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← Hackney Migrant Centre

2024-03-31-accounts

Hackney Migrant Centre Annual Report & Unaudited Financial statements

2023/2024

Charity Registration number 1122363

Company Registration number 06426744 (England and Wales)

Hackney Migrant Centre

Legal and Administrative Information

Chair

Co-Chair

From 4th December 2023 until 13 November 2024 Chair Until 4th December 2023 Secretary Until 13th November 2024 Treasurer

Augusta Itua Katharine Meade

Hannah McConnachie

Christopher Wheatley

(Appointment 20 June 2023)

Secretary Until Resignation

Youth Trustee

Kathryn Busby Saraf Anan Roger Besong Henna Charania Rayah Feldman Georgina Laming Elizabeth Kolawole -Johnson Dr Rosemary Sales Thomas Sasse Abdullahi Yussuf

(Appointment 17 September 2024)

(Appointment 06 November 2023) (Appointment 18 January 2024) (Retired 20 June 2023) (Appointment 17 March 2024)

(Resigned 04 December 2023) (Resigned 04 December 2023) (Appointment 17 March 2024)

Charity number 1122363
Company number 06426744
Registered office Hackney Migrant Centre, The Old Fire Station, 61 Leswin
Road, London N16 7NX
Independent Examiner Samir Shah FCA, ATII Ramon Lee Ltd Chartered
Accountants, 93 Tabernacle Street, London EC2A 4BA
Bankers Unity Trust Bank, Four Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2JB

1

Hackney Migrant Centre

Hackney Migrant Centre
Table of Contents
Trustees’ Report 1-16
Independent Examiner’s Report 19
Statement of Financial Activities 20
Balance Sheet 21
Notes to the Financial Statements 22-32

Table of Contents

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note to the financial statements and comply with the charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Public Benefit Statement

In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance “Public Benefit: Running a Charity”. The achievements and activities outlined in this report demonstrate the public benefit arising through the charity’s activities

2

Hackney Migrant Centre

Our Purpose

To stand in solidarity with migrants in Hackney and beyond, especially those most marginalised, by creating a welcoming space and supporting migrants to understand and assert their rights, while working together to challenge injustices both within the immigration system and in wider society.

Hackney Migrant Centre’s (HMC) charitable objects are to:

Our strategic aims (2024-2027)

3

Hackney Migrant Centre

A Message from our Chair of Trustee’s -Augusta Itua

Throughout 2023-2024, HMC has continued to provide high quality, specialist services to migrants in Hackney and across London. This was our second year as a Level 3 OISC accredited organisation, enabling us to provide expert immigration advice and legal representation alongside our invaluable housing and destitution casework. As we witness the ongoing scarcity in immigration Legal Aid advice and representation, HMC remains one of the few organisations in East London providing specialist immigration advice for free, ensuring access to justice for those most in need.

This year we saw changes in both our Board and staff team, most notably with the departure of Dr Rosemary Sales from our Board after 13 years active in HMC and our CEO, Charlotte Buckley. In an increasingly competitive fundraising environment, the funding secured under Charlotte’s leadership allowed us to develop our services in response to the growing demand for immigration, housing and welfare advice. Despite, the impacts of the hostile immigration policies on our visitors and the sector, we continue to forge

relationships and build local partnerships with organisations and key individuals working towards similar goals.

In May 2024, we welcomed Becky Moore as our new CEO. Becky joins HMC at a pivotal time, and we are looking ahead with a focus on stabilising the organisation and securing the resources needed to continue to deliver our services and support our visitors, staff and volunteers. After 17 years embedded in our community, we remain committed to HMC’s long-term sustainability, so we can continue to stand in solidarity with all migrants in our community.

Best wishes,

Augusta Itua

4

Hackney Migrant Centre

"When i came to Hackney Migrant Centre i felt half dead, they made me feel hope when I have none, they made me strong, psychologically, emotionally and physically’ ."

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----- Start of picture text -----
Age
- 24
700
25-44
Individuals engaged with our
service across Immigration, 44-64
Housing, Advocacy and
64 +
Community
0 50 100 150 200
----- End of picture text -----

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----- Start of picture text -----
Single adults
40%
Care for Dependents
60%
----- End of picture text -----

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----- Start of picture text -----
Male
30%
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----- Start of picture text -----
Female
70%
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63

countries are represented among the people HMC supports

5

Hackney Migrant Centre

Nikesh’s story

Nikesh*, who had been living and working in the UK, was accepted into a postgraduate teacher training program with a bursary in 2023. However, delays in switching to a student visa forced him to defer his course. Unable to work whilst his visa application was pending, Nikesh faced the risk of losing his accrued years toward UK settlement if he had to leave the country to earn an income.

