West Somerset Advice Bureau (A Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee)
Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
Company Number: 06693841 Charity Registered in England and Wales Number: 1126930
West Somerset Advice Bureau Contents For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Contents | 1 |
| Reference and Administrative Details | 2 |
| Trustees’ Annual Report | 3 - 8 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
| Balance Sheet | 11 - 12 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 13 - 26 |
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
1
West Somerset Advice Bureau Reference and Administrative Details For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
| Trustees and Directors | D Bates |
|---|---|
| R Clifford | |
| P Mason | |
| B Middleton | |
| J Parbrook | |
| Company Secretary | S L Clowes |
| General Manager | S L Clowes |
| Principal Office and Registered Office | The Lane Centre |
| Market House Lane | |
| Minehead | |
| Somerset | |
| TA24 5NW | |
| Company Registration Number | 06693841 |
| Charity Registration Number | 1126930 |
| Independent Examiner | Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA |
| Albert Goodman LLP | |
| Goodwood House | |
| Blackbrook Park Avenue | |
| Taunton | |
| Somerset | |
| TA1 2PX |
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
2
West Somerset Advice Bureau Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
The Trustees (who are also the Directors for the purpose of Company Law) have pleasure in presenting their annual report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2021. The provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (SORP FRS 102- implemented 1 January 2019) have been adopted in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
Public Benefit
The company has provided an invaluable generic service advising residents of West Somerset on such matters as Debts, Welfare Benefit, Taxation, Housing and Financial Capability, Employment and Consumer issues at no cost to the client.
The trustees also confirm that they have complied with section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
Structure, governance and management
West Somerset Advice Bureau is an independent charity, registered number 1126930 and a company limited by guarantee, registered number 6693841, registered address; The Lane Centre, Market House Lane, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5NW.
The governing document is the memorandum and articles of association dated 10 September 2008 (amended October 2015).
The following trustees who are also directors for the purposes of company law, served during the year:
D Bates R Clifford B Maitland-Walker (resigned 2 July 2021) P Mason B Middleton J Parbrook (appointed 28 November 2020)
The liability of members to contribute upon the winding up or dissolution of the company is limited to £1.00 per member. The trustees meet regularly throughout the year, at least quarterly, in order to manage the operations of the organisation. Anyone may become a member subject to approval by the Trustees who are also directors for the purpose of company law.
Objectives and activities
The Charity’s objects are to provide or assist in the provision of a confidential advice and information service, and 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 West Somerset and surrounding areas.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
3
West Somerset Advice Bureau Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
West Somerset Advice Bureau Mission Statement
West Somerset Advice works to inform individuals to understand social welfare law and how it applies in their circumstances, supporting them to make and take decisions which help to achieve their objectives and improve the quality of life, health and wellbeing for themselves and their family. Our role within the community is to provide a voice which reflects to decision makers the impact of legislation on everyday lives to help to shape both local and national policies and practice.
Life can be complicated. We can help you simplify it.
Achievements and performances
West Somerset Advice received core funding from Somerset West and Taunton. Parish and Town Councils again supported the work of the charity in their parish. The core grants provide a generic advice service to all people who live and work in the West Somerset area. We have not been able to provide the normal outreach services during lockdown and are grateful for the continued support of each of the Parish Councils, who provide what they are able to afford. We are particularly grateful to Williton Town council who agreed a Service Level Agreement to support local delivery. Other parishes are now considering the same allocation of monies for this vital local service.
The charity receives project funding which is restricted to the development of specified services. The Trustees are working to raise funds for core services which provide the flexibility to develop responsive services to meet local needs during the pandemic. The Friends of West Somerset Advice support raising funds through personal giving. The trustees have worked in partnership with the other 4 local Citizens advice services to rationalise provision of service to prepare for political change and respond to the national emergency. The development of joint services and exploring cost savings has caused the development of shared services, principally joint training facility, Advice Academy, and Somerset wide Adviceline with specialist services.
