Qp04K Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (a company limited by guarantee) Registered Charlty No. 1118181 Company No. 6058583 REPORT AND ACCOUNTS For the year ended 31 March 2024 Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN., 617536 ADD13GHM 0411012024 COMPANIES HOUSE
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Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report and Accounts For the year ended 31 March 2024 CONTENTS Report of the Directors and Trustees 3-12 Independent Examiner's Report 13 Statement of Financial Activities 14 Balance Sheet 15 Notes to the Accounts 16-26
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees The directors, who are also the trustees of the charity for the purposes of charity law, ,are please¢ to present their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. I. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Charit Re istration: 1118181 Com an Re istration: 6058583 Surrey Heath House, Knoll Road, Camberleyi Surrey GU15 3HD Greg Scott Julie Summers Secretar Treasurer: Chief Executive Officer Caroline Sawd Robert Mannin CAF Bank Ltd Kings Hill, West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Inde David Wheeler FCCA Redhill Chambers 2d trtrigh Street Redhill Surrey RHI IRJ The directors wh.o served during the period and up to the date of this report are set out below: Greg Scott Robert Manning Marion Park Nigel Downey -Mttni.Rai OBE Julie Summers Paul Rich Trevor Trueman Lois Dabrowski Kari Freeburn Chair Treasurer Vice-chair Trustee Trustee lon Solicitor Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee 22/05r2023 13/1112023 Denotes members of the Executive Committee. The followin Re resentatives attended Mee Councillor Jonathan Cope Representing Surrey Heath Borough Council Caroline Sawdy Halen Holbro, Karl Suffork A Chief Executive Officer Ad.vKe MaTh3ger Voluntary Adviser In paid employment of Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Volunteers of Citizens Advice Surrey Heath
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees 2. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (CA-SH) is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales. The maximum liability of each member is limited to £1. At 31 March 2024, the Company had 9 members (2023: 9). CA-SH is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. CA-SH was incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee on 19 January 2007. The company is registered with the Charity Commission registration number l 118181. The charity commenced operations on 31 March 2007 at which date the assets and liabilities of the unincorporated Association (charity registration number 207097) known as Camberley Citizens Advice Bureau were transferred to the Company for nil consideration. Restricted and unrestricted fund balances were preserved. Fixed assets were transferred at net book value. On 15 January 2014 the Company changed its name from Camberley Citizens Advice Bureau to Citizens Advice Surrey Heath. Recruitment, Appointment of Trustees The Trustees, who are also Directors of the Companyi are elected from the local community. An Elections Committee, made up of Trustees, the Vice chair and chaired by the Chairman is established to oversee the elections process for Board appointments. A separate process agreed by the Trustee Board is followed for the election of the Chair. No other persons or bodies external to the charity were entitled to appoint persons to the Trustee 8oard. Inductlon of Trustees New Trustees are provided with a speclfic Induction Pack containing reference to all likely sources they are to encounter. Each new Trustee will be given a mentor from the existing Board of Directors. The mentor's role is to ensure that the new Trustee is guided through the inductlon process. A key aspert of the process is meeting with relevant members of the Management Team and the Chalr of the Trustee 8oard. This entire process provides an opportunity to learn more about the work of CA-SH, to ensure the individual understands their responsibilities as a Trustee, focus on current Board priorities and to assess any individual training needs. Organisation The Company is governed by the Direttors. They are also the Charity Trustees for the purpose of Charity Law. The maximum permitted number of Trustees is fifteen and the minimum three, being either elected at the Annual General Meeting or nominated by member organisations or co-opted by the Trustee Board, provided that the total number of co-opted and nominated Trustees does not exceed one third of the total number of Trustees. Elected Trustees are requlred to retire at the third Annual General meeting following their election or appointment but are eligible for re-election or re-appointment. The Trustee Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and the policy of the charity and carries the ultimate responsibility for the conduct of CA-SH and for ensuring that the charity satisfies its legal and contractual obligations. Trustees meet as a minimum quarterly and delegate the day-to-day operation of the organisation to senior management. The quorum for Trustee Board meetings is at least one third of the members of the Trustee Board, or three members of the Trustee Board, whichever number is greater. At Trustee meetings Elected and Representative Trustees haye one equal vote each with resolutions requiring a sirnpLe majority vote. Rertrase42t';ves 'Yhn -S*a atringS do not have a vote. l... Chairman has a casting vote. The Trustee Board is independent from management. A register of members, interests is maintained at the registered office, and is available to the public.
