ST HCLEINIS DISTRI CITIZENIS ADVICE BUREAU REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 05318197 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1110382 ST HELENS DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ST HELENIS DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Trustees Mrs S Lynch Mr M Doforo Mr S Connor Mrj Curran Mrs P Ffrench Chair of the Board Treasurer Registered Company Number: Registered Charity Number: Prlnclpal Address: 05318197 (England and Wales) 1110382 MillennTum Centre Corporation Street 5t Helens WA10 1HJ Key Management Mr D Reynolds- Chief Officer between April and August 2023 th Ms E Cook- Interim Chief Officer beleen 7 August 2023 and May2024 Ms V Fitzgerald Interim Chief Officerfrom May 2024 to Sep 2024 Mr R Smith- Operational Development Lead, then CEO from sept 24 Bankers Lloyds Bank PLC, Hardshaw Street. St Helens, WA10 1 QZ Independent Examiner Tony Stanley ACA Mitchell Charle5WOrth, Suite 5, TempesL rithebarn Streec Liverpool, L2 2DT Solicitors Haygarth Jone5. Alexander House, 109-111 Corporation StreeL St Helens, WA10 1 SX
ST HELENS DliTP,ICt CSTIZEN'S ADVICE BUR".AU Contents Pages Report of the Board of Trustees and Re5ponsibilities................. Independent Exatnineffs Report.....................................................-... Statement of Financial Activities................................. 13 15 Balance Sheet ............................................. 17 Statement of Cash Flows ............................................ ...... 18 Notes to the Financial Statements ............................. 19
ST HELENS D15TP,IC CITI?CNS ADVICE BUREAU REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 St Helens District Citizens Advice Bureau (CA St Helens) is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. It is governed by a board of trustees who are a150 directors for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006. This is their annual report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. the Companies Act 2006, the Mernorandum and Articles of Association4, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Prattice ISORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) leffective 1 January 2019). Trustees and DArectors The persons who have arted as trustees and directors duringthe period 1 April 2023- 31 March 2024. and to date of signing are: Mr K Anderson Mr G Meehan Resigned 16 October 2023 JoinedlResigned 8 December 2023 to 3 April 024 Resigned 7January 2024 Resigned 15 April 2024 Mr M Doforo Mr Patterson Mr S Rooney Mrs S Lynch Ms D Balmer Ms P Ffrench Mr S Connor Mrj Thom Mr B Newton Mrj Curran son esi ned 8 December 2023 esigned 16 Ortober 2023 Resigned 25 May 2024 oined 3 May 2024 tructure, governance and management overnin document he company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles ofA55ociation. The charity, known as St Helens Citizens Advice Bureau, is a charitable company limited by guarantee nd not having share capital. The company is registered in England and Wales. company number 5318197. The principal governing document is the company rnemorandum and rticles of association,. the company took over the assets of St Helens District Citizens dvice Bureau from 1 October 2005. The Charity is registered vvith the Charity ommissioners, charity number 1110382 ecruitment and appointment trustees he charity is governed through a trustee board. Trustees who have held office during the ear are listed on page 3. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. 11 of the trustees are members of the company and guarant to contribute £1 in the vent of a winding up. The trustees meet 4 times per year with additional quarterly eetings for the sub-committees listed below.
