.. To provide free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information for the benefit of the local community. To exercise a responsible Influen on the development of social pJlicies and services. To ensure individuals do not suffer through a lack of knoedge or an inability to express their needs effectively. In addition to the continuing provision of high-quality advisory services to the local community, the objective is to work to enable the Bureau to expand its servi$ where possible. The principal activity of Ihe Bureau remained the provision of free, confidential, independent and impartial advice,infomiation and counsel for members of the public. In addition to generalist advi the followng specialist advisory services were provided.. il Specialist Welfare Benefits Advice to clients of Bedford Borough Social Sernices, fiJnded by Bedford Borough Council ill Specialist Welfare Benefits Advice funded by the Harpur Trust iii) Specialist Welfafe ReformlDebt Advice funded by the House of Industry iv) Specialist Housing Debt Advice and Court Desk funded by the House of Industry v) Specialist Debt Advi funded by the Money Advice Servi vil Benefit Advice servIs lo help people resolve concems around public involvement in health research design and delivery funded by a number of Health and other research Agencies vii) Generalist SeThices funded by the Trussell Trust viii) Energy Advice serviS funded through National Citizen Advi ix) General Advice seNices x) Specialist Housing & General Advice funded by Govia Thames Link xi) Household Support Fund & Emergency Client Fund administered on behalf of Bedford Borough Council Advisory ServIS were provided through a hybrid of face-to-face and remote consultations as well as email, although advice was also delivered through the use of telephone and social media, In 2023 we became a Domestic Abuse Support Hub. Page 1
The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2026 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Public benefit The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefrt when reviewing the aims and objecbves and in planning the future activities In particular, the Trustees considered how planned activities will contnbute to the aims and objectives they have set and believe the Charity has complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011. Volunteers The Charty receives help and support in the form of voluntary assistance in advising the public and administering the Charity. As at 31 March 2025, we had 28 volunteer5 and are actively recruiting more. Over the last 12 months we have been able to recruit and train more volunteers. The Trustee Board and Senior Management Team recognise the invaluable contribulion made by our volunteers without whom the Servi could not operate. STRATEGIC REPORT Achievements and perfomiance Charitable activities Citizens Advice Bedford is the recognised advice agency in Bedford Borough,. the Citizens Advice brand is dely recognised and trusted at national and local level. It is recognised as an organisation that provides good quality advice without charge to anyone in need. The office is located in the Harpur Centre, in the centre of town and benefits from slaff and volunteers who are well trained, enthusiastic and committed. As well as benefib'ng from nationally provided knowledge and reference sources, they also have specialist local knowledge which is valuable to clients. Cttizens Advice Bedford saw a total of 3,820 unique clients with 18,890 issues, this was the second highest number of dients seen in a year during the last 10 years. showing the demand for our seNices. The most prevalent issues we advised upon were '. Benefits- 5,851 issues Debts- 3,128 issues Housing- 1,737 issues We helped generate £2,377,013 in welfare benefit income for our clients, and wrote off £641,957 worth of debt and helped clients to reschedule £65,865 of repayments. We helped 500 families and individuals gel ac$$ to emergency food and 37 people who were at risk of evith'on to stay in their homes. The fiscal value of the work we did was £1,931,311 which equates to £2.98 for every £1 of ndIng we f1ved. The Public value of the work we did was £12.251,890 which equates to £18.90 for every £1 of funding we received. The value to the clients of the work we did was £8,274,359 ' which equates to £12.76 for ever £1 of funding we reived. (" These figures are based on the Citizens Advice Financial Modelling Tool which uses methodology developed by New Economy and the model is approved by the Treasury) Fundraising activities The charity did not undertake any fvndraising activities during the year. Page 2
The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRA TEGIC REPORT Achievements and performance Restrictions and Investment Powers As required in its Memorandum paragraph in furtherance of ils objects, and for no other purposes, the Company has the power lo invest the monies of the Company not immediately required for its purposes in or upon such investments, secunties or property as may be thought fit, subject nevertheless to such conditions and such Consents as may for the time being be imposed or required by law. The Trustee Board has agreed an investment policy, which includes., No bank (plus any of its subsidiaries) shall have more than £85,000 of Citizens Advice Bedford funds for a period greater than 28 days. The Company will actively invest funds currently held on deposit into a mix of business investment frjnds offered by UK based banks or Building S(xieties covered