Nikesh sought HMC’s advice on his immigration options. HMC determined that the Home Office delay was likely unjustified and advised him to apply for “leave outside the rules” to preserve his employment rights. As Nikesh by then had no income, HMC successfully supported Nikesh to apply to have the fee for the application waived on the grounds of financial hardship. In April 2024, HMC supported Nikesh to secure a permanent employment position and visa sponsorship from his new employer. Nikesh has expressed his deep gratitude for HMC’s support in navigating the challenges of complex immigration systems and retaining his right to remain in the UK.

*Name changed to protect identity

6

Hackney Migrant Centre

What we do

HMC provides free advice and support to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers based in London. Our service users, known as our ‘visitors’, can approach our service directly without requiring a referral. Most of our visitors are destitute or homeless as a result of their immigration status and have been unable to move forwards in their lives because they can’t access specialist legal advice. HMC works to address the severe shortage of free immigration advice for those most in need and provides tailored support to empower our visitors to resolve both the immediate and long-term issues impacting their lives. Our tailored support offer recognises the intersecting challenges that migrants face and interlinks the services available to prevent individuals from falling through the gaps.

HMC’s core services include:

Immigration Advice

Our specialist team provides legal advice and representation. We offer comprehensive guidance to navigate complex processes, ensuring access to accurate, professional support.

Housing & Welfare Advice

HMC delivers essential support around housing and welfare through information, advocacy, and casework. We assist individuals and families with urgent housing issues, benefits, and other vital needs.

Holistic Advocacy

Beyond traditional services, HMC offers holistic support that addresses the full spectrum of our visitors' needs. Our advocacy connects individuals to resources, facilitates access to healthcare, and ensures fair treatment across systems that impact their lives.

Community Building

Through regular community sessions, we foster a warm, inclusive environment where visitors can enjoy a hot meal, participate in social activities, and access childcare in our creche. In collaboration with local organissations, we also host workshops and information sessions to equip our community with practical knowledge and skills.

7

Hackney Migrant Centre

Immigration Advice

When migrants can access legal advice and fair processes, they can challenge unjust policies, and secure the right to work, housing, and essential services. Our small in-house immigration team includes highly skilled and experienced immigration solicitors and caseworkers. We also work with partner charities and organisations to secure specialist advice and representation for visitors, including Islington Law Centre, RAMFEL and KIND.

Key services our immigration team provides include:

70%

50

of Leave to Remain applications made with HMC’s support were successful

Individuals Granted Leave to Remain in 2023-24

8

Hackney Migrant Centre

Immigration Impact

85% Visitors with NRPF saw the condition lifted after HMC-supported immigration applications

==> picture [260 x 197] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Other
11.7% Long Residence
27.2%
Leave Renewal
13.6%
Asylum
13.6%
Parental Route
24.3% Appeal
9.7%
----- End of picture text -----

96% of Fee Waiver applications made with HMC’s support were successful

HMC facilitated 108 additional legal advice appointments with external advisors visiting our service

40-60 people were supported every week by our immigration advisors and caseworkers, to progress their immigration cases

Alleviating and preventing destitution

HMC’s visitors experience intersecting problems and face complex challenges. These issues and the immigration challenges must be addressed simultaneously. Our 360degree model provides integrated support to alleviate or prevent homelessness and destitution while immigration cases are being resolved.

9

Hackney Migrant Centre

==> picture [102 x 352] intentionally omitted <==

Housing Advice

Our dedicated team, supported by specialist volunteers, works closely with legal partners like Hackney Community Law Centre, Miles and Partners, and Together with Migrant Children to assist with complex cases. Key services our housing team provides include:

10

Hackney Migrant Centre

Housing Impact

Adaku’s story

Adaku* is an older woman with sight loss, who was living in the UK without status after overstaying her leave. Adaku came to HMC facing street homelessness after an eviction. HMC successfully advocated for Care Act accommodation and care for the visitor, before beginning to work with Adaku to support her to regularise her status.

*Name changed to protect identity

81%

50%

Homeless visitors secured safe housing with HMC's support

More visitors are able to access welfare payments, after support from HMC.

