REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 4141854 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1115564 Re ort of the Trust es nd Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 in District Cit. vi Bureau •ADGE4SGW• 2211112024 COMPANIES HOUSE A5
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Page Report of the Trustees 1 to 12 Independent Examinerfs Report 13 statement of Financial Activities 14 Balance Sheet 15 Cash Flow Statement 16 Notes to the Cash Flow Ststement 17 Notes to the Financial Ststements 18 to 27 Detailed Ststement of Financial Activities 28 to 32
Swindon & Dislrict Citizens Advice Bureau Report oftheTrustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 The trustees who a also directors of the charty for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charits'es: 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 {FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company numb•T 4141854 (England and Wales) Reg18t•rod Charity number 1115564 Registered offlce 1 Sanford Street Swindon Wiltshire SN1 1QH Trustees MBOX A Bennett C Gannicott D Langley P Gilvin J Bassi Singh S Warren M Howard Chalr Vice Chair (Resigned Dec 23 Company Secretary C Newport Senlor L•ad•rshlp Team Claire Newport - Chief Executlve Claire Salvage- Advice Service Manager Lucija Maclntosh - Training & Quality Manager Independent Examln•r Chris Vaughan Accountants 195 Ermin Street Swindon Wiltshire SN3 4NA Advlsern Bank•r8 Lloyds Bank PLC 5 High Streel Swindon Wiltshire CCLA St Alphanage House 2 Fore Street London
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report ofthe Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governlng documont The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee. as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau (Citizens Advice Swindon) is a charitable company. limited by guarantee. The charitable company was established under Memorandum of Association, which sets out the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau is a member of Cilizens Advice, the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. As the membership body Crtizens Advice formally audits and monitors quality and managemenl processes within the local office. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up. Recruilment and appointment of trustees Our aim is to ensure that the needs of our clients are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body and to enhance the potential pool of truslees, the charity seeks to identify potential rW trustees relevant to the nature of its work. A broad range of skills and expertise are represented on the Management Committee which include Business, Local Government, social care, financial services and legal skills. Each year the committee undertakes a skills audit which enables the identification of training & development opportunilies and any skills gaps. In the event of particular skills being lost due to retirements or where gaps in skills are identified, individuals may be approached for co-option mid-year if it is felt they match the required needs of the bureau. 11 is acknowledged that the Good Govemance Code recommends trustees usually serve no more than9 years. We have one Trustee who has a longer length of service but after a thorough review (e.g.Trustee Board skills audit, attendance, contribution to the charity's strategic goals, etc.) they have beenasked to stay on the Board because of their specialist knowledge of. Local Government, Social Care and Equality & Diversity. The Trustees aré committed to pursuing the recruitment of new trustees next year aiming to actively recruit trustees with Specialist Legal knowledge and fundraising expertise, as well as targeting recruitment wtthin under represented communities. Induction and trainlng of new trustses All new Trustees undergo a period of induction, this consists of being briefed on their legal obligations under charty and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, attending trustee board meetings, meeting with the Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees and shadowing advice sessions. Annual Iraining records are kept for all trustees which includes a record of any training undertaken outside of the organisation which is relevant to their role. Organisational structure Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau currently has a managernent committee 6 trustees who
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trusteesforthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 meet a minimum of six times a year and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. Other than for 'Confidential' agenda items. the Senior Management Team attends board meetings as does a representative of the Volunteers. All are encouraged to take a full part in the board's discussions before trustees reach their decisions. The Trustees delegate to the Chief Executive the day to day responsibility for the strategic, financial and operational management of the servi, including supervision of the management team. Rlsk Management The trustees review the main risks to the charity as part of its annual business planning process, this identifies the current constraints and potential risks to current and future service delivery. A risk register is kept under review throughout the year to ensure appropriate controls are in pla to provide reasonable mitigation and assurance against identified issues. The trustees review risk against the following categories: (i) Finance {ii) Governance (iii) Managemenl (iv) Staffing (v) Service Delivery (vi) Stakeholder relationships (viii) ICTISystems (ix) EDI (x) Infomiation assuran The main risks identified and the actions proposed to mitigale these are: A. Malntalnlng Èurrent flnanclal stablllty Although the current financial position is strong, the outlook over future years is less certain. We will priorilise influencing stakeholders and funders to continue funding priority seNices. We will work in partnership wilh S8C and the ICB to look at new opportunities to meet demand. B. Inability to maintain service delivery levels at current level due to flat rate funding with no inflationary increase built into 7-year contract - We will seek funding opportunilies to complement our CO delivery and build reserves to help with short temi funding gaps C. Ability to pay salaries that attract and retain talent within the workforce. We will review our employment offer to staff and look at alternative ways to reward slaff. D. Increaslng demand for our Service - Rising demand means that we need to build our adviser and caseworker capacity. We will priorilise growing our workforce and concentrate on Iraining and retention E. Reputational damage through rfsks relating to the handling of infomiation risks are regularly reviewed and policies updated and communicated. All staff undergo annual Data Protection training. Factors that are likely to affect the financial perfonnance or position in 2024125 and further years: The Service is reliant on core funding from the public sector which is subject to volatile and uncertain economic conditions. An increase in competition in an ever-changing VCSE marketplace - as funding becomes ever harder to access, the sector we operate in is becoming more competitive as a result The political environment is changing. however the impact of key national developments and priorities in the face of shrinking budgets is still very much an 'unknown quantity, but has the potential to impact on both our ability to deliver and meet demand for services. The trustees continue to regularly monitor all funding agreements and contracts to ensure thal the individual terms of each funding provider are met.
