85 Yearsof citizens advice Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Annual Report 2023/24 citizens advice West Suffolk COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 07645392 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1144118 Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited financial statements 31 March 2024 Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Financial statements Year ended 31 March 2024 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors, report) 1-12 Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) 13 Balance sheet 14 Statement of Cash Flows 15 Notes to the financial statements 16-23 Independent examiner's report to the Trustees 24 Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors, report) Year ended 31 March 2024 The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charityfor the year ended 31 March 2024. Chair's report Lastyear we reported that our keyfocus had been adapting the Citizens Advice West Suffolk service to reflectthe growing demand for our help in light of the economic landscape. In 2023124we built on those changes whilst also needing to focus strongly on securing additional funding to replace grants for time-specific projects which were reaching their conclusion. Clients continued to seek our help in increasing numbers, with support to identify and apply for benefits being the most frequent driver for using CAWS for the second year in a row. We helped more clients and handled a greater number of issues than ever before. The majority of advice continues to be delivered by telephone and email, enabling us to serve an increased number of clients and particularly those who are not local to our ofrices or have transport or mobility difficulties. However, 2023124 did see a gradual increase in the number of hours where face-to-face appointments were made available across our region's offices, and in the offices of Brandon Town Council who kindly continue to provide us with a base from which to operate. Carol and her colleagues continue to manage effectively the challenging balancing act of maximising the support we provide to clients with the funds that are available. As always, we are exceptionally grateful to the local District Councils, County Council, and our project funders. without whose support we could not continue to deliver the service which is so key to many in our local community. We are particularly appreciative of a new approach from West Suffolk Council who have now confirmed ongoing grant funding for three years as opposed to renewing this annually. The additional certainty in relation to a large tranche of our core funding makes effective forward planning easier. As always, our heartfelt thanks go to all of our staff and volunteers, including trustees, who are at the core of all we do and without whom we could not help those who need and value our assistance. Mary Porch Chair of the Board of Trustees, Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Att 2011 and Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFR5102} leffettive 1 January 2015) las amended by Update Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016). Reference and administrative details Registered charity name: Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company registration number: 07645392 Charity registration number: 1144118 Registered Office: The Risbygate Centre, 90 Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3AA. Principal Places of Business.. Bury St Edmunds: The Risbygate Centre, 90 Risbygate Street Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3AA. Haverhill.. Haverhill House, Lower Downs Slade, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 9HB. Brandon.. The Old School House, Market Hill, Brandon, Suffolk, IP27 OAA. Mildenhall: Mildenhall Hub, Sheldrick Way, Mildenhall. Suffolk, IP28 7JX. Newmarket.. Foley House. Wellington Street, Newmarket, suffolk, CB8 OHY. Trustees The Trustees who served during the year and at the date of approval were as follows: M Porch {Chairl P Holland Ivice Chairl C Knight (Treasurer) R Bolton M Finn A Howard (Resigned 26 March 20241 A Mayer K Nicholls (Appointed 20 September 20231 B Peters (Resigned 26 March 20241 M Simpkin (Resigned 18 July 20231 M Walker J Wilkie Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors, report) (continuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Management team Ms C Eagles (Chief Executive Officer) Ms J Albini (Business Development Manager) Ms S Bradbury (Operations Manager) Msj Chatt (Office Manager) Independent examiner Mrjames Knights Bsc ACA Kn ights Lowe Limited Chartered Accountants Eldo House, Kempson Way, Suffolk Business Park, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7AR. Flnancial Institution5 CAF Bank Limited. 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME194JQ. Cambridge and Counties Bank Limited. Charnwood Court, 5B New Walk, Leicester, LE1 6TE. Cambridge Building Society. Head Office, P O Box 232, Cambridgeshire, CB5 8FF. Flagstone Investment Management. 17th Floor, New Zealand House. 80 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4EL. Nationwide Building Society. Nationwide House, Pipers Way, Swindon. SN38 1 NW. Monmouthshire Building Society. Monmouthshire House. John Frost Square, Kingsway Centre, Newport, NP20 1 PX. Hinckley and Rugby Building Society. Upper Bond StreeL Hinckley, Leicestershire, LE10 1 NZ. Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (Incorporating the directors. report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives and Activities Aims and Principles Citizens Advice West Suffolk provides free, independent, confidential, and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. It values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. The charity provides information and advice to all who need it but aims to target resources in more detailed help and casework to those who are least able to help themselves, whether due to language, mental health, age or disability, or short-term difficulties such a5 homelessness or lack of money. We also work to improve the policies and prattices that affett people's lives, through representing unfairness and difficulties faced by clients, to those able to make a difference in law and procedures, in government or elsewhere. Citizens Advice West Suffolk values their wide range of volunteers and recognises that they are the strength underpinning the organisation and seeks to promote supported volunteering as a route to develop employability skills and confidence, leading to a healthier and stronger community. Objectives The Trustees review the Charitys Business Development and Operation Plans on a regular basis, and at least annually. to recognise the achievements of the year and agree the objectives for the following year. The main objective for the year ending 31 March 2024 was to continue to provide an efficient and effective advice and information service to the local community and our attivities were targeted to meet that purpose. Theworkwas carried out by a team of volunteer advisers and specialists providing advice bytelephone, email, and face-to-face appointments. We provided advice on 14 key areas- benefits, consumer, debt, education, employment, finance, health, housing, immigration, legal, relationship, tax, travel, and utilities. In addition to generalist advice, mentioned above, both specialist advice and casework were available: Specialist Welfare Benefit Advice - form filling, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals. Housing Advice Projett- housing support for homelessness, evirtions, rent arrears, landlord disputes and disrepair. Supported Advice Project- focused support for clients affected by poor mental health, with specific projects for 65+ and 16-25-year-olds. Energy Advice - one to one advice on.. charitable support for energy costs, carbon monoxide awareness, managing fuel debts and energy efFiciency measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation. MS Society Project- specialist support for people affetted by Multiple Sclerosis. Long COVID Projett- support to patients referred by the Long COVID Clinic at West Suffolk Hospital. Specialist Child Support Agency Advice support with maintenance payments and challenging decisions. Specialist Employment Advice - negotiations with employers and Employment Tribunals. Specialist Immigration Advice - including spousal visas, Leave to Remain, British Citizenship, financial requirements, and the corrett use of forms. Specialist Money Advice - consideration of debt management options including Breathing Space, debt management plans, bankruptcy, debt relief orders and IVAS. Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report {incorporating the directors, report) (continuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 How Our Activities Deliver Public Benefit Our main activities and who we try to help are described above. All our charitable activities focus on providing the advice people need for the problems they face and are undertaken specifically to provide public benefit. The Trustee Board have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and have complied with the duty in sertion 4 of the Charities Act 2011 . Contribution of Volunteers The charity's success could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of volunteers and staff. The Trustee Board and senior management team recognise the tremendous contribution made by the charity's volunteers in advising the public and administering the service without which the service could not operate. As of 31 March 2024, the service employed 25 paid worker5115.8 FTEsl12022123: 25 paid workers, 1 S.6 ￿ES), and was supported by 76 volunteer512022123: 57 volunteers). Volunteers represent the indispensable core of the service for without them, there would not be a Citizens Advice West Suffolk seroice. The volunteers contributed 21,080 hours in 2023124. This may be expressed as an annualised value of £726,619 12022123.. £689,845). However, their value is inadequately expressed in monetary terms. Indeed, volunteers bring many skills to the sepJice 3nd very often the experience gained through volunteering helps them to return to employment or education. Achievements and Performance The key achievements of the charity in 2023124, in line with the Business and Development plan.. Passed our year two audit to maintain our Advice Quality Standard and accreditation to the Money Advice and Pension Framework 5,712 unique clients assisted 39,633 individual activities including face-to-face appointments, phone calls and emails 26,515 advice issues handled including