Company registration No. 07298912 {England & Wales) Charity No. 1137309 North Lancashire Citizens Advice Bureau Trustees, Report and Unaudited Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2024 citizens advlce North Lancashire Gmha An independent member of bakertilly INTERNATIONAL
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU CONTENTS Page Charity reference and administrative details Trustees, annual report Independent Examiner's report to the trusteas Statement of financial activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account} 10 Balance sheet Cash flow statement 12 Notes to the accounts 13
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU CHARITY REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Registered charity name North Lancashire Citizens Advice Bureau (known as Citizens Advice North Lancashire) Charity reglstratlon number 1137309 Company reglstration number 07298912 Registered office Oban House 87-89 Queen Street Morecambe Lancashire LA4 SEN The Trustees A Hatton-yeo (Chairl C Hanna (Treasurer) R Tulej (Vice-chairl D Whitaker J Ashworth M Smyth (Resigned 1 July 20231 C Hartley (Resigned 30 May 2023) R Jones (Resigned 30 May 2023) R Simmons (Appointed 5 September 2023) L Cookson-Rabouhi (Appointed 5 September 2023) L Denison (Appointed 5 September 2023) J Dalton {Appointed 28 November 2023) P Stubbins (Appoinled 28 November 2023) T Dant (Resigned 31 December 2023) Chief Officer J Young (from 1 September 20231 H Greatorex (until 31 August 2023) Independent Examiner MHA 14 Mannin Way Lancaster Businass Park Lancaster LA13SW
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT AS REQUIRED BY COMPANY LAW) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Board of Trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act, submit their annual report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2024, which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors, report and accounls for Companies Act purposes. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, Ihe Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association. and Accounling and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Gharities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021. Structure North Lancashire Citizens Advice Bureau (operating as CitlZ6ns Advice North Lancashire) was incorporated on 29 June 2010 as a company limited by guarantee. The company registration number is 07298912. The Charity is governed by a Memorandum & Articles of Association, dated March 10th 2020 which has been updated as of 7th September 2023 to reflect the correct charity name, in line with requirements from Companies House. This was minuted at our last AGM. The charity registration number is 1137309. The adminislrative details of the Gharity are set out on page 1 of the accounts including the charity's principal office. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were: A Hatton-yeo (Chair) C Hanna (Treasurer) R Tulej (Vice-chair) D Whitaker J Ashworth M Smyth (Resigned 1 July 2023) C Hartley (Resigned 30 May 2023) R Jones (Resigned 30 May 2023) R Simmons {Appointed 5 September 2023) L Cookson-Rabouhi (Appointed 5 September 2023) L Denison (Appointed 5 September 2023) J Dalton (Appointed 28 November 2023) P Stubbins (Appointed 28 November 20231 T Dant {Resigned 31 December 2023) The number of Trustees is governed by the Articles of Association and is fixed at a maximum of 15. The present establishment is 10. Members of management & staff and volunteer representatives may be appointed by Trustees to serve on the Board but have no voting rights. Potential Trustee Board members are provided with an inforrnation-pack, asked to complete an application form and are interviewed by the Board Chair or Vice Chair & at leasl one other Trustee, before membership lo the Trustee Board is proposed. The prospective Trustee will be invited to visit organisation locations. An appropriate process of induction will be undertaken governed by the new Trustee's relative experience and knowledge of Citizens Advice activities. The new Trustee will also complete and sign a confidentiality agreement, declaration of interest, a skills assessment and code of conduct. An information assurance online assessment must be completed, and certificate provided. Health and safety policy and equality and diversity policy will be discussed and agreed.
