West Somerset Advice Bureau
IA Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee)
Annual Report and Financial Ststements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Company Number: 06693841
Charlty Registered in England and Wales NUm￿r. 1126930

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Contents
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Contents
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees, Annual Report
ndependent Examiner's Report
10
Statement of Financial Activities
11
Balance Sheet
12
Notes to the Financial Statements
13-25
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Reference and Administrative Details
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Trusts6s and Directors
l Aldridge
D Bates
J Head
B Lang
B O'Keefe
J Parbrook
Company Secretary
J Head
General Manager
l Atkinson
Principal Office and Registered ObTice
The Lane Centre
Market House Lane
Minehead
Somerset
TA24 5NW
Company Registration Number
06693841
Charlty Reglstrallon Number
1126930
Independent Examiner
Mi¢helle Ferns Bsc (Honsl FCA DChA
Albert Goodman LLP
Goodwood House
Blackbr¢)ok Park Avenue
Taunlon
Somerset
TA12PX
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Trustees, Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
The Trustees (who are al￿ the Directors for the purpose of C¢ynpany Law) have pleasure in presenting
their annual report and the unaudtted financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The
provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by CharTties' ISORP
FRS 102- implemented 1 January 2019) have been adopted in preparing the annual report and financial
statements of the charity.
Publlc Benefit
The company has provided an invaluable generic Servi￿ advising residents of West Somerset on such
matters as Debts, Welfare Benefit, Taxats-on. Housing and Financial Capability, Employment and
Consumer issues at no cost to the dient.
The trustees also confim that Ihey have complied wrth section 4 of the Chanties Act 2011 to have due
regard lo the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
Structure. governance and management
West S¢)merset Advi￿ Bureau is an independent chanty. registered number 1126930 and a company
limited by guarantee. registered number 6693841, registered a¢SJress.' The Lane Centre. Market House
Lane, Minehead. Somerset, TA24 5NW.
The goveming document is the memorandum and artides of association dated 10 Seoember 2008
{amended 5 September 2011).
The following trustees who are also directors for the purposes of company law, senied during the year..
l Aldridge
D Bates
R Clifford
J Head
B Lang
B O'Keefe
J Parbrook
(Deceased on 29 March 2024)
The liability of members to contribute upon the winding up or dissolution of the company is limited lo
£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.
Rollo Clifford sadly passed away during earfy 2024. Rollo was a very proactive and enthusiastic
supporter of our ¢harity having carried out the role of d)air between 2019 and 2022 and remained an
invaluable contributor as a Trustee after standing down as Chair.
Objectivès and activities
The Charity's objects are to provide or assist in the provtsion of a confidential advice and information
service, and promote any Charitab￿ purpose for the public beneffl 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 communty in West Somerset and surrounding areas.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

