Docuslgn Envelop8 IJ.. 87EA1 D3DB844372-AS0E-D27A9E32FFED Company Registration No. 05596895 (England and Wales) Ch8rity No.. 1113231 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FOR CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (formerly Citizens Advice South Essex Limited) citizens advice BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX
DO519n En*lope ID.. 87EA1D3tk08844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Page Report of the Trustees Iwndent Audit, Rewt 10-12 Statemerft of FInCIal Activtties 13 Balance Sheet 14 Statanent of Cash Flow8 15 Nctes to the Financial Statements 16-29
Docusign Envelope 10.. 87EA1 D3D-DB844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS. REPORT) . CONTINUED 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 Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited (the company) for the year ended 31 March 2025. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the company comply with current ststLrtory requirements, the requirements of the companys governing document and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to. charities preparing their accounts in accordarte withthe Finsnci81 Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATNE DETAILS Name of charity Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited Registsred office & operatlonal address The Basildon Centre St Martin's Square Basildon Essex SS141DL Reglstered company number 05596895 (England and Wales) R•glstered charlty number 1113231 Trustees & Company Directors S Freel Chair J AinSVrth - Vice Chair T Harrison - Vice Chair W Jones Treasurer B Sainty Trustee D Wotton Trustee J Evans Trustee IP- L Talbot Trustee M Binning Trustee (resigned 4th February 2025) M Fenn Trustee O Odunlami - Trustee R Rackham -Tru8tee T Curtis -Trustee Company Secretary K Kentish Principal Staff K Kentish K Rayner R Cabrelli S Murray Chief Executive Senior SeNice Manager Executive Officer Business Development Executive Officer Operations Auditor Primary Bankers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4TA Smith & Goulding Limited 4 Southport Road Chorley Lancashire PR7 ILD
Docuslgn Envelop8 ID.. 87EA1 D3cDB844372-AsOE-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED {PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES {INCORPORATING DIRECTORS. REPORT) . CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is governed by ils Memorandum and Articles of Association Model 2021. It is a company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Meryors hlstory Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex (previously Citizens Advice South Essex) was formed folbwing three recent mergers. The first beeen Citizens Advice Basildon and Citizens Advice Thurrock on 1 April 2018 to create Citizens Advice Basildon & Thurrock. The second merger took place on the 1 April 2019 between Citizens Advi Basildon & Thurrock, Citizens Advice Brentwood and Citizens Advice Rochford & Rayleigh to create Citizens Advi South Essex. The third merger took place on the 1st of October 2023 between Citizens Advice South Essex and Citizens Advice Braintree, Halstead & Witham to create Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex covering Basildon, Billeric8y, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Halstead, Rayleigh. Rochford, Thurrock. wkf0rd and Witham Organlsatlon and the appolntment and tralnlng of Trust••s The charity is managed by a board of Trustees, whose composition is detailed at the front of this document. Trustees meet at least quarterly and delegate the day-ttrday operation of the organisation to The Senior Management T8am, which is18d by Kathryn Kentish, the CEO. The Trustee Board has two committees, the Finance Committee and Business Development Committee, both committees meet quarterly prior to the full quarterly Trustee Board meeting. Vvherever possible, Trustees are dravm from the local community and are selected to ensure the board has a full range of management skills. No other persons or bodies external to the charity are entitled to appoint persons to the Board of Truste8S. Newly appointed Trustees are provided with a comprehensive induction to the charity which includes training courses and mentoring by established Trustees. The Trustees of Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited conduct regular appraisals to evaluate the performance of the Trustee Board. National Citizens Advice, our membership organisation, reviews and evaluates the annual appraisal of Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited as part of our annual leadership assessment. Oryanisational structuro Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited is govemed by its Trustee BoardlBoard of Directors which is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and the policy of the charity. The Trustees carry ultimate responsibility for the conduct of the charity and for ensuring that il satisfies its leg81 and contractual obligations. The Board of Trustees is independent of management. Rolatod Parties The charity is a member of Citizens Advice, the operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau, which provides a framework for standards of advice and casework management. Operating policies are independently detemined by the Board of Trustees of the charity in order to fulfil its charitable objects and comply with the national membership requirements. The charity also co-operates and liaises with 8 number of other advisory services, local charities and local authority departments on behalf of clients. Where one of the Trustees holds the position of Trusteeldirector of another Charity, excluding Citizens Advice Essex, they may be involved in discussions regarding that other charity but not in the uttimate decision-making process. Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex also works in direct partnership with local Citizens Advice in Essex and Citizens Advice Essex, the consortia of Essex Local Citlzens Advice.