by the UK Financial Compensation Scheme. For darity there would be no investments in institutions where the compensation scheme is covered by a country abroad. No investment would exceed £85,000 in any one bank or its subsidiaries. The Company will retain flexibility within either the current account andlor linked deposit account to meet its day-to-day needs. The Company will con&der investing in shares andlor similar investments but will not commit more than 250k of available reserves in these types of investments. • No investment will be made where access to funds would be greater than 60 days, noti. At 31 st March 2025 the Company Charity had £98,127.67 invested with the Cambridge and Counties Bank in a 31-day noti account and an easy access savings account. The investment in Cambridge and Counties slightly exceeded the £85,000 per bank requirement of the policy but is considered to be a small risk. The Memorandum of Association authorises the charity to receive income by way of grants. donations, gifts and legacies provided that it does not undertake any permanent trading activities in raising fvnds for its primary objectives. The Memorandum of Association authorises investment of surplus monies not immediately required. subject only to conditions and consents imposed by law. Financial revlew Financial position The unrestricted and undesignated general free reserves at 31 March 2025 was £119,683 {2023124= £153,340) after designats'ng resetves of £179,588 (2023124. £176,305}. There were no restricted reserves left at the end of the year (2023124.. £18,644). During the 2024125 financial year, CAB delivered a financial deficit of £{49,018) (2023124.. deficit £(96,258)). This deficit arose primarily through an increase in staff costs. Inrne overall has increased by 7.6680/0 to £656,480 compared to £609,722 in 2023124, while over the same period expendrture has decreased by £49010 £705,490 from £705,980 in 2023124. There was no expenditure on fixed assets capilalised during the year {2023124.' £3,7741.Fixed assets are used for charitable purposes and enable staff and volunteers to provide an optimum service to the public. Page 3
The Bedford and Dlstrict Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Financial review Principal fundlng sources CAB delivered the final year of a 5-year contract on behalf of Bedford Borough Council and continued with The Harpur Trust funded project for welfare benefit advi. CAB continued delivery of MaPS contracts, and the Benefits Advice Service continues to provide fijnding for clients across England and Wales undergoing research into health and social issues. Borough Council provides a continuous running welfare benefit contract, and the House of Industry provides grants for both debt relief and housing contracts. CAB also continued to deliver year 2 of a 3-year partnership with the Trussell Trust, operating in Foodbanks within the Borough. CAB delivered energy advice through multiple National contracts including Cadent, Energy Advi Pro}ect, Energy Outreach Project and Wam Homes Projed. Lastly, CAB administered the Household Support Fund on behalf ofthe Bedford Borough Council to support residents wth while goods. The Tnjstees extend their gratitude to all funders for their continued support. Reserves policy Citizens Advice Bedford is required to ensure that free monies are available in each financial year to meet any reasonable foreseeable contingency. The Company wll maintain a projection of income for at least two years ahead and wll ensure that this continues to be derived from as wde a vanety of sources possible They will take all esSary steps to ensure that at no time within this peri¢xl would it be possible for the cessation of one or more funding streams to present so serious a challenge to the fuknre of the organisation that it could not be managed so as to continue to provide a best value advi service. In reviewing the potential costs that could arise should a significant reduction in income be incurred the Trustees have determined that a designaled unrestricted reserve should be mainlained equal to 3 months, budgeted operating expenditure,which currently equates to £179,588 12023124. £176,305 based on 3 months, normal operating expenditure). The Trustees continually monitor this target. a key KPI for the Charity. The unrestricted and undesignated general free resetves at 31 March 2025 was £119,683 (2023124.. £153,340) after designating reserves of £179,588 (2023124-. £176,305). Restricted reserves at the end of the year amount to £nil {2023124.' £18,644). Going concern The Charity reported a cash infiow of £(86,791) for the year compared to £{142,3221 for 2023124. Whilst the year ending 31 March 2025 is no longer affected by Lockdown, nonetheless the impact of Covid-19 continues to be still evident. The affect on project work was minimal from a financial poinl of view overall. Whilst having retumed to providing some face-to-face services, CAB are still providing telephone support to those needing our support1adv1 and have increased our capacity io deliver services in this way. We expect funding next year in 2025126 to remain similar to the cutrent year but are reviewing our expenditure base and accommodation lo redu costs to match any reduclion in funding, whilst conb'nuing to look for fijrther funding opportunities. Different funding streams have been successful in 2024125 which have offered the organisation the Chan to develop new expertise. We look forward lo 2025126 where additr'onal funding streams have been identified to expand delivery. After making fvrther appropriate enquiries, together with reseeS and expenditure control, Ihe trustees have a reasonable expeclalion that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational exislence for the e1ve months from the date of signing this report. For this reason. they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Polltical Donatlons No donations of monies or donated goods were made lo any political parties or political campaigns in the year 202412512023124.. £NIL) Page 4