West Somfrrsot Advice Bureau
Trustees. Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
West Somerset Advice Bureau Mission Statement
West Somerset Advi￿ works to infomi individuals to understand
social welfare law and how rt applies in their circumstances.
supporting them to make and take decisions vthich help to achieve
their olectives 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.
Voluiiieer4
., Twstee5
*(* stsff mernbe￿ Wikn¢. tr•
other *t •fe
Life can be complicated. We can help you simplify it.
Achievements and performances
Wesl Somersel Advice received core funding from Somerset Council. A small number of Parrsh and
Town Councils again supported the work of the charrty in their parish. The core grant provides a generic
advice service to all people who live and work in the West Somerset area. now described in temis of
Local Communrty Ne￿OrkS 1. 13 and 14.
,£255,34
I W 20?3 W JI M•rth 2024
Qulcoffl•s frr
LOI I
£99,871 .L,
LOI 13 cIw**
£1,206,426
IW 2023to
31 M•rth 2024
2023 ro 31 2024
We are committed to provide outreach seniices in several dtfferent places across our territory lo ènsure
people less mobile are able to access our services rather than being excluded. We are very grateful for
the continued support of each of Ihe Parish Councils. who provide what they are able to afford. We are
particularly grateful to Wlliton and Watchet Town councils who agree servi￿ Level Agreements to
support local delivery. Oiher parishes are now consKlering how to SUPF)Ort this vital local service.
' Outreach sites
Always under revlew
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Trustees, Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
The Trustees have worked in partnership with the four other local Citizens Advice services to rats'onal¢se
provision of the service in preparation for political changes or national emergencEs. The development of
joint services has created opportunities for the successful development of shared services. principally in
the fomi of joint training, Adviceline and additional specialist se￿1￿.
The Friends of West Somersel Advi￿ support raising funds through personal giving. Personal giving is
very important to the charity, and V￿ wish lo thank everyone for the donations we re￿1Ve. We also thank
the peO￿e who are alk to gift aid as this enhances their donats'on and value to the charity The
donations that are made with the grateful Ihanks of our dients are important for charity to recognise as
we are aware that the money is given by the people who have the least money to spare.
Project worf(
West Somerset residents experien￿ multiple challenges teginning with seasonal wo￿, low pay, a rural
economy and the disadvantages of coastal communities compared to more urban environments. Our
charity strives to maximise incomes, wovide guidance with the management of personal debt and create
opportunities to minimise in work poverty. An essential element of our anti-poverty work has been with
the distribution of funding to people in crisis -The Local Assistance Scheme. funded by Somerset
County Council. This localised social welfare scheme is designed to assist those without the basics in
life. In addition, we work in partnership with the food cupboards across our area to put food on the table
and maintain heat and light.
West Somersel Advice wishes to thank the West Somerset Food CuFI)oard for the continuing
partnership which assists many of the most vulnerable people in the area_ We continue to deliver fo¢)d
parcels via a dedicated team of volunteers.
West Somerset Advice wishes to thank the West Somerset Food Cupboard for the continuing
relationship which assists many of the most vulnerable in the area. Food boxes have continued to be
delivered to eligible clients by a small team of dedicated volunteers on a Y￿eklY basis_
Wesl Somerset continues to have the highest per￿ntage of the population over 65 years old across
Somerset. This demographic is h￿hlY recognised and represented in our work. We assist and support
this group particularly wth the threat of digttal exdusion, whether through lack of money or through lack
of experien￿. Access to disability benefits and other servi￿$ that have been placed online, is an area
of growth. People who are required to engage with govemment departments, are helped in appeals or
renewals as a result of the drive towards online customer relationship management.
Geographical reach
li" 19
Ety•ged p¥ths
Elknt ewed
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Trustees, Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
The people who approach the serrfice seldom come wth a single issue and are beginning io require
much more extensive support resulting in extensive casework. Our spwalist caseworkers increasingly
work as a team to guide a client through their challenges. One caseworker, part funded by Open Mental
Health and the local authority, work towards cooperative relalionships between voluntary and statutory
services to maintain high Standards of good mental health. Users of this element of this service regularly
report that our advice provides improved well-being and menlal health. This works also with clients
suffering with uncontrolled debt, where our advice provides a basis for a route to recovery.
LCN 13 Metr.-£s lor Apnl 20L3 to March 2024
Debt
Benefits
Debt
enefits
Debt
enefits
Dr
Wessex Water is a long-temi partner. We work dosely with the organisakn'on by assessing and reviewing
clients, confirming agreed criteria and putting fotward people who would benefit from reduced bills.
Wessex Water can choose to accept or reject any of our recommendations based on their assessment
of whether or not the clients have met the benchmarks set.
Partnership projects feature across the Somerset netM4ork of l¢Jcal Citizens Advi￿ offices and teams. We
are currently working with Citizens Advice Somerset. We work closely with our colleagues on a small
number of joint initiatives for the benefit of the whole of Somerset. Adviceline, the telephone based
service provides instant solutions to clients wtthout them having to travel anywhere.
Another project is the Somerset wide O￿n Mental Health
proied involving over one hundred partner organisations.
Funding Metrics
Advice channels help to ensure that we deliver advice to fit
how people like to access rt. We specialise in ensuring many
face-to-face opportunrties across Ihe West Somerset estate.
exploiting six outreach srtes.. Dulverton, Porlo¢k, Stogursey.
Williton. Minehead. Butlin's and the main office in Minehead.
We offer telephone aC￿$S via Adviceline, our dedicated
email inbox is monttored constanlly and we can also interact
via webchat or video conference.
360/0
.30/0
Investors C+)Iw&
We successfLAly completed two different Cost-of-Living
based projects The first was a Somerset Council led
initiative suppcKting Somerset people and captunng the
infomiation to asgst in the understanding of the depth and
breadth of the prOb￿rn in Somersel. The funding for this was
time limited.
140/0
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Trustees, Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
A secorKI Cost-of-Living based prqed furKled by the National Lottery lookn'ng at the impact of this Grisis
on a rural community and how il prevents a local economy from developing at a speed that might be
deemed helpful. This project was spread over nine months.
Our charrty delivers money advice work vnth a framework accredtted through the "Good Debt Advice
Slandard" and it holds the Advi￿ Qualty Standard for debt casework. Our two debt advisers maintain
accreditation and oversight by the Financial Conduct Authonty. This service is approached by people in
crisis.
Utslities
Travel
Tax
Relationships
other
Legal
Immigration
Housin9
2,444
Number of
clients
Health
Hate Crime
Financial
Serw¢e5
Employment
Edvcabon
Debt
Benefits
UnNers31 Credit
Consumer
Chantable Support
CORE: 41 %
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Trustees, Report
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Income Reserves
Free reserves at the year-end amounted to £135,163 (including £6,000 designated reserves} {2023'.
£68,988)
11 is currently the objective to maintain free reserves of at least th￿e months gross expenditure
(£48,000) in order that unexpected revenue reqLAirements, renewals and minor repairs may be met. In
addition, there is a further provision for redundancy payments of £6,000.
The ¢harity owns the freehold of an elderly building vthich requires expenditure to ensure that it is fit for
purpose.
Financial Review
During the year, the charity generated income of £216.205 of whith £nil was restricted {2023.' £190.450
of which £48,667 was restricted). Expenditure of £177,267 of which £nil was restncted (2023. £154.492
of which £23.754 was restricted) was incurred. leading to a surplus of £38.938 (2023. surplus of
£35.958, £26k revaluation loss).
Our surplus of £38.398 is set aside for purposes of reacting to new govemment legislation which will
directly impact on our obligation to our personnel and is being held for the express purpose of off-setting
a lifting of the living wage. felated pension and related people costs
The financial position of the charrty remains sound with net current assets of £145,163 including
restricted funds of £10.CrfJO and a designated furKJ of £6.000.
The principle financial management policies of the Charty 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
cl Act wrth reasonable care and skill
d) Ensure the ¢harity is accountable
e} Agree and regularly review financial plans to achieve the charity's aims
fj Identify and account for the restricted funds
g} Monitor financial perf0rnan￿ by preparation of budgets and managemenl accounts
h) Identify finanaal risks and deal wth accordingly
Risk Management
The Trustees have considered the major risks to vthich the charity is exposed. They have reviewed
those risks and established systems and prO￿dureS to manage them appropriately. The fisk to finances
and from the operation of the servio are under regular revEw to ensure that all regulations and advice
is understood and implemented in the best interests of the community and the staff. A RAID log is
maintained and all individuals working from the office have completed individual risk assessments.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP

**West Somerset Advice Bureau** Trustees' Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 

## **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 21 August 2024 and signed on their behalf by: 

D Bates Trustee 

Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 

9 



**West Somerset Advice Bureau** Independent Examiners' Report to the Trustees For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 

## **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 2024. 

## **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: 

1. 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 comply with these records[; ] or 

3. 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 

4. 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[p] reparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportin[g ] 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 BSc (Hons) FCA DChA · Albert Goodman LLP Goodwood House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton Somerset TA1 2PX 

Dated: 08 September 2024 _-_ 

Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 

10 



West Somerset Advice Bureau
Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expendrture Account)
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Unre-
Notss stricted stricted
Funds
Funds
Unre-
Re-
2024 stricted stricted
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
Total
Income from..
Donations (including grants)
Charitable activities
Other trading actiwties
Income from investments
168,120
15,622
10.314
2.324
19.825 187,945 114.007 17,000 131,007
15.622
19.205 31.667
50.872
10.314
8,070
8,070
2.324
501
501
Total
1%,380
19.825 216.205 141.783 48,667 190,450
Expendlture on:
Chantable activities
131,525
45,742 177,267 130.738 23.754 154.492
Total
131,525
45,742 177.267 130,738 23.754 154,492
Net income l {expenditure)
for the year before transfers
64,855 {25.917) 38,938
11,045 24,913
35,958
Transfers
Other re¢ognised gainsl{losses)'.
Land and buildings revaluation
10
(26,1)00)
(26,OiJ)I
Net movements in funds
64.855 (25,917) 38,938 (14.955) 24.913
9,958
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances brought forward
176,868
35.917 212.785 191,823 11.004 202,827
Fund balances carried forward
241.723
10.OIJO 251,723 176,868 35,917 212,785
The results for the year derive from continuing activrties and there are no gains or losses other than
those shown above.
The statement of finanoal activities incorporates the income and expendibjre account.
Prepafed By Albert &)odman LLP
11