Do¢usign En¥elope10.' 87EA1 D3D-DB844372-ASOE-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS. REPORT) - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Risk management The Directors 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 charity maintains a fomal risk register which is continually monitored and reviewed quarterly by the Trustees to ensure that all significant issues are being actively managed and mitigated. This includes seeking to diversify its funding SoUrs. Internal risk5 are minimised by defined procedures for the authorisation of all transactions and obligations vhlich ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects. The charitys systems and procedures are regularfy reviewed by Citizens Advice as a condition of continued membership. Compliance Statement Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex is committed to ensuring the security and protection of the personal information that we process, and to provide a compliant and consistent approach to data protection. An infomiation assurance management team exists to ensure the confidentiality. Integrity and availabilty of all personal and sensitive data is maintained to a level which is compliant with the requirements of GDPR and Data Proteclion Law. Citizens Advits Braintree & South Essex takes the privacy and security of individuals and their personal information very seriously. Our principles for processing personal infomation are: We will process all personal infomiation fairly and lawfulty We will only process personal information for specified and lawful purposes Where practical, we will keep personal information up to date We will not keep personal information for longer than is necessary Data Subjects, Rights At Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex, an individual can request information about. What personal information we hold about an individual The categories of personal infomiation we collect from an individual The purposes of collecting and processing personal information from an individual How long we plan to keep the personal information The process to h8ve inaccurate or incomplete personal information corrected or comp18ted Where applicable, the process for requesting erasure of the personal information or for restricting the processing of personal information in acLordance with dats protection laws, as well as to object to any direct marketing from us Our compliance plan Here is an overview of the steps that we are taking to ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection: We have established procedures and policies to restrict processing of personal information We follow national Citizens Advice model procedures for data breaches and incident responses We have and regularly review our Data Protection Policy, Data Retention Policy and Privacy Policy OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Alms, objectives, strategies and activities The charity's objects are to promote any charitsble purpose for the public benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the community in the local authority areas of Basildon, Braintree, Brentsvood, C8Stle Point, Rochford. Thurrock and surrounding areas. Ensuring our work dellvers our alms The charity reviews its aims, objectives and activities each year. The review looks at the advice needs of the local community and seeks to ensure our resources are aligned with their needs. The review also helps the charity ensure their aims, objectives and activities remain focused on the stated purpose. The charity has referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Cornmission's general guidance on public benefrt when reviewing its aims and objectives and planning future activities.
Dlxusign Env91ope ID.. 87EA1 D3EkDB844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS. REPORT) - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Publlc benefft The Trustees confirm that they have cornplied vrfith the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regar(I to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. How our actlvltl•s dallver publlc b•nefft Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited meets its charitable objectives by providing flee. confidential, impartial and independent advice and infomiation for the benefit of the local communty. The charity also seeks to influence the developm8nt of social policies and works to ensure individuals do not suffer through a lack of knowledge or an inability to express their needs effectively. It is particularly focused on the most vulnerable in our society who find it hardest to access official support. In addition to the continuing provision of high quality advisory services another key objective is to maintain seniice provision in line with the Service Level Agreements arranged with local authorities and other funders. Equallty, Olverslty & Incluslon Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex makes equality and diversity an integral part of our service, we continue to ensure the service is open to all individuals and groups, to reduce discrimination and promote inclusion. Contributlon from volunteers The Charity receives help 8nd support in the fomi of voluntsry assistance in advising the public and administering the Charity. 119 volunteers contributed trEir time to the charity during the year (2024.. 118}. Law Cllnlc To improve the availability of legal advice the South Essex Law Clinic launched in April 2021 as a satellite servi to Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex. With thanks to volunteer solicitors from Bowling & Co, Hattons, Palmers, Penmans, Rayden and Sternberg Reed Solicitors, we provide one free telephone appointment for maximum of 30 minutes with a Solicitor to anyone, 18 or older, vtho lives andlor works within the council areas of.. Basildon Brenood Castle Point Rochford Thurrock 464 local residents benefited from legal advice from our Law Clinic in 2025 (2024.. 390). ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charltsble activitles In the year ended 31 March 2025, our team of volunteers and paid stsff gave confidential information, advice and guidance to 18,185 (2024'.16,622) unique clients. This figure has been calculated in a different way to previous years, running the C6 Tableau report on our Casebook system just once covering the whole year. We monitor client volumes monthly using the same C6 report. In some of the previous ye8rs we have added together all 12 monthly reports to report our annual total, using the 12 monthly reports for 2024125 our unique client volume for the year ending 31st of March 2025 vS 21,823 (2023 19,789). By running the same report annually, we can see up to 3,658 (2024.'5,201) clients needed support with complex enquiries and required support either more than once in 2024125 or over several months. Services are delivered through multiple channels including: Face lo face in key locations in the local authority areas of Basildon. Braintree, Brentsvood, Castle Point. Rochford and Thurrock, Webchat on our national website Telephone on our Freephone Adviceline Email on our local and national websites Referrals in on Essex Frontline The trustees are very grateful to the volunteers and staff who dealt with the many challenges brought al)out by the huge demand for our service and continued to deliver a high qu81ity and much needed service for the local community.
I)01$ign Envelope ID.. 871 D3D-DB844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS. REPORT) - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 During the year, Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited received funding from the following statutory and non-statutory organisations: Access to Justice Foundation Aviva Basildon Borough Council Basildon Foodbank Braintree Districl Council Braintree Foodbank BrenOod Council British Gas Energy Trust Cadent Castle Point Council DWP Help to Claim (through the National Citizens Advi} Energy Redress Scheme Essex Community Fund Essex County Council Ford Motor Company Independent Age Mxmillan National Citizens Advice Ministry of Justice Money & Pensions Services Rochford Council Rosca Trust The National Lottery Thurrock Council Trussell Trust UK Power Network Witham Town Council Trustees are extremely grateful for the support the charity received from each of the above supporters, together with the donations received from our smaller donors and fundraisers who are equally important to the continuation of our good work. Fundralslng actlvltles Total income for the year was £1,529,062 (2024.. 1,423,580). Increased income over the last Gouple of years is due in part to the merger befvleen Citizens Advice South Essex and Citizens Advice Braintree, Halstead & Witham on the 1st of October 2023. Investment actfvitlos Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex held interest bearing deposit accounts wilh CAF Bank, United Trust Bank and Flagstone Platform. All funds are held by UK licensed banks covered by the FSCS deposit Protection scheme. Factorn affecting tho achlevement of objectives The charity understands the financial pressures eXperIend by rts major supporters and has taken active measures to seek additional sources of funding. In addition, the Charity continues to develop through recent mergers to create a more efficient organisation where management is streamlined to enable more funding to 90 towards frontline client services. The Trustees continue to apply for further funding where available. The Charity derives the bulk of its revenue from a number of key donors as listed above. Some funds flow through National Citizens Advice by way of distributions from central Government and some funds flow through Citizens Advice Essex (the consortia of Local Citizens Advice in Essex). The Charity is not dependent on any single donor and, in the unlikely event that onewithdrew, could contlnue as a going concern. Additionally, the Charity continues to seek, and obtsin, supplementary project based finance from other sources.