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT AS REQUIRED BY COMPANY LAW) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Governance and Management The Charity is governed by its Trustee Board which meets quarterly. Certain work is delegated to two sub- committees who also meet quarterly, as follows.. Finance: Oversee the financial leadership of the charity, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, lo ensure its short and long-term viability. Assist the Chair, Trustees and the Chief Execulive in ensuring that the Board fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the Charity. Strategy: Is responsible for ensuring the policies and membership standards are implemented and overseeing the production oflhe Strategic and Business plans. In addition the Remuneration Committee meets annually to discuss staff compensation in line with budget planning. Each Group comprises Trustees, management & staff and reports to the Truslee Board who will have final say on decision making. Citizens Advice North Lancashire is a member ofthe national Citizens Advice network forwhich we pay an annual affiliation membership fee. Membership provides a framework for standards of advice & casework management, governance, strategic planning, risk, financial. people, operational performance, management. partnership working and Research and Campaigns. Operating policies are independently determined by the Trustees of Citizens Advice North Lancashire annually in order to fulfil its charilable objects and to comply with the national Citizens Advice membership rules. The charity also co-operales & liaises with a number of other Gharitable bodies & statutory agencies on behalf of clients. Where one of the Trustees holds the position of trusteeldireclor of another charity they are required to declare it. may take part in discussions regarding that other Gharily, but not in the ultimate decision-making process. The Trustee Board is sensitive lo potential risks to which the charity may be exposed. Each sub-Group is charged with pulting in place processes & systems to mitigate those risks and the Trustee Board will regularly review appropriate risk management arrangements. Day to day, management of the Charity's affairs are given over to the Senior Management Team. made up from the CEO, the Advice SeNices Director and Finance Manager who in turn report to Ihe Board. Objectives and activities The charity's objectives are to promote any Gharitable purpose for the benefit of the community in North Lancashire, by the advancement of eduGation, the protection & preservation of health and the relief of poverty, sickness & distress. To further this purpose, the organisation has offices in Morecambe and Lancaster and in a number of outreach locations for the provision of advice & guidance to people faGed with problems in relation to social welfare law.
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT AS REQUIRED BY COMPANY LAW) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Objectives and activities (continued) The airns of the Citizens Advice North Lancashire seNice are.. to provide the advice that people need for the problems they face provide access to free confidential, impartial advice for everyone wherever they are located in our District maximise use of resources reduce delays in provision of service empower clients to help themselves extend our service throughout the district through partnerships and oulreach and through digital means address the wider determinanls of health to improve unfair policies & practices that affect people's lives The advice provided by the Citizens Advice North Lancashire seNice is free, independent, confidential & impartial, available to everyone. regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion. age, or nationality. 2023124 This year has seen the implementation of our new strategic plan. The key objectives of the plan were as follows- We will ensure that our advice services are accessible to all. We will focus on advice and wellbeing, to ensure positive impacts for Glienls. We will value and build on our partnership working across the Districl. We will value, support and develop our staff, making CANL a great place to work. We will valve, train and celebrate our volunteers who support and enhance our servi. Our Research and Campaigns will have impact IoGally, regionally and nationally. During 2023124 we have secured new funding to allow us to work more Glosely in partnership with other organisalions including Morecambe Bay Foodbank, The Trussell Trust, Lancaster City Council. The NHS (locally via the Bay Medical Group), Macmillan and Cadent. We administer the Household Support Fund in partnership with Lancaster City Council. We have worked hard to improve access to our seNice by diversifying the ways in which people can refer. contact us and receive advice including in person, over the phone, by email and via home visits and drop-in locations across the District. We have focused on improving the employment offer, providing enhanGed holidays and sick pay and looking at remuneration and progression to retain staff. We have renovated our spaces, opening a new office in Lancasler and we have undertaken building work at Morecambe lo creale a better reception area and have repainted and redecorated Ihe interior. Our volunteer Goordinator has had a significant impact. allowing us to welcome new volunteers to CANL to support our seNice, as we, like many charities, lost many older volunteers due to the pandemic. Our Research and Campaigns have focused on the Cost of Living, the inadequacy ofsome benefits and the costs of School Uniform. We know that many of these campaigns have had impact, including references to our work made within Parliament and at the DWP select committee. Some local schools have made changes lo their uniform policies as a result of our research work which was undertaken in partnership with Morecambe Bay Foodbank.