Personal giving is important to the charity and we wish to thank the general public for the donations received. We thank the people who are able to gift aid as this enhances their donation and value to the charity. The donations that are made with the grateful thanks of our clients are important for the charity to recognise as we know that the money has been given by people who have the least money to spare.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
4
West Somerset Advice Bureau Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
Project work
West Somerset residents face the challenges of both a rural economy with problems of low pay and a coastal community with seasonal work. This charity with its aims of the relief of poverty, continues to strive to maximise income and assist in the management of personal debt with its initiatives to assist inwork poverty. An essential element of our anti-poverty work has been the distribution of funding to people in crisis – The ‘Local Assistance Scheme’, funded by Somerset County Council. This localised social welfare is a crisis scheme to assist those in need of the basics in life and together with our partnership with the food cupboards has helped people to move home, put food on the table and maintain heat and light. West Somerset Advice wishes to thank the West Somerset Food Cupboard for the continuing partnership which assist many of the most vulnerable in the area. During the pandemic the food boxes have been delivered by a dedicated volunteers. We are grateful to Somerset County Council for additional monies from the food resilience fund to help pay for travel costs of food deliver. Our special thanks to Argos who provided resources for the fresh food included in the food boxes. Argos selected West Somerset Advice as their charity to support due to COVID.
West Somerset has the highest percentage of the population over 65 years old in Somerset. This demographic is represented in our client profile. Our work particularly seeks to assist and support pensioners in poverty and people who are disabled or infirm to gain access to disability benefits to continue to live independently in their own home and remain mobile. People with long term disability frequently need to appeal decisions to gain access to the benefits available. We were able to continue the Tribunal representation project funded last year by Trusthouse. The demand for this service has been high. Attendance at a Tribunal hearing can be a daunting experience and the first full year of the project has proved the value of specialist representation.
EDF reserved a sum to mitigate any impact of the development on the local population. This money has been made available to services within the area. The Somerset Community Foundation distributes the HPC Fund to support community cohesion. The first tranche of funding recognised that there would be an impact on housing in the area as workers move in to work on the project and within the supply chain. West Somerset identified a need for housing advice and support to sustain tenancies and defend possession action. This project is in its final year and continues to meet all targets, provide housing advice to sustain tenancies and avert homelessness. This housing advice service was essential to prevent unlawful evictions during lockdown. The government introduced a ban on evictions and some landlords tried to find a way around the new legislation.
Some people who approach our service require more support and extensive casework to resolve issues. The complex case work was jointly funded by Open Mental Health & the local authority working in a new partnership between voluntary and statutory services to improve and maintain good mental health. People who use the service regularly report that the advice has improved their health and Wellbeing, assisting them to sleep and gain relief from anxiety. For many debt and other worries impacts negatively on their mental health. Intensive casework and representation which resolves issues provides a start to a route to recovery for many.
Community Impact Mitigation fund (West Somerset Council allocation of HPC monies) supported the delivery of debt advice to people in rent arrears. This intervention is a partnership project with the Somerset West and Taunton council to assist tenants to sustain private sector tenancies. This work forms part of the strategic initiative to reduce homelessness. This intervention is particularly needed as the HPC development has placed pressure on the limited supply of housing in the area, markets rents have risen above inflation. The work also encompasses supporting people who have problems paying their council tax. The housing advice and rent debt projects work together to support the most vulnerable tenants to keep their homes.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
5
West Somerset Advice Bureau Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
A major feature of our work is to assist people to maximise income. This work put an additional £1 million into the pockets of local residents to assist the local economy. We undertake benefit checks and assist people to claim. This year we received money from both the Department of Work and Pensions [DWP] and from the Money and Pensions Service [MaPs] to deliver services to assist financial capability. MaPs recognised the need to increase access to debt advice as people had suffered financial losses during lockdown. We received funding for a trainee debt adviser. The DWP continued to fund support eligible people to make successful Universal Credit claims and to manage the transition onto this benefit. The grant provided by Somerset West and Taunton together with HPC provided access to advice to assess needs, in addition to the money, housing and employment advice the greatest demand for service was from the vulnerable and disabled sections of our community. Independent living is important for people who have a long term health problem or a disability. The advice service assists carers and the cared for to apply for benefits in recognition of the increased costs that they incur. Attendance allowance is intended to help people to remain in their homes and to purchase services such as shopping, gardening when maintaining a home has become difficult. Our representation service was part funded by Somerset County Council Public Health and enabled our specialist welfare benefit adviser to challenge decisions at Tribunal, this service overturned 97% of negative decisions. We are also grateful to Wessex water who continue to support us to enable their customers on a low income or to access social tariff schemes, including pensioner discount and access to priority services.