benefits, debt, housing, employment, relationships, energy £2,032,900 of income gained for clients £1,068,211 of debt managed 1,080 clients helped with 2,305 housing i55ue5 674 clients helped with 1.483 charitable support issues including food parcels, oil, supermarket vouchers, and household goods 783 clients with poor mental health helped by the Supported Advice Team generating an income of £746k for clients 85 clients affected by Multiple Sclerosis helped with an additional £173k of income awarded 60 clients affected by Long COVID assisted with 625 i55ue5 182,608 people potentially reached through the Long COVI D awareness raising campaign Started the MOJ Finance, Benefits and Debt Project for male probationers 25 office Pcs replaced so they could be upgraded to Microsoft Windows 11 Obtained Cyber Essentials accreditation Continued to develop the phone and email service and introduced face-to-face reception opening in Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket to ensure the service remains fully accessible Introduced a mediation service for neighbour disputes Moved the Brandon office from privately rented space into Brandon Town Council Offices Provided a quarterly newsletter to stakeholders in West Suffolk and East Cambridgeshire Contributed to a quarterly Suffolk Citizens Advice newsletter to funders. Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Plans for the Future A key priority for the Trustee Board for 2024125 is to continue to deliver a 5UStainable seniice that meets the needs of the whole community. We need to expand our service provision to help the growing number of people who need our assistance as they continue to feel the impatt of inflation and high interest rates. We will continue to diversify our funding streams ro increase our sustainability which will enable us to build a service that is resilient. We recognise the challenges involved in Short term project funding and, where possible, will secure longer term funding to enable us to effertively plan. We will offer our funders value for money, whilst never compromising on the high-quality serJice that our clients expect and deseNe. There is a three-year Business Development Plan with detailed emphasis on the currentyear. The Operations Plan is a living document with KPIS, which is updated as the needs of the community and the charity change. The Chief Executive Officer reports on the progress of the plan at every Trustee Board meeting. The specific focus this year will be to: Increase our capacity to help more people by recruiting more volunteers and training them to provide high qualify advice. Develop the skills and expertise of existing volunteers, trustees, and staff to ensure their knowledge remains up to date and they have opportunities to advance their careers. Pass our year three audit to renew accreditation to the Advice Quality Standard and the Money Advice and Pension Framework. Explore the use of Artificial Intelligence {All within our administration functions to make our processes more efficient and effective. Seek additional funding to continue and extend our Supported Advice Service for clients affected by poor mental health. Develop our inward and outward referral processes With our partners particularly the Primary Care Networks. Launch our Income-max Project providing advice and support to older people. Continue to work with the Cambridge. Ely, and Newmarket MS Group and the Bury St Edmunds MS Group to support people affected by Multiple Sclerosis. Work with Citizens Advice East Suffolk and the Ministry of Justice to deliver the Finance, Benefit and Debt service to male probationers. Continue to work towards reducing the impatt our organisation h35 on the environment. Develop Research and Campaigning within the organisation. We will use clients, evidence to influence and change policies and prattices at a local and national level with attention focused on the cost-of-living crisis. Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors, report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Financial Review The Note5 to the Financial Statements are shown on pages 16-23. The key points are.. Income in the year amounted to £759,72412023: £602,278) this included £403,43012023-. £255,136) related to project restricted activities. Expenditure in the year amounted to £680,55812023'. £604,848). The highest cost related to staff salaries for our 25 employed staff amounting to £493,501 {2023: £434,138). This resulted in a surplus of £79.16612023: deficit of £2.5701 Fundraising Activities and Principal Funding Sources The principal funding sources were as follows: West Suffolk District CDuncil122%), suffolk County Council15%1, East Cambridgeshire District Council {3%1. The Trustees extend their gratitude to our principal funder5 Wlth whom we share many strategic objectives and who continued to support the core operating capacity of the charity. In addition, project-specific funding was received from the following: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, MS Group in Cambridge, Ely and Newmarket, National Lottery Community Fund, Nationwide Building Society, Ministry of Justice, SLJffolk Community Foundation. The charity did not have any borrowings from either a provider of funding or other sources at the Balance Sheet date. Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors, report) {¢ontinued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Reserves Policy The Trustees have reviewed the reserves of the charity. This review encompassed the nature of the income and expenditure streams, the need to match income with fixed commitments, the risks associated therewith and the nature of the reserves. The review concluded that.. The charity IS dependent on core fund provider5 to meet fixed annual commitments and other short-term fund providers for specific projects. The Trustees have reviewed the potential expenditure that could arise should a significant reduction in income be incurred and have determined that free unrestritted reserves should be maintained at be￿een six to nine monthg budgeted expenditure. The Trustees are aware of the financial pressures experienced by our major funders and our dependence on them and have taken this into consideration in establishing the reserves policy. As of 31 March 2024, the total unrestritted re5eNe5 amount to £435,62412023.' £365,698), although there were £140,000 of designated reserves within this figure. This is within the agreed range and therefore the Trustees consider that the position is under control and meets its objertives. The Trustees have continued to maintain a prudent approach to the management of the finances during the year. Designated Reserves The unrestricted funds of £140.000 have been designated with the aim of ensuring the charity's sustainability by making provisions for the replacement of equipment, for fulfilling our contractual commitments, for maintaining our premises and moving if necessary. Investment Activities The charity's funds are spent on delivering and developing the free advice service to the local community- The reserves were held during the year in accounts with various financial institutions, the details of which can be found on page 3. The charity does not currently hold any other material investments. Governance. Strurture and Management Governing Document Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 24 May 2011: Company No. 07645392, Charity No. 1144118. The Company is governed under its Articles of Association. The charitys objects are to promote any charitable purpose for the public benefit by the advancement of education, the protection and preseriation of health and the relief of povety, sickness, and distress in particular, but without limitation, for the benefit of the community in West Suffolk and surrounding areas. In furtherance of its objetts the charity has power to establish and conduct local Citizens Advice offices as centres to provide a free, confidential, and impartial service of advice, information, and counsel for the public. In the event of the company being wound up every member (including members who ceased to be members within one year priorto such winding upl would be required to contribute to the company's assets an amount not exceeding £1. At 31 March 2024, the company had 13 individual members12023.' 14 individual}. Suffolk West Citizens Advico Bureau is also known and referred to as Citizens Advice West Suffolk. Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors, report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Trustee Recruitment and Appointment Trustees are either initially co-opted by the Trustee Board and then elected to the Board at an Annual General Meeting within three years of co-option or elected directly at an Annu31 General Meeting. Any elettion lasts for three years. and a Trustee can be re-elected to serve up to a maximum of 12 years. Trustees, who are also directors of the company, are elected from the local community and must either reside or work in West Surfolk or the Surrounding area. A formal interview process is followed for all applicants with an interview panel comprising of three Trustees or the Chief Executive Officer. References are taken for all new Trustees. A separate process, agreed by the Trustee Board, is followed for the election of the Chair. Trustee Indurtion and Training New Trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the Business Development Plan and the recent financial performance of the charity. They also meet employees, volunteers, and other Trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training and Citizens Advice events to develop their knowledge for the role. The Trustee Board hold regular Away Days with senior staff to discuss sepdice delivery, strategy and future plans. Appraisal of the Trustee Board The Trustees conduct an annual performance appraisal using a Citizens Advice template. Action is taken on any areas under performing to ensure the Trustee Board conforms to best practice. Organisational Structure The Trustee Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and the policy of the charity. The Trustees carry ultimate responsibility for the conduct of Citizens Advice West Suffolk and for ensuring that the charity satisfies its legal and contractual obligations. Trustee5 meet at least ten times a year. and delegate the day-to-day operation of the organisation to a paid Chief Executive Officer, The Trustee Board has assigned responsibilities amongst the Trustee group to allow workload to be shared and to give a clear point of contact for senior staff. The Trustee Board is independent from management. A register of members, interest5 is maintained at the registered office and is available to the public. All Trustees and key employee5 have declared that they are a "fit and proper person" to be involved in the running of a charity. The Trustee Board regularly reviews its effectiveness and the use of committees. There is one committee, the Operations Committee, with working groups initiated to discu55 specific issues. The Operations Committee reports to the Trustee Board. Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors, report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Operations Committee The committee meets monthly ahead of each Trustee Board meeting and is responsible for- Addressing any issues that need detailed discussion prior to presenting to the Trustee Board. These include finance, infrastructure, property, HR, contracts, and strategy. The Committee does not have any decision-making powers other than in exceptional circumstances. The Trustee Board fully ratifies any decisions made under these arrangements. Membership: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Governance Lead and Chief Executive Officer. Related Parties Citizens Advice West Suffolk is a member of Citizens Advice, the national association for the Citizens Advice service. With effectfrom April 2015 Citizens Advice Bureaux became known as Local CitizensAdvice ILCAI and Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau became known as Citizens Advice West Suffolk (CAWS). The charity also cooperates and liaises with many other advisory seniices, local charities, trusts, councils and system partners on behalf of clients. Audit process The charitable company is annually audited by Citizens Advice using a Performance and Quality Framework. Everythree years the charity receives a full audit to ensure compliance with the Advice Quality standard (AQSI and the Money Advice Seniice Debt Advice Quality Framework IMASDAQFI. The RedJAmber/Yellow and Green IRAYGI scoring system is used to mark each of the five key areas: Quality of Advice Assessment. Client Experience. People Management. Leadership. Financial Health Monitoring. Quality of Advice Assessment - every quarter the charity self-assesses a selection of cases which are then checked by a Citizen5 Advice auditor forthe quality of the self-assessment and quality of advice. Client Experience - a selection of clients 15 contacted by email or text after the advice process to assess their satisfaction with the sen/ice and the advice provided. People Management- an annual survey is sentto all staff and volunteers to ask people abouttheir experiences, identify whavs working well and see where improvements can be made. Leadership the Trustees annually solf-assess how well the charity is run and whether it 15 delivering good quality serdices. The self-assessment is checked by an auditor from national Citizens Advice. Finoncial Health quarterly financial reports are provided to national Citizens Advice which are assessed against the budget and the reserves policy. A comparison is provided with other LCA in the family group. In March 2024 the charity had its year two audit and is continuing to score green in all five areas. 10 Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors, report) fcontinuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Risk rnanagement The Trustees have reviewed their procedures considering corporate governance guidance contained within the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities,. Organisational risk is assessed within the Business Development Plan. The plan considers potential changes to the environment in which the charity is working and highlights how these could impact on its services. The organisation faces a range of operational risks and the key to successful risk management is to identify potential risks, the likelihood of them occurring and then mitigate their impart. The Risk Register 15 a formal statement of the charity's risk management strategy and how the impact of potential risks can be minimised. The Trustees and the management team have given detailed and careful consideration of the risks. Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau's objertives, it5 internal organi53tion, and the environment in which it operates are continually changing and as a result, the risks It face5 are not constant. Organisational success derives, in part, from successful risk taking and so the purpose of internal control is to help manage and control risk appropriately rather than to eliminate it. The following measures will help minimise the risks: The Trustee Board recognises it5 role as the ultimate authority on the governance of the organisation and the management team and staff recognise that they operate with delegated authority Effective appraisal and supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and management team Reviewing client, staff, and volunteer feedback to improve or adapt the service to meet the need5 of the community Regular case checking, Independent File Reviews, and training to ensure quality of advice Handling complaints promptly and effectively keeping complainants informed throughout the process Good communication between volunteers. Staff, the management team, and the Trustee Board The effective use of probationary periods,. staff and volunteer supepJision and appraisal., and policies to promptly identify and deal with issues of concern Regular review and analysis of statlstics to ensure targets are met Maintaining good relationships with funders to identify potential funding opportunities and challenges Building strong relationships with partners to optimise joint working Ensuring adequate financial reserves Monthly financial monitoring against annual budget Maintaining independence and political neutrality to avoid conflitts of interest. 