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 All policies and procedures are regularly reviewed by the trustees to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charily. In addition to the above the charty is involved in an area of voluntary service in which it is essential, for the protection of those served by the charity, for employees to be properly assessed in order to minimise risk both to the charity's beneficiaries and the employees themselves. For this reason, before any prospective employee is engaged by the charity, comprehensive checks will be conducted by way of reference to the Disclosure and Barring Service if appropriate, previous references and an induction programme. Infomiation Assurance The trustee board oversee the information security of all personal information of our clients, staff, funders and slralegic partners that is processed. Swindon & District Citizens Advice 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 dala is maintained to a level which is compliant with the requirements the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims The Charity's objects are to prornote 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 Ihe benefit of the community in Swindon and surrounding areas. The aims of our charity are: - To provide the advice people need for the problems they face, and To improve the poliGies and practices that affect their lives. We do this through the provision of free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to anybody who needs us. We promote diversity and equality, and challenge discrimination Strategic Priorities We operate at the heart of the local voluntary sector and aim to lead the local sector in advice provision. We use our local knowledge to campaign on big issues, both locally and nationally. So one way or another, we are helping everyone- not just those we support directly. We take care to properly understand what our communities in Swindon need from their local advice service and are continually looking for ways to improve and adapt our service to fit with those needs. This is a challenge at a time when the financial climate is uncertain both for the sector we operate in and our clients. Funders are having to make very difficult spending decisions which impact on the availability of services and support. Managing expectations in a difficult financial climate is paramount to the successful delivery of our seNice to the most vulnerable in society.
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees lor the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Public benefit The Citizens Advice seNice provides help whoever you are, whatever the problem. We provide advi, specialist casework and information face-to-face advice, on the telephone. by email and via www.citizensadvice.org.uk. We also campaign locally and nationally for improvements to services and the law. We use the evidence we collect from helping our clients to make a difference for people who may never come to a Citizens Advice office by communicating our evidence for change to policymakers in government and the wider public and private sector. A visit to a Citizens Advice local office for one person could lead to a change in policy or law that will posilively affect the lives of many more. Our generalist advice service, funded through a contract with Swindon Borough Council, remains our "core" activity offering an essential Servi to the diverse communities and individuals who live in Swindon and the surrounding area. Citizens Advice is nationally recognised as a place where if you have a problem of any kind help will be provided. This is a great strength for us and a challenge in being able to ensure access lo everyone who needs our help. Through our work we aim to reduce poverty and improve the general wellbeing of its clients. We contribute to the local economy through encouraging and assisting in the take up of welfare benefits and working with clients to manage their debt. Achlevements and performance Through the hard work and commitment of our 29 paid staff and 47 volunteers we provided a core generalist advice service alongside a range of specialisl advice projects, The provision of holistic advice allows us to cover a range of topics which predominantly includes; Welfare Benefils Debt and Money matters Housing Employment Immigration and Nationality Family and Personal Consumer Discrimination Health and Social Cafe utilities and Energy Advlce and Infomiatlon Servlcos The main areas of charitable activity are: the provision of general advice and information services. the provision of specialist advi and casework services in the debt and welfare benefits; the provision of our Advice & Financial First Aid service, delivering Financial Capability training to groups and individuals; Throughout the year we have continued to offer a multi-channel advice service, over the phone, by email and in person. During 202314 our projects and specialist advice offer included: Income Maximisation, debt and budgeting advice, training and outreach through our Advice & Financial first Aid Project funded by Swindon Borough Council at the ICB Heatth Inequalities Fund Debt advice funded through the Money Advice Service Specialist Debt advice for the most vulnerable clients and those facin9 homelessness funded by Swindon Borough Council Specialist Benefits advice mainly focussing on disability benefrt appeals through our Swindon Borough CouncilllCB funding Specialist Debt and Energy Advice funded by British Gas Energy Trust Supporting Communities at Risk programme, alongside a further Energy project funded by Citizens Advice