The charity delivers money advice work within a framework accredited through the ‘Good Debt Advice Standard’ and it holds the Advice Quality Standard for debt casework. The debt supervisor maintained membership of the Institute of Money Advisers.
The service is approached by people in crisis. The local assistance scheme jointly funded by Somerset County Council and Somerset West and Taunton council helped people to move to more secure accommodation and provided food and fuel security. This service was also supported by funding from a small grant making trust which prefers to remain anonymous.
Throughout the financial year a national pandemic impacted our community. We were able to access funding to help us to continue to deliver socially distanced services. A grant from Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy [BEIS] assisted us to renew very old IT hardware to enable advisers to work at better speeds and use improved software.
Income Reserves
Free reserves at the year-end amounted to £49,264 (including £6,000 designated reserves) (2020: £33,954).
It is currently the objective to maintain free reserves of at least three months gross expenditure (£51,000) in order that unexpected revenue requirements, renewals and minor repairs may be met. In addition, there is a further provision for redundancy payments of £6,000.
The charity owns the freehold of an elderly building which requires expenditure to ensure that it is fit for purpose. The trustees are presently discussing the future of the building.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
6
West Somerset Advice Bureau Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
Financial Review
During the year, the charity generated income of £234,626 of which £52,880 was restricted (2020: £159,317 of which £92,543 was restricted). Expenditure of £204,223, of which £31,360 was restricted (2020: £174,070, of which £96,460 was restricted) lead to a surplus of £30,403 (2020: deficit £14,753).
The financial position of the charity remains sound with net-current assets of £80,784 including restricted funds of £31,520 and a designated fund of £6,000.
The principle financial management policies of the charity are as follows:-
-
a) Act in the interests of the charity and its beneficiaries and its charitable aims.
-
b) To manage the charity’s resources responsibly.
-
c) Act with reasonable care and skill.
-
d) Ensure the charity is accountable.
-
e) Agree and regularly review financial plans to achieve the charity’s aims.
-
f) Identify and account for the restricted funds.
-
g) Monitor financial performance by preparation of budgets and management accounts. h) Identify financial risks and deal with accordingly.
Risk Management
The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed. They have reviewed those risks and established systems and procedures to manage them appropriately. The risk to finances and from the operation of the service are now under regular review to ensure that all COVID-19 regulations and advice is understood and implemented in the best interests of the community and all staff. A RAID log is maintained and all individuals working from the office have completed individual risk assessments, including details of vaccination status.
During social distancing the service has been maintained using remote working tools, staff have completed individual risk assessments compliant with government regulations. Those staff who were able to work from home were established with IT, policies and procedures to enable them to continue to offer a confidential service. When the law allows the service offers safe face to face appointments for vulnerable people who cannot access the service online or by phone. The office has a one way system and established a safe working environment within the office with appropriate equipment, screens and PPE.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
7
West Somerset Advice Bureau Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees (who are directors of West Somerset Advice Bureau for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report (incorporating the Directors’ Report) and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
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.
Approved by order of the board on 3[rd] November 2021 and signed on their behalf by:
D Bates Trustee
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
8
West Somerset Advice Bureau Independent Examiners’ Report to the Trustees For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
Independent examiners report to the Trustees of West Somerset Advice Bureau
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of West Somerset Advice Bureau (“the Company”) for the year ended 31 March 2021.
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
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 in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not comply with these 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.
Michelle Ferris FCA Albert Goodman LLP Goodwood House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton Somerset TA1 2PX
Dated: 15[th] November 2021
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
9
West Somerset Advice Bureau Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
----- Start of picture text -----
Unre- Re- Unre- Re-
Notes stricted stricted 2021 stricted stricted 2020
Funds Funds Total Funds Funds Total
Income from:
Donations (including grants) 2 107,294 16,020 123,314 58,038 37,370 95,408
Charitable activities 3 74,430 36,860 111,290 8,663 55,173 63,836
Income from investments 22 - 22 73 - 73
Total 181,746 52,880 234,626 66,774 92,543 159,317
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 172,863 31,360 204,223 77,610 96,460 174,070
Total 172,863 31,360 204,223 77,610 96,460 174,070
Net income / (expenditure)
for the year before transfers
& other recognised gains 8,883 21,520 30,403 (10,836) (3,917) (14,753)
- -
Transfers 10 10,847 (10,847) (248) 248
Other recognised gains:
- - - -
Land and buildings revaluation 65,000 65,000
Net movements in funds 19,730 10,673 30,403 53,916 (3,669) 50,247
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances brought forward 167,574 20,847 188,421 113,658 24,516 138,174
Fund balances carried forward 187,304 31,520 218,824 167,574 20,847 188,421
----- End of picture text -----
The results for the year derive from continuing activities and there are no gains or losses other than those shown above.