11 Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. annual report (incorporating the directors. report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Statement of Internal Control The Trustee Board oversee the information security of all the personal information and special category data that is processed, including the personal information of our clients, staff, funders, and strategic partners. Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau hold joint responsibility for client data that is held in our case management system with the national Citizens Advice Serdice. An information assurance management team exists to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of all personal and sensitive data is maintained to a level which is compliant with the requirements the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protertion Act 2018. Small company provision5 This report has been prepared taking advantage of the small companies, exemption of section 415A of the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees, annual reportwas approved on 161hoctober 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of Trustees by: CQ4LL C Knight ITreasurerl Trustee 12 Suffolk West Cltizens Advice Bureau Company Number 07645392 Charity Numbor 1144118 Statement of Financial Activities (Including an Income and Expenditure Account) For the Year Ended 31st March 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Note Total 2023 Income and endowments from: Donations and Gifts 8,234 12.518 8.234 6,904 Other Income Activities in furtherance of the charity'5 objects 12,518 14,757 Local government grants Other Grants and income 320,605 194,613 320.605 403,430 322,095 255,136 208,817 Bank interest 14.937 14.937 3,387 Total income and endowments Ex enditure on: Cha ritable activities Bureau operating costs Management and administration Total expenditure 550.907 208,817 759.724 602,278 461.532 6,494 468,027 211,597 935 673.130 7,429 680,558 597.244 7,604 604,848 212,532 Net income/(expenditure) before tra nsfers Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Fund balances brought forward from 1 st April 2023 Fund Balances carried forward at 31st March 2024 82,881 -37.355 45.526 -3,715 37.355 33.640 79,166 -2,570 79.166 -2,570 365.698 8.645 374.343 376,913 411,224 42,285 453,509 374,343 All the above results are derived from continuing activities. All gains and losses recognised in the year are included above. 13- 5ulfolkWest Citizens Advice Bureau Company Number 07645392 Charity Number 1144118 Balance Sheet As at 31st March 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Asset5 Current Assets Debtors and prepaid expenses Cash at bank and in hand 12.592 618.697 631.290 8,418 517,414 525,832 Creditors: amounts falling due within one ear -177,781 -151,491 Net Current Assets 453,510 374,343 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 453.510 374,343 Funds: Unrestrirted Restricted Total Funds 435.624 17,884 453,509 365,698 8,645 374,343 The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuantto section 476 of the Act. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for: ensuring that the company keeps proper accounting records which comply with settion 386 of the Act, and complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to small companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS 102 SORP. These financial statements were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on 16th October 2024 and are signed on their behalf by: C Knight Treasurer Company number 07645392 14- Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Company Number 07645392 Charity Number 1144118 Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 March 2024 Note 2024 2023 Cash flow from operating activities Cash flow from investing activities Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets I nterest received Net cash flow from investing activities Net increaseldecrease in cash and cash equivalents 101.283 5,711 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2023 517.414 511,705 Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2024 618697 Cash and cash equivalents consist of: Cash at bank and in hand 618697 517414 15- Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Accountin Policies General information and basis of aration.. Suffolk West CAB is a charitable company registered in England. Its address is given in the charity information on page 2. It operates Citizens Advice Bureaux for the benefit of the community in West Suffolk and surrounding areas. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. 