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report ofthe Trustees forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 Specialist Benefits Advice targeted Disability Benefits and Appeals Specialist Benefits advice for people affected by cancer funded by Macmillan Specialist Benefits advice funded through the Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation's Surviving Winter grant stream This year we have continued to develop our strong partnerships with both statutory and voluntary seclor agencies to help meet the rising demand for advice. Our commitment to the recruitment, training and development of our volunteer workforce has continued. A key-element of the Citizens Advice Membership Scheme is the requirement of every member lo undertake an annual Léadership Self-Assessment of Govemance; (LSA) covering the following nine Strategic business planning. Risk management. o Financial management; People management; Operational perfomiance management; Partnership working. Research and campaigning; Equality leadership The assessment is approved by the National Citizens Advice service and any development outcomes are agreed in partnership. Every three years this assessment is verified through a site visit. Again this year we were rated 'Green' meaning we achieved excellent scores in the Performance Quality Framework. The LSA aligns wilh external standards, compliance also indicates compliance with the requirements of the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) and Money Advice Service (MAS) debt quality framework. We also continue to hold the Advice Quality Standard Mark with casework accreditation in Debt, Benefits and Disability. Who used and benefited from our Services During 2023124 we helped 8,371 benefited from the services of Citizens Advice Swindon generating 38,918 contacts (2022123: 34,080). We support people on any issue that they may face. Of the 36,415 (2022123: 29,595). issues people sought advice about, our most common enquiry areas are welfare benefrts and tax credits and debt advice which makes up 420h of all enquiries. 570k of clients were female. 590/0 of clients had a disability or a long-term health condition. 340 were members of a racially minoritised groups. Clients of all ages used the service, the youngest being under 18, the oldest being in their 90s. We helped 1,421 vulnerable households to successfully apply for charrtable granls for essential household items (e.g. cooker, ovens, bedding, etc.), fuel or food vouchers (2022123.. 905) In total the sep4ice negotiated on £8.6mllllon worth of debt (2022123.. £5.7 million), rescheduling, reducing or getting debt written off to make peoples, lives more sustainable. Thé service generated a total of £6.9 million (2021122: £6.2 million) in addrtional incorne for clients, through our income maximisation work.
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 A comparison of our client profile to the general population of Swindon shows that the clients we help locally are more likely to.. live on a low income be disabled or have a long-term health condition be from diverse backgrounds be at risk of fuel poverty live in rented accommodation be economically inactive live in areas with higher levels of disadvantage or deprivation Case Study Background Mike has a 9 year old son with a chronic health condition that requires hospital treatment. He is his son's sole carer. He is unable to work due to an injury he sustained some years ago. Mike attended one of our outreach sessions for advice, he told us he was struggling financially and spent the last of his money on bus fare to take his son to a hospital appointment. He said he was desperate, overwhelmed and felt he was letting his son down. Mike told us he was struggling to afford their essential costs such as Iheir energy, council tax and food. Challenges face by Mike Deficit Budget: After paying all of his essential costs eg. Council tax, energy and food, Mike had a deficit of £87 per month. Debts: His deficit budget meant that each month he was getting further into debt, he had missed his last Council Tax payment, had a £680 debt to Thames Water and credil card debt of over £4,000. Self41isconnected: In order to stop using Gas in his home and avoid further debt, he had chosen to self- disconnect by no longer topping up his pre-payment meter. This meant that during the winter months his home was cold, and he and his son were wrapping up in blankets to keep wam. Broken Washing Machine and Fridge Freezer: Back in the summer Mike's washing machine had broken. He was relying on help from neighbours and hand washing. He also lold us that his freezer was no longer working properly but he could not afford to replace it. Help provided by Citizens Advice Swindon Emergency Support: The first thing we did was give Mike a fuel voucher to top up his Gas meter and a food voucher for immediate support. Due to the health conditions within the family home, Mike was also eligible for a Surviving Winter Grant of £200. We also referred him to SBC for a Household Support Voucher of £150 for him to use to purchase food. and help alleviate the financial pressures he was facing. Benefits Advlce and Casework: We then carried out a Benefils Check. We identified that he was eligible to apply for additional elements of Universal Credrt and was entitled to Council Tax Support. We helped him make contact with the DWP and complete a UC50 to apply for Limited Capability for Work Related Activity due to his disability. We also helped him apply to Swindon Borough Council for Council Tax Reduction. In total we identified increases to Mike's annual income of £7,404. We went through the criteria and ascertained Mike would probably be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (pip) to help with the cost of his own ongoing health and care needs. Our caseworker helped complete the forms and Mike was awarded PIP, a further income increase of £5.270 per year. In total we assisted Mike to IncaSe his income by £12,674 per year. We are now working with Mike to submit a Child DLA claim for his son.