The statement of financial activities incorporates the income and expenditure account.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
10
West Somerset Advice Bureau – Company Registration Number: 06693841 Balance sheet As at 31 March 2021
----- Start of picture text -----
Notes 2021 2020
£ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 7 138,040 133,620
Current assets
Debtors 8 12,688 22,668
Cash at bank and in hand 77,125 38,768
89,813 61,436
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year 9 (9,029) (6,635)
Net current assets 80,784 54,801
Net assets 218,824 188,421
Unrestricted funds
General funds 10 78,804 53,074
Designated funds 10 6,000 12,000
Revaluation reserve 10 102,500 102,500
187,304 167,574
Restricted funds 10 31,520 20,847
218,824 188,421
----- End of picture text -----
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
11
West Somerset Advice Bureau – Company Registration Number: 06693841
Balance sheet
As at 31 March 2021
These accounts have been prepared and delivered in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
For the year in question, the charitable company was entitled to exemption from an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The trustees/directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
Approved by the Board for issue on 3[rd] November 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
D Bates Trustee
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
12
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
1 Accounting policies
1.1 General information and basis of preparation
West Somerset Advice Bureau is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act. The address of the registered office is given on page 2. The nature of the charity’s operations and its principal activities are set out in the Trustees report on pages 3-8.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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)-(Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The charity meets the definition of public benefit under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
1.2
Income
All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Where funds are received in advance, for a specified period, these funds are deferred and recognised in the period to which they relate.
1.3
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
1.4 Government grants
Government grants are accounted for when unconditionally due and reasonable assurance can be gained that it will be received. Where funds are received in advance, for a specified period, these funds are deferred and recognised in the period to which they relate. Where funds have not been received in a specified period, these funds will be accrued in debtors and recognised in the period to which they relate. Not all grants received have conditions and performance indicators attached, where this is the case, the income is included within donations. Performance related grants are included within Charitable Activities income.
1.5
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
13
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
These include the costs attributable to the charity's compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including independent examiners fee, strategic management and trustees’ meetings and reimbursed expenses.
1.6 Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
The charity is not VAT registered and therefore all costs are inclusive of VAT.
1.7 Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £200 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
The charity's freehold premises in Market House Lane is included at valuation. The property value is reviewed every five years by the trustees, and due to the asset's long useful economic life and its regular maintenance and repair program, the trustees consider depreciation to be immaterial.
1.8 Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets, except property that is not depreciated, so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class Depreciation method and rate Fixtures and fittings 25% reducing balance basis Office equipment 25% reducing balance basis
1.9 Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
14
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
1.10 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
1.11 Trade creditors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Where grants are received in advance, for a specified period, these funds are deferred and recognised in the period to which they relate.
1.12 Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
1.13 Covid-19
The Trustees have considered the implication of the Covid-19 pandemic on the operations of the charity. The charity has been able to continue to deliver the majority of its services remotely and has attracted additional funding to enable a response to an increase in demand. Taking into account all reasonable circumstances, the Trustees believe that the charity remains a going concern and no adjustments to the accounts are necessary
1.14 Financial instruments
The charity only holds basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets and liabilities of the charity and their measurements are as follows:
Financial assets – trade and other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost as detailed in note 14. Prepayments are not financial instruments.
Cash at bank – is classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.