The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau Report ofthe Trustses for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRATEGIC REPORT Principal risks and uncertainties The trustees have a duty to identify and review risks to which the charity is exposed and lo ensure appropriate controls are in place. The Charity has worked on a Corporate Risk Management exerctse. A risk management strategy and risk register were agreed by the Trustee Board. The Trustees recognise that any major risks to which the charity is exposed need to be reviewed and systems put in place to mitigate those risks. The last full risk assessment was carried out in November 2023. and approved by Trustees at the November 2023 Trustee Board Meeting, The risk register is reviewed quartedy by the SMT staff and Trustee committee. Future plans CAB'S main priority is the provision of an accessible advice Servi to the community in Bedford Borough. The move to the Harpur Centre is completed which has increased the local profile of the organisalion. New funding streams have been obtained, which has enabled outreach work lo be carried out al local Foodbank venues, as well as ndIng for a new Energy Advice role in response to the Cost of Living Crisis As well as the new outreach sedions. clients are 51111 able to contact us face to fa, by telephone and email we are looking to extend these services with the recruitment of more volunteers. CAB has a dedicaled telephone assessor to meet client demand, and plans to start additional outreach work are ongoing to meet ever growrng demand.. In summary CAB will continue to.. provide g¢x)d quality advi and information to the communrties in Bedford and in particular to the most vulnerable., provide advi that is available at both a general help level and specialist advice in debt, welfare benefrts and homelessness prevention., - provide accessible channels to contact the service,. be a key partner to the local authority through. in particular, the provision of data about community needs and be a leading player in the Bedford Advi and Third Sectors STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its goveming document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The Charity (which has Ihe working name of 'Citizens Advi Bedford {CAB}'I was fomied as a Company limited by guarantee on 27 July 2004 (Company Number.. 05190146) The full name of the charity is The Bedford and District Citizens Advi Bureau and was registered with the Charity Commission on 12 November 2004 (Charity Number.. 1106738}. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, as last updated on 24 March 2011. Oryanisational structure Citizens Advi Bedford is govemed by its Trustee Board which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and Ihe policy of the charity. The Trustees cary the ultimate responsibility for the conduct of the Bureau and for ensuring that the charity satisfies its legal and contradual obligations.Truslees meet as a minimum quarterly and delegate the day-to-day operation of the organisation lo senior management. The Trustee Board is independent from management. A register of members, interests is maintained al the regislered office and is available to the public. Page 5
The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Recruitment and appointment of new trustees Trustees, who are also Directors of the Company, are appointed by the current Trustee Board. A separate process agreed by the Trustee Board is followed for the election of the Chair and Treasurer. No other persons or bodies external to the charity were entitled to appoint persons to the Trustee Board. Newly appointed Trustees are provided with a comprehensive induction to Cib'zens Advice Bedford through the provision of CAB training courses and support by established Trustees. Key management remuneratlon The Trustees regularly benchmart( the pay of Senior Management in similar sized charity organisations in the locality and also across similar sized Local Citizens Advi organisations No member of staff was paid more than £60,000. Related parties Crtizens Advice Bedford subscribes to the membership scheme of The National Association of Citizens Advi Bureaux (Citizens Advice}, the national charity (Charity No 2790571 which provides a framework for standards of advi and casework management as well as monitoring progress against these standards. Operating policses are independently determined by the Trustee Board of the Bureau in order to fvlI its charitable objects and comply with the national membership requirements. During the 2024125 financial year, payments were made to Citizens Advice to the value of £12,559 {2023124.' £6,924) in respect of insurance, subscriptions and sundnes. Receipts from Citizens Advi for contracts and grant funding lotalled £212,071 (2023124.. £149,207). Also during the year, receipts for support services were made from Mid Beds Citizens Advice (Charity No 1109976) lo the value of £51,392 (2023124.. £5.0371. No further receipts were made from Scunthorpe & District Citizen Advice (Charity No 11102051 (2023124-, £2,434}. The charity also co-operates and liaises wth a number of other advisory services, local charities and social services department5 on behalf of clients. Where any of the Trustees holds the position of a TrusteelDirector of another charity they would declare a conflict of interest and then may be involved in discussions regarding that other charity but not in the ultimate decision-making process. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number 05190146 (England and Wales) Registered Charity number 1106738 Registered office 8 Harpur Centre Bedford Bedfordshire MK40 1TP Trustees Jane Margaret Mordue- Chair Dr Thomas Greville Inskip Mark Smith Elizabeth Borland David Hodgson - Acting Treasurer (4.3.2024) lain Clark Retired Company Secretary Francesca Marritt Page 6
The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Independent Examiner Colin Airey FCCA George Hay Partnership LLP Chartered Accountants Brigham House High Street Biggleswade Bedfordshire SG18 OLD Bankers: Unity Trust Bank Plc, 9 Brindley Place, Birmingham, B12HB Senlor Management Team: Francesca J. Marritt, Chief Executive Officer Simon Kelly, Operations Manager and Deputy CEO from 01.09.2024 Lucy Barnes, Business Manager and Operations Manager from 01.09.2024 Joanne Gumer, Operations Manager Authorised and regulated by the Financtal Conduct Authority FRN.. 617505 Report of the truslees, incorp9r<ling a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees. as the company directors, on..i...... ...... and signed on the board's behalf by.. Trustee Page 7
Independent Examinetrs Report to the Trustees of The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bufeau {Ihe Company.) I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibillties and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 20C6 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'the 2011 Acri In carrying out my examination I have followed Ihe Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 14515) (b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement sin your charily's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confimi that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Associalion of Chartered Certified Accounlants. which is one of the listed bodies. I have cornpleted my examinab'on. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act., or the accounts do not accord with those records," or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.. or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities prepanng their accounts in accordan with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102)). I have no ConMS and have come across no other matters in connection with Ihe examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Colin Aifey FCCA The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants George Hay Partnership LLP Charted Accountants Brigham House High Street Biggleswade Bedfordshire SG18 OLD Date:........................... Page 8
The Bedford and District citizens Advice Bureau ststement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 31.3.25 Total nds 31.3.24 Total funds Unrestricted funds Reslricted funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2,484 2,484 302 Charltable actlvltles General Advi Debt Advi Benefits & Welfare Energy Advice Food Advice 181,500 51,235 111,201 87,703 71,223 69,848 232,735 111,201 87,703 71,223 69,848 201,938 167,966 95.544 77,062 55,077 Investment income Other income 2,530 78,756 2,530 78,756 2,396 9,437 Total 265,270 391,210 656,480 609.722 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable actN6tles General Advice Debt Advi Benefits & Welfare Energy Advi Food Advice 71,455 92,761 241,199 89,546 97,594 112,943 164,216 241,199 89,546 97,594 112,943 109,395 264,308 140,402 98,972 92,903 Total 71,455 634,043 705.498 705,980 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) Transfers between funds 193,815 (224,189) 1242,833) 224,189 (49.018) 18 (96,258} Net movement in funds 130,3741 (18,644) (49,018) (96,258) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 329.645 18,644 348,289 444,547 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 299,271 299,271 348.289 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 9
The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau Balance Sheet 31 March 2025 31.3.25 Total fvnds 31.3.24 Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 24,503 24,503 34.974 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Investments Cash at bank and in hand 14 74,610 97,948 123,358 74,610 97,948 123,358 39,902 95,418 210,149 295.916 295.916 345,469 CREDITORS Amounts falling due wrthin one year 16 (21,148) (21,148) (32,154) NET CURRENT ASSETS 274,768 274.768 313,315 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABIUTIES 299,271 299,271 348,289 NET ASSETS 299,271 299,271 348,289 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 18 299,271 329,645 18,644 TOTAL FUNDS 299.271 348,289 The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The Iwstees acknowledge their responsibililies for (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that compty with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its sUlUS or deficit for each financial year in accordance wrth the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating lo ffinancial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. (b) The notes form part of these financial statements Page 10 conb'nued...