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees Organisation {continued) One of the Trustees has a length of service greater than 10 years. The former Chairman, Nigel Downey, has been a Trustee since 2010 and was Chairman from 2014 until 2023. He remains important to the overall well-being of the charity for the future. The Trustee Board delegates selected responsibilities to a Standing Committee who meet as required to ensure implementation of agreed strategies and procedures within delegated limits. Related Parties CA-SH is a member of Citizens Advice, the national association for the Citizens Advice service throughout the United Kingdorn. With effect from January 2014 Camberley Citizens Advice Bureaux became known as CA-SH following a rebranding exercise. Membership of the national association requires the charitable company to adhere to rigorous standards in respect of governance, organisational practices and quality of advSce. In April 2017 a new membership package was introduced and was accepted by CA-SH As part of their regular cycle regarding Performance and Quality leadership self-assessment, national Citizens Advice conducted a review in January 2024. The audit concluded that the evidence confirmed excellent leadership and the standards were of the highest quality expected by Citizens Advice. The charity also co-operates and liaises wlth a number of other advisory services., local charities and social services departments. Where one of the trustees holds the position of trustee/director of another charity they may be Involved in discussions regarding that other charity but not in the ultimate decision-making process. Rlsk Management The directors have reviewed their procedures In the Ilght of corporate governance gUIdan contained within the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities,. .A risk assessment report Is contained within the business plan and anticipates potential changes to the environment in which CA-SH is working and highlights how these would impact on its sen4ices. In addition it produces an annual risk register, based on a matrix supplied by Citizens Advice the national association. The charity faces a range of operational risks and the key to successful risk management is to identify potential risks, the likelihoo.d of th.em occurring and then obviate their irnpa.ct. The Risk Register is a formal statement of CA-SH'S risk rnanagement strategy and how the impact of potertiJ5 risks can be minimised. Identifying the risks ts an important element of risk management and has been given detailed and careful consideration. Areas, which have been covered in this process, include: Activities and services undertaken by the organisation Our objectives Targets and outputs required by funders and others The operating structure External factors (statutory obhgations, relationships with funders) Comparisons with other LCA/comparable organisations Past performary aTrd pre* risks enc04Jntered CA-SH'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 so the purpose of internal control is to help manage and control risk appropriately rather than to eliminate St.
Cltizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees Rlsk Management (continued) The following measures help minimise the risks inherent in any large and diverse voluntary sector organisation, which relies on a diverse range of funding to meet all its commitments: l. The Trustee Board recognises its role as the ultimate authority with regard to the governance of the organisation and that the management team and staff recognise that they operate with delegated authority. 2. Effective appraisal of the Chairman, Directors, Chief Executive and Management Team. 3. Internal management and supervisory controls, which minimise risk of failing to deliver on existing grant agreements and contracts. 4. Staff awareness of sources of funding and the consequences arising from any failure to deliver services in line with grant agreements and contracts. 5. The effective use of probationary periods, Joint Progress Reviews, staff supervision and HR policies to promptly identify and deal with issues of concern. 6, Regular case sheet checking, Independent File Reviews, training to ensure quality. 7. Regular review and analysis of statistics to ensure targets are met. 8. Maintain good relationships with funders to Identify potentlal future fundlng problems and potentlal funding opportunltles. 9. Ensure adequate financial reserves. 10. Quarterly financial monitoring against an agreed annual budget. I l. Good communication between volunteers, staff, the Management Team and the Trustee Board. 12, Maintaining independence and political neutrality to avoid conflict of interests. 3. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objects The objects of the charitable compan¥ are as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of AssoclatiorL Its services are consistent wlth the twin aims of Citizens Advlce namely: "to provide the advice people need for the problems they face" and "to improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives" Its servlces are also consistent W4th tFie stated Principles of Citizens Advice that: "The CitA Service is independent and provides free, confidential and impartial advice to everybody regardless of race, sex, disability, sexuality or nationality" The Charity's objects are the promotlon of any charltable purpose for the beneflt of the community In the area of Surrey Heath Borough and adjacent areas by the promotion and advancement of education, to preserve and protett good health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress. Ll"e LO" provide a The key power it exercises in fLtrtherance of the Objects is to establish CA-SH as a ceft"" free, confidential and impartial service of advice, training, information and counsel for the public and for the implementatlon thereof. Public Benefit Required The directors have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on publlc benefit when reviewlng the aims and objectives of the charitable company and in planning any future activities. Having been in operation for over 50 years providing free, independent, impartial and confidential advice to the citizens of Surrey Heath and neighbouring areas, the directors are satisfied that CA-SH fully complies with the new guidance on public benefit supplied by the Charity Commission. This is demonstrated by the Grant Agreement which it produces each year in conjunction with its prlncipal funder Surrey Heath Borough Council. A key requirement of this agreement is the production of an annual Business Plan. Whilst the primary Business Plan purpose is to create a process by which CA-SH'S Trustee Board can
