Company nurnber 5866861 Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Registered charity number 1115522
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Contents Page No Legal and administrative information Trustees, Report 13 Auditors, report 17 Statement of Financial Activities 18 Balance Sheet 19 Cash flow statement 20 Note to the financial statements
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Legal and administrative information Legal structure The charity is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in EnEland and Wales Company No. Charity Registration No. 5866861 1115522 Chairman Nick Mayo to 31 October 2025 Rob Wilkerson from 31 October 2025 Board of Trustees - Elected members Nick Mayo (resigned 31 October 20251 David Verney (resigned 24 September 20241 Craig Fiddaman (resigned 22 July 2024) Richard McLeod Simon Quantrill (resigned 31 March 20251 Phil Davy Lydia Keeble Rob Wilkerson (appointed 22 July 20241 Mick Durham (appointed 24 September 2024) Timothy Rowan-Robinson {appointed 13 January 20251 Clare Simkin (appointed 13 January 2025) Council nominee5 Malcolm Pitchers (East Suffolk Council) Steve Wiles (Suffolk County Council) Company Secretary Craig Fiddaman to 22 April 2024 Richard McLeod from 22 April 2024 Chief Offjcer Chiara Saunders Principal Address and Registered Office St Margaret'5 House Gordon Road Lowestoft Suffolk NR32 IJQ Auditors Cunninghams Statutory Auditors Number Sixty One Alexandra Road Lowestoft suffolk NR32 IPL
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025 The Irustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act, present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. Chair's Report The 2024/2025 year for Citizen5 Advice East Suffolk ICAESI has focused on consolidating the framework for the merged CA Felixstowe & District, CA Leiston. Saxmundham & District and CA North East Suffolk, achieved on l April 2022. The Chief Officer, her staff and the volunteers have all worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to move CAES forward into phase 2 of the merger and have created a streamlined and extremely efficient entity. Over the year, the Trustees have provided the necessary oversight on strategic matters, notably all governance. finance and staffing issues and the expertise of some individual Trustees on issues such as property has been invaluable. The Board has also benefited from the appointment of new Trustees. The Chief Officer. Chiara Saunders. has devoted time to reviewing and assessing the needs of the community and has worked with multiple stakeholders to secure funding, while retaining a face-to-face service for those who would benefit most from this. Stakeholders in local government, other agencies and the voluntary sector have all remained generous and supportive, both financially and in their willingness to share their experience and expertise. Particular thanks are extended to the main funders, East Suffolk District Council, suffolk County Council and the Rope Trust. Over the last 2 years. CAES has successfully embedded the improvements recommended in the 2023 Year 3 audit from Citizens Advice at the centre. The 2025 Year 2 audit ha5 been completed and demonstrated full compliance with the process. resulting in a pass score for all aspects of operation. CAES has been explorinE Potential sources of funding with new partners. both to develop new ways of advice-giving and to enhance the existing systems. CAES needs to remain visible at the forefront of advice givin8 in the area, particularly in the light of potential local government reorganisation across the county. Given the uncertainties and the competing demands for ever decreasing fundin& the staff and volunteers are to be commended for their impressive performance for the community. Rob Wilkerson Chair of the Board of Trustees
The frustees have adopted the provisions of the 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 1021 leffective l January 20191. The charity is governed by its Memorandum of Association dated 5 July 2006 as amended by Special Resolutions in August and September 2022. Objectives and activities Aims and principles Citizens Advice East Suffolk I'CAES") provides free. independent. confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. It values diversity. promotes equality and challenges discrimination. The charity provides information and advice to all who need it, but aims to target resources in more detailed help and casework to those who are least able to help themselves, whether due to language. mental health, age or disability. or short term difficulties such as homelessness or lack of monev. CAES also works to improve the policies and practices that affect people's live5, through representing unfairness and difficulties faced by clients to those able to make a difference in law and procedures, in government or elsewhere. CAES values its wide range of volunteers and recognises that they are the strength underpinning the organi5ation, and seeks to promote supported volunteering as a route to develop employability skills and confidence, leading to a healthier and stronger community. Objectives The Trustees review the Charitys Business Development and Operation Plans on a regular basis, and at least annually. to agree the achievements of the year and objectives for the following year. The rnain objective for the year ending 31 March 2025 was to continue to provide an efficient and effective advice and information service to the local community and our activities were targeted to meet that purpose. The work was carried out by a team of volunteer advisers and specialists providing a predominantly telephone and email service with face-to-face appointments available when required. CAES provided advice in 15 key areas: benefits, consumer. debt. education, employment, finance, health, housing. immigration. legal. relationship. budgetin& tax. travel and utilities. In addition to generalist advice, both specialist advice and casework were available- Specialist Consumer Advice - faulty goods. scams or mis-sold goods-
