REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 06532431 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1125068
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
FOR
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
Arthur Gait & Company Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 18 Gold Tops Newport NP20 5WJ
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Page | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 | ||
| Report of the Trustees | 2 | to | 7 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 8 | ||
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 | ||
| Balance Sheet | 10 | to | 11 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 12 | to | 24 |
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| TRUSTEES | S. Read - Chair |
|---|---|
| V. Norke - Vice-Chair | |
| G. Wilde | |
| M. Yhnell - Treasurer | |
| A. McBain | |
| M. Barnes | |
| D. Gibson (appointed 29.4.24) | |
| S Meyrick (appointed 9.12.24) | |
| REGISTERED OFFICE | The Gate House, High Street |
| Chepstow | |
| Monmouthshire | |
| NP16 5LH | |
| REGISTERED COMPANY | 06532431 (England and Wales) |
| NUMBER | |
| REGISTERED CHARITY | 1125068 |
| NUMBER | |
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER | Arthur Gait & Company Limited |
| Chartered Certified Accountants | |
| 18 Gold Tops | |
| Newport | |
| NP20 5WJ | |
| BANKERS | Co-operative Bank |
| P.O. Box 250 | |
| Delf House | |
| Southway | |
| Skelmersdale | |
| WN8 6WT | |
| Monmouthshire Building Society | |
| Monmouthshire House | |
| John Frost Square | |
| Newport | |
| South Wales | |
| NP20 1PX | |
| KEY MANAGEMENT | Mal Edgson - Chief Executive |
Page 1
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. It is governed by a board of trustees who are also directors for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006. This is their annual report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The charitable purpose of Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd is "to promote any charitable purpose for the public benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the community in Monmouthshire and surrounding areas".
The trustees have agreed the following aims:
-
to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and to campaign to improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives;
-
to provide a service that is free, independent, confidential and impartial; and
-
to value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.
In pursuing these aims we are focused on ensuring that advice is available when and where Monmouthshire people need it and that they are able to access that advice face to face, by telephone or digitally in the way that best meets their needs. Our campaigning involves engaging with government agencies locally and nationally as both can have a significant impact on Monmouthshire people and the problems they face.
In furtherance of these aims we seek to secure training and employment opportunities for local people providing bilingual digital advice, usually by phone, email or webchat, across Wales and England.
Significant activities
-
Tackling poverty - for example, advising and representing individuals and working with key agencies to encourage the take-up of welfare benefits.
-
Improving education skills and training - for example, extending opportunities for access to training throughout the county.
-
Improving community development and citizenship - for example, developing volunteer schemes to encourage community action.
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit in deciding the activities undertaken during the year. The trustees are satisfied that the information provided in the report and financial statements meets the public benefit reporting requirements.
Grantmaking
The organisation makes no grants to other organisations. A small fund made available by Monmouthshire County Council is used to provide energy vouchers directly to clients in need.
Page 2
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities - how our activities deliver public benefit
Provision of a broad based generalist information and advice service on a wide range of subjects including social security benefits, consumer rights, taxation, debt and credit, housing and eviction, employment rights, family and other relationships, energy, immigration and education.
Provision of specialist advice on debt, housing and eviction, and welfare rights including representation at Tribunals and County Court.
Raising public awareness of rights, entitlements and the effects of recent or proposed changes in the law by means of Citizens Advice information leaflets, talks, presentations, the website, the newsletter and through the local media.
Influencing developments in social policy as a result of information provided from our work with local people about how laws and policies affect our communities.
Building Community Cohesion through the provision of volunteering opportunities.
A review of charitable activities
The provision of a free, confidential, impartial and independent generalist and specialist advice and problem solving service that assists local people to get fair treatment and helps them resolve their financial, legal and other problems by providing information, advice and representation and by influencing policy makers. Providing volunteer schemes to encourage community action and provide local opportunities to improve education, skills and training.