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

Many migrants have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and are unable to access the support they might otherwise be eligible for.

In 2023-2024, HMC coordinated and delivered Hackney Council’s ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ grant. We developed strategic referral pathways with key partners, ensuring impactful grant distribution and emergency respite accommodation to those in immediate need.

11

Hackney Migrant Centre

Holistic Advocacy

Our dedicated volunteers advocate to help visitors meet basic needs and access community and statutory services, including:

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==> picture [106 x 104] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [107 x 106] intentionally omitted <==

HMC distributed £28,898 in grants last year, plus an additional £20,506 from the NRPF fund."

20+ Visitors to 100+ visitors to access NHS access foodbank Services vouchers

Community Building

Our community includes over 60 dedicated volunteers, a third of whom have lived experience of migration in the UK, and some are present or past visitors of HMC. In 2023-2024, we supported two volunteers and one staff member to gain OISC accreditation, through training, work experience, and ongoing support, thereby contributing to capacity building in the sector.

12

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----- Start of picture text -----
Hackney Migrant Centre
----- End of picture text -----

==> picture [142 x 271] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
73%
71%
90%
----- End of picture text -----

of volunteers at HMC report an improved sense of purpose

of volunteers at HMC report feeling an improved connection to their community

of volunteers felt HMC helped increase their awareness of issues impacting migrants

Recognising the severe isolation that many of our visitors experience, we provide a weekly community space with a creche in an accessible venue in Hackney.

40-60

Visitors attend the service each week.

2,300 Hot meals have been distributed through our community sessions

We also:

Partnered with local organisations to deliver tailored workshops and activities, including crafts with Mamasuze, singing with Singing Blankets, storytelling with Tall Stories and much more. Hosted a winter and summer community gathering, to celebrate our communities

13

Thank you

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who has contributed to HMC’s mission and successes in 2023-2024. Our collaborative network of staff, volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters makes our work possible.

We are particularly grateful for the unceasing support of our local community, including the businesses and individuals who consistently stand in solidarity with us.

Finally, a special thanks to the trusts and foundations that support our work and stand alongside HMC to show solidarity with migrants, including:

Trust for London Whole Foods City Bridge Trust Nationwide Community Fund Mr Smith & Mount Trust The Schroder Charity Trust Garfield Weston AB Charitable Paul Hamlyn Albert Hunt Postcode Lottery Hackney Parochial Charities David & Ruth Lewis Lottery Cost of Living Sisters of the Holy Cross South Hackney Parochial Charities London Churches Refugee Fund

14

Hackney Migrant Centre

Structure, Governance and Management

HMC is guided by a committed and diverse Board of trustees who ensure we stay aligned with our mission. Led by Chair Augusta Itua, a Children’s Rights Lawyer specialising in Youth Justice, Family and Community Care Law, our Board includes members with lived migration experience—three of whom are former HMC visitors, including a Youth Trustee who was appointed in March 2024. As an explicitly anti-racist organisation, our vision is a society free from oppression and discrimination. We prioritise our visitors' voices in our casework and operations through co-production and active participation with our visitors and volunteers.

HMC delegates the day-to-day management of HMC to a Chief Executive Officer. In 2023-2024, HMC’s staff team consisted of 11 staff, with 9 full-time equivalent roles. Our work was supported by more than 60 volunteers, extending our reach and activities as an organisation.

Trustees’ recruitment and induction

HMC is governed by a Board of Trustees. Trustees are appointed for 3-year terms, up to 9 years. The trustees had no beneficial interests in, or contracts with, HMC during the year.

The induction process for new trustees includes the provision of information, as specified by the Charity Commission, on their roles and responsibilities and HMC’s policies and procedures. Trustees are also supported to visit HMC and meet staff.

Financial review

Our income for 2023-24 amounted to £488,900. This was a fantastic achievement in the face of a very competitive funding environment and was largely helped by Hackney Council’s ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ grant. Unrestricted funds received in the year fell from £305,716 in 2022-23 to £161,727.

Our expenditure for the year was £544,217 (2023: £362,880). The main factors which have contributed to this increase are:

The delivery of the ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ grant An increase in our staff numbers

Increased operating costs and salary costs due to cost of living increases

15

The result for the year was a deficit of £55,317 (2023 surplus: £74,049). Our reserves policy is to carry forward a reserve of a minimum of three months’ expenditure to ensure future financial security. For the year under review such reserves would be a minimum of £136,000 which we have exceeded with a reserve of £179,194.