**West Somerset Advice Bureau - Company Registration Number: 06693841** Balance sheet As at 31 March 2024 

|**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Creditors**<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>**Net current assets**<br>**Net assets**<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General funds<br>Revaluation reserve<br>Designated funds<br>**Restricted funds**<br>**Notes**<br>7<br>8<br>9<br>10<br>10<br>10<br>10|5,682<br>146,314<br>151,996<br>(6,833)|**2024**<br>**£**<br>106,560<br>145,163<br>251,723<br>159,223<br>76,500<br>6,000<br>241,723<br>10,000<br>251,723<br>24,436<br>85,354<br>109,790<br>(4,885)|**2023**<br>**£**<br>107,880<br>104,905<br>212,785<br>94,368<br>76,500<br>6,000<br>176,868<br>35,917|
|---|---|---|---|
||||212,785|



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 21 August 2024 and signed on its behalf by: 

D Bates B O'Keefe Trustee Trustee 

12 

Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP 



West Somerset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Accounting policies
Genèral infomiation and basis of preparation
West Somerset Advice Bureau is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in the United
Kingdom under the Companies Ad. The address of the registered office is given on page 2. The
nature of the charity's operations and its principal activities are set OLrt in the Trustees report on
pages 3-7.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historic cost convention. The financial
statements have been prepared in accordan￿ y￿h Accounting and Reporting by Charities..
Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charrties preparing their accounts in
accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland
(FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)4Charities SORP {FRS102)), the Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the UK and Repul￿1¢ of Ireland (FRS 1021 and the CompanTres Act 20C6.
The charity meets the definition of public benefft under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are inrtially
recognised at historical cost ￿ transaction value unless Otherv￿Se stated in the relevant
accounts'ng policy.
1.2 Income
All income is included in the statement of financial activitTres when the charity is entitled to the
income, it is probable that the income will be r￿1Ved 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 re¢ognised 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
perfomiance by the charity before the charity is entrtled to the funds. the income is deferred and
not recognised until either those conditions are fully met. or the fu￿lment of those conditions is
wholly within the control of the ¢hanty and it is probable thal these conditions will be fulfilled in the
reporting period.
1.4 Government grants
Government grants are a¢¢ounted for when uncondiiionally 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
peritsj to which they relate. Not all grants received have condrtions and perfomiance indicators
altached, where this is the case. the income is induded within donations. Performance related
grants are included within Charitable Activities income.
1.5 Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised On￿ the￿ is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it
is probable setUement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are
allocated lo the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that ¢aleg¢)ry.
Where costs cannot be directly attnbuted to path"cular headings they have been allocated on a
basis consistent wth the use of resources. wth central staff costs allocated on the basis of time
spent. and depre￿atIOn charges allocated on the portion of the assevs use. Other support costs
are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
13