Docusign Envtlope 10: 87EA1 D3MB844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS. REPORT) . CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial position On 1 st of October 2023 Citizens Advice South Essex merged with Citizens Advice Braintree, Halstead & Witham [cABHV and formed Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex (CABSE) following a formal approval of the two charities on 23 September 2023. As part of the merger, CABHW discharged all its commitments and transferred its fixed assets at book value and the residual cash of £150,489 to CABSE, of which £150,083 was unrestricted and £406 was restricted, and has been earmarked as such in these financial statements. As required by the charity SORP, these financial statements have been produced merging both the charities, 8Ctivities for both the accounting years 2024 and 2023. Incoming resources for the year were £1,529,062 {2024: £1.423,580), of this £81,313 (2024 - £106,522) related to unrestricted projects and £1,447,749 <2024: £1,317,058) related to restricted projects. Outgoing resources for the year were £1,586,241, of which £50,891 {2024= 69,084) related to unrestricted activities and £1,535,350 {2024- £1,408,704) related to restricted activities. The charity made deficit for the year of £57,179 (2024: deficit £54,208>. As at 31 March 2025, total reserves were £508,979 (2024: £566,158) of which £485,781 {2024: 539,378) represent unrestricted funds and £23,198 (2024.. £26,780) represented restricted funds. In line with FRS102 requirements, the above information includes both the merged charities. Reserves policy The Trustees of CitizensAdvice Braintree & South Essex Limited seekto ensure that general reserves are available to meet any reasonably foreseeable contingency. Citizens Advice Braintree & SoLrth Essex Limited maintains a projection of income for at least 2 years ahead and seeks to ensure that this continues to be derived from as wide a variety of sources as possible. CitizensAdvice Braintree & South Essex Limited will take8ppropriate steps to ensure that at no time within this period would the cessation of one or more funding streams prevent the continued provision of a best value advice service. The Trustees have determined that free resee$ should be mantained to cover costs that would be required to minimise the impact on clients and to cover legal obligations should a significant reduction in income arise. Reserves should cover 3 months running cost. In addition, unrestricted funds may be designated from time to time for wrposes detemined by the trustees. Funds designated are.. £57,432 forecast deficit for 2025126- helping to improve Servi delivery for local clients Restricted funds are earmarked by the funder and cannot be used for the general purposes of the charity. The assessment is that this policy requires free reserves of£417,800 (2024: £369,447). Free reserves at 31 March 2025 are £465,106, vthich meets the requirement underthis policy. This reserves policy is monitored and revievrfed by the trustees annually. Funds In deficit No funds were in deficit at the balance sheet dste. Investment policy and objectives Due to the size of the charity and its cash flow requirements, all lunds are held on deposit, in furtherance of its obj'ects. and for no other purpose. The charity has the power to invest the monies of the charity not immediately required for its purposes in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fft, subj.ect nevetheless to such conditions and such consents as may for the time be imposed or required by law.