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT AS REQUIRED BY COMPANY LAW) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Objectives and activities (continued) We have increased the numbers of clients coming to us for help in recent months and are able to help more residents than ever before. We intend lo embed our new partnership way of working in the coming year and to apply for further funding to allow our brilliant teams to keep helping as many residents as possible. To maintain operational integrity, day-to-day operating procedures, practices, protocols & documentation, have been standardised and harmonised across all our work. The organisation conforms with the Citizens Advice National Membership Scheme, as well as the Advice Quality Standard in advice and in Gasework and Ihe SpeGialist Quality Mark Scheme where required. We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and we hold Ihe SpeGialist Quality Mark. The organisation achieved the highest rating under Cilizens Advice Leadership and Management audit in 2022. The organisation's quality of advice achieved the highest RAYG raling over the last 3 years. Our Businesslstrategic Planning includes.. risk analysis, financial procedures, training and funding strategy, Research and Campaigns and is regularly reviewed by the Trustee Board. The Trustees of Citizens Advice North LanGashire believe they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006, to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. The Trustees have also confirmed that Ihe major risks to the charity are regularly reviewed. and systems and procedures are in place lo mitigate those risks. Achievements and performance In 2023-4 we helped 7,578 people with 28,348 issues, generating a tolal of £14,939,070 for our IoGal economy. Our clients are mostly women (590/0) and mostly people of working age. Our clients are mostly sick or disabled (64°/0) and are mostly while British. The top issues that we helped with in 202314 were Benefits, Charitable Supporl and Foodbanks, Debt, Utilities and Communications, Housing, Relationship and Family problems, Legal problems and Employment issues. We work across all wards in our District but the highest number of clients come from the 5 most deprived wards: Harbour (now West End) Weslgate Skerton West (now Scale Hall) Poulton Skerton East (now Skerton) What is the impact of our work? We can measure the impact of our work in various ways. Firstly, we can measure direGtfinancial impact, which shows that in 202314 we generated an amazing £14,939,070 for our local economy in maximised incomes, reduced debls, debts wrillen off. back paymenls claimed, appeals supported and challenges given to statutory agencies such as the DWP. We also prevented homelessness which costs our local authority a huge amount of money. Most importantly, these increased amounts of money help people to cope, makes them feel better, prevents foodbank use and otherwise prevents deslitution.
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT AS REQUIRED BY COMPANY LAW) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Achlevements and performance (continued> What is our value to society? Citizens Advice nationally analyses our cases each year and calculates the value of our work to our community in a number of ways. In 202314 the figures are as follows.. Citizens Advice nationally analyses our cases each year and calculates the value of our work to the community. The total public value of our work in 202314 was calculated lo be £20,087,216 Our expenditure for 202314 was £979k meaning that the average cost of seeing a client was £129.18 Each Glienl appointment generated an average of £1,971.37 per client, per year, in maximised incomes Financial review Total income for Ihe year was £875,45012023.' £771,206), and the deficit for Ihe year was £103,632. This deficit arose due to planned expenditure from restricted reserves together with a one-off restructuring charge. The Trustee Board has agreed an unrestricted reserves policy equal to 3 months operating costs which would enable the Charity to maintain a sufficient level of reserves to enable funding of its normal programme of services to clients on a steady-state basis. This would also facilitate an orderly wind-down process in the event such was required. The Trustees have considered the risks in respect of normal operating expenditure, redundancy costs, and restricted and unrestricted income. Citizens Advice North Lancashire enjoys resilient income streams from mulliple, reliable sources and the Truslees believe that the policy of 3 months running costs is suffiGient. At 31st March 2024, unrestricted reserves stood al £334,987 (2023: £375.350) and reslricted reserves were £28,849 (2023.. £92,118). The Trustees will continue to slrive lo manage the Organisation's finances so thal an adequate level of reserves can be maintained, in compliance with the reserves policy. Total free reserves after deduction of fixed assets are £293,952 {2023= £327,498). The Truslees in particular wish to thank and acknowledge Lancaster City Council's support for the work of the charity both through ils core grant but also through the partnership work we do to adminisler the Household Support Fund which has been hugely positive. 'The Trustees also wish to thank the following organisations for their support of the following projects.. The Trussell Trust Morecambe Bay Foodbank Money Advice Service Debt Advice Projecl {MAS DAP - now known as the Money Advice and Pensions Service)- Debt The Henry Smith Charity - Welfare Ber)efits Awards for All from the National Lotlery who have enabled us to renovate our building The Guardian Newspaper Macmillan Cadent Bay Medical Group The Walney Extension Fund The National Lottery Community Fund - Advice Matters in the community.