Client and enquiry statistics
| 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unique clients | 5,675 | 5,823 | 3,630 | 3,285 |
| Issues recorded | 9,909 | 11,536 | 11,219 | 9,834 |
| Clients from Monmouthshire area helped by us | 1,386 | 1,834 | 1,973 | 2,062 |
| Clients from Monmouthshire helped by whole | ||||
| service | 2,098 | 2,608 | 2,762 | 2,815 |
| Financial gains (Monmouthshire residents) | £1,281,105 | £2,115,991 | £2,903,099 | £4,133,685 |
| Debt written off (Monmouthshire residents) | £469,496 | £318,274 | £289,746 | £350,660 |
Fundraising activities
The charity relies on grant aid from the donors identified in the accounts, whose support is most valued. The charity also has a service level agreement with Monmouthshire County Council. Grants are received from Welsh Government, The National Grid, Citizens Advice, The National Lottery, WCVA, and Local Community Councils.
Factors relevant to the achievement of the charity's objectives
-
Analysis of and responses to client feedback
-
Recruitment of trustees with relevant skills and local knowledge
-
Adequate staff resources
-
Continuity of funding
-
Robust business planning
-
Pursuing relevant funding opportunities to ensure the continued development of the organisation in line with business plan priorities
-
Quality assurance measures
-
Networking, partnership development and media activity
Page 3
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
The charity's overall deficit for the year amounted to £89,001 (2024 surplus £1,769).
At 31st March 2025, the charity had net assets and total funds amounting to £100,239 (2024 £189,240). Of these funds, £100,239 (2024 £148,421) are unrestricted and £0 (2024 £40,819) are restricted.
Given the reported deficit of £89,001 for the 24-25 financial year the Board of Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd have noted the following:
-
A number of funds made available during the cost of living crisis and the COVID 19 pandemic have now ended.
-
A mismatch between income and expenditure caused by the timing of two grants received in 2023-24 financial year and partially expended in 2024-25 have given the appearance of a substantial change in financial outturn between the years. This is evidenced by the change in restricted funds balances, detailed in note 13.
-
Shortly after the 2024-25 year end a programme of redundancies was implemented that has enabled the organisation to project a balanced budget for 2025-26.
-
Future core funding streams are locked in and not expected to change for the 2026-27 financial year allowing confidence that a balanced budget can be achieved into the future.
Principal funding sources
-
Monmouthshire County Council and local community councils provide core funding that enables the provision of a broad based advice service across the county.
-
Welsh Government Single Advice Fund Advicelink Cymru Community Focus Advice Project funds information, advice and specialist casework in debt, benefits, employment and other generalist advice areas predominantly delivered from community locations.
-
The Trussell Trust provides advice to foodbank users in Monmouthshire.
-
Warmer Wales offers energy advice to consumers across Wales but focussed on Monmouthshire.
-
Welsh Government Claim What's Yours assists clients to claim their full benefit entitlements.
-
The WCVA have funded a part time staff member to support volunteers and volunteer recruitment.
Investment policy and objectives
Our policy is that funds not required for current expenditure will be deposited in interest-bearing bank accounts with one or more secure and reputable banks in accounts providing access within a reasonable notice period.
Reserves policy and going concern
The reserves policy (agreed by trustees on 30 October 2023, to be reviewed annually, remains appropriate) that the trustees will seek to maintain sufficient reserves to provide a reasonable degree of resilience to its operation, by providing for unplanned adverse eventualities that have budgetary impacts.
The Board has considered the risks and uncertainties in detail, and taking into account the need for good stewardship, as well as prudence, conclude that it would be appropriate to set aside an amount equivalent to three months' annual budgeted operating expenditure (in 2024-25, an amount of £91,000) for this purpose.
As at 31 March 2025, the charity had unrestricted reserves totalling £100,239.
The charity's ability to continue to provide current services is largely dependent on funding from local authorities and government agencies. The funding available for 2025-26 is £359,142. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis based on the risk assessment and cash flow forecasting exercises undertaken.
Page 4
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
LOOKING FORWARD
Transforming together: trusted advice in times of change
Purpose
We exist to shape a society where people face far fewer problems.
Who we support
Our information and advice is available to everyone. Structural inequalities lead to certain people facing disadvantages, making them more likely to need our help, and we prioritise their needs.