Docusign Envelope ID.. 87EA1 D3D-DB844372-A50E-D27AgE32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS. REPORT) - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Trustees (who are also directors of Cittzens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordan Vth applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards {United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounkn'ng Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial ststements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure. of the charitable company for that period. In preparing the financial ststements, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the method and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 {FRS 102); make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., prepare the financial statements on a going concern bases unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure the financial sLgtements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the trustees are aware.. there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware; and the trustees have taken all steps thatthey ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. On bohalf of the Board of Trustees Doeuslgffted by.. 0792e7BB4F2D44C... S Fre81- Chair ofthe Trustees 25 November 2025
Docusign Envelope ID.. 87EA1D3D-DB844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFEO CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Independent Audltors. Report to th• Truste•s of CItIzons Advice Braintree & South Essex Limlted Opinlon We have audited the financial ststements of Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited (the 'charitable company.) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their Preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 Thg FinancialReporting Standard applicable in the UK8nd Republic of Ireland(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable companys affairs as at 31 March 2025, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then have been properly prepared in accordanc8 With United Kingdom Generally ACpted Accounting Practice; and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) {ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requifements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obt8ined is sufficient and appropriate to provide basis for our opinion. Concluslons relatlng to golng concorn In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work VR have perfomied, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on Ihe charitable companls ability to continue as a going concern ft)r a period of at least twelve months from when the financial ststements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. other infomiation The other information comprises the infomation included in the twstees. annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other infomation contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other infomiation and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other inform8tion and, in doing so, consider whether the other infom)ation is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otheThYise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such msterial inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, V are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Oplnlons on other matters prescribed by the Companles Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit.. the infomiation given in the trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial ststements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements., and the directors, report included within the trustees, report has been prepared in accordance Vth applicable legal requirements 10-
Docuslgn Envelope10'. 87E41 D3D-DB844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED {PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS) Matters on whlch wo are requlred to report by exceptlon In the light of the knoedge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors, report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion- adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us- or the financial ststements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns., or certain disclosures of directors. remuneration specified by law are not made., or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit Responslbllltles of trustees As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilities statement set out on page 6, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees detennine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable companys abilty to continue as a going concern, disclosing. as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor responsibilities forthe audit of th• financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or eOr, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance wth ISAS (UK) will afvRys detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material rf, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with lav and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material mi5Statement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows: the engagement partner ensured that the engagementteam collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations. we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charitable company through discussions with trustees and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the charity sector.. we focused on specific laws and regulations vthich we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the charity, including the Companies Act 2006, taxation legislation and data protection, employment, environmental and health and safety legislation. we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence., and identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularfy and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit. We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial ststements to malerial misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by. making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud. and
Docusign Envelope ID.. 87EA1 D3D-DB844372-A50E.D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS) considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance WFth laws and regulations. To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls. we: Perform analytical proCedUS to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships" tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions: and assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicats-ve or potential bias. In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, y designed procedures which included, but were not limTrted to.. agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation" reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance: enquiring of management a5 to actual and potential litigation and claims., and reviewing Corresponden with relevant regulators and the companls legal advisors. There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence. if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect that those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is Iated on the Financial Reporting Council's website at.. .fr klau This description forms part of our auditor's report. Use of our report This FOrt is made solely to the charitsble company's members. as a body, in acctydance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable companvs members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent wmitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibilty to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. s. Andrew Simm Bsc, Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of Smith & Goulding Limited Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 4 Southport Road Chorley PR7 1LB Il..w. cAQL.fL.. 24fL& -12-