Risk Management

The management team and Board of Trustees assess key risks affecting the charity's operations and future. A risk register, covering strategic, operational, financial, governance, compliance, and external risks, is regularly updated by the management team and reviewed by the Board quarterly. Actions to mitigate risks are identified and addressed promptly.

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Augusta Itua

Augusta Itua Chair of Hackney Migrant Centre’s Board of Trustees

16

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Hackney Migrant Centre (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. 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 Independent Examination, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charitable 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 the charitable company’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charitable company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of , which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Samir Shah FCA, ATII

Ramon Lee Ltd Chartered Accountants 93 Tabernacle Street London EC2A 4BA

Dated: .........................

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
161,727
327,173
Other income
4
-
-
Total income
161,727
327,173
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
33,141
-
Charitable activities
6
181,841
329,235
Total expenditure
214,982
329,235
Net (expenditure)/income for the year/
Net movement in funds
(53,255)
(2,062)
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
181,900
52,611
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
128,645
50,549		 Total
2024
£
488,900
-
488,900
33,141
511,076
544,217
(55,317)
234,511
179,194		 Total
2023
£
436,798
131
436,929
25,702
337,178
362,880
74,049
160,462
234,511

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

The notes on pages 7 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 12 29,608 3,088
Cash at bank and in hand 189,184 250,436
218,792 253,524
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year 13 (39,598) (19,013)
Net current assets 179,194 234,511
Income funds
Restricted funds 14 50,549 52,611
Unrestricted funds 128,645 181,900
179,194 234,511

The notes on pages 7 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in 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 in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

13/11/2024

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on ......................... and were signed on its behalf by:

Augusta Itua

Chair

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Hackney Migrant Centre is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales and has no share capital. The registered office is Migrant Centre, The Old Fire Station, 61 Leswin Road, London, N16 7NX. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £10.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charitable company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to continue as agoing concern.

The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Designated funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charitable company.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably.

The 'grants, donations and legacies' heading on the Statement of Financial Activities includes unrestricted grants and donations, given in general to the organisation and restricted grants and donations which are given for specific elements of our work.

For legacies, entitlement is taken when a distribution is received from the estate. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Donations of gifts, services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item or received the service, any conditions associated with the donation have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), volunteer time is not recognised so refer to the trustees’ annual report for more information about their contribution.

On receipt, donated gifts, professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Allocation of support costs

Resources expended are allocated to the particular activity where the cost relates directly to that activity. However, the cost of overall direction and administration of each activity, comprising the salary and overhead costs of the central function, is apportioned to the Moving out of Hardship project where the budget allows and the balance to the Drop-In Centre activities, where the bulk of our resources are used. The Hardship Fund and the Grants for Individuals are co-ordinated mainly by volunteers.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £500. Depreciation costs are allocated to activities on the basis of the use of the related assets in those activities. Assets are reviewed for impairment if circumstances indicate their carrying value may exceed their net realisable value and value in use.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittingsFixtures, fittings and 4 years computer equipment

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Financial instruments

The charitable company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charitable company's balance sheet when the charitable company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

1.9 Taxation

The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

1.10 Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised when the charitable company has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the charitable company will be required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision is measured at present value, the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in net income/(expenditure) in the period in which it arises.