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees monitor progress towards achieving the Corporate Plan, the plan also serves as a set of internal targets and outputs for staff and volunteers. In this way inclusiveness and collective responsibility about CA-SH'S key priorities can be engendered leading to improvements in service delivery. Achievements and performance In 2023-2024 The 2023-2024 fiscal year presented significant financial challenges for residents in Surrey Heath. Rising costs and economic uncertainty created a climate of affordability concerns, leading to increased debt and financial insecurity for many individuals. Recognising this critical situation, our organisation prioritised crisis support and long-term solutions to empower clients towards financial resilience. Crisis Intervention and Long-Term Strategies - Our focus remained firmly on providing immediate relief while equipping clients with the tools and knowledge for long-term financial management. Thls two-pronged approach Is aimed to alleviate the immedlate pressure of meetlng essential needs like food and energy bills while also fostering the skills and tools for effectlve flnancial planning. Maximising Resources and Expanding Reach -The renewal of the Household Support Fund allowed us to directly assist 2337 individuals with essential finanaal support through the allocatlon of £218,300 in supermarket vouchers. We further expanded our reach by securing additional fundlng from partner organisations such as Surrey Heath Borough Council, Woking Lions, Frimley Fuel Allotments, and the Fuel Bank Foundatlon. These partnerships enabled us to award an additional 168 grants totaling £8,922, ensuring a wider net of support for struggling resldents. Furthermore, securing funding from Surrey County Council equipped us to offer dedicated energy advice appointments. These appointments empowered clients to navigate the complexities of energy options, identify cost-saving measures, and maximise their resources. This adltIonal service proved invaluable in a climate of rislng energy costs, Advocacy and Empowerment: Ensurlng',Entltlements - Identifying and securing rightful ben.efits remained a critical component of our service delivery. Our team provided comprehensive support with completing 421 benefit applications and appeals, ensuring clients received the income they were entitled to. Notablyp our advocacy efforts recovered over £700,000 in earned Income for clients, facilitated debt write-offs of £215,000, and secured £60,000 in additional benefits throughout the year. This impactful work demonstrably improved the financial well-being of residents in Surrey Heath. Expanding Services and Enhancing Efficiency - A successful grant application to the National Lottery Community Fund expanded our Cost of Living support program. Through this initiative, we connected 494 clients to local food banks, providing emergency food assistance for 996 individuals. Addltlonallyi 391 clients received emergency funding and relevant grants, further alleviating the immediate financial pressures they faced. We also built on our outreach efforts attending 79 local groups and services to engage people directly in our advice offer as well as making a number of presentations to groups such as U3A, The Alzheimer's Cafe and Surrey Heath External Partnership on our service offer. Collaboration with other Citizens Advice offices across Surrey secured funding for a county-wide Adviceline. This innovative projett aimed to enhance response times and accessibility for residents seeking information and advice. The initiative involved a service redesign for staff and volunteers
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees alongside a complete Icr infrastructure transition to our own domain and cloud storage. This modernisation ensured a future-proofed technological platform to support our services, Adapting to Change and Maintaining Quality -The 2023 local authority shift brought new leadership and partnerships. We were fortunate to maintain the strong support of both council members and executive including securing approval and implernentation of our planned office expansion. This expansion will allow us to accommodate the growing demand for our services and further enhance our ability to serve the community. Charitable Activities In terms of our core servlce, Cltlzens Advlce Surrey Heath: supported 5140 clients with 18,278 issues through 7,782 client contacts and 18,769 activities. we delivered 3,436 advice phone calls, 1,269 emails and 1,206 face to face appointments as well as 1,646 drop-in interactions achieved £382,814 in savings to housing providers by preventing housing evictions achieved £333,744 in savings to the NHD by reducing use of health and GP services achieved £951,623 in savings to DWP by keeping people in work. For every £1 invested in our services we produced: £4,78 in fiscal value by reducing the need for public services. (£1.83 million in overall value) £36.37 In publlc value through better participation, wellbeing and produttlvlty for the people we help.(£ 13.92 mll.lion in overall value) £22.53 in value to the people we help through debts written-off, take up of benefits and solving consumer problems.{£8.62 million overall value) We started to deliver ovf Ftnancial Weklbeing & Support Ser+iices project in conjunction with Catalyst Support. However, due to recruitment issues we were unable to start our Macmillan project with this being carried over into 2024125. We were successful in gaining funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to enhance our cost-of-living support and also had funding from National Citizens Advice to deliver the Energy Advice Programme from September to the end of March and a Surrey Adviceline in conjunttion with all the Citizens Advice in Surrey. Our custom.er satisfaction .dLpped in 2023/24 b.ut th.is w.as because peoplLw*Ee faced w.ith financial problems that could not be easily resolved due to their income not matching their out-goings. We also struggled to meet the increased demand on our services due to a reduction rn our volunteer numbers. In our annual client survey: 840/0 would recommend our seniice 840/0 said we helped them find a way forward with their problem 760/0 sald we we."e accessible 630/0 said their problem was resolved.
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees Contribution of Volunteers We have seen a greater turnover of volunteers this year and a reduction in new applicants plus a number who did not complete their training. This has had an impact on the number of clients we have been able to support. However, we still have a very committed and hard-working team who go above and beyond to help their clients. We make a point of including our volunteers in our decision-making process with the result that: 97010 were clear on their roles and responsibilities 950/0 felt they had the resources and information to do the job effectively 980/0 would recommend Citizens Advice Surrey Heath as a place to work or volunteer 990/0 felt they were treated with fairness and respect. 920/0 felt their views were listened to and valued Competing commitments for our Operations Manager meant that training new recruits had to fit around project delivery. Altogether I I new volunteers started and 10 volunteers left over the period. Where volunteers have left, it has been largely due to health issues and caring responsibilities or they have struggled with the learning and time commitment and not completed their training. Altogether in 2023-24 we had 52 volunteers supporting us providing an estimated value of £497,160 to the local comrnunity. Volunteer Fundralsing Actlvlties, Gifts and Donations We held our annual golf day and quiz and these raised a combined total in excess of £6,500. We continue to be fortunate to recelve additional donations from Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, our membershlp of Surrey Heath Lottery and easyfundraisbng whereby we get small donatlons when people shop onllne If they slgn up to support us. Investment Activities The charity does not currently hold rilaterial investments. Factors Affectlng the Achlevement of Objectives The charity is only too well aware of the financial pressures experienced by its major funders, and in view of this continues to .takE active measures to seek additional sources of fLdIng for its services.