Specialist Money Advice- consideration of debt management options including Breathing Space, debt management plans, bankruptcy, debt relief orders and Individual Voluntary Arrangements- Financial Capability Advice - supporting clients to maximise income and reduce expenditure- Specialist Welfare Benefit Advice- form fillin& mandatory reconsiderations and appeals,. Our project work to March 2025 included- Debt and Money Advice under two contracts. one Money and Pension Service in Waveney and one based in Suffolk Coastal funded by Core funding; Social Prescribing through our Solutions project in Lowestoft where we work from seven local surgeries and support clients with their non-clinical needs: Local Welfare Assistance support for clients in financial hardship- Lowestoft Food Bank outreach worker providing advice and support to clients of the Lowestoft foodbank- Across the district in conjunction with the District Council Provision of Homelessness Prevention, Debt and Money Advice Service- Yorkshire Building Society generalist advice provision at the Lowestoft branch,. Ministry of Justice- finance, benefit and debt advice to male probationers in East and West Suffolk delivered in conjunction with Citizens Advice West Suffolk; Net Zero Leiston providing energy advice linked to Net Zero objectives funded by Net Zero Leiston Maternity Advice- Lowestoft and Beccles- funded by NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB Sizewell Housing Mitigation providing advice on housing issues funded by the Sizewell Community Fund Sizewell Volunteers investing in increasing volunteer numbers funded by the Sizewell Community Fund Energy Advice provided in East Suffolk funded by Energy Redress.
How Our Activities Deliver Public Benefit Our main activities and who we try to help are described above. All our charitable activitie5 focu5 on providing the advice people need for the problem5 they face and are undertaken specifically to provide pu blic benefit. The Trustee Board have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011. Contribution of staff and Volunteers The charity's success could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of volunteers and staff. The Trustee Board and senior management team recognise the tremendous contribution made by the charity's volunteers in advising the public and administering the service without which the Service could not operate. As at 31 March 2025 the seNice employed 35 paid workers118 FTES) and was supported by 86 volunteers. Staff, under the direction of the Chief Officer, work across all activities of the charity, including the support of volunteers, ensuring its smooth and effective operation. Staff have an annual review carried out by their line manager and regular informal reviews. Salaries are reviewed across the board by the Staffing Sub Committee in the Spring taking account of a number of fattors including the level of inflation. the salary increases agreed by other LCAs and the finances of CAES. Any recommended increase is submitted to the full Board for approval. Volunteers represent the indispensable core of the service for without them. there would not be a Citizen5 Advice East Suffolk service. The volunteers contribute. on average. 320 hours each per annum. With volunteering hours of some 27,000 the annualised value of volunteering has been calculated at in excess of £800,000. However, their value is inadequately expressed in monetary terms. Indeed, volunteers bring many skills to the service and very often the experience gained helps individuals return to full employment. During 2024125 three volunteers took up paid work. Achievements and Performance The key achievements of the organisation in 2024125. in line with the Business and Development plan- 20 volunteers joined to train with us- 9,075 unique clients assisted. 40,608 advice issues handled,. 56,885 individu31 activities- £1,310.962 debt written off- £1,745,137 awarded in Welfare Benefits through casework: Continued upgrade of IT and phone systems to enable volunteers and staff to work from home, outreaches or the office,. Developed the phone and email service to ensure the service is fully accessible-
In 2024125 the aim of the high-level strategy for the service was to: Develop our seamless service across East Suffolk and provide an accessible service that responds to community needs Maintain and build on the good working relationships with key stakeholders to help safeguard the future of the service and secure continuation fundinE from April 202S Continue to develop our presence across East Suffolk in community locations to enable our clients to access our service more easily. Plans for the Future A key priority for the Trustee Board for 2025126 is to continue to develop a sustainable service that meets the needs of our clients during the cost-of-living crisis. We want to expand our service provision to cope with an increase in demand as people continue to feel the impact of the increased costs of energy, food, petrol and services and rnay also have to cope with a changing benefit system. We will continue with the work to diversify our funding streams to increase our sustainability and enable us to build a service that is cost-effective. We recognise the challenges involved in short term project funding and will endeavour to secure longer term funding for our core service to enable us to plan effectively. We will