Docuslgn Envelope ID.. 87EA1D3D-DB844372-ASOE-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 {INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS) Unrestricted funds Restrfctsd Total funds Total Funds funds foryearto for year to 31 March 31 March 2025 2024 Notes Income from: Donalions and legacies Investment income 3,640 15,093 60,580 2,OC 81,313 3.640 15,093 1,508.329 2,000 1 ,529,062 2,945 11,618 1,409,017 Charitable activities 5,15 1,447.749 Other income Total Income 1,447,749 1,423,580 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6,15 1,535,350 1586,241 1.477 788 Total •xp•nditur• 50,981 1.535.350 1,586.141 1,477,788 Net (expendilure)Ilncome before transfers 30.422 (87,601) 84,019 (57,179) (54.208) Transfers between funds 15 84,019 (53,597) (3,582) {57,179} (54.208) (3,380) (57,588) (LossesyGains on investment assets Net movement In funds (53.597) (3,582) (57.179) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought ford 539,378 26.780 566,158 623,746 Total funds carried forward 485,781 23,198 508.979 566.158 The notes on pages 16 to 29 form part of these financial statements. -13-
Docusign Envelope ID.. 87EA1D3D-DB8M372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Not•s Flxed assets Tangible assets Investments 11 12 20,675 24,861 Current assets 20,675 24,861 Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 64,924 6,415 125,118 474,316 Current liabilities Creditor5 fallirE due wthin one year Net current assets 631.339 599,434 14 (143,035) (58,137) 488,304 541,297 Net Assets 508,979 566,158 Funds of the charity: 16 General fvnd Balance brough foThvard (Deficit)ISurplus for the year Transfers behveen funds Net fvjnds undesignatedl(designated) 347.739 30,422 (84,019) 134,207 428,349 511,706 37,438 (73,886) (124,139) 351,119 (3,380) Loss in investment value 428.349 57,432 485,781 347,739 191,639 539.378 Designated funds Reslricted funds Balance brough foThYard (Deficit>lsurplus for the year Transfers beeen funds 26,780 (87,601) 84,019 44,540 (91.646) 73,886 23,198 26,780 Total charlty funds 508,979 5e6,158 The notes on pages 16 to 29 form part ofthese financial statements. These a¢Unts have been prepared in accordan with the provisions relating to smal companies Vthin Part 15 ofthe Companies Act 2006. The financial st*ments were approved by the Board 0fTrUst on 25 November, 2025 and were signed on its behalf by.. DOCUSIBn by.. Slpned ty.. 0792678B4F2D44C... C88i124C4N2824Bg... S Freel- Chair of the Trustees W Jones - Treasurer company Reglstratlon Number: 05596895 -14-
Docuslgn Envelope ID.. 87EA1D3D-DB844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED STATEMENTOF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 202S 2024 Notss Cash flows from oporatlng actlvlti•s Net incomel(expenses) for the year {57,179) (57,588) Adjustm•nt to Cash flows from non<ash Items Depreciation Investment Income 11,442 (15,093) 13,232 (11,618) 3,380 (52,594) Loss on investment assets (60,830) Worklng capltal adjustments Decreasellincrease) in debtors (Decrease)lincrease in creditors Net cash flows from operating activities 13 14 60,194 84,898 84,262 (24,911) (29,116) (106,621) Cash flows from investing activltles Interest re1vable and similar income Purchase of tangible fixed assets Sale of investments 15,093 {7,256) 11,618 (9,990) 159,287 11 12 Net cash flows from nVeSting activities 7,837 160,895 Net Increas•l<de¢reasg1 In cash and cash oqulvalents 92,099 54.274 Cash and cash equlvalants at 1 April 2024 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2025 474.318 420.042 566,415 474,316 Cash and cash equlvalents conslsts of: Cash at bank and in hand Cash and cash equlvalents at 31 March 2025 566,415 566.415 474,316 474.316 All cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods. The notes on pages 16 to 29 form part of these financial statements. -15-
Docusign Énvelope ID.. 87EA1D3D-D8844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITiZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 - CONTINUED ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparation of financial statements The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102), the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. The financial statements are presented in Sterling, which is thefunctional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex Limited meets the definition cf a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otheiSe stated in the relevant accounting policy. Preparation of the accounts on a golng concern basls The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern. Income Contract income is included as incoming resources in the period to which it relates. Income from grants is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount Can be measured reliably. Bank interest is included in the income and expenditure account on receipt. Other income, including donations, gifts and covenants are included as they were received. Donated services and facilities Donated services and donated facilities are recognised when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP {FRS 102), the general volunteer time the charity receives is not recognised and refer to the Trustee5' report for more information about their contribution. Fund accountlng General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds are allocated out of unrestricted funds by the Trustees for specific purposes. The use of such funds is at the Trustees, discretion. Restricted funds are funds which ar8 to be used in accordance with sp8cific restrictions imposed by the donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. Further explanation cf the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. -16-
Docusign Envelope ID.. 87EA1 D3DB844372A50E.D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 - CONTINUED ACCOUNTING POLICIES- CONTINUED Expendlture Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payment to a third party, Ft is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the charity and include audit fees and cost linked to the strategie management of the charity. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly. others are apportioned on an appropriate basis such as staff time dedicated to each activity. Taxatlon The Charitv is exemDt from corDoration tax on its charitable aclivities. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially recorded at cost and depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life- Leasehold improvements Fixtures and fittings Computer equipment 200h on cost 25% on cost 25% on cost Fixed asset invoStm•nts Fixed asset investments are included at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference beeen sales proceeds and their market value at the start of the year and are charged or credited to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period of disposal. Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the Statement of Financial Activities based on the market value at the year end. Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments and accrued income comprise payments made in advan relating to the following year and income relating to the current year, which will not be invoiced until after the balance sheet date. Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and cash in hand include5 cash and short term liquid investments with a maturity of up to 12 months from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Creditors and pmvisions Creditors and provisions are recognised wherethe charty has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third paty and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. cditorS and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. Hlre purchase and leasing commitments Rentsls paid underoperating leases are charged tothe Statementof Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. Penslons Employees of the charity are entitled to join a defined contribution money purchase scheme. The charity conlribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 9. There were no outstanding contributions at the year end. -17-