1.11 Operating leases

Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

1.12 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

1.13 Pensions

The charity pays employer contributions to defined contribution pension schemes.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charitable company’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3
Donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Trusts and Foundations:
AB Charitable Trust
30,000
-
Allen & Overy Foundation
-
-
Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust
-
-
The Arnold Clark Community Fund
-
-
Charles S. French Charitable Trust
-
-
Garfield Weston
-
-
Hackney Parochial Charities
10,000
-
London Catalyst - Samaritan Grant
-
-
London Churches Refugee Fund
-
1,000
Mrs Smith & Mount Trust
-
15,000
The MSN Fund
-
-
Sisters of the Holy Cross
-
10,000
Society of the Holy Child Jesus
-
-
South Hackney Parochial Charity
-
4,000
The Albert Hunt Trust
-
7,000
The Blue Moon Trust
-
-
The Leigh Trust
-
-
Trust for London Trustee Distribution Fund
-
54,000
West Hackney Parochial Charity
-
-
Anonymous and other small grants
-
-
Hackney Council
-
100,000
Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund
-
67,275
Postcode Society Trust
25,000
Paul Hamlyn Foundation
20,000
-
Nationwide Community Fund
-
15,000
The David & Ruth Lewis Charitable Trust
50,000
-
Schroder Charity Trust
5,000
-
115,000
298,275
Grants for Individuals:
-
28,898
Community Supporters:
1,585
-
Individual Donations and gift aid:
29,558
-
Fundraising:
15,584
-
161,727
327,173
For the year ended 31 March 2023
305,716
131,082		 Total
2024
£
30,000
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
-
1,000
15,000
-
10,000
-
4,000
7,000
-
-
54,000
-
-
100,000
67,275
25,000
20,000
15,000
50,000
5,000
413,275
28,898
1,585
29,558
15,584
488,900		 Total
2023
£
10,000
10,000
3,000
1,000
2,500
10,000
11,000
1,000
1,000
15,000
21,087
-
10,000
-
7,000
10,000
2,500
119,000
5,000
75,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
314,087
23,640
4,031
44,767
50,273
436,798
436,798

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4 Other income

Unrestricted
funds
£
Earned income
-
-
For the year ended 31 March 2023
131
Raising funds
Cost of
Raising
funds
£
Other fundraising costs
1,586
Staff costs
31,555
33,141
For the year ended 31 March 2023
25,702		 Total
2024
£
-
-
Total
2024
£
1,586
31,555
33,141		 Total
2023
£
131
131
131
Total
2023
£
910
24,792
25,702
25,702

5 Raising funds

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

6 Charitable activities

Drop-In and
Advice
Service
Charitable
Hardship
Fund
Activities
Grants for
Individuals
£
£
£
Staff costs
235,443
-
19,113
Legal advisors
17,433
-
-
Interpreting and other direct costs
7,824
-
-
Grants for individuals
-
-
46,305
Hardship fund - grants
-
5,620
-
Rent & storage for Drop-In centre
12,950
-
-
Volunteer and intern expenses
8,665
-
-
Food and kitchen supplies
2,850
-
-
Drop-In centre running costs
8,012
-
-
Working from home costs
-
-
-
Subscriptions and membership
1,169
-
-
294,346
5,620
65,418
Share of support costs (see note 7)
142,909
-
-
Share of governance costs (see note 7)
2,783
-
-
440,038
5,620
65,418
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
178,864
2,977
-
Restricted funds
261,174
2,643
65,418
440,038
5,620
65,418
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Unrestricted funds
216,775
3,383
23,640
Restricted funds
93,380
-
-
310,155
3,383
23,640		 Total
2024
£
254,556
17,433
7,824
46,305
5,620
12,950
8,665
2,850
8,012
-
1,169
365,384
142,909
2,783
511,076
181,841
329,235
511,076		 Total
2023
£
120,306
15,570
6,345
23,640
3,383
11,200
5,881
3,291
4,644
859
-
195,119
140,631
1,428
337,178
243,798
93,380
337,178
243,798
93,380
337,178

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Support costs

Support costs
Staff costs
Other staff costs
Office rent
Internet
Office equipment and supplies
Finance and admin
Insurance
Subscriptions and membership
Professional fees
Independent Examiner's fees
Trustee expenses
AGM and Annual Report
Analysed between
Charitable activities		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
101,419
-
13,514
-
7,104
-
569
-
10,266
-
4,011
-
4,637
-
1,369
-
20
-
-
2,376
-
394
-
13
142,909
2,783
142,909
2,783
142,909
2,783		 2024
£
101,419
13,514
7,104
569
10,266
4,011
4,637
1,369
20
2,376
394
13
145,692
145,692
145,692		 2023
£
100,948
16,732
8,799
569
3,781
1,088
2,173
1,732
4,809
1,428
-
-
142,059
142,059
142,059

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

8 Grant making

We grant small amounts of cash, usually £10 or £20 to visitors to our Drop-In centre, known as Hardship grants which cover emergency costs they may have such as food, travel and personal care items. Each grant is assessed on an individual basis and the visitor signs a receipt confirming they have received it. Grants are paid from our restricted Hardship Fund, which is funded by grants and donations specifically earmarked for the purpose.

We also apply for grants on behalf of visitors to our centre which we pass on to them.