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 Replacement Whlte Goods: While Mike waited for decisions on his benefits claims we helped him to access a free washing machine, fridgel freezer and a wardrobe by making a referral to Kennet Furniture Refurbishment. Debt Advice: We contacted Mike's creditors and let them know he was working with us, they agreed to freeze the interest on his Credit Card debt. We negotiated more affordable payments to clear his debts, having resolved his negative budget with his additional benefits income. Outcomes and Impact: Immediate Relief: The food and energy vouchers alongside the grants and White goods referral meant Mike could turn his gas on for the first time in 3 months, he could cook a nutritious meal for him and his son, and for the first time in months he said he had a full nights sleep as we had helped alleviate his immediate financial stress. Restoratlon of selfvOSteem and prlde: Mike no longer had to rely on his neighbours to wash his son's school unifomi. Improved Mental Well-being: Mike reported feeling much less overwhelmed and more optimistic about the future. Increased income: For the first time in over a year Mike no longer has a deficit budget, he can afft>rd healthy food and he has paid for his son to join the local kickboxing club which is helping him to increase his confidence and menlal health. Affordable Debt repayments: Mike now has a plan to pay off his debts, he feels confident that he can now stick to his budget. The Impact we made in 2023124 It is impossible to put a financial value on everything we do - but where we can, we have. We have used a Treasury-approved model to do this. From our management infonnalion, we have also separately considered the financial benefits to the people we help. For every £1 invested in our service in 202312024, we generated: £11.32 in value to the people we helped. We helped individual clients to achieve individual financial outcomes like getting back-dated benefits, writing-off debts and gaining refunds for consumer issues. Total for this year £10,072,460 £2.91 in savings to government. By helping to reduce payments for out-of-work benefrts, eviction - housing evicted tenants and less demand on the NHS, it's eslimated that this year we saved local and national government over £2,587,950 £19.25 in public value. When people have fewer problems, they have higher levels of well-being participation in society and productivity. Our calculation also includes the value of a volunteering in the service. Total public value for this year.. £17,132,052 Our value to Individuals We know that problems do not happen in isolation and can have severe consequences. Solving them can stop situations from escalating and help people regain control of their finances or other aspects of their lives. After reIving support from us through a difficult time, people often report improvements to their physical heafth and mental well-being too. 8 in 10 people said they felt less stressed, depressed or anxious after our advice 6 in 10 people said they felt their physical health had improved following seeking advice from us 9 in 10 people said we "helped them find a way forward" 8 in 10 people said we "resolved their problems" Ouf value to the community If left unsolved, problems do not just affect individuals and their families or friends -they affect the wider
Swindon & Dislrict Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 communty too. By helping to solve them, our work creates considerable value to society. With our unique insight into the challenges people face today, we are able to advocate for changes to national & local government policy, and industry practices to make things better for everyone. Contribution of our Volunteers Our dedicated leam of volunteers are the lffeblood of the organisation. The value of volunteering in terms of activities and improved outcomes is quantified in the following table. Value of actlvltles and Im Value of time donated roved outcomes Value {£) Stakeholder Local Citizens Advice office Volunteering time Skill develo ment and employability 342,054 Gainin em ment more uickl Receiving a higher wage due to being more skilled Health and wellbein 16,674 Econom 1,246 Econom Increased life satisfaction 64,828 Volunteers Improved mental health 24,555 NHS TOTAL 449.356 Financlal revlew We have continued to focus on ensuring sound financial management and sustainable decision making in order to deliver our strategic objectives, and that of our funders. We work hard to deliver a cost-effective service thal meets the needs of our local communities. This has continued to be a challenge as demand for our service outstrips supply. The charity has benefitted from a number of additional funding streams and new projects to further enhance Ihe secure financial position that has been built up in recent years. However, the trustees are aware that the external commissioning environment could result in a dUctIon in funding in 2025 and beyond, so contingency planning is taking place, with scenario planning being undertaken to ensure the charity has financial resilience built in. One of our main challenges this year has been ensuring we are able to pay our staff a competitive salary to help mainlain our current expertise and experience. This year we have carried out a full review of our pay scales having benchmarked against offices in the South-west with a similar income stream. As a minimum we have aligned our pay scales with the median salaries in South-west LCA. We also ensured that all staff will be paid the National Living Wage as a minimum from April 2024. High inflation and general cost of living rises this year hit the pockets of our clients, staff and the organisation. Our core funding from Swindon Borough Council has had no inflationary inCaSe since 2014 which has effectively resulted in a 340/0 reduction in this funding over the years. However, we work closely with our commissioners and have been shielded from rises to a degree as we do not