offer our funders value for money. whilst never compromising on the high quality service that our clients expect and deserve. There is a three-year Business Development Plan with detailed emphasis on the current year. The plan is a living document and is an agenda item at Trustee Board meetings. The main drivers for strategic development in 2025 2028 are: building on and enhancing our service to reach out to our clients- maintaining current funding in a very uncertain climate: and establishing a structure that allows for succession and flexibility. Financial Review The Notes to the Financial Statements are shown on pages 17 to 31. The Key points are- Income in the year amounted to £1,164,48712023-24 as restated- £942,647) Expenditure in the year amounted to £1.146.86812023-24: £922,0921 The highest cost related to staff salaries for our 35 employed staff amounting to £718,368, including redundancy costs of £Nil12023-24- 31 employees and salaries of £634,312 including redundancy costs of £1,199) This resulted in a surplus of £17.61912023-24 as restated: surplus of £20,555) The restatement referred to above reflects additional income for 2023-24 as revealed as part of the audit, see note 2 to the financial statements
Fundraising Artivities and Principal Fundin8 Sources The principal core funding sources were as follows: East Suffolk District Council £220,000 Suffolk County Council £52,800 The Trustees extend their gratitude to our principal funders with whom we share many strategic objectives and who continued to support the core operating capacity of the charity. In addition, major project-specific funding was received from the following: The Money Advice Service Lowestoft Primary Care Network Sizewell C Community Fund Ministry of Justice L D Rope Trust £111.720 £136.582 £111.399 £86.805 £40.060 Reserves Policy The Trustees have reviewed the reserves of the charity- This review encompassed the nature of the income and expenditure streams. the need to match income with fixed commitments, the risks associated therewith and the nature of the reserves. The review concluded that- As at 31 March 2025 the total unrestricted reserves amounted to £614,607 of which £IOO.000 were designated reserves, see below. The remaining unrestricted reserves amounting to £514,607 are in excess of the revised reserves policy of £370,000 (increased from £240.000 in 231241 that the Trustees believe is prudent to be held by the charity. This level of reserves is based on a review of the risks the organisation faces and the funding required to rnitigate those risks, given the increased project activity and general operating cost increases. Designated Reserves A proportion of unrestricted funds have been designated with the aim of ensuring the charity's sustainability by making provisions for the replacement of equipment. for fulfilling our contractual commitments. for maintaining our premises and moving if necessary. Investment Activities The charity's funds are spent on delivering and developing the free advice service to the local community. The reserves were principally held during the year in the Public Sector Deposit Fund of CCLA offering a competitive variable interest rate with access at a day's notice. Other funds were held in a variety of bank accounts offering instant access. The bulk of funds were in instant access. Going concern
The directors have considered whether the company 15 3 going concern. Whilst future funding is never certain any uncertainty over such income is mitigated by the assessment of reserves that should be held by the company, see above. Governance, Structure and Management Governin8 Document Citizens Advice East Suffolk is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 5 July 2006.. Company No 5866861, Charity No.1115522. The Company is governed under its Articles of Association. The charitvs objects are to promote any charitable 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 East Suffolk and surrounding areas. In furtherance of its objects the charity has power to establish and conduct local Citizens Advice offices as centres to provide a free, confidential and impartial service of advice, information and counsel for the public. In the event of the company being wound up every member (including members who ceased to be mem bers within one year prior to such winding upl would be required to contribute to the company's assets an amount not exceeding £1. At 31 March 2025. the company had 7 individual members. Trustee Recruitment and Appointment Trustees are either initially co-opted by the Trustee Board and then elected to the Board at an Annual General Meeting within three years of co-option or elected directly at an Annual General Meeting. Any election lasts for three years at which time the Trustee can be re-elected. Trustees, who are also directors of the company. are elected from the local community and must either reside or work in East Suffolk or the surrounding area. A formal interview process is followed for all applicants with an interview panel comprising two Trustees or Chief Executive Officer. References are taken for all new Trustees. A separate process agreed by the Trustee Board is followed for the election of the Chair. Trustee Indurtion and Training New Trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the Business Development Plan and recent financial performance of the charity. They also meet key employees, volunteers and other Trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the understanding of their role. Appraisal of the Trustee Board The Trustees conduct an annual performance appraisal using a Citizens Advice template. Action is taken on any areas under performing to ensure the Trustee Board conforms to best practice.