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees 4. FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial Position Incoming resources in the year were £423,263 (2023: £303,943). Of this £296,789 (2023: £206,139) related to restricted activities. A surplus of £76,393 was made in the year (2023: £9,047). At 31 March 2024 total resenies were £329,200 (2023: £252,808) of which £164,244 represented unrestricted funds not designated for specific use {2023: £180,202). Reserves Pollcv Citizens Advlce Surrey Heath is requlred to ensure that free monies are available in each financial year to meet any reasonably foreseeable contingency. The Trustee5 will take all necessary Steps to ensure that at no time withrn this period would it be possible for the cessation of one or more funding streams to present so serious a challenge to the future of the organisation that it could not be managed so as to continue to provide a best value advice service. In reviewing the potential costs that could arise should a significant reduction in income be incurred, the Trustees have determined that 'free' reserves excluding deslgnated and restrlrted resenies should be maintalned whlch are equal to between 6 ta 9 months normal operatTng expendlture, in Ilne wlth Charity Commlssion guidance. The reserves target has been set as a prudent level to allow the Charity to ensure on-going defivery of the seroice to the local community over the next year, despite,. uncertslnty about the amuunt and timing of some sources of funding, all funding, including core funding from Surrey Heath Borough Council, is only agreed for one year of service delivery (although we have a received a three-year grant commencing I" April 2023 to fund Financial wellbeing and support services). This grant equates to 12.5 % of expected income for 2024/25. the level of demand from the community for services increasingi and having to provide increased delivery channels (face-to-face, Web-chat and Advice Line) within the changing benefit and economic environment. iv. The Trustees have recognised that the budgeted expenditure for the forthcomlng ye3r exceeds agreed sources of income. Whilst efforts will'be made to secure additional funding it Is consldered the current level of free Reserves is appropriate for the Charity as the designated funds wi.M cover the predicted shortfall for the 2024125 finanaal year. When considering the level of free reserves, the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission document "Charitry reser4tss: hJi ilding resilience (CC19)" and also the House of Commons Public Aclrrrrnistration and Constitutional Affairs Committee report "The collapse of Kids Company= lessons for charity trustees, et al". It is recognised that by far the greater part of the Charity's activity and expenditure is of an "essential" rather than of a "discretionary" nature. This requires a greater degree of financial resilience than for many other charities. The Trustees are also aware that no service level or other agreements are In place for more than one year and income that might be considered "core" is in any case insufficient to provide a basic service to the community and reliance has to be placed on fund raising and the securing of project income that can share the Charity's fixed costs. There is awareness too that recent and planned legislation, together with some reductions in local Council services, is likely to result in higher levels of client demand and greater complexity of cases so that demands on the Charity wli I not reduce. Care is taken to ensure that any surplus of Reserves over minimum levels is spent with caution. Expenditure, on projects or activities that cannot demonstrate sufficient benefit when compared to their likely costs, is rejected. The Board is reviewing opportunities to use reserves, to enhance support in key areas for the community. The reasons for holding particular resenles are outlined in note I l. 10
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees Principal Funding Sources The Directors extend their gratitude to Surrey Heath Borough Council, which continues to support the core operating capacity of the charity. Surrey Heath Borough Council also provides a community rent subsidy reducing the rent payable on our premises to zero until March 2029. The charity dSd not have any borrowings from either providers or other sources of fundlng at the balance sheet date. Funds in Deficit No funds were in deficit at the balance sheet date. Investment Pollcy As requlred In its Memorandum paragraph 4.15, in furtherance of its objects and for no other purposes, the Company has the power to invest the monies of the Company not immediately required for its purposes in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit, subjert nevertheless to such conditions and such consents as may for the time being be imposed or required by law. 5. FUTURE PLANS Surrey Heath Borough Council have continued to show their commitment to our servSce by renewing our lease for a further 5 years in April 2024. They have also increased our revenue grant to offset inflation & pay increases and ring-fenced this for four years. This gives us a degree of financial stability to build upon. However, the wider funding landscape is more uncertain so our priority is to look at ways to improve our sustainabIr and ensure our local residents can get the support ar specialist services they nee We are working closely with local Citizens Advice across Surrey and other partners to explore models of joint working in order to access more regional funding opportunities and address sustainability concerns. This is in addition to applying.',for grant funding to continue to deliver our Money Advice casework once the current funding comes to an end. In order to ensure our service meets client needs, we have plans in place to restructure our organisation and develop the ski,Ils of our staff and volunteers to enable people to move within the organisation to where they can be most effertive. This includes greater engagement and outreach in the community with a particular focus on 'hard to reach, residents and minority.g.roups across the boroLtrgh. We are also committed to diversTI ying and strengthenlng our Board and are artively recruli ing to fill skill gaps identified in our Board appraisal process. We are keen to extend our reach into the community and aim to increase our volunteer advisors numbers to accommodate this.