S I WFLEN5 DISTRIC CITIZEINS ADIJICE BURE.4U REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 rustees are eletted to the Board for a three-year period and are appointed by a resolution f its members at an AGM, The board has powers to co-opt rnembers who shall retire at he following AGM and may offer themselves for re-election. he board is supported by a network of sub-committees. covering Finance and Personnel. he organisation is co-ordinated from its office in St Helens Trustee induction and training New trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charityand company law. the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association. the cornffttttee and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. They also meet key employees and other trustees. Trustee5 are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the understanding of their role. Trustees are also required to complete mandatory training. The Senior Management Team meet to review progress against targets and the Charitys financial position and to discuss issues referred to them by the trustee board. Reports and recommendations are then taken to the full board for approval, and their implementation is organised by the chief executive and the staff team. There are regular staff, volunteer meetings and senior management team meetings which ensure that progress is being made against targets. There is an Annual General Meeting, which involves the staff team, trustee board, members, and other stakeholders. Organisation Structure Citizens Advice St Helens is a member of Citizens A(Ivice, the operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. which provides a framework for standards of advice and casework management as well as monitoring progress against these standards. Operating policies are independently determined by the Board of Dirertors/Trustees in order to fulfil its charitable objerts and complywith the national membership requirements. The Chief Executive of the organisation has been appointed by the trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. In addition, there is an experienced team of paid staff and volunteers who are key to the seNice offered by the charity. Decisions are made bythe trustee board in line with the Business Development Plan and are reviewed at least annual. Third-party Indernnity insurance At present, third paty indemnity insurance is not provided for Board member5 in their dual capacity as company directors and charity trustees but the situation is kept under review.
ST HELEiiSi DISTR,'C CITIZiNIS ADVICE BURÉAU REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 Organisation The Board of Trustees is responsible for the administration of the charrty. The day-to-day running of the organisation is delegated to the Chief Officer. The full board meets quarterly as does the Finance sub-cornmittee. AJI sub<ommittees have Terms of Reference, which set out the operating framework for those committees. Risk Management The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed. and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. A safety, health and environment audit of the premises ha5 been completed and a risk register compiled. This is updated yearly and an artion plan produced. Objectives and Activities The charitys purposes, as set out in the objects contained in the Companys Memorandurn of A550ciation, are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the whole community of St Helens (the area of benefin by the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of povety, sickness and distress. The Citizens Advice Service provides free, independenc confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. It values diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. The Service aims: To provide the advice people need for the problems they face To improve the policies and prartices that affect people's lives The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Cornmission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. Our service provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. We value diversity, promote equalty and challenge discrimination. Though the area of benefit refers to the whole communty of St Helens, the local office focuses its activities within St Helens and surrounds.
ST HELENS DISTRIC CITIZEINI) ADVICE BUREAU REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 HOW OUR ACTIVITIES DELIVER PUBLIC BENEFIT Our main activities and who we try to help are described below. A]1 our charitable activities focus on providing the advice people need for the problems they face and are undertaken specifically to provide public benefrt. The board of trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefrt and have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Cha rities Act 2011 . ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFOMANCE The main area5 of charitable artivity are: . the prowsion of general advice and information services . the provision of specialist advice and casework 5etvices in the debt and welfare benefits categories of social welfare law Throughout the year we have continued to offer Advice and Information in the following ways Face to face drop in. An initial assessment tskes place ensuring that clients are dealt with in the most appropriate way. urgent issues are responded to and clients are not turned away. . Advice Line- participation is continuing as part of a county-wide telephone seNice. Full advice- General and specialist advice through our team of trained volunteer advisers and paid Staff. Information and Self Help. . Successful advice surgery throughout St Helens In addition to general adwce, the following specialist services are provided: Specialist debt advice funded by the Money A(fvice and Pensions Service on a new contratt from February 2023 until 2025 Specialist casework advice funded through health commissioning Local Authority-funded Information & Advice service continuing on a 3 year contract Our Financial Inclusion projec¢ in partnership with the St Helens-ba5ed Hope Centre and funded bythe Trussell Trust who are the biggest foodbank organisation in the country has continued for another year. as has our Financial Resilience proje¢ funded by Combined Authority which offers a more intensive, long-running supportfor clients to help with income maximisation and budgeting during the c05t-of-living crisis Our organisation was successful in bidding for energy advicefunding from Citizens Advice with these 2 separate funded projects commencing in this financial year, both of which will run in to 2025-26
51 HtLENiS D1iTRIC CITIZfNS ADVICE BUREA.U REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 Contribution of Volunteers and Paid Staff The charity success could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of volunteers and staff. The trustee board and senior managernent team recognise the tremendous contribution made by the charitys volunteers in advising the public and administering the service without which the service could not Operate. Throughout 2023124the service employed 24 paid workers and 11 volunteers together delivering some 7 projetts, including the core service. Staff turnover rate for this period was approximately 9%, with 2 paid staff leaving during thi5 time and 4 new staff joined the organisation. The emphasis remains on face-to-face advice with the office open for appointments and a weekly drop-in, as well as weekly outreach session5 at different venues across the Borough Who used and benefited from our services? During the reporting year 5604 clients benefited from the seryices of Citizens Advice St Helens with 21,168 issues dealt with. We support people on any issue that they may face however our most common enquiry area 15 welfare benefits. Debt 15 our second most common enquiry with housing enquiries increasing aiid is now the third most popular enquiry type. Of these advice areas, the mostfrequenttopics are Personal Independence Paymentapplications, initial benefit claims and Council Tax arrears. There was £3.283,619 income gained for clients, with the majority of this as a result of a new benefitaward or increase on an existing benefit claim upon receiving advice and assistance Other significant evidence of our impact includes; £603.361 of client debt written off £60.544 of repayments scheduled on behalf of clients at a more affordable rate thefinancial value of all other case outcomes, separatefrom income gain and debtwrite- offs, totals £212,038 The issues and numbers above reflectthe trends our advisers have seen overthe lastfewyears and are Similar acr05S Other agencies in St Helens and the wider CttizensAdvice network. These include a sharp increase in difficulties for those in rented propety, increasingly complex debt queries including arrears on essential household bills and a great demand for specialistwelfare benefits advice as clients seek more financial support whi15t suffering poor health (47% of our clients reported long-term health conditions or disability).
51 HELEMS DIS I RIC CITIZtiNS ADVICE BJI REAU REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 Our aim5 for the organisation in 2024-25 include continuing to attract and retain volunteers who we can train and develop to then contribute to the service at a specialist level deliver on our funded projects and demonstrate good quality of advice, whi15t being informed of the results of our CitizensAdvice Leadership Self Assessment improve our offer to clients by providing advice through a number of channels which suit clients bes¢ including telephone, email, video and webchat, as well as maintaining our traditional face-t(>face service What our clients say,.. Overthe year we have received regular feedback from clientswhich demonstrate the impact our advice has on people's lives and the contribution our staff and volunteers make to help St Helens residents: -1 lost myjob in September I hod no idea what to do about money, forrns etc I was helped with forms and a lot of verygood advice. withoutyour help I couldnthave managed. I would recomrnend Citizens Advice to onyone who is ht7ving money problerns. I would like to St7y thanLsfvr ollyour help." "l opproached afew agencies und numerous solicitor5 but it was Citizens Advice who gave me the most information and who really listened to my problem. Theygove me prompt detailed advicefor which I was reallygrateful at a time when I thought that no one vns listening. Thi5 gave me hope th(rt I could resolve myproblem. I have recommendedyour service to others and hope thatyou continue to provide thi5 voluable service in St Helen5." -1 can t thank the amazing advisor who dealt with myproblem enough. I can now use my heating this winter thanks to the help I receivedfrom my advisor with applying to the British Gas Trust Fund which resulted in them cancellingjust under£lSOOfrom gas and electricity bills.- Financial review The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 IFRS 102) (effettive 1 January 2019).
