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 bel￿een 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 subface 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 DISTRi￿T 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