Vvest Somerset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
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 Finan￿ 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 calegories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of Ihe 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 Gosts are inclusive of VAT.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costsng £200 or more are initially recorded at ¢ost. less any subsequenl
accumulated dèpreciation 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 assevs long useful economic
life and ils regular maintenance and repair program. the trustees consider depreciation to be
immatenal.
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
e¢onomi¢ lrfe as follows..
Asset class
Fixtures and fittings
Office equipment
Deprnciation method and rate
25°A reducing balance basis
25% reducing balance basis
1.9 Trade debtors
Trade deblors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or servi￿$ perfomed in
the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transadion price. They are subsequently measured
at amortised cost using the effective interest method. less provision for impairment. A provision
for the impaimienl of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the
charity will not be able to collect all amounts due ac¢ording 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 2024
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 amounl of rAsh and are subject to an
insignificanl risk of change in value.
1.11 Trade creditors
Trade credrtors are Obl￿atIonS to pay for gocrfjs or services that have been acquired in the
ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accwnts payable are classified as current liabilities rf
the charity does not have an uncondrtional right. at the end of the reporting period, to defer
settlement of the credrtor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an
uncondrtional right to defer settlement for at ￿ast twelve months after the reporting date, they are
presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initi'ally at the transaction price and subsequerrtly measured at
amorts'sed Gosl using the effective interest method.
Where grants are received in advance, for a speGtfied period, these funds are deferred and
re¢ognised in the period to which they relate.
1.12 Fund $tru¢ture
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that a￿ available for use at the trustees. discretion
in furtherance of the obj'ectives of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted furKls set aside for specthc purposes at the discretion of the
trustees.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a parttcular area or for specific purposes,
the use of which 1$ restricted to that a￿a or purFW.
1.13 Flnanclal Instruments
The charity only hokls basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets
and liabilities of the chanty and their measurements are as follows.
Financial assets
trade and other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt
instruments measured at amortised cost. Prepayments are not finan¢ial instruments.
Cash at bank- is dassffied as a basic finan(aal instrument and is measured at fa￿ value.
Financial liabilities - trade credrtors, accruals and other creditors are financial instruments, and
are measured at amortised cost. Taxation and social securty are not induded in the financial
instruments disclosure definits"on. Deferred income is not deemed to be a finanaal liability, as the
cash settlement has already taken place and there is an obligation lo deliver ServI￿S 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 2024
Income from donations and legacies
Unre-
stricted
Funds
Unre-
stricted
Funds
stricted
Funds
Total
2024
$triGted
Funds
Total
2023
Donations and legacies:
Individuals
Community grow)s
Grants:
Somersel County Council -
Pubic Health Funding.
Operation Boost"
Household Support Fund"
The Fairfield Trust
Somersel Wesl
& Taunton Council"
Clinical Commissionin9 Group
National Lollery Community Fund
Citizens Admce Mendip
Willilon T¢)wn Councd.
Watchel Town Council - Fvel Project.
Taunton CA - DeblHousing Proiect
Resettlement Fund
Crtizens Admce - Cost of Living Grant
1,132
8.750
1.132
8.750
781
2,6¢)0
781
2,600
12,070
12,070
12,070
8.187
540
12.070
8,187
540
16.500
16,500
56,560
5,673
50,002
39,730
12.250
39,730
12,250
5,673
50.002
20,279
20,279
5.IXIO
2,000
2.000
17,570
10,542
1.891
10,542
1,891
19,825
17.570
19,825
15,000
15.000
168.120
19,825 187.945
114,007
17.000 131.007
'denotes government grant
p￿ pared By Albert Goodman LLP
16

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Income from charitable activities
Unre.
Re•
stricted stricted
Funds
Funds
Unre•
stricled
Fund$
Re.
stricted
Fund$
Totsl
2024
Total
2023
Somersel CcKnmunity
Foundation
Wessex Water
SCC - Local Assistance Scheme.
Citizens Admce - Open Mentsl Health
Citizens AdMce- Somerset Cases
15,OC(J
15,000
5,040
9.735
16.667
4,430
5.040
9.735
11.422
11.422
16,667
4.430
15.622
15,622
19.205
31,667
50,872
'derK)tes govemment grant
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
17