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Report of the Directors and Trustees 6. DIRECTORS. RESPONSIBILITIES The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure 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 as the directors are aware: there is no relevant information of which the charitable company's Examiner is unaware; and the directors have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the Examiner is awa.re of that i.nformation. The directors are responsible for the maintenance and Integrity of the corporate and financial information included on CA-SH'S website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Cheeld Wheeler & Co took over as the independent examiner for the year ending 31" March 2022 and will continue for the year ending 31" March 2Q24. In preparing this report, the directors have taken advantage of the small companles, exemptlons provlded by sectlon 415A of the Companles Art 2006. Approved by the Board of Dlrectors on 23rd September 21>24 and slgned on bekalf of tlie Board. G.J.Scott Chairman 23rd September 2024 12
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Independent examiners report to the trustees of Citizens Advice Surrey Heath {'the Company.) I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31" March 2024. This report Is made to the Trustees, as a body, in accordance wlth the terms of my engagement. My work has been undertaken so that I mlght carry out an Independent Examination of the financlal statements in accordance with the General Directions glven by the Charity Commissioners, To the fullest. extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees, as a body, for my work on this report. Responslbilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its direttors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the 2011 Act,) and the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act,). 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 Chaities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. Independent Examiners Statenwy I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that: accounting records were not kept in accordance with the requirements of section 130 of the 2011 Act and section 386 of the 2006 Act. or 2. The accounts do not accord w>th trhose records; or 3. The accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirements that the accounts give a true and fair view which rs not a matter considered as part of an indewdent exarnination; or 4. As the charitable company's income exceeded £250,000 the examiner must be a memLer of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is on of the listed bodie 5. 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 the UK and Republtc of Ireland (FRS102)]. I have no concerns and have come acrosoe no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. tsJLKI David Wheeler FCCA Cheeld Wheeler & Co Chartered Certified Accountants Redhill Chambers 2d High Street Redhill Surrey RHI IRJ Independent Examiner 23° September 2024 13
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024 funds funds funds funds 2023 Income from: Donations Charitable activities Raisin Funds Interest Income Total Income 271 789 351 789 261 139 126,474 296,789 423,263 303,943 Expenditure on: Raisin Funds Charltable activltles 278 406 341 190 288 928 Governance costs 1,213 1,213 1,413 Total ex endlture 278 406 346 870 294 896 Net income /(expenditure) before transfers 58,010 18,383 76,393 9,047 Transfers between funds Net movement In funds for the ear (15,957) 92,350 76,393 9,047 Reconclliation of funds forward l A ril 2023 li 180,Z 6,5Z7 'ZSZ,80'8 243,761 Balances carried fonKard 31 March 2024 li 164,245 6,527 158,429 329,201 252,808 All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The Statement of Financial Activities incorporates all gains and losses recognised in the above two financial periods. The notes on pages 16 to 25 form part of these financial statements. 14
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Balance Sheet (Registered Number 6058583) as at 31 March 2024 Asat Asat l-march Asat Asat I-ma Note nr Fixed Assets Tan ible Fixed Assets Current Assets Current investments Cash at bank and in hand Total Current Assets Creditors amounts falling due within one ear 173,145 162,422 335,567 173,145 227,243 400,388 216,795 291 069 507,864 64,821 10 26,080 58.294 84,374 265,600 Net Current Assets 309,487 6,527 316,014 242,264 Net Assets 322 674 329 201 252 808 Re resented b Funds of the Chari Restricted funds 11 6,527 6,527 6,527 unstrICted funds General fund5 11 164,245 164,245 180 202 Oesi nated funds 158,429 158,429 66,079 11 12 322 674 329,201 252,808 T.he_ctsarital)le .corw..y..is enti.tledl0mptt0n_ftr5rn. audlLLwder Se£tion 477_of_the. Conwies.Act2QQ6.for_th.e year ended 31 March 2024. The members have not requlred the charitable company to obtain an audit of Its financial statements for the year ended 3 1 March 2024 in accordance wlth Sectron 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each firbancial year in accordance with the requirements of Settions 394 and 395 and which othenvi5e comply with the requirements of the Companles Act 2006 relatlng to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. These financial statements haue beep. p.':par•t4 in Arcordance with the special provision.s of Part 15 nf Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies. The financial statements were approved by the 8oard of Trustees on 23rd September 2024 and .were signed on its behalf by: Greg S Chatrman Company Registration No: 6058583 Charity Registration No 1118181 15