SI HEI tNIS IJISTRIC CITIZEiN5 ADIICC BUREAJ REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 Income and Expenditure The Statement of Financial Activities provides a summary of our incomeand expenditure during the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and shows the previous yearfs comparative dats. Annual income increased (from £703K in 2023)to £930K. Thi5 is mainlydue to funding changes on some projetts in addition to new projects. Charitable expenditure increased to £792K {from £670K in 2023). The surplus was therefore approx. £138K Balance Sheet The balance sheet continues to present a healthy financial picture with reasonable bank balances. The balance of cash at bank has increased during 2023-24 to £547K at 31 March 20241£493k in 2023). Net current assets have increased to £565K {£428K in 2023). As a charity relying on funding it is important to maintain a reasonable level of reserve5 to meet any unforeseen expenditure. Total unrestricted reserves include an element of designated reserves of £360K plus free reserves of £205K (£68k in 2023) which is in line with our budget and business plan. Financial Outlook The financial ststements continue to highlight funding as our major challenge. The year has seen the end of some long-standing funding but has also highlighted the financial importance of new development areas. Investment poliry and objectives Our policy is that funds not required for current expenditure will be deposited in interest- bearing bank accounts with one or more secure and reputable banks in accounts providing access within a reasonable notice period. Reserves Policy The Board of St Helens District Citizens Advice Bureau has considered its responsibilities regarding the identification and maintenance of adequate levels of reserves. The Board continues to aim to achieve a balanced budget that will increase our current level of unrestritted reserves. This will provide a safety net that will allow us to maintain basic services through this period when funding opportunities are more limited. We will however, continue to adjust activities and costs in line with the new financial climate in line with our budget and business plan. Designated funds have been kept as reserve in a contingency fund to cover the managed cessation of service5 should this ever become necessary. The fund will cover redundancy
5T h'FLENS DISTR,'C CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 costs etc. and may be increased whenever it is considered necessary. Developments since theyear end and plans forfuture periods Maintaining adequate levels of ftjnding to continue to operate and grow will be a key challenge and our area of focus for the coming year. Alongside this a renewed focus on our clients and ensuring we are in regular contart wth all to offer support, information and to heartheir views Key management remuneration The remuneration of paid staff is set by reference to norms in the voluntary settor and in particular other local Citizens Advice offices. Related parties St Helens Distritt Citizens Advice Bureau is a member of Citizens Advice, which provides a framework for standards of advice and casework tnanagement as well as monitoring progress against these standards. It also provides a secure electronic case management tool which is used by the charity. Operating policies are based on national guidance and model procedures where provided, but are independently determined bythe trustee board ofthe charity, in order to fulfil its charitable objects and in compliance with national metnbership requirernents, Statement of trustees. responsibilities The trustees (who are also direttors of St Helens District Citizens Advice Bureau for the purposes of company law) acknowledge their responsibility for preparing the report of the trustees and the financial statement in accordance with applicable law, and United Kingdom Accounting Standard5 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice GAAP), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 Yhe Financial Reporting stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, includingthe incotne and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
SI AELENS I)ISTRIC CITIZEIIS ADVICE BUR=AU Pège 12 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 Observe the methods and principles in the Charty SORP Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financial statements on the going-concern basis, unless is It inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue as a business. The trustees are responsible for ensuring that proper accounting records are kept which disclose with reasonable accuracy at anytime. the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comp]y with the Companies Art 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detertion of fraud and other irregularities. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Approved by order of the board of trustees on .. and signed on its behalf by: Mrs S Lynch Chalr of the Board
ST HtLENS D15TRlS1 Cl I IZEIXIS,4DVICE BIJ;)kAU INDEPENDENT EXAMINEifs REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts ofst Helens District Citizens Advice Bureau for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 15 to 29. This report is made solelyto the charitys trustees. as a body, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Art 2011. My examination has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters l am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent perrnitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone otherthan the charity and the charty'strustees as a body, for my examination, for this report. or for the opinions I have formed. Responsibilitie5 and basis of report As the charitys trustees of St Helens District Citizens Advice Bureau (and also its directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {the 2006 ACV). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent exarnination. I report in respert of my examination of your charitys accounts as carried out under sertion 145 of the Charitie5 Act 2011 (the 2011 ACV). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given bythe Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Art Independent exarninerfs ststement Since the charitys gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Att. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connettion with the examination giving me cause to believe: accounting records were not kept in respect of the charityas required by section 386 of the 2006 A¢ or the accounts do not accord with those records: or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of settion 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 vvith the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FR5 102).