Organisational Structure The Trustee Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and the policy of the charity. The Trustee5 carry ultimate re5pon5ibility for the conduct of Citizens Advice East Suffolk and for ensuring that the charity satisfies its legal and contractual obligations. Trustees rneet at least 51X times a year, and delegate the day-to-day operation of the organisation to a paid Chief Executive Officer. The Trustee Board has assigned responsibilities amongst the Trustee group to allow workload to be shared and to give a clear point of contact for senior staff. The Trustee Board is independent from management. A register of members, interests is maintained at the registered office and is available to the public. All Trustee5 and key employees have declared that they are a "fit and proper person" to be involved in the running of a charity. Over the past year the Trustee Board has reviewed its effectiveness and use of committees. Sub committees for Business & Development, Finance & Fundraising and Staffing each met as required and reported with recommendations to the Board who made decisions as required. Related Parties Citizen5 Advice East Suffolk 15 a member of Citizens Advice, the national association for the Citizens Advice service. With effect from April 2015 Citizens Advice Bureaux became known as Local Citizens Advice ILCAI. The charity 3150 cooperates and liaises with many other advisory services, local charitie5, trusts and social services departments on behalf of clients. Audit process The charitable company 15 audited annually by Citizens Advice using a Performance and Quality Framework. Every three years the LCA receives a full audit to ensure compliance with the Advice Quality Standard IAQSI and the Money Advice Service Debt Advice Quality Framework IMASDAQFI. The RedlAmber/Yellow and Green IRAYG} scoring system is used to mark each of the five key areas.. Quality of Advice Assessment", Client Experience- People Management- Leadership; Financial Health Monitoring. Quality of Advice Assessment- every quarter the LCA self-assesses a selection of cases which are then checked by a Citizens Advice auditor for the quality of the self-assessment and quality of advice.
Client Experience - a selection of clients is contacted by email or text after the advice process to assess their satisfaction with the service and the advice provided. People Management - an annual survey is sent to all staff and volunteers to ask people about their experiences, identify what's working well and see where improvements can be made. Leadership - the Trustees annually self-assess how well the charity is run and whether it is delivering good quality services. The self-asse55fflent 15 checked by an auditor from Citizens Advice. Financial Health - quarterly financial reports are provided to Citizens Advice which are assessed against the budget and the Reserves Policy. A comparison is provided against LCA in the family group. Risk management The Trustees have reviewed their procedures considering corporate governance guidance contained within the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Organisational risk is assessed within the Business Development Plan. The plan considers potential changes to the environment in which the charity is working and highlights how these could impact on its services. The orEanisation faces a range of operational risks and the key to successful risk management is to identify potential risk5, the likelihood of them occurring and then mitigate their impact. The Risk Register is a formal statement of the charity's risk management strategy and how the impact of potential risks can be minimised. Identifying the risks is an important element of risk management and has been given detailed and careful consideration. Citizens Advice East Suffolk's objectives. its internal organisation and the environment in which it operates are continually evolving and as a result, the risks it faces are not constant. Organisational success derives, in part, from successful risk taking and 50 the purpose of internal control is to help manage and control risk appropriately rather than to eliminate it. The following measures will help minimise the risks: The Trustee Board recognises its role as the ultimate authority on the governance of the organisation and the management team and staff recognise that they operate with delegated authority. Effective appraisal and supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and management team,. Staff are aware of sources of funding and the consequences arisin8 from any failure to deliver services in line with grant agreements and contracts. The effective use of probationary periods; staff and volunteer supervision and appraisal: and policies to promptly identify and deal with issues of concern: Regular case sheet checking- Independent File Reviews and trainin8 to ensure quality; Regular review and analysis of statistics to ensure targets are met: Maintaining good relationships with funders to identify potential funding opportunities and challenges; Ensuring adequate financial reserves- io
Monthly financial monitoring against annual budget- Good communication between volunteers, staff. the management team and the Trustee Board: Maintaining independence and political neutrality to avoid conflict of interests. Statement of Internal Control The Trustee Board oversee the information security of all the personal information that is processed, including the personal information of our clients. staff. funders and strategic partners. Citizens Advice East Suffolk hold joint responsibility for client data that is held in our case management system with the national Citizens Advice Service. An information assurance management team exists to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all personal and sensitive data is maintained to a level which is compliant with the requirements the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Statement of Trustees. Responsibilities for the year ended 31 March 2025 The trustees, who are also directors of Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they 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 these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 IFRS 102}; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation. The trustee5 are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far 3S the trustee5 are aware: there 15 no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware; and the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. li