Financial liabilities – trade creditors, accruals and other creditors are financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost as detailed in note 14. Taxation and social security are not included in the financial instruments disclosure definition. Deferred income is not deemed to be a financial liability, as the cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation to deliver services rather than cash or another financial instrument.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
15
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
2 Income from donations and legacies
----- Start of picture text -----
Unre- Re- Unre- Re-
stricted stricted Total stricted stricted Total
Funds Funds 2021 Funds Funds 2020
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and legacies:
- -
Individuals 2,948 2,948 4,910 4,910
-
Community groups 1,927 5,020 6,947 2,955 2,955
- - - -
Legacy 5,000 5,000
Grants:
Somerset County Council - Public
- -
Health Funding 12,070 12,070 12,070 12,070
- - - -
National Lottery 10,000 10,000
Somerset West
& Taunton Council 62,037 5,000 67,037 50,173 15,300 65,473
South Somerset Citizens Advice Bureau
- - - -
- Mental Health 15,512 15,512
- - - -
Citizens Advice Sedgemoor 5,800 5,800
- - - -
Williton Town Council 2,000 2,000
Somerset County Council
- - - -
- Food Resilience 2,000 2,000
Citizens Advice - Webchat - 4,000 4,000 - - -
107,294 16,020 123,314 58,038 37,370 95,408
----- End of picture text -----*
Donations from community groups include £1,120 (2020-£1,220) received from Town and Parish councils as follows:
Winsford Parish Council - £20 Cutcombe Parish Council - £50 Exford Parish Council - £50 Carhampton Parish Council - £1,000
* denotes government grant
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
16
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
3 Income from charitable activities
----- Start of picture text -----
Unre- Re- Unre- Re-
stricted stricted Total stricted stricted Total
Funds Funds 2021 Funds Funds 2020
£ £ £ £ £ £
Somerset Community
Foundation - 36,860 36,860 - 36,527 36,527
Help to Claim 24,855 - 24,855 383 14,446 14,829
Wessex Water 5,400 - 5,400 1,800 1,200 3,000
National Emergency Fund
- Covid 19 - - - 3,000 3,000
SCC - Local Assistance Scheme 14,480 - 14,480 6,480 - 6,480
Citizens Advice - BEIS 4,950 - 4,950 - - -
- - - -
Citizens Advice -Maps Debt 20,956 20,956
- - - -
Citizens Advice - Softphones 1,300 1,300
- - - -
Other small grants 2,489 2,489
74,430 36,860 111,290 8,663 55,173 63,836
----- End of picture text -----*
* denotes government grant
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
17
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
4 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Premises costs Light & heat Building repairs Premises insurance Water charges Business rates Premisis - other Office and administration costs IT equipment and support Depreciation fixtures and equipment Bookkeeping and payroll fees Postages Printing and stationery & information systems Telephone Photocopier Lease Costs Language Line Office - Other Secure destination Subsistence & refreshments Volunteer costs Recruitment Governance Accountancy fees Independent examiner fees Annual Return fee Legal and proffessional fees Trustee costs Indemnity & trustee insurance Other Bank charges Disbursements Miscellaneous Friends of WSAB Covid-19 costs Resettlement costs Subscriptions |
Unre- stricted Funds £ 4,734 3,220 558 520 339 86 8,717 2,093 1,860 1,217 1,052 4,456 6,540 340 2 590 276 12 217 712 800 1,000 13 5,935 872 - 138 138 395 353 2,496 - |
Re- stricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,362 |
Total 2021 £ 4,734 3,220 558 520 339 86 8,717 2,093 1,860 1,217 1,052 4,456 6,540 340 2 590 276 12 217 712 800 1,000 13 5,935 872 - 138 138 395 353 2,496 1,362 |
Unre- Re- stricted stricted Total Funds Funds 2020 £ £ £ 1,658 - 1,658 2,851 - 2,851 554 - 554 559 - 559 414 - 414 - - - 2,322 263 2,585 1,692 - 1,692 1,860 - 1,860 1,341 - 1,341 2,796 - 2,796 5,765 - 5,765 5,970 - 5,970 - - - - - - - - - 398 - 398 2,018 - 2,018 1,098 - 1,098 344 - 344 800 - 800 1,000 - 1,000 13 - 13 4,498 - 4,498 - - - 569 - 569 120 - 120 - - - 1,291 - 1,291 241 - 241 - 422 422 - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49,681 | 1,362 | 51,043 | 40,172 685 40,857 |
|
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
18
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
4 Expenditure on charitable activities (cont.)
Staff costs
| Staff costs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct wages and salaries Settlement Employer pension contributions Staff training Total |
Unre- stricted Funds £ 117,875 2,106 2,246 955 |
Re- stricted Funds £ 29,998 - - - 29,998 31,360 |
Unre- Re- Total stricted stricted Total 2021 Funds Funds 2020 £ £ £ £ 147,873 36,898 94,200 131,098 2,106 - - - 2,246 350 1,575 1,925 955 190 - 190 153,180 37,438 95,775 133,213 |
| 123,182 | |||
| 172,863 | 204,223 77,610 96,460 174,070 |
5 Trustees remuneration and expenses
£872 of expenses and mileage were reimbursed to one Trustee by the Bureau during the year (2020: £896 to one trustee).