S I HELENS DISTRI CITIZENS ADVICF BUREAU Paae 14 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Tony Stanley ACA Mitchell Charlesworth Chartered Accountants Suite 5 Tempest, 12 Tithebarn Street Liverpool L2 2DT
ST HELEIXIS DISTRiT CITSZENS ADVICE BUREAU P8ce15 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Total Funds 2023 Unrestrirted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 Income and Endowments from: Donation5 and Legacies Charitable Activities Other 37,623 513.008 15,919 37,623 876,739 15,919 21,371 675,860 5.508 363.731 Total Income 566,550 363,731 930,281 702,739 Expenditure on: Charitable Activities (422.219) (370,082) (792,301) (670,301) Total Expenditure (422,219) (370.082) (792,301) (670,301 } Net Incomel(Expenditure) for the financlal year 144,331 (6.351) 137.980 32,438 Transfers bemeen Funds 18 (6,351) 6.351 Net Movement in Funds 137,980 137.980 32.438 Reconciliation of Funds: Total funds brought fonNard 427.518 427,518 395,080 Total funds Carrled Forward 19 565,498 565,498 427.518 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The notes on pages 19-29 form part of these financial statements.
ST HELENS DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BURE,qU P2.be l o STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Comparative Statement of Financial Activities for the year to 31 March 2023 Unrestricted Restrirted Total Funds Funds Funds 2023 Income and Endowments from: Donations and Legacies Charitable Activities Other- including Fundraising Total Income 21,371 615,265 5,508 642.144 21,371 675,860 5,508 702,739 60,595 60,595 Resources expended Charitable artivities Total resources expended (608,517) (6D8,517) (61,784) 161,784) (670,3011 1670,3011 Net IncomellExpenditure) for the financial year 33.627 (1,189) 32.438 Transfers between funds (1,189) 1,189 Net movements in Funds 32,438 32,438 Reconciliation of Funds: Total funds brought forward 395,080 395,080 Total Funds carried forward 427,518 427,518
ST HEL".NS DISTRICT CITIZtNI i AD'dlCc BURÈAU Peue 17 BALANCE SHEET AT31 MARCH 2024 Total Funds 31 March 2024 Total Fund5 31 March 2023 Current Assets Debtors Cash 10 103,855 547,117 650,972 16,588 492,678 509,266 Liabil ities Creditors- amounts falling due within one year 12 (85,474) (81,748) Net Current Assets 565,498 427,518 Net Assets 565,498 427,518 Funds of the Charlty Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds 19 205,498 360,000 565,498 67,518 360,000 427,518 The charitable company Is entitled to exemption from audr( under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 forthe year ended 31 March 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statement for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Settion 476 of the CompaniesAct 2006. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance wlth the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to charitable small companies. The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for. a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that compty with SecElons 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006, and bl 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 surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sertions 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companie5 Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on by.. ee and signed on its behalf Mr S Connor Treasurer
ST HELENS DISTRIT CITIZEN,) ADVICE BUREAU PJGe .1 8 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW5 AT 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Cash flows from operatlng activities: Net income/(expenditure} per SOFA Interest received 137.980 (13,7871 (87.267} 18.726 (15,0001 40,652 32.438 (5,508) 14.707 8,586 15,000 65,223 Ilncrease)Idecrease in debtors Increase/ldecrease) in creditors Increa5e/ldecrease) in deferred income Investing activities Investment income 13,787 13,787 5,508 5,508 Net cash provided by investing artivities Net Increasel{decrea5e) in cash: Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 54.439 492,678 70,731 421,947 Total cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 547,117 492,678
5T HELENIS DIS I p,Icr CITIZENS ADIIICE BURCAU Paue 19 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting policies Charity information St Helens Distrirt Citizens Advice Bureau is a private company lirnited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Millennium House, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1 HJ. 1.1 Basls of preparing the financial statements The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under Financial Reporting Standard 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP {FRS102} 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice, applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effertive 1 January 2019y, Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Att 2006. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transartion value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. The charitable company is not a member of a group and the financial statements cover its attivities as an individual entity. The financial statements are prepared underthe historical cost convention and in sterlin& which is the functional currency of the charty. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. 1.2 Going Concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 1.3 Charitable Funds la) Unrestricted funds are those that can be expended at thediscretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the charity. (b) Restrirted funds are those that may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified bythe donor, orwhen funds are raised for specific purposes. c) Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for a particular purpose.