23112125 The Trustees, annual report was approved on ..................-..........-.2025 and signed on behalf of the Board of Tru5tee5 by- Mr R Wilkerson Trustee 12
Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members of Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd (the 'charitable company'l for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows 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 standards. including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice}. In ou r opinion the financial statements- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025, and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 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 wrth International Standards on Auditing {UK}115As IUKII 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 wtth these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed. we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively. may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other information The other information comprises the information included in the trustees, annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditorfs report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. 13
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information 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 information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of thi5 Other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinion5 on other matters prescribed by the Companies Art 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit- the information given in the trustees, report for the financial year for which the financia I statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements- and the tru5tees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: adequate accounting records have not been kept. or returns adequate for our audit have been received from branches not visited by us- or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting record5 and return5; or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made- or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. or the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies. regime and take advantage of the small companies, exemption from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. Responsibilities of trustee5 As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilities statement set out on page 11, the trustees Iwho are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 14
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing. as applicable. matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations. or have no realistic alternative but to do so Auditor re5pon5ibilities for the audit of the 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 error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance 15 a high level of assurance. but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respert of irregularities. including fraud. The specific procedures conducted and the extent to which these procedures are capable of detecting irregularities. including fraud is detailed below: Enquiry of management around actual and potential litigation and claims and review of correspondence with legal advisers. Reviewing minutes of meetings of trustees: Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations: Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls. including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness and reviewing accounting estimates for bias. Because of the inherent limitations of an audit. there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstaternent in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. Thi5 risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the FRC'S website at: httPS'.//www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditorfs report. Other matters which we are required to address We draw attention to the fact that the prior year financial statements were unaudited. 15
Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable companws members, as a body. in accordance 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 company's members those matters we are required to State to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. we do not accept or assume responsibility 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. Benjamin Lynes (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Cunninghams. Statutory Auditor Number Sixty One 61 Alexandra Road Lowestoft Suffolk NR32 IPL Date: 16
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2025 Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 As restated Notes2&4 Unrestrirted Restricted Funds Fund5 Notes Income and endowments from Donations and leEacies Charitable activities Investments 407,649 118.984 36,651 19.116 582,087 426,765 701,071 36,651 433,918 496,573 12,156 Total Income 563,284 601.203 1,164,487 942,647 Expenditure on Raising funds Cha ritable 3Ctivities- Advice 627,913 518,955 1,146,868 922,092 Total expenditure 627.913 518,955 1,146,868 922,092 Net income / lexpenditure) ( 64,6291 82,248 17.619 20,555 Total Funds brought forward at l April 2024 679.236 82,989 762,225 741,670 Total Funds carried forward at 31 March 2025 614,607 165,237 779,844 762,225 During the year there were no recognised gains or losses other than those included above. All of the results above are derived from continuing activities. 17