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies Basis of preparlng the financial statements Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (also known as CA-SH) is a charity limited by guarantee in England and Wales. In the event of the charity being.wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 3 of these Report and Accounts. The nature of the charitys operations and principal activities are in providing advice and counselling to the general public. The charlty constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The flnanclal statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charitles: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts In accordance with the Flnancial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on l October 2019, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from l October 2019. Th¢ flnanclal statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the hlstorlcal cost convention, modlfied to include certain items at falr value. The flnanclal statements are prepared in sterlSngi whlch Is the functional currency of the charity. The significant accounting policie5 applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stèted. Income All Incoming resources are Included In the Statement of Flnanclal Activities (SOFA) when the chartty is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the inrne will be received. No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Voluntary Income by way of grants, donatlons and glfts Is Included In full In the Statement of Financial Actlvltles when recelvable and when the amounts are known wlth certainty and are measurable. Grants, where entrtlerrtent Is not condltlonal on the delivery of a specrfic perforny by the charitable companyi are recognlsed when it becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised In income at their fair value when their economlc beneflt Is probable, it can be measured reliably and the charity has control over the Item. Falr value is determlned on the basis of the value of the gift to the charlty. For example the amount the charlty would be willing to pay In the open market for such faciltties and services. A correspondlng amount Is recognlsed In expenditure. Incomlng resources from grants, where related to performance and speclfic deliverables, are accounted for as the charitable company earns the right to consideration by its performance. Where income is received in advance of performance It Is treated as deferred income and Included within creditors. Expenditure All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third part.ies, it is probable that the settlement will be requireé and the amount of the obligatlon can be yasd,*ed.,.. 16
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies (continued) Resources expended Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charitable company in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charitable company and include Examination fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charitable company. All costs are allocated between the expendlture categories of the SOFA on a basls designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity comprise both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. For the indirect costs these are allocated based on the FTE working on the activity. Fund accounting Restricted funds Restricted funds represent grants and donations received which are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. The aim and use of each restricted fund Is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Unrestrlcted funds and deslgnated funds Unrestricted funds represent funds that are expendable at the discretion of the directors in the furtherance of the objects of the charitable company. Such fund5 may be held in order to finance both working capital and capital investment. Designated funds are those funds whlch are unrestricted in nature but which have been designated by the directors to be used in a particular manner. Flxed assets and depreclatlon Tanglble flxed assets are stated at cost .(or deemed cost) or valuatlon less accumulated depreclatltiii and accumulated impairment losses. Cost Indude5 Costs dirertly attributable to making the a55et capable of operating as intended. Degrvcktton is""provided Cfn-dll-tJffgrble-fi*etrassetrafrates C71rul3fettO wrlte 'iJffrthEY05fiess' estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basi5 over its expected useful life as foH(>ws: Office equiprnent 3-3.8Wo-Stralght Ikne Computer equipment 250/0 Straight line Debtors recelvable within one year Debtors wlth no stated interest rate and recelvable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognlsed In expenditure. Creditors payable within one year Creditors with no stated interest rate and payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. Recognition of liabilities Liabilities are recognised when an obligation arises to transfer economic benefits as a result of past transactions or events. 17
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting policies (continued) Employee benefits When employees have rendered service to the charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in for that service. The charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributlons are expensed as they become payable. Tax The charlty is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charlties Act 2011 and is considered to pass t'he tests set out In Paragraph I Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definitlon of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Leases Assets acqulred under flnance leases are capltallsed and depreclated over the shorter of the lease term and expected useful Ilfe of the asset. Mlnlmum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding lease liability using the effective interest method. The related obligations, net of future charges, are included in creditors. Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the SOFA on a straight-line basis over the perlod of the lease. The only lease that the company has entered into Is the rental agreement for the premises at Surrey Heath House. We have not capitalised this lease as per IFRS16 as the rent has been subsidised to zero for the duration of the current lease. Golng concern The flnanclal statements have been prepared on a golng concern basis, as the trustees belleve that no material uncertalntles exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure fer r2 months from authorising these financial s:&tements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern. Cash at bank and In hand & Short-term deposlts The charity constders the balance as per its current account (& associated sweep account linked to this) and Petty Cash as Cash at bank and in hand. The remaining deposits held are classed as Short-term deposits and are valued as PErthrb3Fance on that account at the year end. 2. Donations rce of Income re trlcted Restricted Tota Tota Premises donated b local authori Our Lad ueen of Heaven Church Surr Heath Lotte Amazon Donations from Clients Gamblin Harm Encentive The Hos ital Saturda Fund Eas Fundraisin Be uest Citizens Advice Surre Other Donations at nll cost 477 477 26 175 517 175 310 500 500 67 67 489 489 835 18