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Expenditure on charitable activities
Unre-
stricted
Funds
Unre-
stri¢ted
Funds
Re-
stricted
Funds
stricted
Funds
Total
2024
Total
2023
Premises costs
Light & heat
Building repairs
Premises insurance
Water charges
Business rates
Office and admlnistration costs
IT equipment and support
Depreciation fixtures and equipment
Bookkeeping and payroll fees
Postages
Printing and stationery
Subscriptions & infomiation systems
Telephone
Website Costs
Photocopier Lease Costs
Language Line
Office - Other
Secure destruction
Subsistence & refreshments
Volunteer costs
Governance
Accountancy fees
Independent examiner fees
Annual Return fee
Legal and professional fees
Trustee costs
Other
Bank charges
Miscellaneous
Other - Publicity and Promotion
Watchet Town Council - Fuel Project
3,742
2,871
1,115
729
3,742
2.871
1.115
729
3,663
2,017
1,045
577
337
3,663
2,017
1,045
577
337
2,838
1,320
1,900
2,838
1,320
1.900
882
1,562
2,987
6.604
1,032
1,369
23
238
476
340
368
2,023
1,788
1,860
1,179
1,471
4,170
6,725
2.023
1,788
1.860
1,179
1,471
4,170
6,725
1.562
2.987
6,604
1,032
1,369
23
238
476
1,369
50
476
463
1,369
50
476
483
66
286
1.010
1,29)
13
4.744
1,010
1,290
13
4.744
900
1.180
46
4.979
600
900
1,180
46
4,979
600
180
223
390
216
162
654
216
162
654
2,925
223
390
2,925
Carried forward
38,246
38.246
38,302
2,925
41.227
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
18

West Som8rset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
4 Expendlture on charitable activities IconL)
Slaff costs
Unre
Re-
strlthd strlcted
Funds
Funds
Unre-
strlcted
Funds
Total
2024
strlcted
Funds
Total
2023
Brought forward
38,246
38,246
38,302
2,925
41,227
Direcl wages and salaries
Employer pension contributions
Staff training
.520
2,114
645
45.742 136,262
2,114
645
90,148
1,973
315
20.829 110,977
1,973
315
93.279
45.742 139.021
92.436
20.829 113.265
Total
131.525
45,742 177,267
130,738
23,754 154,492
5 Trustees remunerallon and expenses
£331 of expenses and mileage were reimbursed to one trustee by the Bureau during the year (2023..
£975 to two trustees>.
6 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows..
2024
2023
Staff costs durlng the year wefe".
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs
Other staff costs
127,627
8,635
2.114
645
104,084
6,893
1,973
315
139,021
113,265
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 dunng the year (2023- none).
Defined contribution
nsion scheme
The cornpany operates a defined Contribution pension scheme. The pension Gost charge for
the year represents contribLrtions payable by the company to the scheme and amounted to
£2,114 {2023- £1.973).
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
19

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
Staff costs {cont.)
Contributions totalling £nil (2023 £630) were payable to the s¢heme at the end of the year
and are included in creditors.
No Iruslees were remunerated in the curr8nt or prior year. At the balance sheet date the
amount due to the trustees was £nil
The key management petsonnel 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
£19.215 {2023. £18.291).
The average rnonthly head Count wa$ 8 staff {2023.' 8 staffj.
7 Tangible fixed assets
Furniture
and
equipment
Land and
buildings
Total
Cogt or Yaluatlon
At 1 April 2023
Additions
Revaluation
102.549
48,675 151.224
At 31 March 2024
102,549
48.675
151,224
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
43,344
1.320
43,344
1,320
At 31 March 2024
44.664
44,664
Net book value
At 31 March 2024
102,549
4,011
106,560
At 1 April 2023
102,549
5,331
107.880
The fair value of the chanty's freehobj 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,OC(i. The original carying amount at hisloncal cost is
£22,500. Planning pemission {acquired Mar 2020), to convert the property from professional to
residential, has since expired and has not been renewed. As a result of this. the property was
revalued by the trustees during the prior year to ￿fIe¢l the reduction in value.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
20

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
8 Debtors
2024
2023
Prepaymenls
Other debtors
1,408
4.274
1,527
22.909
5,682
24,436
9 Creditors: amounts falling due wlthin one year
2024
2023
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social sewrity
A¢cruals
1,348
2,508
2,977
415
1,550
2.920
6,833
4,885
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
21

Vvest Somerset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
10
Funds
runas
brought
forward
01104123
I ransiers
& other
gains I
(losses)
runas
carried
forward
31103124
Income
Expendlture
Unrestricted funds
General
Unreslricted Income Fund
Revaluation Reserve
94,368
76,500
196,380
(131,525)
159,223
76,500
170,868
196.380
(131,5251
235,723
Designated
Funding Reserye
6.000
6.000
Tolal Unrestricted funds
176.868
196.380
(131.525)
241,723
Restricted funds
National Lottery Fund
Somerset Community Foundation
Outreach
Citizens Advice - Cost of Living
Citizens Advice - OMH
10,000
10.000
2.917
15,000
8.000
(2.917)
{34.825)
(8,000)
19.825
Total Restricted funds
35,917
19,825
{45,7421
10,000
Total funds
212.785
216.205
{177.267)
251,723
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
22