£1 HELEINS DISTRlff CITIZENS ADVICC 3URErtU 20 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1.4 Incomlng resources {al Income is recognised and induded in the Statement of Financial Activtties (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the income," receipt is probable; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability. (b) Where income has related expenditure (e.g. BOF), the income and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA (c) Bank interest is recognised when credited to the accounL (d) Income. which is subjertto conditions that the charity hasyet to fulfil, or which is spectficallyfor use in a future accounting period, is treated as deferred income. 1.5 Resources expended (a) Expenditure is recognised on the accruals basis. (b) The charity is not registered for VAT, thus all costs are shown inclusive of VAT charged. (c) Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay out resources. 1.6 Tangible fixed assets (a) Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,000. Theyare valued at Cost or, if gifted, attheirvalue on receipt. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the costs less estimated residual value or its expected useful life, as follow5". Computers Equipment 2596 p.a. straight line basis 15% p.a. straight line basis Transfers between funds Any restricted funds that over-spent and are in deficit, are supported using core funding by means of a transfer between funds. Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits The charitable company enrolls staff in a defined contribution pension scherne. Contributions payable to the pension scheme are charged to the Statementof Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. Differences betmeen contributions payable in the year and contributions paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet.
ST HEI EINIS DISTRICT CITI?EINS ADVICE euDFAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 1.9 Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initial measured at transaction price induding transattion 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 atthe present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interesL Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Derecognltlon of flnanclal assets Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled. or when the charity transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some Significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third paty. Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transartion price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of thefuture payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classtfied as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cox usingthe effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to payfor goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is duewithin one year or less. If not, theyare presented a5 non-current liabilities, Trade creditors are recognised initially at transartion price and subsequently measured at amorti5ed cost using the effettive interest method. Derecognition of financlal liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.10 Taxation The company, being a registered charity with minimal trading income, has been granted exemption from corporation tax under Section 505 of the Incorne and Corporation Taxes Art 1988. No provision for tsxation has therefore been made in these accounts.