Swindon & Dislrict Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 pay premises charges at Sanford House as part of our contract. We have also secured a 2.3% increase in SBC funding for 2024125. During this reporting period we benefited from increases in project funding which allowed us lo grow our Advice & Financial First Aid team. In particular new funding from BSW ICB Health Inequalities fund has helped us expand the project to tackle some of the wider determinants of Health Inequality such as poor housing and money worries. In this reporting period, the charity had a surplus of £60,530, however this surplus is in restricted funds relating mainly to unfilled posts and DROIBankruptcy fees which will be carried into next year so that we can continue existing Servi delivery. At the year end the charity's total funds sland at £695,488 of which £258,861 is restricted and £436,627 is unrestricted. Of the unrestricted funds, £115,000 has been allocated for contingencies should the need arise (e.g. contractual commitments, etc. The trustees extend their gratitude to all of our funders, including Swindon Borough Council and BSW ICB who continue to support the core operating capacity of the charity through our current commissioned contract. Project specific funding was gratefully received from Swindon Borough Council Revenues and Benefits Department to continue and expand our AFFA income maximisation and prevention project. As previously mentioned, further funding to extend this was also received from the BSW ICB Health Inequalities fund. Funding from the British Gas Trust Fund has meant we can expand our work in the field of energy and debt advice, helping us to meet client need in this growing area of concem. This year we received increased funding from Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation under the Surviving Winter fund which enabled us to support clients with one off energy payments and income maximisation advice. Also this year our Macmillan project went from strength to strength with additional funding secured for a further full time caseworker to support people affected by cancer with benefrts and financial worries. The majority of our specialist debt casework continues to be funded by the Money and Pensions Service through which we are able to provide much needed face to face debt advice and support. Investment policy and objectives The seNice's excess funds have historically been held in the COIF Charities Deposit Fund. The current account is regularly reviewed and any funds not needed in the short term are invested in the COIF fund. Reserves policy This reserves policy is monitored and reviewed by the trustees annually The trustees have determined to retain 3 months of operating costs in reserves to meet unexpected events (such as a significant loss of funding). The amount of reserves is calculated from the annual budget and amounts to £241,240. The calculation of reserves is after designating funds for the following purposes: Redundancy Liabilities. These are calculated in March each year as the cost of redundancy liabilities for all staff as at the end of the new financial year. We have designated £134,163 for this fund. 10
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report ofthe Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Service Demand Fund. Demand on our service at this time has risen continuously over the past 12 months. The service is operating at full capacity. It is also operating a loss due to insufficient core funding and reduction in some project funding, however, maintaining service is vital at this time, not only for clients of the generalist service but also for referrals to our existing projects. These funds come from restricted reserves accrued through savings made in previous years. We have designated £101.850 for Ihis fund in 2024125. This will be reviewed in 2024125 looking for ways to make the core service more efficient. Restricted reserves Funds that are restricted by the donor or funder are listed within the accounts and cannot be used for the general purposes of the charity. Their existence, and the sums of money therein, do nol imply that there has been an underspend but may result from a variety of circumstances including timing differences between the organisation's financial year and the funding year of the project concerned. Future plans The Trustees have a reed riorities for 2024125 in line with the strate ectives" Advlce Advocacy •We will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of advice-giving processes to enable advisers to support more clients, whilst still providing a quality service. • We will protect and. where possible, increase the 'supply' of 1-1 advice provision available within Swindon, to enable more clients lo access good qualily advice We will Maintain the provision of good quality advice We will improve the accessibility of our seNice for marginalised clients We will be the voice of our clients and potential clients. especially those who are most vulnerable and marginalised. •We will further position ourselves as the leading organisation for bringing front-line insights into local policy making Culture Organisatlonal Health To be a collaborative. innovative and a high performing service that promotes equality. diversity and inclusion. and challenges discrimination. To value our staff teams and be a highly recommended place to work and volunteer • Maintain excellent exlemal latIOnShipS to ensure best outcomes for our clients and safeguard the future of our service Continue to develop all staff to the highest level of expertise and ensure continued recruitment, training and development. of volunteers These objectives are measured and rnonilored on a quarterly basis using SMART objectives detailed in the action plan. In line with these objectives we are committed to seeking funding to enable us to maintain and expand our Advice & Financial First Aid project as the fronlline response to crisis prevention by 11