Docuslgn Envelope ID.. 87EA1 D30B844372-A5OE-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 - CONTINUED JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY In the application of the companvs accounting policies, Ihe Trustees ar8 required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilitie5 that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results m8y differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and fLrture periods where the revision affects bolh current and future periods. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestrlcted Restrlcted fund fund Total funds 2025 Total funds 2024 Donations- general 3,640 3,640 3,640 3,640 2,945 2,945 Totals 2024 1,445 2,945 INVESTMENT INCOME Unrestrlcted Restrfcted fund fund Total fund 2025 Totsl fund 2024 Deposit account interest 15,093 15,093 15.093 15.093 11,618 11,618 Totals 2024 11,618 11.618 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES - 2025 Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Local Authority National Citizens Advice Citizens Advice Essex ATJF ECF Ukrainian Trussell Trust TNL Communty Fund Ford Motor Company Charles French - Disability Outreach Amold Clarf( Rosca Trust Other grants- less than £1,000 Total 15 15 15 49,660 631,770 492,770 264.489 11,537 5.063 25.654 13,333 681,430 492,770 264,489 11,537 5,063 25.654 13.333 8,580 697,803 423,782 268,232 8.580 8.800 10,000 1.500 1,500 1,333 2,640 1.333 1,800 840 400 60,580 1,447,749 1,508.329 1,409,017 18-
Docusign Envelope ID.. 87EAlD3D8844372-As0E.D27A9E32FFED crrizENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & soirrH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITLZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 - CONTINUED 5.a INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES- 2024 Unrestrictod funds Restricted funds Totsl 2024 Note 15 15 15 Local Authority National Cits'zens Advice Citizens Advice Essex Ford Motor Company Charles French - Disability Outreach Other grants- less than £1,000 Totsl 54,659 30,000 643,144 393.782 268,232 697,803 423,782 268,232 8800 10,OCO 4CQ 1,409,017 8,800 10,000 93,459 1,315,558 COST OF CHARrrABLE ACTIVITIES BY FUND - 2025 Unrestrfctsd fund Restrlcted fund Total 2025 Total 2024 Local Authority National Citizens Advice Citizens, Advice Essex Out of Hours- CABSE ATJF ECF Ukrainian Trussell Trust TNL Community Fund Ford Motor Company Charles French - Disability Outr8ach Amold Clark Rosca Trust Other restricted projects Other grants - less than £1,000 each Total Of which Charitable activities Support costs Totsl 15 15 15 41,310 660,203 519.044 276,602 10.317 10,899 4,668 28,941 14,337 701,513 519,044 276,602 10,317 10,899 4,668 28 941 14,337 7,241 708,712 452,386 283.911 7,241 8,874 23,458 1,500 1,500 1,288 7,251 2,640 1,586,241 1,288 7251 1,800 1,535,350 840 50,891 447 1.477,788 41,501 9,390 50,891 1.392,505 142,845 1.535.350 1,434,006 152,235 1,586,241 1,322,039 155,749 1.477.788 6.a COST OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES BY FUND- 2024 Unrestrlcted fund Restricted fund Total 2024 Note Local Authorty National Citizens Advice Citizens, Advice Essex Ford Motor Company Charles French - Disability Outreach Other grants - less than £1,000 each Totsl 15 15 15 26,962 30,848 2,400 8,874 681,750 421,538 281,511 708,712 452,386 283,911 8,874 23,458 447 23,458 447 69,084 1,408,704 1.477,788 Of which Charitable activits'es Support Totsl 56,858 12,226 69.084 1,265,181 143,523 1.408,704 1,322,039 155,749 1.477,788 19-
Dowsign EnlOpe ID.. 87EA1D3D-DB844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED crrizENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 - CONTINUED 6.b COST OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES BY TYPE - 2025 Direct costs Support Total 2025 Total 2024 Not• Client related Staff salaries Staff & volunteer other 7,710 1,210,188 22,416 138.438 53,494 7,710 1,311.979 24,907 162,868 59,438 17.383 1,956 1,586.241 5,541 1,223,564 13.488 133,232 64,361 10,166 27,436 1,477,788 101,791 2.491 24,430 Premises Govemance costs Other costs 17,383 1,760 1A34.006 Total Of vthich Unrestricted Restricted 152.235 39,885 1,394.121 1,434,006 11,OC6 141.229 151235 50.891 1.535.350 1,586.241 69,084 1,408,704 1,477,788 Total 6.c COST OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES BY TYPE- 2024 Direct costs Support Total 2024 Client related Staff salaries Staff & volunteer other costs Office Premises Governance costs Other costs Total Ofwhich Unrestricted 5,541 1,130,015 5.110 109.120 53,724 5,541 1,223,564 13.488 133,232 64.361 10,166 27,436 1.477.788 93,549 8,378 24,112 10,637 10,166 8.907 155.749 18 529 1.322.039 56,857 12,227 69,084 1408 704 Restricted 1,265,182 1.322,039 143.522 155.749 Total 1,477,788 6.d GOVERNANCE 2026 2024 Audit and assurance 17,383 10,166 The support costs have been allocated based on the percentage of staff and volunteer time relating to the activities during the year. NET IEXPENDITURE)nNCOME This is stated after charging-. 2025 2024 Depreciation Other operating leases 11,442 13,232 The charity operates under 3 licenses to occupy and 1 lease. 20-
Docusign Envelope ID.. 87EA1D3t>DB844372-A50E-D27AgE32FFED crrizENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 - CONTINUED TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS No trustees (directors) received any remuneration, benefits or expenses for the year ended 31 March 2025 {2024. nil). STAFF COSTS 2026 2024 Wages and salaries Employers, National Insurance Pension costs 1,170,763 1,107,370 85.963 71,686 55,253 44,508 1,311,979 1,223,564 The total employee benefits paid to the charity's key management personnel for the year ended 31 March 2025 was £203,008 (2024: £232,805). The average number of employees. analysed by function, was: 2024 Average 2024 Full time equivalent 40 2024 Average 2024 Full time equivalent 44 Provision of advice and support Management and administration of charity 46 53 50 No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the year (2024.. Nil). Citizens Advice South Essex merged wtth Citizens Advice Braintree, Halstead & Witham on 01 October 2023, forming Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex. Eligible staff from Citizens Advice Braintree. Halstead & Witham moved over to the merged charity under a TUPE agreem8nl. 10. AUDrroRS' REMUNERATION The auditors, remuneration paid in the year ending 31 March 2025 was £6,00012024: £6,000) 11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Leasehold Improvements Flxtures and Computer Flttlngs Equipmont Totals COST At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 NET BOOK VALUE 30,000 70,865 92,872 7,256 100,128 193,737 7,256 200 993 30,000 70,865 30,000 68,526 1,265 69,791 70,350 10,177 80,527 168,876 11.442 180,318 30,000 At 31 March 2025 1,074 19,601 20,875 At 31 March 2024 2.339 22,522 24,861 21
Docusign Envalope ID.. 87EA1D3D-D8844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 - CONTINUED 12. INVESTMENTS 2025 2024 Llsted Investments Market value at 1 April 2024 Loss on revaluation Sale of investments 162,647 (3,380) (159,267) Market value at 31 March 2025 The invest portfolio was closed and funds transferred to the charity's deposit account 2025 2024 Investments at fair value comprised Equities Fixed interest securities Alternatives Cash held wthin the investsnent pothlio Total 13. Debtors 2025 2024 Prepayments Debtors and a¢crued income 4,996 59,928 64.924 4,231 120,887 125,118 14. Craditor8 Amounts falllng due wlthin one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Taxation and social security Ac(fuals and deferred income Other creditors 11,432 22,347 102,124 7,132 7,855 20,994 23,604 5,684 143,035 58,137 MOVEMENT IN DEFERRED INCOME IS AS FOLLOWS: 2025 2024 Deferr&l irK)Jme knugh fward Released in year Income deferred 11,933 (11,933) 78,749 33,333 (33,333) 11,933 11,933 Deferred irmne carried fcrvRrd 78,749 Deferred income as at 31st March 2025 relates to income received in 2024125, which related to perfonnance obligations in 2025126.