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
10
Funds- Prior year 2023
runas
brought
forward
01104122
runos
¢arriad
forward
31103123
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
Unrestricted funds
General
Unrestricted Income Fund
Revaluation Reserve
83.323
102.500
141,783
(130.738)
94.368
76,500
(26,0001
185.823
141.783
(130,738)
(26,000}
170.868
Designated
Funding Reserve
6,000
6,000
Total Unrestricted funds
191,823
141.783
{130,738)
(26,000}
176,868
Restrlcted funds
National Lottery Fund
Watchel Town Council
Fuel ProJect
Somerset Community Foundation
Outreach
Development
C￿'ZenS Advice - Cost of Liwng
Citizens Advice - OMH
10.0(X)
10,000
1,004
2,000
(3.004)
5.000
10.000
15.000
16.667
{2,083)
(10.000)
2,917
15,000
8,000
(8,667)
Total Restricted funds
11,004
48,667
123.754)
35,917
Total funds
202,827
190.450
{154,4921
(26,000)
212,785
Prepare<J By Albert Goodman LLP
23

West Somerset Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
The specific purposes for which the matenal funds are to be applied are as follows..
Revaluation Reserve
The fund represents the value of the property which was transfeffed to the charitable company in March
2009 from the previous unincorporated Gharity. The original amount transferred of £90k consisted of
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 was subsequently revalued in the year ended 31 March 2020 10 £125.000. In
February 2023. planning permission for the property expired and it was not re-applied for. As a result of
this. the property was revalued by the trustees during the prior year to reflect the reduction in value.
Funding reseThe
A reserve designated by the trustees to cover staff contraclual 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.
National Lottery Fund
Small grant award for the provision of refurbishing and l or buikling repair of the bureau premises.
WEBCHAT
Money from BEIS for Citizens Advice to develop digital ServI￿S 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 UP9rade IT to deliver digilal
services.
Somèrset West and Taunton - addltional grant
A grant for the delivery of core servi￿, general advice by phone. email and face to face.
Somerset Community Foundation - resettlement grant
To assist people moving into a new home to fumish the home. this grant provides for basic needs nol
Covered by the Local Assistance Scheme.
Watchel Town Council- Fuel project
A grant awarded for the alleviation of fuel poverty in Watchet.
Somgrset Community Foundation- Outreach
A grant to cover for a single outreach service on a Tuesday for a year, which was an addilional day of
communily service over and above the four days we are open normally.
Somerset Community Foundation - Development
A grant to cover for extending outreach ServI￿S on a Tuesday and a Thursday for a year, which was an
additional day of community Servi￿ over and above the four days we are open normally.
Citizens Advice- Cost of Living
A grant to cover for extending and identrfying advice to dients who presented with issues relating to cost
of living struggles. perhaps debt. behind on Council Tax or rent It did not matter where the client
presented, whether in person at the office, via outreach. via email via telephone. The fund lasts for one
year.
Citizens Advice - OMH
A grant provided via our South Somerset office and pays for two days a V￿ek of one of our advisers.
This deadline for funding is currently open ended.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
24

West Somers•t Advice Bureau
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2024
11
Analysis of net assets beiween funds
Unrestricted funds
General Designated
Reslricted
funds
Tolal
fvnds
2024
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
106,560
135.996
(6.833)
106.560
151,996
(6.833)
6,000
10,000
235,723
6,000
10,000
251.723
Prior year net assets between funds
Unrestricted fvnds
General Dosignated
Restricted
funds
Total
funds
2023
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilrties
107,880
67.872
14,885)
107,880
109,789
(4.885)
35,917
170.867
35,917
212,784
12
Related party transactions
During the year the charity had the following related party transactbons..
J Bates
(Wife of D Bates. Director)
During the year, J Bates provided book-keeping seNices to the company totalling £1,900 (2023.
£1,860) At the balance sheel date the amount due to J Bates was £nil (2023 £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. Al 31 March
2024 the company had six members and the total amount guaranteed is therefore £6.
Prepared By Albert Goodman LLP
25