Swlndon & Districl Cltlzens Advice 8ureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 helping people maximise income, reduce expenditure, and ensure those who need advice get it in a timely manner. We will also seek opportunities to work with Health professionals to combat the wider determinants of Health Inequality through the provision of advice, in line with the Marmot report. We will continue to onboard more volunteers to help meet demand; and invest in Iraining to ensure the ongoing upskilling of our 8taff and volunteers to meet the challenges of fast changing legislation. Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on 3 July 2024 and signed on the board's behalf by: M Box - Chair 12
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for theyear Ended 31 March 2024 Inde ndent Examinerfs Re rt to the Twstees of Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Independent oxamin•rfs report to th• trustees of Swindon & Dlstrfct Citizens Advice Bureau I'th• Company.) I report to the charity trustees on rny examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2024. Responsibilitles and basls of report As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Acr). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 {'the 2011 Act,). In carying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Indepèndont •xamlnee8 8tat•m•nt Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a rnernber of a listed body. I can confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come lo my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as Uired by Section 386 of the 2006 the accounts do not accord with those records., or the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination: or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in ihe UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. Christopher Vaughan The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Chris Vaughan Accountants 195 Ermin Street Swindon Wiltshire SN3 4NA 3 July 2024 13
Swindon & DistTlCt Citizens Advice Bureau Report oftheTrustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Swindon & Di izen vi tatement of Financial Activities for th Year Ended 31 March 2024 31.3.24 Total funds 31.3.23 Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted fi]nds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 955.013 955,127 814,255 Other trading activities Investsnent income Other income 4.76J 4,761 7,130 7,130 2.556 Total 960 965 968 209 816811 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable aetlvltles Advice Services (9,505) 917.184 907,679 737,173 Other Total 917 184 907 679 737 291 NET INCOME Transfers between funds 16,749 43,781 17600) 60,530 79,520 15 Net movement In funds 34,349 26,181 60,530 79,520 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 402,278 232.680 634,958 555,438 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 436 627 258 861 695 488 634 958 14
Swlndon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report ofthe Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Balance Sheet 31 March 2024 31.3.24 Total funds 31.3.23 Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 12 150.341 211024 150,341 67,299 792 002 436 627 436,627 361.365 797.992 859,301 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 13 (102,504) (102,504) (224,343) NET CURRENT ASSETS 436 627 258 861 695 488 634 958 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 436,627 258,861 695,488 634,958 NET ASSETS 436 627 258 861 695 488 634 958 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted fvnds 15 436,627 258 861 402,278 232 680 TOTAL FUNDS 695 488 634 958 The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Spxlion 476 of th¢ Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for (a) ensuring that the charitable wrnpany keeps accounting records that comply with Section$ 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and preparing fmancial slalements which 8ive a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable company as at the end of each fmancial year and of its surplus or deficit for each flljancial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to fuwicial statements, so far as applicable trj the charitable company. (b) The financial statements were approved by the Board of TnS and authorised for issue on 3 July 2024 and were signed on its behalf by: M Box- Chair A Bennett- Vice Chair 15
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trusteesforthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 Swindon & Di reau trict itizen ice h Flow Statement f r th Year Ended 31 March 2024 31.3.24 31.3.23 Notes Cash flows from operating attivities Cash generated from operations 171998) 128 682 Net cash (used inyprovided by operating activities 171998) 128 682 Cash Ilows from Inve$tln8 actlvltles Interest received Net cash Provid by investing activities Change in cash and cash equivglents in the reporting period Cash and eash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period (164,868) 131,238 751367 620 129 Cash and eash equlvalents at the end of the reporting perlod 586 499 751367 16
Swindon & Dlstrict Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Cash Flow Statement r the Year End 31 March 20 RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 31.3.24 31.3.23 Net income for the reportlDg period (as per the Ststement of Finaneial Activities) Adjustments for: Interest received Increase in debtors (Decreaseyincrease in creditors 60,530 79,520 (7,130) (83,042) 142 356 (2,556) {23,102) Net eash (used inyprovided by operation$ 171998) 128 682 ANALYSIS OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 31.3.24 31.3.23 Cash in hand Notice deposits (less than 3 months) Overdrafts included in bank loans and overdrafts falling due within one year 16 647,635 61 152) 24 791,978 Tot21 cash and cash equivalents 586 499 751367 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS At 1.4.23 Cash flow At 31.3.24 Net cajh Cash at bank and in hand Bank overdrafts 792,002 {144,351) 647,651 751367 164 868 586 499 Total 751367 164 868 586 499 17