6 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs Settlement costs Other staff costs |
2021 £ 143,811 4,062 2,246 2,106 955 |
2020 £ 126,660 4,438 1,925 - 190 |
|---|---|---|
| 153,180 | 133,213 | |
During the year, total costs of £2,106 were paid in relation to a settlement to an employee. The amounts were full and final with no outstanding amounts at the balance sheet date.
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year (2020 – none).
Defined contribution pension scheme
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the company to the scheme and amounted to £2,246 (2020 - £1,925).
Contributions totalling nil (2020 - £4) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
19
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
Staff costs (cont.)
No remuneration was paid to any Trustees during the year (2020: none).
The key management personnel of the charity are considered to be the general manager. The total costs to the charity of employee benefits for the key management personnel were £19,494 (2020: £18,441).
The average monthly head count was 10 staff (2020: 8 staff).
7 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 April 2020 Additions Revaluation At 31 March 2021 Depreciation At 1 April 2020 Charge for the year At 31 March 2021 Net book value At 31 March 2021 At 31 March 2020 |
Land and buildings £ 128,549 - - 128,549 - - - 128,549 128,549 |
Furniture and equipment £ 42,162 6,513 - 48,675 37,091 2,093 39,184 9,491 5,071 |
Total £ 170,711 6,513 - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 177,224 | |||
| 37,091 2,093 |
|||
| 39,184 | |||
| 138,040 | |||
| 133,620 | |||
The fair value of the charity’s freehold land and buildings was ascertained on 10 January 2020 by an independent valuer, on a basis of open market value, by Chartered Surveyors, Greenslade Taylor Hunt, who valued the property at £125,000. The original carrying amount at historical cost is £22,500.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
20
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
8 Debtors
| Prepayments Other debtors |
2021 £ 747 11,941 |
2020 £ 699 21,969 22,668 |
|---|---|---|
| 12,688 | ||
9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
----- Start of picture text -----
2021 2020
£ £
Trade creditors 712 1,511
Other taxation and social security 2,783 2,009
Accruals 5,534 3,115
9,029 6,635
----- End of picture text -----
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
21
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
10 Funds
| Unrestricted funds General Unrestricted Income Fund Designated Revaluation Reserve Funding Reserve Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds National Lottery Fund Carhampton PC Emergency Fund - Covid 19 Somerset West and Taunton additional grant Somerset Community Foundation Resettlement grant WEBCHAT Somerset Community Foundation Social Cohesion Somerset County Council Food resilience Total Restricted funds Total funds |
Funds brought forward 01/04/20 £ 53,074 102,500 12,000 114,500 167,574 10,000 - 1,715 - - - 9,132 - 20,847 188,421 |
Income £ 181,746 - - - 181,746 - 1,000 - 5,000 4,020 4,000 36,860 2,000 52,880 234,626 |
Expenditure £ (172,863) - - - (172,863) - - - - (1,382) (1,333) (27,645) (1,000) (31,360) (204,223) |
Transfers £ 16,847 - (6,000) (6,000) 10,847 - - (1,715) - - - (9,132) - (10,847) - |
Funds carried forward 31/03/21 £ 78,804 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 102,500 6,000 |
|||||
| 108,500 | |||||
| 187,304 | |||||
| 10,000 1,000 - 5,000 2,638 2,667 9,215 1,000 |
|||||
| 31,520 | |||||
| 218,824 | |||||
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
22
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
10 Funds- Prior year 2020
| Unrestricted funds General Unrestricted Income Fund Designated Revaluation Reserve Funding Reserve Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds National Lottery Fund Help to Claim Emergency Fund - Covid 19 SCC - Health & Wellbeing West Somerset District Council Somerset Community Foundation BWBSW Other small grants Wessex Water Trusthouse Complex Needs West Somerset Council CIM fund Total Restricted funds Total funds |
Funds brought forward 01/04/19 £ 64,158 37,500 12,000 49,500 113,658 - - - - - 8,884 - 500 - 6,860 2,100 6,172 24,516 138,174 |
Income £ 66,774 - - - 66,774 10,000 14,446 3,000 12,070 15,300 36,527 - - 1,200 - - - 92,543 159,317 |
Expenditure £ (77,610) - - - (77,610) - (14,446) (1,285) (12,070) (15,300) (36,527) - (500) (1,200) (6,860) (2,100) (6,172) (96,460) (174,070) |
Transfers £ (248) 65,000 - 65,000 64,752 - - - - - 248 - - - - - - 248 65,000 |
Funds carried forward 31/03/20 £ 53,074 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 102,500 12,000 |
|||||
| 114,500 | |||||
| 167,574 | |||||
| 10,000 - 1,715 - - 9,132 - - - - - - |
|||||
| 20,847 | |||||
| 188,421 | |||||
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
23
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
The specific purposes for which the material funds are to be applied are as follows:
Revaluation Reserve
The fund represents the value of the property which was transferred to the charitable company in March 2009 from the previous unincorporated charity. The original amount transferred of £90k consisted of a cost value of £22.5k and a revaluation addition of £67.5k agreed at 31 March 2009. This was revalued in April 2015 to £60,000 and has been subsequently revalued in the year ended 31 March 2020 to £125,000.