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 3. Income from Charitable Activities Charlt ble Activi ourc nco 2024 2023 General Advice Services Surrey Heath Borough Councll (SHBC) 80,000 80,000 80,000 No-one left behind Surrey County Council 50,000 50,000 50,000 Session Supervisor Surrey Heath Borough Counal (SHBC) Surrey Heath Community Partnership National Citizens Advice 35,750 35,750 33,000 Social Prescribing 54,998 54,998 53,236 Cost of living Advisor MaPS Debt Advice 12,500 12,500 National Citizens Advice 17,645 Financial WellbeFng Cost of Living Fund Energy Advice Programme Surrey Adviceline Household Support F,urKI National Lottery National Lottery 38,781 25,014 38,781 25,014 2,207 National Citizens Advice 9,825 9,825 Natlonal Cltlzens Advlce 19,484 19,484 Surrey Heath Borough Council (SHBC) VarIcS 20,000 20,000 17,190 Other 5,437 5,437 7,861 271 789 351 789 261 139 4. Raising funds Activities for generating funds Charity golf day Quiz Night 7,113 4,325 11,438 6,398 4,231 10,629 19
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 5. Analysis of expenditure Governance Costs Tot 202 Com Inde anies House filin fees endent Examination Fees 13 13 Raisin Funds Total 2024 Total 202 Charit uiz Ni olf da ht 960 Charitable activities ff Costs Office&l Costs Total 024 Tot 2023 General Advice Services No-one left behind Session Supervlsor Social Prescribing Cost of living advisor MaPS Debt Advice Financial Wellbein Cost-of-Livin Fund Ener Best deal Surrey Adviceline Household Su ort Fund other 59,351 45,340 36,841 53,376 12,500 26,773 1,355 I,ioi 1,595 373 1,660 3,169 1,030 2,462 350 87,784 49,864 38,972 S7,433 13,223 33,751 57,584 3,168 22,387 963 700 139 324 198 160 11,153 747 148 346 211 171 33,849 11,S86 12,256 5,722 296,188 6,053 341,191 6,671 288,928 The olce, IT & Communications costs includes the £25,000 rental fee for the Surrey Heath House premises. 6. Informatlon re ardln Directors and Em ees Salaries 270,924 212,844 Social securi Pension costs costs 296,188 230,875 Avera Average number of employees ex ressed as full time e uivalents 14 All employees are part-time, defined as working less than 35 hours per week. In addition to the above, CA-SH utilised the services of 52 volunteers (2023: 49). No employee earned in excess of £60,000 per annum. None of the trustees received any remuneration during the year (2023-nll) 20
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 6. Information regarding Directors and Employees (continued) Travel expenses totalling £nil (2023: £nil) were paid to members of the Trustee Board. No other expenses or fees were paid to members of the Trustee Board. The Charity s Not For Profit Liability Insurance includes cover for Outside Trustee Liability. 7. Comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities fund d funds funds Year to Income from: Donations Charitable activities Raisin Funds Interest income Total Incoming Resources 181 139 261 139 264 272 491 293,565 97,804 206,139 303,943 Expenditure on: Governance costs 228 923 288 928 253 147 Charitable activlttes Total ex enditure 228 923 294 896 254 160 Net Income /(expenditure) before tr nsfers 31,831 (22,784) 9,047 39,405 Transfers between funds li riet movement-ln funds-for the ear (11,467) (2,660) 23,174 9,047 39,405 Reconclllatlon of funds Total funds brought forward l A ril 2021 li 191,669 9,187 42,905 243,761 204,356 Balances carrled forward 31 March 2022 li 180,202 6,527 66,079 252,808 243,761 21
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 8. Tangible fixed assets 2024 Cost Be innin Dis osals Additions End of ear De reciation Be innin of Dis osals Char efor End of ear Net book value Be innin End of Year ear ear 459 ear 2023 Cost Be innin osats Additions End of ear De reciatlon Be innin of Dis osals Char efor End of ear f4et book value -Be End of Year ear ear 4S9 459 9. Cttrrrent Investments Current Investments comprise of short-temi deposlt account5 held at banks and building socleties where surplus funds are deposited to attract higher interest rates than the charity's current account. A summary of the holdings can be found below: Cambrid e & Counties Bank Ham shire Trust 8ank Vlr in Bank 173 145 216 610 22
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 10. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors 18,628 51,044 Payroll taxes & liabilities Held to assist clients in hardship, Deferred Income 6,553 5,421 20,025 26,990 32,204 189,110 84,375 265,600 Funds were held to assist clients in severe cases of hardship. An amount of £2,830 was held to be used to assist clients living in the Frimley ward who are experiencing financial hardship. An additional amount of £1,270 was held as a Repossession Prevention Fund, £3,913 to assist with people impacted by Brexit and £15,203 for people impacted by Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis. There is also an amount held of £1,857 in relation to the Household Support fund and £1,925 from the Wenceslas Fund. Deferred income relates to amounts recelved for actlvlties that have not yet taken place. These are released when either the services are provided relating to the income or when the fundraising event occurs. At 3110312024 this comprised of the following.. Source of Income 2024 2023 Note Funding received towards a Sessicjn Supervisor and annual grant paid in advance Surrey Heath 8orough Councll 115,750 Surrey County. Councll 21,304 50,000 Money recelved whlch wlll be used to fund Debt advice during the year. Money received to fund a cost of living advisor, will be released in 24125. Money received to fund a cost of limng advisor during the 23124 year. Frimley Fuel Allotments 10,000 10,000 National Citizens Advice 12,500 Varlous team recelpts received for the Charlty Golf functlon held after year-end. 900 860 32,204 189,110 During the year deferred income of £179,110 was released (2022: £85,500). 23