Swindon & District CitizensAdvice Bureau Report of the Truslees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Swind Bureau vi Notes t the Financial Statemen for the Year Ended 31 March 20 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The fmancial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charilies.. 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 (FRS 102) (effeclive l January 2019}', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Companies Act 2006. The fmancial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Income All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Expendlture Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a leg81 or constructiv¢ obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economi¢ benefits will be r¢quir¢d in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classifi¢d undeT headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be dirextly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of r¢sourc¢s. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end dat¢ ar¢ noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure. Alloeation and apportionrnent of costs All costs are allocated between the expenditure categori¢s of the SOFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly¥ others are apportioned on an appropriate basis e.8. floor ar¢as> per capita or estimated usa8e. T*ngible fixed a$$ets Depreciation 1$ provided at the followin8 annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated use1 life. Fixtures and fittings Computer equiprnenl 330/0 on cost 33Yo on cost Taxalion The charity is exempi from corporalion tax on its Charitable activities. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable obj¢ctives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits The charitable company operdtes a defmed contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitabl¢ ompany's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. 18
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 windon & Di tri t Citizens Advi eFin forth Y En cial Statem nts- 31March2 24 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 31.3.24 31.3.23 Donations Grants Service contracts 114 833,046 121967 275 813,980 955 127 8]4 255 Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: 31.3.24 31.3.23 Oth¢r grants 813980 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 31.3.24 31.3.23 Sales INVESTMENT INCOME 31.3.24 31.3.23 Deposit account interest CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Grant funding of activities (see note Support ¢osts (see note 7) Direct Costs 6) Totsls Advice Services 762 706 907 679 GRANTS PAYABLE 31.324 31.3.23 Advice Servirxs 19
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 windon & District Citiz2ns Advice Notes to the Financial tatements- Continued for the Year End l March 2024 SUPPORT COSTS Inforniation lechnolo8y Governance Costs Management Other Totsls Advice Services 250 TRUSTEES, REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees. r¢muneration or oth¢r benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 nor for th¢ year end¢d 31 March 2023. Trustees, expenses 31.3.24 31.3.23 Trustees, expenses STAFF COSTS 31.3.24 31.3.23 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 680,510 57,160 579,817 45,477 771458 653 503 The average monthly number of ¢mployees during the year was as follows: 31.3.24 32 31.3.23 24 Advice Workers Administration 34 29 No employees received emoluments in excess of £60.000. io. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fimds Restricted funds Totsl fimds tNCOME AIYD ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 273 813,982 814,255 Investh)ent income Totsl 813 982 816811 EXPENDITURE ON Charltable activitie5 20
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report ofthe Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Advice Services 737,173 737.173 Other 118 Total 737.291 737.291 21
Swindon & Districtcitizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Swin Burea n & District Citiz£n Advi NotCS to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 io. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES- continued Unrestricted Restrictsd funds funds Totsl funds NET INCOME Transfers between funds 2.829 12 093) 76,691 79.520 Net movement In funds (9,264) 88,784 79,520 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 411,542 143,896 555,438 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 402 278 232 680 634 958 li. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures Computer equipment fittings Totals COST At l April 2023 and 31 March 2024 DEPRECIATION Al l April 2023 and 31 Mar¢h 2024 IYET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLI]YG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income 19.000 150 341 150341 22
Swindon & District Cilizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 13. CREDITORS: AMOUIYTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.24 31.3.23 Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 14) Trade creditors Social security and other taxes ArKruals and deferred incorne A¢¢ru¢d expenses 61,152 6,016 18291 40,635 4,237 179.471 102 504 224 343 14. LOANS An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below.. 31.3.24 31.3.23 Amounts falling due within one year on demand". Bank overdrafts 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds Transfers between funds At 31.3.24 At 1.4.23 Unreslricled funds General fund Designated Fund$ 287,057 115 221 16,749 17.600 321,406 115221 402,278 16,749 17.600 436.627 Restricted funds Masdap Macmillan Energy Best Deal Easl Swindon Others Swindon Borough Council Thames Water AFFA British Gas 43,923 (2,015) (10,331) 16,797 100 28,800 (3,809) 2,949 320 41,908 (10,331) 48,612 31,815 (100) (24.612) 77,558 61,977 2,871 14,536 81,746 58,168 5,820 14,856 232 680 258 861 TOTAL FUNDS 634 958 695 488 23