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT AS REQUIRED BY COMPANY LAW) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Plans for the future Citizens Advice North Lancashire intends to continue the aclivities outlined above, subject to continued funding and to be proactive at taking opportunities for income generation opportunities, especially in the Health arena. We remain alert to the crisis in the cost of living in the context of continued high inflalion, and the need to make the services provided more aGcessible and to ensure we have the right people in the right places lo develop and grow our service. The Truslee Board will continue lo review its own internal operating policies, practices & expenses, in order to optimise the range & scope of client serviGes. This will include the consideration of the means & available hours for client access, publicity & promotion of the work of the charity and the potential for securing new sources of funding for new services. Recruitment & training of volunteers will remain a priority, with new roles identified to meet client needs and implement ourstrategic planning, togetherwith continued training & personal development, where appropriate, of paid and unpaid staff. Further opportunities will be sought for funding and developing collaborative arrangements to seNe Ihe local community, through loGal government departments and with other charitable & support agencies. Statement of Trustees, responsibilltles The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The trustees have taken advantage of the small companies, exemption in the Companies Act 2006. Company law requires the trustees lo prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees ara required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP,. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; slate whether applicable UK Accounting Slandards have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statemenls and., prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS REPORT AS REQUIRED BY COMPANY LAW) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Statement of Trustees, responsibilities (continued) The trustees are responsible for keeping 8dequate accounting records Ihat are sufficient lo show and explain the charity's transactions and 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 assels of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevenlion and detection of fraud and other irregularities. On behalf of the board of trustees (who are also directors under company law) Dr. Alan Hatton Yeo- MBE Chair of Trustees
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 I report on the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 10 to 24. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees oflhe company (and also ils directors forthe purposes ofcompany law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in aGGordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 {'the 2006 Act,). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charilable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respecl of my examination of your company's accounts as carried oul under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('Ihe 2011 Act,). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the charitable company's income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in Section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales (ICAEWI, 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 examinalion giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kepl in respect of the company as required by section 386 of Ihe 2006 Act., or the accounts do not accord with those records., or tha 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 prinGiples of the Slatement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities. I have no concerns and have Gome 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. Jack Steer ACA Independent Examiner MHA 14 Mannin Way Lancaster Business Park Lancaster LA1 3SW
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES {INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Tota I funds 2024 Total funds 2023 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable actimties InStmentS Other income 4,505 352,881 10,526 392 4,505 860,027 10,526 392 3,350 763,283 3,761 812 507,146 Total 368,304 507,146 875,450 771,206 Expenditure on: Charitable actlmties 408,404 570,678 979,082 695,994 Tolal 408,404 570,678 979,082 695,994 Net incomellexpenditurel {40,100) {63,5321 {103,632) 75,212 Transfers between funds 23 {263) 263 Net movement in funds (40,363) (63,269) {103,6321 75,212 Reconciliation of funds: Total fvjnds brought fOard 375,350 92,118 467,468 392,256 Total funds carried forward 17 334,987 28,849 363,836 467,468 The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared. All of the above amounts relale to continuing activities. The statement of finanGial activities also Complies with the requiremenls for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. The notes on pages 13 to 24 form part of these financial statements. -10-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 41,035 47,852 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 13 135,598 469,499 133,520 429,330 605,097 562.850 Credltors: amounts falling due wthin one year 14 (282,296) {143,234) Net current assets 322,801 419,616 Total assets less current lia bi lities 363,836 467,468 Net assets 363,836 467,468 Funds: Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds 334,987 28,849 375,350 92,118 Total funds 17 363,836 467,468 For the year ended 31 March 2024 the Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Trustees, responsibilities: The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts forthe year in question in accordance with section 476., and the trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for Gomplying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounling records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts were approved by the members of the committee and aulhorised for issue on Ihe and are signed on their behalf by.. Dr. Alan Hatton Yeo - MBE Chair of Trustees Company Registration Number: 07298912 The notes on pages 13 10 24 form part of these financial statements.