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Balance Sheet A5 at 31 March 2025 Notes 2025 2024 As restated Fixed Assets Tangible assets io 101.878 Current Assets Short term investments Debtors Cash at bank and in hand li 12 87,840 29,390 654,998 772,228 1111,8811 33,947 876,002 909,949 130,1051 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 Net Current Assets 779.844 660,347 Net Assets 779,844 762,225 Funds Restricted Funds U nre5tricted Funds Designated Funds General Charitable Funds 14 15 165,237 82,989 100,000 514,607 201,878 477,358 Total Funds 779.844 762,225 These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies. regime . These accounts were approved by the Board of Directors at the Board meeting on ............... and signed on sts behalf by:_ 2025 Mr R Wilkerson Director Company Registration Number 5866861 18
Citizens Advice East suffolk Ltd Cash flow statement For the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes 2025 2024 As restated Cash flows from operating artivities Cash generated from operation5 Loan repayment deducted from funding { 36.493} { 16,0311 Net cash provided by operating artivities { 36,4931 1 16,0311 Cash flows from investing artivities Proceeds of disposal of tangible fixed assets 169,657 Decrease/llncreasel in short term investments 87,840 2,8211 Net cash used in investing activities 257,497 { 2,8211 Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year 221,004 18,8521 Cash and cash equivalents at l April 2024 654,998 673,850 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2025 17 876,002 654,998 Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activrties Net income for the year {as per statement of financial activities) 17,619 20,555 Depreciation (Profit) on sale of property Ilncreasel/decrease in debtors Increaselldecreasel in creditors 2.943 ( 70,7221 4,5561 18,224 8,637 1 8,5491 1 36,6741 Net cash {absorbed}/provided by operating activotles {5ee above) { 36,493) 16,0311 19
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Ststements for the year ended 31 Maich 2025 Accounting Policies Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, effective l January 2019, in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102, applicable UK Accounting Standards and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. CAES was created from the merger of CA Felixstowe & District, CA Leiston Saxmundham & District and CA North East Suffolk. The merger took place on l April 2022. when at that date all assets. liabilities, personnel and contract5 were merged into CAES Ltd. The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. Keyjudgements and assumptions The nature of the company's affairs is such that the directors believe that there are no areas of significant judgement and no significant assumptions that are required in the preparation of the financial statement5 other than those relating to going concern. Going concern rests on the availability of future funding and any uncertainty over such income is mitigated by the assessment of reserves that should be held by the company, see below. Income All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income, its receipt Is probable and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Grants from government and other agencies have been included as income from activities in furtherance of the charity'5 objects where these relate to a contrart for services, but as donations where the money is given in response to an appeal or with freedom of use within the charity's objects, for example, block grants. 20
Citizen5 Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Expenditure Liabiliities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there 15 a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditLJre, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of the resources. Tangible Pixed assets Depreciation is provided at the following rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Freehold propertv 2% on cost Improvements to property IO% on cost Fixtures & furniture 20% on cost Expenditure of less than £1,000 per item of fixed assets is expensed on purchase. Debtors Prepayment5, relatirbg to expenditure incurred which has economic benefit in future acounting periods, and accrued income, relating to income due and receivable but outstanding at the balance sheet date, are measured at their recoverable amount being the sum that will be received after the balance sheet date. Cash at bank and in hand and Short term investments Cash at bank and in hand includes all petty cash and bank accounts where access is immediate or available within 95 days. Cash held on deposlt where access is available within two years but after 95 days is included as short term investments. 21
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for the year Ènded 31 March 2025 Creditors.. Amounts falling due within one year Accruals. relating to expenditure not paid until after the balance sheet date which confer5 economic benefit on the current accounting period, is recognised at the amount of that economic benefit. Deferred income, relating to intome received in the current accounting period but which relates to future periods, is reognised as the whole of the income in question. Restricted fund income received in the current accounting period which relates to the current future periods is recognised within restricted funds, See below. Pension costs Pension costs are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as incurred. Funds Funds fall into two categories, restricted. where their use is governed by the wishes of the entity providing the funds or the contractual terms under which the funds are earned and, unrestricted, where there are no pre-conditions to the use of the funds other than the charitable objectives of the organisation. Funds are transferred from restricted to unrestricted funds as they become free frorn the relevant restrictions. Within unrestricted funds designated funds are maintained to meet identified planned future costs which are not capable of being met out of annual budgets. It 15 the aim of the charity to maintain the balance of unrestrirted reserves at a level that would give it the ability to mitigate the estimated costs associated with the risks identified that the Bureau faces. 