During the year we received 145 grants (2023: 144) totalling £28,898 (2023: £23,640) for our visitors. The grants received are kept in a separate bank account to the rest of the organisation's cash. The grants are received and paid to the individuals usually within 2 weeks of receipt. In the rare occasion that we cannot contact the grant recipient the funds are paid back to the grantor. During the year grants were received from the following organisations:

Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust
Fund for Human Need
Heinz, Anna & Carol Kroch Foundation
R L Glasspool Charity Trust
Severn Wells
The Nawaal Fund
We Belong
Southall Black Sisters
New City College
The Biscuit Fund
9
Net movement in funds
Net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting)
Operating lease rentals: Property
Independent Examiners' remuneration		 2024
£
-
1,740
21,528
790
-
1,600
-
2,700
270
270
28,898
2024
£
7,104
2,376		 2023
£
3,000
1,690
15,725
1,075
2,000
-
150
-
-
-
23,640
2023
£
8,799
1,428

10 Trustees

The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2023: £nil).

No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2023: £nil). No trustee claimed travel expenses in 2024 or 2023.

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

11 Employees

The average number of full- time equivalent employees (including casual and part-time staff) was as follows:

Raising funds
Charitable activities
Support and governance
Total
The average monthly number of employees during the year was: 11 (2023 - 7)		 2024
Number
0.70
5.80
2.30
8.80		 2023
Number
0.70
2.90
1.90
5.50
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Temporary staff cover
Social security costs
Employer’s contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2024
£
327,032
3,643
31,011
25,844
387,530		 2023
£
201,919
13,902
13,911
16,314
246,046

The total employee benefits including pension contributions of the key management personnel were £128,362 (2023: £101,399).

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

12 Debtors

Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and Accrued income		 2024
£
2,608
27,000
29,608		 2023
£
1,965
1,123
3,088

13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2024
£
6,193
8,567
4,764
20,074
39,598		 2023
£
3,152
4,639
4,094
7,128
19,013

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
1 April 2022 resources expended
1 April 2023		 resources expended
31 March 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Drop-In and Advice Service:
The Arnold Clark Community
Fund - 1,000 (322) 678 - (343) 335
Mrs Smith & Mount Trust - 15,000 - 15,000 15,000 (30,000) -
Trust For London - 54,000 (33,426) 20,574 54,000 (65,640) 8,934
The MSN Fund 4,550 21,087 (18,060) 7,577 - (7,577) -
Postcode Society Trust - - - - 25,000 (25,000) -
Hackney Council - - - - 29,864 (24,887) 4,977
Nationwide Community Fund - - - - 15,000 (15,000) -
Charles S. French Charitable
Trust - 2,500 (2,500) - - - -
Hackney Parochial Charities - 11,000 (10,000) - - - -
Grants for Individuals:
Hackney Council - - - - 70,136 (36,520) 33,616
Other 4,451 23,640 (23,640) 4,451 28,898 (33,349) -
Hardship Fund:
Hardship Fund 3,908 - (3,433) 4,330 1,000 (2,643) 2,687
Restricted core costs:
South Hackney Parochial
Charity 2,000 - (2,000) - 4,000 (4,000) -
Community Organisations Cost
of Living Fund - - - - 67,275 (67,275) -
Albert Hunt - - - - 7,000 (7,000) -
Sisters of the Holy Cross - - - - 10,000 (10,000) -
14,909 131,082 (93,381) 52,611 327,173 (329,234) 50,549

HACKNEY MIGRANT CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Drop-In Centre

All grants received for the Drop-In Centre were towards general running costs of the service, with the exception of The MSN Fund, which is towards salary costs for the the Volunteer Co-ordinator post.

Arnold Clark

This funding is towards our social sessions which take place at our Wednesday drop in service.

Mr & Mrs Smith Mount

This funding is to cover housing work.

Trust For London

Funding from Trust for London is for the salary of our Immigration Manager and related costs.

Grants for individuals

Grants received from organisations passed on to individual visitors.

Hardship Fund

Donations received for our Hardship Fund pays out small grants or pays for emergency accommodation to individuals in need.

Hackney Council

This funding is used to support migrants with no recourse to public funds.

15 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Fund balances at 31
March 2024 are
represented by:
Current assets/(liabilities)
128,645
50,549
128,645
50,549		 Total Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
funds
funds
£
£
£
179,194
181,900
52,611
179,194
181,900
52,611		 Total
2023
£
234,511
234,511

16 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).