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 11. Movement In funds Deficit Restricted Incomin transferred carried 2023 Ex ended stricted 31-Mar-24 Provision of premises No-one left behind 25,000 25,000 50,000 49,864 {136) 3,222 Session SupeThlsor Soclal Prescribing Cost of living advisor -Frnancial Wellbeing SCF Poverty Fund 35,750 54,998 38,972 57,433 2,435 12,500 13,223 723 38-,78.1 36-,4x-5 (2,366) 1,447 {4,584) {7,228) (12,512) 616 25,014 9,825 26,461 Energy Best deal Surrey Adviceline 4.727 5,241 4.727 19,484 20,000 5,437 12,256 Household Support Fund Other Restrlcted Resenies 7,488 1,800 6,053 1,800 Total Restrlcted Funds 6,527 296,789 278,406 (18,383) 6,527 Purpose of restrlcted funds Provlslon of Premises - During 2024 Surrey Heath Borough Council provided the charlty wlth a subsldv which reduced the rent from £25,000 per annum to £0. No-one left behlnd - The Charity is providing debt advice and support on behalf of Surrey County Council Session Supervisor - Funding from SH8C to cover a fijll time Session Supervisor enabling the bureau to be open for more hours to clients. Soclal PrescrlbinA The charity is providing support for individuals to improve thelr wellbeinA and reduce the impact on local health services. Cost of living advisor A project to recruit and traln an advlsor to enable clien-ts to quickly access emergency support Financial Wellbeing - Funding from the Natlonal Lotte,ry to deliver Financial Weljbeing and support services. Cost of Ilving Fund - Funthng from the natlonal lottery to assist clients affected ty the cost of Ilving crlsis Energy Advlce Programme The Charity obtalned funding to advise cllents In need of support In reducing their energy costs and obtaining better energy deals. Surrey Adviceline The charity is providing additional support for covering calls that come in to the Citizen advice helpline across Surrey. Household Support Fund Funding to cover the admin and staff costs of administering the Household Support fund, distributing fund5 to clients In need. Other Restricted Reserves - £1,270 is held being the balance on an unclaimed monies account held by a solicitor for therr cltents. I he payment was in accordance with Rule 22(1)(h) of the Solicitors, Accounts Rules 19y8. 1 he Trust h7ve entered into a deed of warranty to rep3y any.partrufr tu the solicitor so that they can meet any obligations to any client or his or her estate. Recognising this warranty the Trustees will hold this balance as a restricted reserve until such time as they conslder there is little or no likelihood of a claim. There is also £530 held to asslst cllents In the Frimley ward who may be sufferlng hardship. 24
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 11. Movement in funds (continued) MovemeD.t in Unrestrirted & DesigpAtsA ¢dS restricte Funds edund nc Desi ated Pro nated Desi Desi Balance l April 2023 Transfers from Unrestricted Funds Transfers from Designated Funds Triinsfers from Restricted Funds 180,202 23,962 25,000 17,117 246,281 25,448 66,902 92,350 (92,350) (92,350) 18,383 18,383 Profit for the year Balance carried fonvard 31 March 2024 58,010 58,010 164,244 49,410 25,000 84,019 322,673 Redundancy fund Redundancy reserves have been deslgnated by the Trustees for the purpose of covering potentièl redundancy costs in the event of a significant reduction in the inCce of Citizens Advice Surrey Heath or where projects are not renewed and staff had been hired specifically for this purpose. No redundancies are expected during the next 12 months. l.T Replacement The Trustees have deslgnated £25,000 to meet the balance of the costs, not covered by grants, towards the cost af replacement of information technology systems (mainly desktops and telephony) to ensure there are adequate funds to pgrade the equipment as and when needed. Designated Project As part of the agreed Business Plan the Trustees have identified the need, in the event of new sources of funding not being secured, to deslgnate funds to ensure key projects currently undernay have suffiaent financlal resource in place to ensure the Charlty can meet the needs of the local community. 12. Analysis of net assets between Funds nrestrict R tricte nate tal unds Fixed Assets 13,187 177,138 26,081 164,244 13,187 Current Assets 64,821 158,429 400,388 84,375 Current Liabilities 58.294 Net Current Assets 6,527 158,429 329,200 25
Citizens Advice Surrey Heath Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 13. Financial commitments Capltal Commltments At the balance sheet date there were no capital commitments. The charity entered into a 5 year lease arrangement with SHBC In March 2019 in relation to the new premises but has received a subsidy to reduce the rent payable to £0 for the duration of the lease. This lease was renewed 14. Related party transartions There were no related party transactions in relation to income durlng the year (2023: £125). Notes 2 & 3 set out the sources for the charity s income during the year. There were transactions between Citizens Advice Surrey Heath arKI Citizens Advice in relation to information services. The total amount payable was £3,039 (2023: £3,950). There have been no other related party transactions identified. 15. Taxation The charity is exempt from tax on Income and galns falllng within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to tne extent that these are applied to bts charlta* objects. 16. Members The charity Is Incorporated as a company limited by guarantee haylng no share capital and In accordance with the Memorandum of Association, every member is Ilable to contribvte a sum of. £1 In the event of the company being wound up. At 31 March 2024 there were 9 members (2023.. 9. members). 17. Pension costs 'The charity operates an Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme alministered by Peoples Pension. The pension cost shown in the accounts for the year represents cortributions payable by the company and amounted to £10,638 (2022: £7,722). 18.Volunteers The charlty has_oy£r 52 volunteers who v4or.k in a variety of roles..Incluthng-as ad.visers receptionists and rr support. I nis allowed the charity to support over 4,7LIO clients during the year and delivered a benefit from t.he volunteers work to the community estimated at £497,160. 26