The Bedford and District citizens Advlce Bureau Balance Sheet- continued 31 March 2025 These financial slatements have been prepared in accordance wth the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on and were signed on its behalf by.. Trustee The notes fomi part of these financial statements Page 11
The Bedford and Distrlct Citizens Advice Bureau Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 31.3.25 31.3.24 Notes Cash flovr6 from operatlng activltles Cash generated from operations {86,791) (138,548) Net cash used in operating activities {86,791) {138,548) Cash flows from investing actlvities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Movement in short term investment Interest received (3,774} (2,3961 2,396 (2,530) 2.530 Net cash provided byllused in) investing aclivities (3,774) Change in cash and cash equlvalents In the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents atthe beginnlng of the reporting period 186,7911 (142,322) 210,149 352,471 Cash and cash equlvalents at the end of the reporting period 123,358 210,149 The noles fomi part of these financial statements Page 12
The Bedford and Distrfct Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 31.3.25 31.3.24 Net expenditure for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activitles} Adjustments for: Depreaation Charges Interest reiVed Increase in debtors Decrease in creditors (49,018) (96,258) 10,471 (2, 530) (34,7081 (11,006) 11,218 (2,396) {11,608) (39,504} Net cash used in operatlons (86,791) (138,548) ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS At 1.4.24 Cash flow At 31.3.25 Net cash Cash at bank and in hand 210,149 {86,791) 123,358 210,149 {86,791} 123,358 Liquid resources Deposits included in cash Current asset investments 95,418 2,530 97,948 95,418 2,530 97,948 Total 305,567 (84,261) 221,306 The notes fomi part of these financial statements Page 13
The Bedford and Dlstrict Cttlzens Advice Bureau Notss to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 CHARITABLE COMPANY INFORMATION The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau is a private limited charitable company, limited by guarantee, by not having share capital incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The registered office is 8 Harpur Centre, Bedford, MK40 1TP and the company registration number is 05190146. The financial ststements are prepared in Sterling and rounded to the nearest £1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a publi¢ benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP {FRS 102) 'A¢counb'ng and Reporting by Charities,. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financial Reporting Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 (effective 1 January 20191,, Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau meets the definition of a public benefit under FRS102. Going Concern After making ftjrther appropriate enquiries, together with reserves and expenditure control. the Irustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequale reSoUrS to continue in operational existen for the twelve months from the date of signing this report. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going COnM basis in preparing the finanaal statements. Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty In preparing the Financial Statements, management is required lo make estimates and assumptions which affect reported income, expenses, assets, liabiliknes and disdosure of contingent assets and liabilrties. Use of available information and application of judgement are inherent in the formab'on of estimates, together with expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the rcumstanCes. Actual results in the fiJture could differ from such estimates. ements Impairment testing is carried out for all tangible assets at the year end date where there is an indication that impairmenl exists. For Ihe purposes of impaiment testing. the carrying amounts of the tangible assets are reviewed and an impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amounts exceed the assets recoverable amount. Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each balan sheet dale. The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the differen beeen the sales prOedS and the carying amount of the assets and is recognised in Statement of Financial Adivities. The directors consider that there are no significant areas of key judgement or ests'mation uncertainty other than those identified in the accounting policies above. Income All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the fvnds and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is deferred only when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period. Page 14 continued...
The Bedford and Dlstrict Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements - contlnued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continued Income Voluntary income is received by way of granls, donations and gifts, including gifl aid income where applicable, and is included in 11 in the statement of financial activikn'es when receivable. Income from govemment and other grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for when it is probable that the income wll be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified and is material. The value of selv1$ provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts. Interest on ftjnds held on deposit is included when re1vable and the amount can be measured reliably by the company., this is nomally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank. Expenditure Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as 8 liabilty is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fvlly recovered, and is reported as part of the expendrture to which il relates. Expenditure on raising funds- comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activilies and SeNiS for its beneficiaries. The primary functional activity of the charity is the giving of free and confidenlial advice lo the public. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to this activity and those costs of an indirecl nature necessary lo support them. Support costs include all those overhead costs of office and bureau accommodation, utility sernices, and other sejvices and costs, which are in support of the activity. They also include those costs not associated with the other two headings and includes costs of meeling the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity, the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. They have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.i.e, by lime spent. Tangible fixed assets Depreciation is provirjed at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimaled useful life. Improvements to propety Computer equipment 20 % on cost 330A on cost All assels individually or paid for as one invol, costing £1,000 or more are capitalised Taxation The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtheran of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purwses. Designated funds are unrestricted funds reserved by the trustees for particular purposes or if there are funds not easily available for use in liquidrty terms. Reslricted fvnds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the company for partiCLJlar purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are Charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fvnd is set out in the notes to the financial slalemenl Page 15 continued...