2 Prior yea¥ adjustment In preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025, it was identified that the entity had understated income of £12,800, and undefstated trade creditors and overstated accruals of £11,540, within the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024. The opening balances and comparative figures have been restated in order to take these matters into consideration Donations. legacies and similar incoming resources Unrestricted Restrirted Funds Funds 2025 2024 Parish & Town Councils Individuals, Charitable bodies and other Donations 20,255 13,503 33.758 20.255 29,721 49,976 8,495 28,167 36,662 16,218 16.218 East Suffolk Council Suffolk County Council L D Rope Charitable Trust National Citizens Advice Hopestead Other Grants Receivable 223,000 134,540 223,000 135,540 1.898 4.426 208,080 128,120 6,724 23,812 10,000 19,919 396,6SS 1.000 1,898 4,426 5,387 367.353 5,387 370,251 2.898 Other 6.538 6,538 601 22
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Staternents for the year ended 31 fvlarch 2025 Total donations and similar income 407,649 19,116 426,765 433.918 Charitsble activities Unrestricted Restrirted Funds Funds 2025 2024 As restated Fundraising events Money Advice Service Solutions East Suffolk Council Housing James Paget Hospital - The Big C Money Advice and Budgeting- L D Rope Food Banks- Lowestoft and Waveney National Citizens Advice- Deprivation Ministry of Justice - Probation Service Sizewell C CF - Volunteers Sizewell C CF - Housing Leiston Net Zero The Big Lottery Other Service Level Agreements 111.720 136.582 25.000 111,720 136,582 25,QHJO 8,202 40,060 38,390 9,833 86,805 60,428 50,971 28,890 111,720 136.582 25,000 4,921 37,500 36,6dVI 29,498 62,251 8,202 40,060 38,390 9.833 86.805 60.428 50,971 28,890 32,486 19,970 496,573 33,468 582,087 33,468 630,349 48,262 Sale of property 70.722 70.722 Total charitable activities 118,984 582,087 701,071 496,573 23
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 Comparative Statement of Financial Affairs The detailed Statement of Financial Affairs for the year ended 31 March 2024 as restated to take account of the prior year adjustment Isee note 21 is set out below Total Funds 2024 As restated Unrestrirted Restrfcted Funds Funds As restated Income from Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment 410,057 52,421 12,156 23,861 444.152 433,918 496,573 12,156 Total Incoming Resources 474,634 468,013 942,647 Resource5 Expended Costs of generating funds Charitable activities.. Support 454,480 467,612 922,092 Total Resources Expended 454,480 467.612 922,092 Net Intorning Resources for the period 20,154 401 20,555 Total Funds brought forward at l April 2023 659,082 82,588 741,670 Total Funds carried forward at 31 fvlarch 2024 679,236 82,989 762,225 Charitable artivities costs Unrestricted Restrirted Funds Funds Total 2025 Total 2024 Staff costs Travel expenses Printing, postage 3nd stationery Telephone Information systems Training Hardship payrnents Project partmer charges Overheads allocated to projects Management and administration {Note 61 325,063 17.462 18.787 16,573 38,449 3,985 393.305 718,368 17,462 18,787 16,573 38,449 3.985 31,065 39,392 634,312 18,614 14.036 18,934 29.916 1,618 15,563 28,273 31,065 39.392 55,193 1 55.1931 262,787 262,787 160,826 627,913 518,955 1,146,868 922,092 24
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements forthe yearended 31 March 2025 Support costs 2025 2024 Rent, rates, power repairs and cleaning Technical support Insurance Professional fees Depreciation Other 179,289 12,199 7.302 45,415 2,943 15,640 98,332 14,257 6,277 25,128 8,637 8,195 262.787 160,826 Included within professional fees are Audit fees of £10,80012024 Independent E¥aminer's fees £3.080, of which £1,080 relates to underactrued 2023 fees). Staff, volunteers and trustees The cost of staff was=_ 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 657,672 47,987 12,710 582,848 40,774 10,690 718.368 634,312 Included within wages and salaries are fedundancy c05t5 of £Nil12024 £1.1991. The average number of employee5 during the year was Support 35 31 No member of staff received emoluments lexcluding employers, pension contributions) of more than £60,000. No trustee received remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity- No trustee received reimbursed travel expenses12024 £Nill. Some 80 volunteer advisers contributed on average seven hours per week each to the company during the vear,. other volunteers helped and supported the company in administering the day-to-day aspects of the company. 25
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements forthe year ended 31 March 2025 9 Operating le35e cornmitments 2025 2024 Within one year Between two and five years In over five years 45,590 197,860 80,865 324.315 11.500 56,250 27,250 95,000 Operating lease expenses for the year total £54,00012024: £29,000) 10 Tangible Fixed A55ets Fixtures Freehold Property improvernents furniture Total properry &IT C05t As at l April 2024 Additions Disposals 101.472 36,643 171,450 309,565 1101.4721 { 36,6431 { 138.1151 As at 31 March 2025 171,450 171,450 Depreciation As at l April 2024 Charge for the year Disposals 12,628 26.552 168,507 2,943 207,687 2,943 1 39,1801 1 12,6281 { 26,5521 As at 31 March 2025 171,450 171,450 Net Book Value As at 31 March 2025 As at 31 March 2024 88,844 10,091 2,943 101.878 11 Short tem) investments 2025 2024 Bank deposits {less than two years to maturity) 87,840 87,840 12 Debtors 2025 2024 Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 18.440 7,125 15,507 22,265 33,947 29,390 26