ST HfLEhlS DISTRIJ Cl I l?ENI<ADVICE BUgEAU Pacse 2 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Donations & Legacies Total Totsl Unrestricted Restiicted 2024 2023 Voluntsry Incomo Donations 16,302 21,321 16,302 21,321 50 21.321 Grants for Core activilies 37.623 37,623 21,371 Grants for Core activities received from St Helens Borough Council. Incom8 from Charitable Actlvltl6s Total 2024 Total 2023 UnrestriGted Restrlcted Perf0M]an Related Grants & Contracts 513.008 363,731 876,739 675,860 513,008 363,731 876,739 675,860 Of the 2023 total £675,860. Unrestritted total was £615265 and Restritted total was £60,595. Perfomiance Related Grarts & Contracts CORE Advice Total activities Skills 2024 2023 st Helens CCG Sl Helens Consorti GMIMAP The Women5 Organisation Adwce Skills FSO: Universal SupportlHelp to claitn Klckstsrt Trussell Trust Feeding Britain Wargrave Big Local Other Household support Fund Live Well Citizens Athce Cost of Living 125.063 108,851 194,415 74288 125,(63 108,851 194.415 74.288 24,472 119,108 103,670 205,540 50,613 9,982 24.4T2 144,900 144,0 136,863 3,096 29,421 1,338 2,588 13,641 59.447 59,447 35,240 60,626 34,437 15,000 852,267 35,240 60,626 34,437 15.000 876,739 24.472 675,860
ST HELENIS DISTRICT CITIZEINS ADVICE BUP,EAU Pace 23 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Other Incom8 Total 2024 Total 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Bank Interest other 13,787 2,132 13,787 2,132 5,508 Total 15,919 15,919 5,508 Charitable Activities Costs Total Total Unrestrlcted Restricted 2024 2023 Advke & Infomlation SeNIc8s Advic8 & Infonnatlon Services Charitsble activiti8s staff Costs 334.083 311,738 645,821 569,243 Activities 85.153 54,189 139,342 95,233 Govemance 2.983 4,155 7.138 5,825 Total 422219 370,082 792,301 670,301 Support CORE Advice Ski115 Total Total activltles 2024 2023 Stsff Costs 149,596 478,963 17.262 645,821 569,243 Activities 10.170 121,572 7,600 139.342 95,233 Governan 184 5.825 Total 159,766 607,489 25,046 792,301 670,301
ST HELENS DISTP.IC I CITIZENS ADVICE 81J?EAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Expenditure Split of Charltable activities 5a Support Costs CORE Ad¥lce Total Total activities Skills 2024 2023 staff costs Premises osts 149.5S6 478.963 17.262 645.821 569,243 38.008 1,075 39.083 35.594 offi costs 9,9J9 51,241 2.tEo 83.210 50,721 Training 522 522 1,955 Travel 261 757 1.018 362 Govemance 6,954 7,138 5,825 Other" 31,045 35.510 6.601 Total 159,766 607.490 25,046 792,302 670,301 * Including in other costs are termination payments totaling £22,500. The basis of allocation the charitable expenditure were based on per project. Governance costs 2024 2023 Independent ExaminationlAudit Development Day costs Administration 3,318 5,000 779 13 13 Other Legal Costs Total 3,807 7,138 5,792 Trustee expenses (travel costs) 21 33 7,159 5,825 None of the trustees (or any person5 connected with them) recetved any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year (2023 - £Nill. Expenses were reimbursed to trustees during the year £21 (2023; £33)
ST dELENIS DISTRICT CITIZEilli ADVILE BURCAU Palle 25 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Inforniation al)out Trustees, Dlrectors and Employees 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social Security costs Pension costs Total 579,331 44,144 22,346 645,821 511,898 38,837 18,508 569,243 The average number of FTE employees 2024 2023 Total 25 No employee received remuneration of more than £60.000. (2023: none) Key management of the charty received employee benefits, including pension contributions and Employerfs Nl, of £116.154 (2023- £88.351). Fixed assets Computers & Office Equipment Equipment Total Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions At 31 March 2024 36.684 29.969 66,653 36.684 29,969 66.653 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year At 31 March 2024 36,684 29,969 66,653 36,684 29,969 66,653 Net book value at 31 March 2024 Net book value at 31 March 2023 There were no changes to the fixed assets Position duringthe year.