The Bedford and Dlstrlct Cltlzens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Ststements- contlnued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at Ihe settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued a t the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturrty of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Creditors Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally COgnised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 31.3.25 31.3.24 Donations 2,484 302 INVESTMENT INCOME 31.3.25 31.3.24 Deposit account interest 2,530 2,396 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 31.3.25 Bedford Borough Council - Core Contract Bedford Borough Council- Homeless Prevention Youth Pilot Project Money and Pensions Service House of Industry- Debt Housing Bedford Borough Council- Welfare Benefits The Harpur Trust Benefits Advi Service Energy Advisor Trussell Trust Activity 31.3.24 General Advice 181,500 173,813 General Advice General Advice 43,810 7,425 15,000 13,125 Debt Advice 78,242 101,832 Debt Advice 32,959 66.134 Benefits & Welfare Benefits & Welfare Benefrts & Welfare Energy Advice Food Advice 41,425 46,278 41,245 52,329 1,970 77,062 55,077 71,223 69,848 572,710 597,587 Page 16 continued...
The Bedford and Dlstrict Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Support costs (see note 7) Direct Costs Totals General Advice Debt Advi Beneffts & Welfare Energy Advice Food Advice 41,126 119.199 21,169 41,144 51,431 123,090 122,000 68,377 56,450 61,512 164,216 241,199 89,546 97.594 112,943 274,069 431,429 705,498 SUPPORTCOSTS Governance costs Management Totals General Advice Debt Advice Benefits & Welfare Energy Advice Food Advice 120,004 119,465 67,031 55,112 60,213 3,086 2,535 1,346 1,338 1,299 123,090 122,000 68,377 56.450 61,512 421,825 9.604 431,429 Support costs are allocated on the basis of labour hours. SupFX)rt Costs. included in the above, are as follows.. General Advice Debt Advice Benefits & Welfare Wages and salaries Premises costs Office costs Other cosls staff and volunteer Governance costs 91,992 14,757 11,572 91,057 13,052 14,048 59 1,251 2,535 51,095 7,227 7,960 1,619 3,086 715 1,346 123,090 122,000 68,377 31.3.25 Total activities 31.3.24 Total activities Energy Advi Food Advi Wages and salaries Premises costs Office costs Other costs Staff and volunteer Governance costs 42.048 6,000 6,343 28 693 1,338 46,058 6,505 6,973 30 647 1,299 322,250 47,541 46,894 215 4,925 9,604 293,550 46,910 61,533 318 9,004 6,897 56,450 61.512 431,429 418,212 Page 17 continued...
The Bedford and Distrlct Citizens Advlce Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements - contlnued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) Nel incomel{expenditure) is slated after chargingl{crediting)'. 31.3.25 31.3.24 Depreciation - owned assels Operating lease Independent examinerfs remuneration 10.471 13,173 3,955 11,218 12,931 3,360 TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS During the Current or previous year no remuneration or benefits for services as a directorltrustee have been paid or were payable, directly or indirectly, OLrt of the funds of the charity to any trustee or to any person known to be connected with them. Trustees. expenses During the year ended 31 March 2025, no trustees, expenses were paid {2023124.' £321). EMPLOYEES 10. 31.3.25 31.3.24 Wages and salaries 591,677 575,584 591,677 575,584 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows.. 31.3.25 18 Advice workers and support staff Key management personnel 31.3.24 19 22 23 No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. The key management personnel of the Charity comprise the Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive and Operation Managers The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the Charrty were £174,327 (2023124. £144,986). COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted funds 11. Reslricted funds Total fvnds INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 302 302 Charitable actlvities General Advice Debt Advice Benefits & Welfare Energy Advice Food Advice 173,813 28,125 167,966 93,574 72,337 55,077 201,938 167.966 95,544 77,062 55,077 1,970 4,725 Inveslment income 2,396 2,396 Page 18 continued...
The Bedford and Dlstrict Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statemerts - Continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 11. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued Unrestricted Restricted funds fvnds Total nds Other income 9,437 9,437 Total 192,643 417.079 609,722 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable actfvities General Advice Debt Advi Benefrts & Welfare Energy Advi Food Advice 65,516 43,879 264,308 140,402 98,972 92,903 109,395 264,308 140,402 98,972 92.903 Total 65.516 640,464 705,980 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) Transfers between funds 127,127 (172,0941 (223,3851 172,094 (96,258) Net movement in funds (44,967) (51,291) (96.258) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought fOard 374,612 69,935 444,547 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 329,645 18,644 348,289 12. VOLUNTEERS The Charity reiVeS help and support in the form of voluntary assistance in advising the public and administering the Chanty. As at 31 March 2025, we had 35 volunteers and are actively recruiting more. We will continue to develop ways lo engage and maintain new volunleer numbers. The Trustee Board and Senior Management Team recognise the invaluable contribution made by our volunteers without whom the service could not operate. In accordance wth FRS 102 and the Charities SORP, the economic contribution of volunteers is not recognised in the financial statemenls. Page 19 continued...