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements forthe year ended 31 March 2025 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Accruals Social security and other taxe5 Deferred income 14,564 97,739 13,623 4,179 11,540 85.940 10,222 4,179 130,105 111,881 Deferred income refers to income received which is to fund expenditure in subsequent periods. All deferred illcome at 31 March 2024 has been recognised as income in the year ended 31 March 2025. 14 Restrirted funds At l April 2024 As restated At 31 March 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers Money Advice Service 1.940 111,720 113,660 Solutions 136.582 136,582 Probation Servicce 86,805 86,805 East Suffolk Council Housing 25,0(J) 25.000 Deprivation 9.833 9,833 Food Banks 12,797 38,390 50.968 219 Sizewell C CF - Volunteers 60,428 25,178 35,250 Sizewell C CF- Housing 50.971 9,317 41,654 Leiston Net Zero 28,890 1.945 26,945 Client funding 55,570 19,116 30.705 43,981 Other 12.682 33,468 28.962 17,188 82,989 601.203 518,955 165,237 27
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 At l April 2023 At 31 March 2024 As restated Income As restated Expenditure Transfers Money Advice Service 741 111,720 110,521 1.940 Solutions 14,583 136.582 151.165 Probation Servicce 62,251 62.251 Big Lottery 32.486 32,486 Deprivation 29,498 29,498 Food Banks 7.949 36.645 31.797 12,797 Client funding 47,153 23.861 15.444 55.570 Other 12,162 34,970 34,450 12,682 82,588 468,014 467,613 82,989 MAPS Funding to provide a caseworker, trainee money adviser and associated costs to provide advice to those in debt Solutions- Lowestoft Primary Care Network The provision of social prescribing and community based support to the patients registered with the 8 GP surgeries servin8 Lowestoft and the surrounding area. Ministry of Justice - Probation Service Finance, benefit and debt advice to male probationers in East and West Suffolk delivered in conjunction with Citizens Advice West Suttolk. East Suffolk Council Housing Providing advice to East Suffolk Council Housing clients Deprivation - National Citizens Advice Increase in Service delivery for clients in deprived area5 in East Suffolk. Food Banks- Lowestoft and Waveney Outreach worker providing advice and support to clients of the food banks. Funding provided by local authorities, charitable trusts and other5 to provide grants to clients suffering hardship. No individual grant greater than £500. Client funding 28
Crtizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Ststements forthe year ended 31 March 2025 Other Funds provided for improvements to the offices at St Margaret'5 House and projert funding provided by East S(Jffolk Council. 15 Unrestrirted funds At l April 2024 At 31 March 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers Designated funds Contractual commitments Premises Property reserve 50,000 50.000 101,878 50.000 50,000 101.8781 General charitable funds 477,358 563,284 1627.9131 101,878 514,607 679.236 563,284 { 627.9131 614,607 At l April 2023 At 31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Designated funds Contractual commitments Premises Property reserve 50,000 50.000 110.516 50,000 50,000 101,878 8.6381 General charitable funds 448,566 474,634 { 454,4801 8,638 477,358 659.082 474,634 (454.4801 679,236 Contractual commitments- contracted payments to staff including redundancy, provision of locum maternity and sickness cover and the costs of any disciplinary andlor grievance procedures that may arise. Premises - to provide for terminating leases and the cost of relocating to new Premises either at the expiry of the current lease or if larger premises are deemed necessary. Property reserve- equal to the net book value of fixed assets the designated fund serves to underline the illiquid nature of the investment in fixed assets Of the general charitable funds £370,000 is considered by the trustees as the minimum level that needs to be retained in order to provide cover against risks that the Charity faces, particularly that relating to uncertainty over future funding. The funds over and above this level will be used in the forthcoming years to fund improved services provided by the organi5ation. 29
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 16 Analysis of net assets between fund5 Tangible Fixed Assets Net Current Assets 2025 Total 2024 Total Restricted funds Designated funds General funds 165,236 loo,000 514,607 165,236 loo,000 514,607 82,988 201,878 477,358 779,843 779,843 762,224 Tangible Fixed ssets Net Current Assets 2024 Total 2023 Total Restricted funds Designated funds General fund5 82,988 loo,000 477,359 82,988 201.878 477.358 82,588 210,516 448,566 101.878 101.878 660,347 762,224 741,670 17 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2025 2024 Cash in hand Bank current account Bank deposit (immediate access1 Bank deposit (access within three months} 267 81.564 1,171 793,000 552 59,135 595.311 Total cash and cash equivalents 876,002 654,998 30
Citizens Advice East Suffolk Ltd Note5 to the Financial Ststements for the year ended 31 March 2025 18 Regulatory and other information The company is a registered charity, number 1115522, limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales. The registered office is:_ St Margaret's House Gordon Road Lowestoft Suffolk NR32 IJQ The charity is a Public Benefit Entity. Ouring the year ended 31st March 2025, there were no related party transactions. During the year ended 31st March 2024, the company procured services from HRLegal Ltd, an entity under the control of Simon Quantrill (Trusteel, totalling £7,121. These services were provided at arms length. 19 P05t balance sheet events After the reporting date, the entity entered into two leases in respect of office space. With effect from 24th June 2025, a lease of office space in Leiston was entered into. The lease agreement is for 5 years at an agreed rate of £12,528 per annum. With effect from 1st November 2025, a lease of office space in Beccle5 was entered into for 9 years at an agreed rate of £10.800 per annum. 31