Our Missions
1 Provide advice fit for the future: Be there for people when they need us in the ways that help make the biggest impact.
2 Close the gap: End the disparities in access and experience for marginalised people.
3 Take early action: Prevent more people reaching crisis by addressing problems earlier.
Our identity
-
Led by people's needs
-
Trusted experts
-
Rooted in the community - One service with many leaders
-
Strengthened by volunteers
-
Good partners
-
See the whole person
How we deliver
-
Provide free, independent, confidential and impartial information and advice
-
Use the power of our data to advocate and target solutions to underlying root causes of issues
-
Learn, adapt and innovate
Our priority objectives are:
Sustaining and embedding our services in local communities: Consolidate our strong presence on our high streets, supported by digital services, so that people can access local advice delivered by local staff and volunteer advisers.
Regional Collaboration in the Welsh Context: Support and develop the CASEW LCA consortium and make the case for an evolution of Citizens Advice Services in Wales. Consistent with the 5 Ways of Working sustainable Development Principles.
Advice need and funding it: Review delivery model and its capacity to address demand, maintaining a bid ready position and exploring avenues of likely funding.
Our organisation enters the new financial year on a sound financial footing, delivering advice services from locations across the community it serves and in facilities convenient and accessible to the general public.
Our organisation is now part of a consortium of citizens advice offices registered as Citizens Advice South East Wales. The consortium comprises ourselves alongside the local citizens advice offices of Caerphilly Blaenau Gwent, Cardiff and Vale, Newport, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Monmouthshire. The consortium will work together to improve advice services across this wider region.
Page 5
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is a company limited by guarantee established by its Memorandum of Association dated 12th March 2008 and governed by Articles of Association which were updated in 2022. It is registered with the Charity Commission. Anyone over the age of 18 years who is not a paid or volunteer worker of the Charity and any corporate body or unincorporated association interested in furthering the work of the charity, can become a member of the charity. The members each agree to contribute £1 in the event of the charity winding up. There are currently 8 individual members and no corporate members. Membership of the organisation is restricted to members of the Board.
Recruitment, training and appointment of trustees
As set out in the Articles of Association, the maximum number of trustees is 15 and the minimum is 4 being either:
a) elected at an annual general meeting (maximum 10 such elected trustees in total), or
b) co-opted by the trustee board provided that on appointment the total number of co-opted trustees is no more than one third of the total number of trustees.
All elected trustees retire from office at the third annual general meeting following their election, but may be re-elected. All co-opted trustees retire from office at the third annual general meeting following the meeting of the trustee board at which they were appointed, but may then be re-appointed.
In line with best practice, vacancies for trustees are advertised and applicants are interviewed by a panel. However, any member can nominate an individual to be a trustee by giving notice of their intention to nominate that individual between fourteen days and thirty five days before the AGM.
New trustees undergo an induction session to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision making processes, the business plan, and recent financial performance of the charity. During the induction they meet key employees and other trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external events.
Organisational structure
Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd is managed by a board of trustees who are ultimately responsible for all aspects of its activities and administration. The Chief Executive is appointed by the trustees to manage the day to day operations of the charity; authority for operational matters including finance and employment has been delegated by the trustees to the Chief Executive. The board meets quarterly.
Key management remuneration
The remuneration of paid staff is set by reference to norms in the voluntary sector and in particular other local Citizens Advice offices.
Wider network
The charity is a member of Citizens Advice (National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux). Membership of Citizens Advice confers rights and responsibilities. As a condition of membership the charity follows a performance and quality framework consisting of a combination of self-assessment and external checking. The charity agrees to submit itself to periodic audits as is reasonably required and to provide access to Citizens Advice staff or any other person authorised by Citizens Advice. The charity has to ensure that its governing body can demonstrate responsibility, accountability, and compliance with statutory legislation and show that its decisions are based on clear understanding of the relevant issues.