Swlndon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Swindon Bureau District Citiz£ns Advice Notes to the Financial tatements - continued for the Year Ended 31 M ch 2024 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued Net movernent in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricled funds General fund 7.244 9,505 16,749 Restricted funds Masdap Macmillan Energy Best Deal East Swindon Others Swindon Borough Council Thames Water AFFA British G&$ 55,901 94,579 35,544 (57,916) (104.910) (18,747) loo (135.162) (425,625) (5,551) (63,322) 106051) (2,015) (10,331) 16,797 loo 28,800 (3,809) 2,949 320 163,962 421,816 8,500 63.642 117021 960 965 TOTAL FUNDS 968 209 907 679 Comparatlves for movement In funds Net movement in funds Transfers b¢tw¢en funds At 31.3.23 At 1.4.22 Unrestrieted funds General fund Designated Funds 310,612 100 930 2,829 (26,384) 287,057 115221 411.542 2.829 (12,093) 402,278 Restrleted funds Masdap North Swindon Advice Point Macmillan Energy Best Deal East Swlndon Others Swindon Borough Council Thames Water AFFA British Gas 48.329 (4,406) (184) (4,498) 17,612 (19,202) 34,214 30,003 1,504 14.536 43,923 184 12,093 {7,595) 14,203 31,815 19.202 36,232 51,360 1,367 70,446 61,977 2,871 14,536 (19,386) 143 896 232 680 TOTAL FUNDS 555 438 634 958 24
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trusteesforthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 Swindon & District Bureau vice Notes to the Financial r the Year Ended 31 March 2 ontinued 24 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted fund$ General fund 2.829 2,829 Restrict fund$ Masdap North Swindon Advice Point Macmillan Energy Best Deal East Swindon Others Swindon Borough Council Thames Water AFFA British Gas 54,463 (58,869) (184) (58,808) {2,752) (19,203) (40,371) (454,206) (32,495) (49,107) 21296) (4,406) (184) (4,498) 17.612 (19,202) 34,214 30.003 1.504 14,536 54,310 20,364 74,585 484,209 33,999 63,043 813 982 737291 TOTAL FUNDS 816811 737 291 A Current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is &s follows: Net movement in funds Transfers between funds At 31.3.24 At 1.4.22 Unr¢strl¢t¢d funds General fund Designated Funds 310,612 100 930 19,578 (8,784) 321,406 115221 411,542 19.578 5,507 436,627 Restrleted funds Masdap North Swindon Advice Point Macmillan Energy Best Deal East Swindon Others Swindon Borough Coun¢il Thames Water AFFA British Gas 48,329 (6,421) (184) (14.829) 34,409 (19,102) 63,014 26,194 4,453 14,856 41,908 184 12.093 (7,595) 14,203 (10,331) 48,612 19.102 (24,612) (19,386) 36.232 51.360 1,367 74,634 58,168 5,820 14,856 143 896 120 472 258 861 TOTAL FUNDS 555 438 140 050 695 488 25
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Truslees forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 windon & Distric Bureau itizens Advice Notes to the Financi tatements . for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 ntinued 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued A cutrent year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestrieted fund$ General fund 10,073 9,505 19,578 Restricted funds Masdap North Swindon Advice Point Macmillan Energy Best Deal East Swindon Others Swindon Borough Council Thames Wa*r AFFA British Gas 110.364 (116,785) {184) (163,718) (21,499) (19,103) (175,533). (879,831) (38,046) (112,429) 127 347) (6,421) (184) (14,829) 34,409 (19,102) 63,014 26,194 4.453 14.856 148,889 55.908 238.547 906.025 42.499 127,285 145 429 774 947 120472 TOTAL FUNDS 1785 020 (1644 970) 140 050 16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were no related paty transactions for the year ended 31 March 2024. 17. RESTIUCTED FUNDS The charity's restricted funds have the following purposes: (i) MASDAP Face to Face debt case work. (li) Swindon Borough Council This fund comprises a service contract with Swindon Borough Council for the provision of the advice services. This covers the costs of staff and rLmning costs in connection with the operation of the bureau. (iii) Macmillan Fund utilised to provide advice to cancer sufferers and their families. (iv) Energy Advice Project (EAP) Grant to fund tal on energy and switcbing energy suppliers ¢tr.. (vi) AFFA Funds received for the provision of budget and income maximisation advic¢. (vii) Other Smaller funds to provide advice. Funds are also provided for: - multidisciplinary work with the health service - advice regarding benefrts availability in connection with winter costs: - assistance with paying debt relief orders for eligible clients.and budgeting advice. 26
Swindon & District Cilizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2024 wind Bure District citinS Advice to e Financial Statements - continued e Y Ended 31 March 2024 18. DESIGNATED FUNDS The charity's desi8nat¢d funds hav¢ the following purpose: Redundancy liabilities 19. DEPRECIATION Expendittwe on f¢d assets amounting to less than £IOOO per item is not capitalised. 20. CONTROL The charity is controlled by its trustees who are named on page 6. No individual exercises overall control. 27
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bure8U Report of the Trusteesfor the Year Ended 31 March 2024 windon trict itizens Advice Detailed Sta ment of Financial Activities for the Year Ended l March 2024 31.3.24 31.3.23 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and lega¢i¢s Donations Grants Service contracts 275 813,980 833,046 121967 955,127 814,255 Other trnding aetlvltles Sales 4,761 Investment Income Deposit account interest 7,130 2,556 Other Income Other in¢ome Total incomlng resourc¢$ 968,209 816,811 EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Wages Social security Pensions Volunteer ¢xpen$es Publicity and promotion Clients, insolvency fees Grdnts to institutions 650,823 57,160 33,788 6,959 1.926 12,050 563,743 45,477 28,209 1.582 1,232 815,838 655,684 Other Trustees, expenses Support eosts Management Wages Occupancy costs Telephone Postage and stationery Legal and professional fees 29,687 16,074 10,336 11,037 7,090 12,975 6,353 56,309 44,537 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 31
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report of the Trusteesforthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 Information tethnology Computers and IT Equipm¢nt 3,878 7,757 This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 31
Swindon & District Citizens Advice Bureau Report oftheTrustees forthe Year Ended 31 March 2024 don & District tailed Statem e Year Ended f Financial A l March 20 ivities 31.3.24 31.3.23 Information technology Other Insurance Sundries Training and recruitment 5,677 20,792 6.089 17.709 30,404 27,393 Governance costs Accountancy and legal fees Total resources expended 907 679 737 291 Net Income This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 32