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 2024 Tota I 2023 Total Cash generated in operating activities 54.289 (60,524) Cashflows from investlng activities Instment income Purchase of tangible fixed assets {10,526) (3,594) (3,761) (25,627) Cash provided by Investing activitles 40,169 {89,912) Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year 40,169 (89,912) Cash and cash equivalents brought fomard 429,330 519,242 Cash and cash equlvalents carried forward 469.499 429.330 Reconciliation of net movement In funds to net cashflow from operatlng activities Net M0ment in funds InStment income received Depreciation Increase in debtors (Decreaseyincrease in creditors (103,632) 10.526 10,411 {2,078) 139.062 75,212 3.761 5,715 (91,461) {53,751) Net cash generated in operating activities 54,289 (60,524) Components of cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand 469,499 429,330 469,499 429,330 The noles on pages 13 to 24 form part of these financial statements. -12-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting pollcles Legal form The charily constilutes a limited company, limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006, incorporated in England and Wales. The address of the charity, the nature of its operations and its prinGipal activities are all detailed in the Trustees, report and charity administrative details pages in these financial statements. Basis of accounting The charity constitutes a public benefit entily as defined by FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies sel out in note to the accounts and Gomply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and AGcounling and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recornmended PractlGe applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in Ihe UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charily. The significant accounling policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. Preparation of the accounts on a going Concern basis The trustees consider the charity to have a sufficient level of working capital to see it through the upcoming months and there is reasonable expectation that Ihe charity has adequate resourGes lo continue operations for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the trustees continue to adopt the going Goncern basis of aGcounting in preparing the financial statements. Taxation The charity is recognised by HMRC as a UK Charity and is entitled to exemptions from corporation tax. Income Donations are included as they are receivable by the charity, except insofar as they are incapable of financial measurement. Grants received to finance the activities of the bureau are credited lo the SOFA in the period to which they relate. Grants received in advance of the period in whiGh the funder requires the expenditure to be applied will be reflected in deferred income within the balanGe sheet. No income is shown net of expenditure. Expenditure Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure has been Glassified under headings that aggregate all costs related lo the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or conslructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost in "other costs" within charitable activities expenditure. -13-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting pollcies (contlnued) Support costs are those which assist the work of the charity bul do not directly represent Gharitable activities and include office costs and governance Gosts. They are incurred directly to support the objectives of the charity. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to a particular heading, they have been allocated on a basis consistent with Ihe use of the resources. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets other than freehold land are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over ils estimated useful life.. Freehold buildings 4 /0 Straight line on original cost value Equipment 25,/0 slraight line on original cost value Fixtures and fittings 25°/o Straight line on original cost value Freehold land is not depreciated. Debtors and Greditors Debtors and Greditors with no stated interest rate and receivable and payable within one year are recorded at transaction priGe. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. Cash and cash equivalents Cash represents cash held on call at banks and cash held in hand. Pensions The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all of its employees. Contributions paid are charged to the SOFA in the period to which they relate. Accumulated funds UnreslriGted funds - these are available for use al the discretion of the Iruslees in furtherance of the general activities of the charity Restricted funds these are subjected to restriclions on their expenditure imposed by the donor. The restricted fixed asset fund represents assets purchased from specifiG grants and funds future depreciation of those assels. Designated fvnds these are allocated out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. The use of such funds is at the trustees, discretion. Financial instruments The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 'Olher Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments but does not currently hold any instruments that are classified as "other" in these financial statements. Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to contraclual provisions of the Instrument. Basic financial assats Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective inleresl method. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. -14-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Accounting policies (contlnued) Impairment of financial ass8ts Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that oGcurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. The impairment loss is recognised in the statement of financial activities. De-recognition of financial assels Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to Ihe cash flows from Ihe asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Classification of finanGial liabilities Financial liabilities and equity instruments are Classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, are initially recognised at Iransaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured al the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company's Gontractual obligalions expire or are discharged or cancelled. Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty In the application of the charity's 8cGounting policies, Ihe trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the Garrying amounl of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevanl. AGtual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions lo accounting eslimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. There have been no significant judgements, except for those involving estimates, made in the process of applying the above accounting policies. There are no other key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty al the reporting date that have a significant risk of Gausing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Income from donations and legacies Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Donations and gifts 4,505 4,505 3,350 4,505 4,505 3,350 Income from donations and legacies included £nil in restricted funds and £3,350 in unrestriGted funds in the prior year. Income from charitable activities Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Tota I 2024 Total 2023 Legal Aid Agency Lancaster City Council Face to Face Debt AdiAce Household support fund Big Lottery Community Fund LIP Access to Justice Foundation Morecambe Bay foodbank Trussel Foodbank Cadent Citizens Representati Social Welfare Homelessness CW Social Welfare CWI Mentor Social Welfare Hardship Bay EHC Project Community Justice Fund Mcmillan Mental health Energy Redress Food juslice Guardian 16,106 236,253 16,106 236,253 94,478 53,522 116,271 39.353 267,500 96.899 94,478 53,522 116.271 115,887 12,894 37, 500 45,000 40,685 26,250 37,500 45,000 40,685 26,250 34,540 49,745 49,000 77,450 5,343 14,672 47,000 47.000 19,214 27,374 5,482 8,415 7,263 41,138 38,076 19,214 27,374 5,482 8.415 7,263 41,138 38,076 352.881 507,146 860,027 763,283 Income from charitable activities included £265,563 in restricted funds and £497,720 in unrestricted funds in the prior year. -16-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Income from investments Unrestrlcted Restricted funds funds Tota I 2024 Total 2023 Interest receiKeble 10,526 10,526 3.761 0,526 10,526 3,761 All income from investments was unreslricted in the prior year. other income Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds Total 2024 Total 2023 other income 392 392 812 392 392 812 All other income was unrestricted in the prior year. Costs of charitable activltles Actlvltles directly undertaken {advice & support) Total 2024 Total 2023 Activity Staff costs Other staff and v)lunteer costs Office costs Premises costs Other costs Disbursements Deprecialion Support Costs (note 8) 703,627 14,833 21,088 768 4,708 4.469 10,411 219,178 703,627 14,833 21,088 768 4,708 4,469 10,411 219,178 488,392 8,257 20,864 521 24,423 4,534 5,714 143,289 979,082 979,082 695,994 Of the expenditure above, £570,678 (2023.. £295.931) related to restricted income funds. and £408,404 (2023.. £400,063) related to unrestricted income funds. -17-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Support costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Office support costs Premises costs Other costs