Page 6
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Related parties
As stated above, Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd is a member of Citizens Advice, the operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, which provides a framework for standards of advice and casework management as well as monitoring progress against these standards. It also provides a secure electronic case management tool which must be used by the charity as a condition of membership. Operating policies are based on national guidance and model procedures where provided, but are independently determined by the trustee board of the charity, in order to fulfil its charitable objects and in compliance with national membership requirements.
The charity also co-operates and liaises with a number of other advisory services, local charities and council departments on behalf of clients. Where one of the trustees holds the position of trustee or director of another charity they may be involved in discussions regarding that other charity but not in the ultimate decision-making process.
Our organisation is now part of a consortium of citizens advice offices registered as Citizens Advice South East Wales. The consortium comprises ourselves alongside the local citizens advice offices of Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Cardiff and Vale, Newport, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taff, and Torfaen. The consortium will work together to improve advice services across this wider region.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
The trustees recognise that any major risk the charity is exposed to needs to be reviewed and systems put in place to mitigate those risks. To that end the charity has produced a risk register and action plan to address priority risks and set up a framework for the continuous management and monitoring of risks. Systems are in place to mitigate the risks as they are identified. The risk register is regularly reviewed and in response to medium risks improved emergency procedures and contingency plans are developed.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 10 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
M. Yhnell - Trustee
Page 7
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 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 Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mahin Khawaja FCCA The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
Arthur Gait & Company Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 18 Gold Tops Newport NP20 5WJ
10 December 2025
Page 8
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 124,726 Investment income 3 1,699 Total 126,425 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 4 Charitable activities 142,058 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (15,633) Transfers between funds 13 (32,549) Net movement in funds (48,182) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 148,421 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 100,239 |
Restricted funds £ 235,798 - 235,798 309,166 (73,368) 32,549 (40,819) 40,819 - |
2025 Total funds £ 360,524 1,699 362,223 451,224 (89,001) - (89,001) 189,240 100,239 |
2024 Total funds £ 460,112 1,951 462,063 460,294 1,769 - 1,769 187,471 189,240 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 9
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06532431)
BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted fund Notes £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 9 2,894 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 10 3,893 Cash at bank and in hand 104,409 108,302 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 11 (10,957) NET CURRENT ASSETS 97,345 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 100,239 NET ASSETS 100,239 FUNDS 13 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - - - - |
2025 Total funds £ 2,894 3,893 104,409 108,302 (10,957) 97,345 100,239 100,239 100,239 - 100,239 |
2024 Total funds £ 4,051 7,507 194,839 202,346 (17,157) 185,189 189,240 189,240 148,421 40,819 189,240 |
|---|---|---|---|
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 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 financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.
The notes form part of these financial statements
continued...
Page 10
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD (REGISTERED NUMBER: 06532431)
BALANCE SHEET - continued 31 MARCH 2025
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 10 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
M. Yhnell - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 11
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The trustees consider there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
The charity is a private company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and consequently does not have a share capital. Each of the members is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The address of the charity's registered office can be found on page 1.
The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified and is material. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.
Voluntary income is received by way of grants (including Government grants), donations and gifts, including gift aid where applicable, and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Income from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, is accounted for when it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Expenditure on raising funds comprises the costs associated with attracting voluntary income.
Charitable expenditure includes those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. The primary functional activity of the charity is the giving of free and confidential advice to the public. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to this activity and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. All costs have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Support costs include all those overhead costs of office accommodation, utility services and other services and costs which support the charity’s activities. Also, the costs of meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity are stated at cost or, in cases where fixed assets have been donated, at valuation at time of acquisition, less depreciation. The cost of minor additions or those costing below £1,000 are not capitalised.
continued...
Page 12
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates to write off the cost of each asset over its estimated useful life:
- Office/IT equipment - 20% reducing balance basis
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives of the company at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for a particular purpose.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors, or which have been raised by the company for specific purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Any restricted funds that over-spent and are in deficit, are supported using core funding by means of a transfer between funds.
Operating leases and hire purchase agreements
The charity classifies leases of property and printing and telecommunications equipment as operating leases; the title to the property and equipment remains with the lessor. Rental charges are expensed on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity enrols staff in a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet
Financial instruments
The charity only enters into basic financial instruments, transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like accounts receivable and payable. Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet only when there is an 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.