00
DJ <0 al
Jo
o) o ¢D IA) fD IQ
•Do0)In o
roo focAlln
)rff)
o) <0
) tr--WJQWm
(d CN o
o)VUL)OUU x x x x x x x o) o) ¢D c c c O ¥J q5 (ts OJ o <<< <<<<<<< (£ m o) ts) CDC0Ct c) LLIiUZ Z ZZ Z U L)U L)L)CJUU L)L)
O*OO)v O &fJ ty- CO % In (5> (fj Ln CO V ¢Q m 0) ¢D O ¢D N rfj ro ff) o 0> p Ir> wi (r<wzc£OOO
Docusign Envelope ID.. 87EA1 DaD-DB844372-ASOE-D27A9E32FFED crrizENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 - CONTINUED 15. ANALYSIS OF NEf CURRENT ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS AND MOVEMENT OF FUNDS FOR THE 24 MONTHS FROM 0110412023 TO 3110312025 - CONTINUED PURPOSES OF RESTRICTED FUNDS ACCESS to Justice Foundation Funding from the Access to Justi Foundation to improve 8¢¢ess to pro bono legal advice with our South Essex Law Clinic Baslldon Borough Councll- Core Servlces Funding to provide a free and impartial information, advice and a specialist welfare rights service to those who live within the Basildon Borough. Braintree Dl$trl¢t Coun¢ll -Coro S•rvkes Funding to provid8 a fr8e and impartial information, advice and guidance service to those that live within Braintree District. Bralntree District Hardshlp Fund Funding to support local Braintree dIStrt residents who are slruggling financially, Bralntrge Dcand Wltham TC- Money and Penslons Advlce Funding to provide money, pensions and debt advice sessions to residents in the Braintree and Witham area. Breniwood Borough Councll - Core SeNlces Funding to provide a free and impartial information, advice and guidance seNice to those that live within Brentwood Borough. Brentwood Community Fund- Outreach Funding to provide an outreach at the Foyer in Warley, providing information and advice for local resident5. Castle Polnt Councll- Unlversal Credlt Funding to provide advice to support universal credit daimants who live in Castle Point. Charf•s Fren¢h- Dlsablllty Outr•ach Funding to provide a welfare benefits outreach service in Braintree Borough. Cltlzgns Advlce Essex - Brltlsh Gas Energy Trust Funding to provide infomiation, advice and guidance to Basildon Borough Food Bank us8rs. focusing on the energy advice and maximising income. Cltlzens Advlce Essex - AVIVA Funding from Aviva to deal with referrals direct from Aviva staff and National Adviceline incoming phone calls. citlzen8 Advlce Essex- Cadent Funding to provide information, advice and guidan to Braintree Borough residents focusing on energy advice and maximising income. Citizens Advlce Essex- Incomewlse 65+ Funding to provid8 information, advice and guidance to people living in the south of Essex. focusing on maximising income. Citlzens Advlce Essex - Macmlllan Funding to provide welfare benefits advice to local people who have a cancer diagnosis. Cltlzens Advice Essex- Probation Funding to provide information, advice and guidance to male probationers living in Basildon and Thurrock, with a focus on improving finances, welfare benefits and debt advice. 25-
DsIgn Envelope ID.. 87EA1D3D-DB844372-ASOE-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 - CONTINUED Citizens Advice Essex - UK Power Networks Funding to provide energy saving information and advice to local residents. Cltlzens Advlce Essex . Wami Start Funding to employ a Family Energy Advice Worker as part of the Energy Redress Fund for families who live in the south of E858x including Thurrock. ECF- Ukraine Funding from Essex Community Foundation to provide our holistic advice service to anyone from Ukraine living in the local authority areas of Basildon, Braintree and Castle Point Essex County Councll- Household Support Fund Funding to support households during winter in the most need with food, energy and water bills as well as being used to support households with essential costs related to those items and with wider essential costs. Funding for the local authority areas of Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point & Rochford. Essex County Council- Out of Hours Funding to provide an extended telephone service until 8pm Mondays to Fridays. Essex County Council . Multipty Funding to promote and refer local residents sothey benefit from Adult Numeracy training. Help to Claim Part of the national service, to support people with their initial claim for Universal Credit. Help to Clalm- Set Up grant Grant given to purchase IT equipment, which was spent during the ye8r. National Citizens Advice Cost of Living Pot 2 Funding to deliver information, advice and guidance by telephone to help local r88idents struggling with the cost of living. Natlonal Cltlzens Advlce- Eneryy Advlce Funding to provide energy saving information and advice to local residents. Natlonal Cltlzens Advlce - Money and Penslons Servlce Funding to provide money, pensions and debt advice sessions to the residents of the South of Essex. National Lottery - Community fund Funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to provide an outreach in Canvey Island Rochford District Council¢ore Services Funding to provide a free and impartial information, advice and guidan service to those living within Rochford District. Rosca Trust Funding to help support our outreach on Canvey Island Thurrock VSDF- Core Servlces Funding to provide a free and impartial infonnation, advice and guidance service to those who live within the Thurrock Borough, Tru88ell Tru8t- B08ildon Funding from Trussell Trust and Basildon Foodbank to provide an outreach advice service at Basildon Foodbank sites in Basildon town centre and Vange. Trussell Trust - Braintree Funding from Trussell Trust and Braintree Foodbank to provide an outreach advice service at multiple Braintree Foodbank centr8S.