The Bedford and District citizens Advlce Bureau Notes to the Financlal Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Improvements to propety Computer equipment Totals COST At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 52,355 5,365 57,720 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 Charge for year 17,381 10,471 5,365 22,746 10,471 At 31 March 2025 27,852 5,365 33,217 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 24,503 24,503 At 31 March 2024 34,974 34.974 14. DEBTORS." AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.25 31.3.24 other debtors Accrued income Prepayments 181 72,941 1,488 240 37,297 2,365 74,610 39,902 15. CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS 31.3.25 31.3.24 Short term investment deposits 97,948 95,418 16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.25 31.3.24 Trade creditors Social security and other taxes Other creditors Accrued expenses {1,825) 7.032 11,986 3,955 7,700 7,032 12,712 4,710 21,148 32,154 Page 20 continu
The Bedford and Distrlct Citizens Advice BuTrau Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 17. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows.. 31.3.25 31.3.24 Within one year Between one and five years 22,641 27,141 25.881 49,782 49,782 75,663 18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds Transfers between nds At 31.3.25 At 1.4.24 Unrestricted funds General fvnd Benefits Advice Servi Designated Funds.'ReseNe policy 153,340 182,441 11,374 (227,472) 108,309 11,374 179,588 176,305 3,283 329,645 193,815 Restricted funds Money and Pension Service House of Industry Bedford Borough Welfare Benefrts The Harpur Trust Trussell Trust Homeless Prevention Energy Advisor Youth Pilot Project {224,189) 299,271 (17,534) (82,766) 18,245) (23,296) (43,095) (10,932) (26,371) (30,594) 17.534 82,766 8,245 23,296 43,095 10,932 7,727 30,594 18,644 18.644 (242.833) 224,189 TOTAL FUNDS 348,289 (49,018) 299,271 Page 21 continu
The Bedford and Dlstrict Cltlzens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Staternents- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - contlnued Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows- Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund Benefits Advice Servi 253,896 11.374 (71.455) 182,441 11,374 265,270 Restricted funds Money and Pension Service House of Industry Bedford Borough Welfare Benefrts The Harpur Trust Trussell Trust Homeless Preventron Energy Advisor Youth Pilot Project {71,4551 193,815 78,242 32,959 41,425 46,278 69,848 43,810 71,223 7,425 (95.7761 1115,725) (49,670) (69,574} (112,943) {54,742) (97,594) (38,019} (17,5341 (82,766) (8,245) {23,2961 (43,095) (10,932) (26,371 } {30,5941 391,210 {634,043) (242.833) TOTAL FUNDS 656,480 (705,498) {49,0181 Comparatives for movement In funds Net movement in funds Transfers belMeen funds At 31.3.24 At 1.4.23 Unrestrlcted funds General fund Benefits Advice Service Designated Funds'.Reserve policy Energy Advisor 204,864 120,432 1,970 (178,651) 146,645 1.970 176,305 4,725 169.748 6,557 4,725 374,612 127,127 Restricted funds Money and Pension Service House of Industry Bedford Borough Welfare Benefrts The HarpurTrusl Trussell Trust Homeless Prevention Energy Advisor Youth Pilot Project (172,094) 329,645 14,877 {38,194) (58,148) 119,334) {25,715) {37,826) (16,365) (26,635) (1,168) 23,317 58,148 12,236 24,541 37,826 14,858 7,098 1,174 1,507 45,279 18,644 1,168 69,935 (223,385) 172.094 18,644 TOTAL FUNDS 444,547 (96,258) 348,289 Page 22 continu
The Bedford and Dlstrlct Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 18. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Comparats've nel movement in fvnds, included in the above are as follows= Incoming reSoUrS Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestrlcted funds General fvnd Benefits Advice Servi Energy Advisor 185.948 1,970 4.725 (65,516) 120,432 1,970 4.725 192,643 (65.516) 127,127 Restricted funds Money and Pension Service House of Industry Bedford Borough Welfare Benefrts The Harpur Trust Trussell Trust Homeless Prevention Energy Advisor Youth Pilot Project 101,832 66,134 41,245 52,329 55,077 15,000 72,337 13,125 (140,026) (124,282) (60,579) 178.044} {92,903) (31,365) (98,972} {14,2931 (38,194) {58,148) {19,3341 (25,715) (37,826) {16,365} (26,635) (1,168) 417,079 (640.464) {223,385J TOTAL FUNDS 609,722 {705,9801 (96,258) Designated Funds The designated fund of £179,588 is to match the reseNes policy of 3 months, budgeted operating c£)sts (2023124.. £176,305). Restrlcted Funds Money and Pensions SeThiice". Citizens Advi nationally has contracted Citizens Advice Bedford to provide specialist debt advi and support to clients reside in Bedford Borough. This Servi is funded until 31 March 2025 . House of Industry: Specialist debt advi for people at risk of becoming homeless. This service is cuffently funded u ntil 31 March 2025. Bedford Borough Welfare Benefits: To provide specialist welfare benefit advice to Glient5 of Bedford Borough Sooal servIs clients. This setvice was funded until 31 March 2025. The Harpur Trust.. To provide for a specialist Welfare Benefits advisor. This Servi is CuentlY funded until 31 March 2026 The Trussell Trust. Two year partnership with food bank operating wrthin the Borough. Energy Advisor. Two years funding from the Climate Change Fund ending December 2024 Homeless Preventlon One off 18 Month funding contract. Page 23 continued...