Debtors
Debtors that are receivable within one year and do not constitute a financing transaction are recorded at the undiscounted amount expected to be received, net of impairment.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand.
Creditors
Creditors are initially recognised at the transaction price and are thereafter stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the effect of discounting would be immaterial, in which case they are stated at cost.
continued...
Page 13
MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|funds|funds|funds|funds|
|£|£|£|£|
|Donations|1,156|-|1,156|1,263|
|Grants|123,570|235,798|359,368|458,849|
|124,726|235,798|360,524|460,112|
|Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Single Advice|74,483|84,133|
|Claim What's Yours|75,600|75,600|
|Various|2,675|3,925|
|Abergavenny Town Council|16,000|14,000|
|Monmouth Town Council|16,000|12,000|
|Monmouthshire County Council|51,945|51,945|
|-|
|Chepstow Town Council|20,950|
|Caldicot Town Council|12,000|12,000|
|Caerwent Community Council|2,500|2,500|
|Portskewett Community Council|1,500|1,500|
|-|
|Magor and Undy Community Council|3,000|
|-|
|Trellech Community Council|3,500|
|Warmer Monmouthshire|-|604|
|Warmer Wales|41,479|41,479|
|-|
|Warm Home Discount: Energy Advice Programme|15,750|
|-|
|Advice Project Worker|30,000|
|Chepstow Town Council Cost of Living|20,950|21,339|
|Trussell Fuel Vouchers|-|7,688|
|Trussell Foodbank adviser|21,736|22,016|
|-|
|National Lottery Website|9,920|
|-|
|Postcode Lottery Cost of Living adviser|25,000|
|WCVA Volunteer Co-ordinator|22,500|-|
|359,368|458,849|
----- End of picture text -----
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||
|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
|funds|funds|funds|funds|
|£|£|£|£|
|-|
|Deposit account interest|1,699|1,699|1,951|
----- End of picture text -----
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MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
£ £ £ £
Charitable activities
Direct costs 58,894 233,742 292,636 314,162
Support costs (see below) 83,164 75,424 158,588 146,132
142,058 309,166 451,224 460,294
Support costs
Management/support staff 37,087 32,102 69,189 58,409
Governance 928 810 1,738 812
Other operating costs 45,149 42,512 87,661 86,911
83,164 75,424 158,588 146,132
----- End of picture text -----
Support costs are shared overhead costs, shared on the basis of staff full time equivalents.
5. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
| Depreciation - owned assets | 2025 2024 £ £ 1,157 1,158 |
|---|---|
| Independent examiner's fee | 960 840 |
| Operating lease costs | 10,778 10,778 |
6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Trustees' expenses
In 2024, one trustee claimed out-of-pocket expenses amounting to £29 for attending a trustee meeting.
.
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MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
7. STAFF COSTS
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 270,969 | 258,385 |
| Social security costs | 13,961 | 13,139 |
| Pension costs | 4,994 | 4,614 |
| 289,924 | 276,138 | |
The average number of employees during the year was 17.0 (2024 17.5)
The average number of full time equivalent paid employees, analysed by function, was:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Officer | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Advice and information services | 9.8 | 9.3 |
| Admin and support | 1.7 | 1.5 |
| 11.7 | 11.0 | |
No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000.
The charity consider its key management personnel to comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive. Total emoluments of the key management personnel were £13,923 (2024 £13,584).
The charity enrols staff in a defined contribution pension scheme administered by The People’s Pension under auto-enrolment regulations. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amount to £4,994 (2024 £4,614).