Docuswn Envolope ID.. 87EA1D3D-DB844372_ASDE_D27A9E32FFED crTIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & soiTfH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025- CONTINUED 16. (a) ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted Total Fixed assets Current assets - debtors Current assets- cash at bank and in har Current liabilities - creditors 20,675 249 467,409 (2,552) 485,781 20,675 64,924 566,415 {143,035) 508,979 64,675 99,006 (140,483) 23,198 Total net assets 16. (b) ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS - PRIOR YEAR Unrestricted Restricted Total Fixed assets Current assets - debtor5 Current assets - cash at bank and in harKI Current liabilities - creditors 24,861 4,231 512,329 (2,043) 539.378 24,861 125,118 474.316 {58,137) 566,158 120,887 (38,013) (56,094) Total net assets 26,780 17. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS OBLIGATIONS UNDERLEASES The charity rents premises from Basildon Council, Brenood Council, Wick Community Association, Thurrock Council for Voluntary Services and Witham Public Hall Trust. For SORP FRS102 purposes the valuation of these rentals are shown as rental costs to the charity. All known outstanding liabilities have been recognised in these accounts. At 31st March 2025 the company had commitments under non-cancellableoperating leases as follows:_ 2025 2024 Land and building leases which expire: Within one year Between two and five years Over five years 10 10 15 15 Total operating lease payments for the year were £1 (2024.. £1). The charity has 3 licenses to occupy. OBLIGATIONS UNDER DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION At the year end, £6,956 (2024.. £5,683) of contributions were outstanding and included within creditors. 18. LEGAL STATUS OF CHARI The charty is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £1. The number of members as at 31 March 2025 was 12 (2024.13). 19. CONTROL The charity is controlled by Èts TrusteeslDirectors. 27-
Docusign Envelope ID.. 87EA1 D3EDB844372-A5oE-D27A9E32FFED CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED (PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 - CONTINUED 20. FUNDS HELD AS AGENT No balances w8r8 held as agent as at 31 March 2025 (2024: nil). 21. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025 (2024.. nil). 22. MERGER DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2024 On the1 st of October2023 Citizens Advice South Essex and Citizens Advice Braintree, Halstead &Witham merged to create Citizens Advice Braintree & South Essex covering Basildon, Billericay, Braintree, Brentwood, Castle Point, Halstead, Rayleigh, Rochford, Thurrock, Wickford and Witham. Both charities involved in the merger share common objectives to promote any charitable purpose for the public benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preseNation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the community in the local authority areas. During the merger the CitA grants totaling £15.000 received by Citizens Advice Braintree, Halstead & Witham were reclassified as unrestricted to match the treatment of the grarrts in Citizens Advice South Essex. The core funding of C'zenS Advi Brainte, Halstead & Witham totaling £53,320 Vre also classified as restricted, whereby in the individual accounts they had been treated as unrestricted. The detailed financial data of both charities pre-merger and post-merger along with the aggregated totsls is given in notes 23 and 24 23. ANALYSIS OF PRINCIPLE SOFA COMPONENTS OF THE MERGER BETWEEN crrizENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX {CASE) AND CITIZENS ADVICE BRAINTREE, HALSTEAD & WITHAM {CABHW) Pre-merger Pre-merger (CABHW) Post merger ICABSEI Total 2024 {CASE} Totsl Income 544,765 133,378 745,437 1,423,580 Total Expenditure Net irtomellexpenditure) Other gainsl(losses) (585,109) (40,344) (3,380) (150,704) (17,326} (741 ,975) 3,462 {1,477,788) (54,208) {3,380) Net movement in funds (43,724) {17,326) 3,462 {57,588) 24. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS ATTHE DATE OF MERGER CASE CABHW Tolal Net assets Represented by.. Unrestricted fijnds Restricted funds 415,588 150,489 586,077 384,934 30,654 15,588 134,883 15,606 150,489 519,817 46,260 566,077 Total funds 28-
Doojsion Envelope ID.. 87EA1D3tkD8844372-A50E-D27A9E32FFED crrizENS ADVICE BRAINTREE & SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED {PREVIOUSLY CITIZENS ADVICE SOUTH ESSEX LIMITED) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026 - CONTINUED 25. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 IINCORPORATINGTHE INCOMEAND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) Notes Unrestricted Restrlcted Total funds Total Funds funds funds 2024 2023 (reststed) Income from: Donations and legacies Investments Charitable activities (restated) Total incomo Expendlture on: Charitable activities (restated) Total expenditure Net {expendlture)Jlncome before transfers 1,445 11,618 93,459 1,500 2,945 11,618 1.315,558 1,409,017 1,317,058 1,423,580 7,891 2.950 1,280.426 1,291,267 5,15 108,522 6,15 69,084 69,084 37.438 1,408.704 1,477,788 1,408,704 1,477,788 191.646) 154,208) 1.396,415 1.396,415 1105,148 Transfers between funds 15 (73.886) (36.448) (3.380) 73,886 (17,760) (54,208) {3,380) (105,148) (10,650) Gains I losses on investment assets Net (expendlture) I Income for the year (39.828) (17,760) (57,688} (115.798) Reconclllatton of funds Total funds brought forward Totsl funds carrled forward 579.206 44,540 623,746 739,544 539,378 26,780 566,158 623,746 29-