The Bedford and District Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financlal Statements - contlnued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 19. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBUGATIONS There is a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The basis for allocating the employer expense been activities is based on the salary cost of staff working on that activity. The CAB automab'cally enrols eligible job holders into a qualifying scheme in accordance with pensions legislation. The assets of the scheme are held separateiy from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The fund is a Group Personal Pension Scheme with Standard Life. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charitable company to the fund and amounted to £15,529 {2023124.' £14,3301.The cost of the pension is allocated to each individual project within which an employee works. At the year-end £Nil was owed to the pension scheme {2023124.' £Nil). 20. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES Citizens Advice Bedford subscribes to the membership scheme of The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (Citizens Advice), the national charity {Charity No 2790571 which provides framework for standards of advice and casework management as well as monitoring progress against these standards. Operatrng policies are independently determined by the Trustee Board of the Bureau in order to fvlfil its charitable objects and comply with the national membership requirement5 During the 2024125 financial year, payments were made to Citizens Advice to the value of £12,559 {2023124.' £6.924) in respect of subscriptions and sundries. Receipts from Citizens Advi for contracts and grant funding lotalled £212,071 12023124.. £149,027). Also during the year, reIpts were made from Mid Beds Cit12ens Advice {Charity No 1109976} to the value of £51,392 (2023124.. £5,037) and from Scunthorpe & Distnct Citizen Advice (Charity No 11102051 to the value of £nil (2023124: £2,434). These were in respect of support seNIs. The chanty also C¢>operates and liaises with a number of other advisory servIs, local charities and social service5 departments on behalf of clients. ere any of the Trustees holds the position of a Trustee/Director of another charity they would declare a conflict of interesl and then may be involved in discussions regarding that other charity but not in the Lrlts'mate decision-making. Page 24
The Bedford and District Citizens Advlce Bureau Detsiled Statement of Financial Activttles for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 31.3.25 31.3.24 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donatlons and legacies Donations 2.484 302 Investment income Deposit acwunt interest 2,530 2,396 Charitsble activftles Bedford Borough Council - Core Conlract Money and Pensions Service House of Industry- Debt Housing Bedford Borough Council- Welfare Benefrts The Harpur Trust Benefits Advi Service Trussell Trust Bedford Borough Council- Homeless Prevenlion Energy Advisor Youth Pilot Project 181,500 78,242 32,959 41.425 46,278 173,813 101,832 66,134 41,245 52,329 1,970 55,077 69,848 43,810 71,223 7,425 15,000 77,C62 13,125 572,710 597,587 Other Income Other income 78,756 9,437 Total Incoming resources 656,480 609.722 EXPENDITURE Charitable activltles Salaries and wages offi costs Other costs Staff and volunteers 269,427 330 3,490 822 282,034 4,225 1,509 274,069 287.768 Support costs Management Wages and salaries Premises costs Office cosls Other costs Staff and volunteer 322,250 47,541 46,894 215 4,925 293,550 46,910 61,533 318 9,004 421,825 411,315 Governance costs Govemance costs 9,604 6,897 This page does not form part of the ststutory financial statements Page 25
The Bedford and District Citlzens Advlce Bureau Detalled Statement of Flnanclal Actlvltles for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 31.3.25 31.3.24 Total resources expended 705,498 705,980 Net expenditure (49,018) {96,258) IJ 2d2b. This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 26