8.
| COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 126,583 Investment income 1,951 Total 128,534 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Charitable activities 132,302 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (3,768) Transfers between funds (11,675) Net movement in funds (15,443) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 163,864 |
Restricted funds £ 333,529 - 333,529 327,992 5,537 11,675 17,212 23,607 |
Total funds £ 460,112 1,951 462,063 460,294 1,769 - 1,769 187,471 |
|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 8. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued Unrestricted Restricted fund funds £ £ TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 148,421 40,819 9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures and Computer fittings equipment £ £ COST At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 5,209 6,700 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2024 1,158 6,700 Charge for year 1,157 - At 31 March 2025 2,315 6,700 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 2,894 - At 31 March 2024 4,051 - 10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 £ Other debtors - Prepayments and accrued income 3,893 3,893 11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2025 £ Social security and other taxes 3,782 Accruals 7,175 10,957 |
Total funds £ 189,240 Totals £ 11,909 7,858 1,157 9,015 2,894 4,051 2024 £ 3,938 3,569 7,507 2024 £ 5,025 12,132 17,157 |
|---|---|
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MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
12. LEASING AGREEMENTS
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
| Within one year Between one and five years |
2025 £ 10,454 40,227 50,681 |
2024 £ 10,778 - 10,778 |
|---|---|---|
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Single Advice Fund Claim What's Yours Warmer Wales Advice Project Worker Chepstow Town Council Cost of Living Trussell Foodbank adviser National Lottery Website Postcode Lottery Cost of Living Adviser WCVA Volunteer Co-ordinator TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.24 £ 148,421 - - - 10,684 11,267 - 4,698 14,170 - 40,819 189,240 |
Net movement in funds £ (15,633) (4,846) (795) (1,760) (11,136) (20,324) (3,049) (4,703) (24,762) (1,993) (73,368) (89,001) |
Transfers between funds £ (32,549) 4,846 795 1,760 452 9,057 3,049 5 10,592 1,993 32,549 - |
At 31.3.25 £ 100,239 - - - - - - - - - - 100,239 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Single Advice Fund Claim What's Yours Warmer Wales Advice Project Worker Chepstow Town Council Cost of Living Trussell Foodbank adviser National Lottery Website Postcode Lottery Cost of Living Adviser WCVA Volunteer Co-ordinator TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 126,425 74,483 75,600 41,479 - - 21,736 - - 22,500 235,798 362,223 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (142,058) (15,633) (79,329) (4,846) (76,395) (795) (43,239) (1,760) (11,136) (11,136) (20,324) (20,324) (24,785) (3,049) (4,703) (4,703) (24,762) (24,762) (24,493) (1,993) (309,166) (73,368) (451,224) (89,001) |
|---|---|---|
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MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Single Advice Fund Warmer Monmouthshire FIM Claim What's Yours Moondance Energy Monmouthshire County Council Cost of Living vouchers Warmer Wales Warm Home Discount: Energy Advice Programme Advice Project Worker Chepstow Town Council Cost of Living Trussell Foodbank adviser National Lottery Website Postcode Lottery Cost of Living Adviser Monmouthshire County Council Cost of Living TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.23 £ 163,864 - - 4,754 - 5,353 13,500 - - - - - - - - 23,607 187,471 |
Net movement in funds £ (3,768) (973) 47 (5,000) (1,293) (5,500) (13,530) (90) 3,811 10,684 11,267 300 4,698 14,170 (13,054) 5,537 1,769 |
Transfers between funds £ (11,675) 973 (47) 246 1,293 147 30 90 (3,811) - - (300) - - 13,054 11,675 - |
At 31.3.24 £ 148,421 - - - - - - - - 10,684 11,267 - 4,698 14,170 - 40,819 189,240 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Single Advice Fund Warmer Monmouthshire FIM Claim What's Yours Moondance Energy Monmouthshire County Council Cost of Living vouchers Warmer Wales Warm Home Discount: Energy Advice Programme Advice Project Worker Chepstow Town Council Cost of Living Trussell Fuel Vouchers Trussell Foodbank adviser National Lottery Website Postcode Lottery Cost of Living Adviser Monmouthshire County Council Cost of Living TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 128,534 84,133 604 - 75,600 - - 41,479 15,750 30,000 21,339 7,688 22,016 9,920 25,000 - 333,529 462,063 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (132,302) (3,768) (85,106) (973) (557) 47 (5,000) (5,000) (76,893) (1,293) (5,500) (5,500) (13,530) (13,530) (41,569) (90) (11,939) 3,811 (19,316) 10,684 (10,072) 11,267 (7,688) - (21,716) 300 (5,222) 4,698 (10,830) 14,170 (13,054) (13,054) (327,992) 5,537 (460,294) 1,769 |