Legal costs Support staff costs Independent examination Other staff costs Trustees expenses 52,341 37,540 13,226 50,819 33,538 138 2,651 51,592 1,298 3,253 113,166 2,820 85 219,178 143,289 Net incomel{expenditure) 2024 2023 Net incomelexpendlture is stated after charglngl(crediting): Depreciation Independent examineffs remuneration.. independent examination fee 10,411 5,715 2,820 1.298 10 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses and the cost of key management personnel 2024 2023 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 742,896 58,086 15,811 497,483 32.158 10,343 816,793 539,984 -18-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 11 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses and the Cost of key management personnel (continued) Particulars of employees.. The average number of employees during the year was as follows: 2024 No 2023 No Number of staff {headcounl) 34 27 We are required by statute to disclose any employees remunerated more than £60,000 in the year. No such salaries were paid in either the current or prior year. The charily trustees were not paid and did not receive any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year {2023- £nil). £85 expenses were repaid to two Trustees in the current year {2023- £nil). Key management personnel at the charity received aggregate remuneration in the year of £110.514 {2023.' £98,671) which includes social security costs and pension contributions. Redundancy payments of £27.000 were paid by the Charity during the finanGial year. 12 Tangible fixed assets Land and Equipment Fixtures & buildings fittings Totals Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions Disposals 71.984 68,854 3,594 29,031 169,869 3.594 At 31 March 2024 71.984 72,448 29,031 173,463 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year Eliminated on disposals 48,048 4,004 62,057 1.866 11,912 4,541 122,017 10.411 At 31 March 2024 52,052 63,923 16,453 132,428 Net book value At 31 March 2024 19,932 8,525 12,578 41,035 At 1 April 2023 23,936 6,797 17,119 47,852
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 13 Debtors: Amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Other debtors Prepayments 119,009 16,589 132,181 1,339 135,598 133,520 14 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Taxes and social security costs Other creditors Accruals 7,053 13,652 246.680 14,911 5,590 11,474 109,865 16.305 282,296 143,234 Included with other creditors is grant income received in advance of £227,47812023.. £92.000). 15 Pension costs The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund. 2024 2023 Contributions payable by the charity for the year 15,811 10.343 15,811 10,343 -20-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 16 Commitments under operating leases As at 31 March 2024 the charity was committed to making the following payments under non- cancéllable operating leases: 2024 Other items 2023 Other items Within 1 year Within 2 to 5 years After more than 5 years 5,098 5,522 5,098 10,620 10,620 15,718 17 Analysis of charitable funds: current year At1 April 2023 At31 Mar¢h 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Unrestricted funds General fvnd Designated fvnd 375,350 368,304 (408,404) 125.263) 25,000 309.987 25.000 375.350 368.304 (408,404) (263) 334,987 Restricted funds Face to Face Community Fund The Henry Smith Charity Awards for All Citizens Representati Foodbank Caseworker {M8ayFB) Foodbank Caseworker ITrusselll Cadenl Caseworker Mcmillan Caseworker Bay EHC Project Mental Health Energy Redress Food justice Guardian Cost of limng 1743) 23.304 47,469 5,309 13,417 {2461 12461 1246) (246) 4,346 94,478 116.271 (93,575) {122,899) (43,400) {5,3091 {39,6671 {37.254) 145,017) 140,439) (27.128) (22,5241 15,482) 15,813) (7.263) (36,832) (38,0761 160 16,676 4,069 26,250 37,500 45,000 40,685 27,374 19,214 5,482 8,415 7.263 41,138 38,076 263 1,036 2,602 4,306 92,118 507,146 {570.678) 263 28.849 Total funds 467,468 875,450 {979,082) 363.836 -21-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 17 Analysis of charitable funds: current year (continued) Restricted funds are analysed as follows: Face to face debt advice - a restricted fund for the provision of debt advice to the local community. This fund was overspent in the year and is sat in deficit. Further income is expected in 2023124 for this fund. Community Fund - National Lottery funding to adapt, extend and expand the work of Citizens Advice North Lancashire in community settings that reach the most vulnerable members of the communities we serve. The Henry Smith Charity- grant funding to provide specialist advice on Welfare Benefits. Awards for All - grant funding for improvements lo the office including painting, carpets and furniture. Citizens Representative- to pilot new