ST HFLENS DISI RISI CITIZENIS h DVICC BUREA.U PaJn ?6 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Financial Instruments 2024 2023 Carrying amount of financial assets Debt instruments measured at cost 548,630 499,095 Carrying amount of financial liabilities measured at cost 74,332 54,085 10 Debtors- amounts falling due withln one year 2024 2023 Prepayments & Accrued Income 102,342 10,171 Trade Debtors 1.513 6.417 103,855 16,588 11 Cash at bank and in hand 2024 2023 Bank Account current 187,888 79,772 279.430 27 66,320 159,756 266,476 126 Lloyds TSB Deposit COIF Charities Deposit fund Cash in hand Total 547,117 492,678 12 Creditors- amounts falling due withln one year 2024 2023 Social security and other taxes Deferred Income 11,142 12,663 15,000 14,779 39,306 Other creditors Accruals 23,742 50,590 85,474 81,748
ST H ELENS DISTRICT CITIZEIXIS ADdiC.- BIJCjEAU Pase 27 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 13 Pensions The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules ofthe scheme. q4 Related Party Transactions There were no related paty transactions to report during the accounting period12023'. none) Remuneration of key management personnel is detailed at note 7. 15 Commitments under operating leases Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases fall due as follows: -siemens phone contract current charge to 50FA was £14.371 Remainder payments of £37,126 under non-cancellable leasestothe end of the contract in December 2026. -mid Mersey Digital Alliance (MMDA) contract current charge to SOFA was £8,410 Remainder payments of £1,400 under non-cancellable leasesto the end of the contract in May 2024. 16 Designated Funds Designated funds have been kept as reserve in a contingencyfund to cover the managed ce55ation of 5ervice5 should this ever beconie necessary. The fund will cover redundancy costs etc. and may be increased whenever it is considered necessary. 17 Company limited by guarantee St Helens District Citizens Advice Bureau is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies Act. The liability of the members is limited to £1. 18 Restricted Funds The Income funds of the charity include restritted funds comprisingthe following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes: The charity SUPPOrts the shorfall of funding on these programmes from reserves to ensure continuity of service. The Advice Skills Academy is a project supported by European U nion through the European Social Fund (ESFI that will build the skills and knowledge of staff within the Citizens Advice Services in the Liverpool City Region (LCR).
ST HELENIS DISTRI CITIZENS ADrfICE BUP%C,4U Page 28 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Tru55ell Trust funded is provided to St Helens-based charity Hope Centre, who in partnership with our organisation to provide Financial Inclusions Officers at every Trussell Trust Foodbank in the St Helens borough, with at least one food bank open each day of the week. Our specialist advisers are present on site for each foodbank session to provide advice on budgetin& finance and other advice for those who are in the position of using the foodbank, with the aim to improve people's financial circumstances and the help reducethe causes of foodbank need. Combined Authority-funded Mind & Money proje¢ delivered via The Women's Organisation who we have worked for other projects including the Advice Skills Academy, has gone on to replace the Better Off Finance projett, with a remit to provide close, intensive financial capability guidance and advice se55ions to Liverpool City Region residents most affetted by the current cost-of-living crisis Future Support Offer or Help to Claim is a service delivered across the country by Citizens Advice offices to provide immediate and specialist advice via telephone and webchat, for those who are making their first claim for Universal Credit. assessing their eligibility for claiming UC or helping to resolve issues with receiving theirfirst paymentof UC. Household Support Funding is distributed by national government to local authorities which is typically used to assist residents with essential needs and costs such as emergency food andlor full, household goods or priority expenses. We are grateful to receive thi5 for advice service and helps to address some of the demand and achieve the outcomes described elsewhere in this report.
WELEINIS DISTRI1 ilTIZEN'S AD4iCE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 18 Movement in funds At1 Aprll Incoming Resources 2023 resources expended At31 March 2024 Transfers Restrirted Funds: Adirice Skills 24,472 (25,045) 573 Trussell Trust TWO- Combined Auth (Mind & Money) 59.446 (60,014) 567 74,288 (75,713) 1,425 FSOIHelp to Claim 144,900 (148,645) 3,745 Household Support Fund 60.625 {60,665) 40 363,731 (370,082) 6.351 Com parative 18a Movernent in funds At1 Aprll Incoming Resources 2022 resources expended At31 March 2023 Transfers Restricted Funds: Better Off Finance Advice Skills 50.613 9,982 60,595 {51,072) 110,712) (61,784) 459 730 1,189 19 Analysis of Net Assets between funds Unrestrictsd Dèsignatèd Funds Funds Total Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by: Current Assetsllliabilities) Total 205,498 205,498 360,000 360,000 565,498 565.498 Comparative al 31 March 2023 Current Assetsl(liabilities) 67,517 67,517 360,000 360,000 427,517 427,517