Funding reserve
A reserve designated by the trustees to cover staff contractual liabilities.
Somerset Community Foundation- Social Cohesion
To mitigate the impact on local residents as a result of the development of HPC with housing and housing related issues.
West Somerset Council CIM fund
To help private tenants with priority debts and other monies worries to help them to keep their home.
Somerset County Council - Health and Wellbeing
To provide advice services which focus on improving the health and welfare of the community with specific emphasis on the inter-relationship of care needs and disability benefits. Partner funding for the Trusthouse project.
National Lottery Fund
Small grant award for the provision of furniture and resources to create a new reception area with self help facilities.
Help to Claim
An award from the DWP to undertake a benefit check to advise people on eligibility to claim Universal Credit and to make a successful online claim and manage the transition period until the first payment of benefit.
Emergency Fund – COVID19
Financial assistance to provide a food security service to vulnerable people in West Somerset who were isolating, in crisis or otherwise did not have access to food from another source during social distancing. Resources to assist the advice service to transition to homeworking and maintain the service during the pandemic. PPE & cleaning materials to provide a safe space for staff and the public.
WEBCHAT
Money from BEIS for Citizens Advice to develop digital services across the country. Local contribution to national webchat facility to deliver general advice to meet increasing demand for services across multiple platforms. We are also grateful to BEIS for capital monies to upgrade IT to deliver digital services.
Somerset West and Taunton – additional grant
A grant for the delivery of core services, general advice by phone, email and face to face.
Somerset Community Foundation – resettlement grant
To assist people moving into a new home to furnish the home, this grant provides for basic needs not covered by the Local Assistance Scheme.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
24
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
11 Analysis of net assets between funds
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted funds Restricted Total
General Designated funds funds
2021
£ £ £ £
-
Tangible fixed assets 35,540 102,500 138,040
Current assets 52,293 6,000 31,520 89,813
- -
Current liabilities (9,029) (9,029)
78,804 108,500 31,520 218,824
Prior year net assets between funds
Unrestricted funds Restricted Total
General Designated funds funds
2020
£ £ £ £
-
Tangible fixed assets 31,120 102,500 133,620
Current assets 28,589 12,000 20,847 61,436
Current liabilities (6,635) - - (6,635)
53,074 114,500 20,847 188,421
----- End of picture text -----
12 Related party transactions
During the year the charity had the following related party transactions:
J Bates
(Wife of D Bates, Director)
During the year, J Bates provided book-keeping services to the company totalling £1,860 (2020: £1,860). At the balance sheet date the amount due to J Bates was £nil (2020 - £nil).
13 Company limited by guarantee
The company was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The guarantee to the company is £1 per member on the winding up of the company. At 31 March 2021 the company had six members and the total amount guaranteed is therefore £6.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
25
West Somerset Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2021
14 Financial instruments
----- Start of picture text -----
2021 2020
£ £
Financial assets that are debt instruments measured at amortised cost 89,066 60,737
89,066 60,737
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost 6,246 4,626
6,246 4,626
----- End of picture text -----
There were no items of income, expense, gains or losses to report (2020: none).
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
26