Citizen's Representative role, which is to prevent poverty of people with complex needs. Foodbank Caseworker IMBayFB)- Morecambe Bay Foodbank provided a grant to help support people in need of using foodb8nks by providing financial and other advice to help reduce foodbank use in the longer term. Foodbank Caseworker {Trussell) - Trussell Foodbank provided a grant to help identify familiès in danger of needing to use foodbanks in the near future by working in partnership with schools and foodbanks. Cadent caseworker- a grant to enable speGific advice on all energy related matters. Mcmillan Caseworker- a grant to provide financial and other advice to people with cancer and other related illnesses. Bay EHC Project- Morecambe Bay Education Health and Care grant to provide a more intensive level of support for more vulnerable clienls. Mental health - a one year project funded by Ihe NHS to receive referrals from NHS services and from partners in the community to provide advice to assist people with mental health problems, working one- on-one with them to ensure advice, on-going support and advocacy. Energy Redress a two year project lo deliver an independent energy advice service, focussing on the most vulnerable households. Our advice includes issues with energy debt, problems with suppliers and the management of pre-payment meters. Food justice - working in partnership with local organisalions dealing with food and wider support including Food Clubs, Foodbanks the NHS and the District Council. Guardian - a one year project to increase capacity for seNice dèlivery to support clients in daprived areas in innovative ways through the cost of living Grisis. Cost of living a short-term project to help clients through the cost of living crisis by providing additional face to face advice to individuals with disabilities, digital literaGy or language issues and internet connectivity problems. -22-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 18 Analysis of charitable funds: prlor year At1 April 2022 At31 March 2023 Income Expendlture Transfers Unrestricted funds General fund 270,462 505,643 (400,0631 (6921 375,350 270,462 505,643 {400,063) {692) 375.350 Restrlcted funds Face to Face Corllmlsnity Fund LIP AGcess to Justice Foundation The Henry Smith Charily Awards for All Citizens Representati Foodbank Caseworker IMBayFB) Foodbank Caseworker rUsSell) Cadent Caseworker Mcmillan Caseworker Bay EHC Project 96,899 115,887 12,894 (97.642) (111,718) {20,182) {20,304) {4,1911 (39,9131 (2461 {246) {246) (246) (997) {743) 23,304 19.135 6.596 67,773 9,500 18,790 692 47.469 5,309 13.417 {246) {246) (246) (2461 4,346 34,540 5,343 121,794 265,563 1295,931) 692 92,118 Total funds 392.256 771,206 (695,9941 467,468 Details of funds still in place are included in note 17 of the financial statements. 19 Analysis of net assets by funds: current year Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Fund balances at 31 March 2024 ara represented by: Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 41,035 576,248 {282,296) 41.035 605,097 (282.296) 28.849 334,987 28,849 363,836 -23-
NORTH LANCASHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 20 Analysis of net assets by funds: prior year Unrestricted Restrlcted Funds Funds Tota I Fund balances al 31 March 2023 are represenled by.. Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Creditors: amounts falling due in more then one year 47,852 470,732 (143,234) 47,852 562,850 {143,234) 92,118 375,350 92,118 467,468 21 Related party transactions There are no related party Iransactions that require disclosure in the current or prior period beyond the Trustee expenses detailed in note 11. There is no ullimate controlling party in the currenl or prior period. 22 Contingent liability During 2022, the Charity vacated a rented premises and subsequently had an initial demand for dilapidation costs of approximately £50,000. This initial demand is currently subject to negotiation by the Charity with the connected parties, and positive dialogue is being pursued lo arrive at a reasonable conclusion. On Ihis basis, the Charity has not recognised any liability for suGh costs in these financial statements. 23 Fund transfers A transfer to unrestricted funds of £263 was made from Foodbank Caseworker {Trussell). During the prior year a transfer from unreslricled funds of £692 was made to cover the overspend on the LIP Access to Justice Foundation fund which ceased at the year end. 24 Company limited by guarantee Every member guarantees, in the event of the charitable company being wound up, while he, she or it remains a member, or within 12 months of he, she or it ceasing to be a member, to contribute £1 towards the costs of dissolution and Ihe liabilities inGurred by the charity while the contributor was a member. -24-