|---|---|---|
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MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Single Advice Fund Warmer Monmouthshire FIM Claim What's Yours Moondance Energy Monmouthshire County Council Cost of Living vouchers Warmer Wales Warm Home Discount: Energy Advice Programme Advice Project Worker Chepstow Town Council Cost of Living Trussell Foodbank adviser National Lottery Website Postcode Lottery Cost of Living Adviser Monmouthshire County Council Cost of Living WCVA Volunteer Co-ordinator TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.23 £ 163,864 - - 4,754 - 5,353 13,500 - - - - - - - - - 23,607 187,471 |
Net movement in funds £ (19,401) (5,819) 47 (5,000) (2,088) (5,500) (13,530) (1,850) 3,811 (452) (9,057) (2,749) (5) (10,592) (13,054) (1,993) (67,831) (87,232) |
Transfers between funds £ (44,224) 5,819 (47) 246 2,088 147 30 1,850 (3,811) 452 9,057 2,749 5 10,592 13,054 1,993 44,224 - |
At 31.3.25 £ 100,239 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 100,239 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Single Advice Fund Warmer Monmouthshire FIM Claim What's Yours Moondance Energy Monmouthshire County Council Cost of Living vouchers Warmer Wales Warm Home Discount: Energy Advice Programme Advice Project Worker Chepstow Town Council Cost of Living Trussell Fuel Vouchers Trussell Foodbank adviser National Lottery Website Postcode Lottery Cost of Living Adviser Monmouthshire County Council Cost of Living WCVA Volunteer Co-ordinator TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 254,959 158,616 604 - 151,200 - - 82,958 15,750 30,000 21,339 7,688 43,752 9,920 25,000 - 22,500 569,327 824,286 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (274,360) (19,401) (164,435) (5,819) (557) 47 (5,000) (5,000) (153,288) (2,088) (5,500) (5,500) (13,530) (13,530) (84,808) (1,850) (11,939) 3,811 (30,452) (452) (30,396) (9,057) (7,688) - (46,501) (2,749) (9,925) (5) (35,592) (10,592) (13,054) (13,054) (24,493) (1,993) (637,158) (67,831) (911,518) (87,232) |
|---|---|---|
The purposes for which the restricted funds are held are as follows:
Single Advice Fund - provides general advice to people within their own communities. Warmer Monmouthshire - provides energy advice to people in Monmouthshire.
FIM - provides general advice to people in Monmouthshire. This project is funded across two financial years. Claim What's Yours - provides advice in claiming benefits for people in Wales. Moondance Energy - provides energy advice to people in Wales.
Monmouthshire County Council Cost of Living - provides fuel vouchers for people in Monmouthshire. Warmer Wales - provides energy advice to people in Wales, replacing Moondance.
Warm Home Discount: Energy Advice Programme - provides energy saving advice to people in Wales. Advice Project Worker - provides general advice to people in Monmouthshire.
Chepstow Town Council Cost of Living - provides general advice to people from the Chepstow office. Trussell Fuel Vouchers - provides fuel vouchers for the people of Monmouthshire.
Trussell Foodbank adviser - provides general advice to people visiting Trussell's Monmouthshire food banks. National Lottery Website - project to deliver a Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice website. Postcode Lottery Cost of Living adviser - general advice to people within Monmouthshire.
WCVA Volunteer Co-ordinator - funding a part time staff member to support volunteers and volunteer recruitment.
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MONMOUTHSHIRE COUNTY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU LTD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Transfers between funds
Any restricted funds that have overspent and are in deficit are supported by core funding by means of a transfer between funds.
14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were related party transactions between Monmouthshire County Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd and Citizens Advice (National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux) during the year.
The charity paid £5,015 (2024 £4,855) to Citizens Advice in membership fees and to cover the cost of insurance, financial support, and information services.
No amounts were outstanding at the year end.
Page 24