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 IFRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)-{Charities SORP {FRS 10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Art 2006. The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note to the accounts. re Income: Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the itemlsl have been met, it is probable that the income wil I be received, and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Grants receivable.. Revenue grants are credited as incoming resources when they are receivable provided that conditions for receipt have been complied with. Voluntary income: All voluntary income which is received by way of donations, gifts and fundraising events is included as income on receipt. Ex enditure: Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required. and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is al located between: Expenditure incurred directly to the fulfilment of the charitys objertives. Expenditure i ncurred directly in the effort to raise voluntary contributions. Expenditure incurred in the management and administration of the charity. Any expenditure which cannot be specifically identified as direct charitable expenditure or fundraising expenditure is included in the management and administration function of the charity- Pensions: Prior to auto-enrolment, employer contributions were made through a group policy with Standard Life which is no longer offered to staff. Personal contributions are not deducted from staff pay, but members make individual arrangements for direct debits with Standard Life. Following the charitys staging date for auto-enrolment in May 2017, NEST became our main pension provider into which staff are automatically enrolled if eligible, with employee dedurtions from pay. 16- Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements {Continued} For the Year Ended 31st March 2024 Accountin Policies Continued Leases: Rentals paid under operati ng leases are charged against income as incurred. Office Refurbishment and E ul ment . Expenditure on office refurbishment and equipment with a value below £1,000 is charged against revenue when incurred. Items over £1,000 are capitalised and depreciation is charged at 20% per annum straight line. Ca ital Purchases.. New items of equi pment over £1,000 will be capital ised and fully depreciated within the year of purchase. Fund Accountin General funds are unrestricted funds which a re avai lable for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for pa rticular projects having regard to the nature of funding a nd costs associated with providing services or completion of the project. Any surpluses or deficits are transferred to non- designated unrestricted funds or met from non-designated unrestricted funds on cessation of the service or completion of the project. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes in the Trustee's Report on page 6. Restricted funds are funds whi ch are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the fina ncial statement5. rants In accordance with 50RP recommendations, grants receivable before 31, March 2016 relating to future periods have not been treated as deferred. Material grants received during the period, other than Local Authority revenue grants are detailed in note 4. Donations: Unrestricted funds: Donations received from individuals and corporate bodies amounted to £8,234. 17- Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31st March 2024 4 Statement of Funds 01.04.23 Income Expenditure Transfers 31.03.24 General Reserve Designated Funds Designated Total Unrestricted Funds 225,698 550.907 468,027 -12.954 295,624 140.000 365.698 550.907 140.000 435,624 468,027 -12.954 Restricted Funds Fincap Training MS Society Supported Advice Nationwide Equity in Mind 16- 25 Equity in Mind 65+ Cost of Living 6.665 1.980 16.830 10.977 12,517 1.980 18.323 71.593 32,369 25.001 18.729 25,974 16.513 108.647 34.778 21.615 20,002 -1.808 37.054 2,409 3.386 1.273 -25,974 Total Restricted Funds 8,645 208.817 212,532 12.954 17.884 Total Funds 374,343 759.724 680,558 453,509 -18- Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements (continued} For the Year Ended 31st March 2024 5 Bureau O eratin Costs Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 Salaries, NSC and pensions Staff and volunteer Office costs Premises costs Other 336,868 7.152 55,388 62,415 -291 156,632 493,501 318 7.470 25.074 80.462 29,384 91,799 189 -102 434,138 6,026 69,411 87,597 72 461.532 211.597 673.130 597,244 6 Mana ement and Admin Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 Insurance Annual General Meeting Secretarial salary Governance 400 400 389 3,350 3.289 400 196 3,350 3,658 389 3.350 2.355 935 6.494 935 7.429 7,604 19- Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 7 Restricted Funds Movement 2024 Donation received Local government grants Othergrants and income 208,817 Total Incoming Resources 208.817 Bureau operating costs -211,597 Management and admin -935 Total Resources Expended -212.532 Net {outgoingl resources before transfers -3,715 Transfers between funds 12.954 Opening balance at 1 April 2023 8.645 Balance at 31st March 2024 17,884 -20- Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements (continued} For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 Lease De 8 Ex enses osit Debtors and Pre aid 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepaid expenses 7.589 5.004 6,209 2,210 12.592 8,418 9 Cash at Bank and In Hand Cash at Bank Cash in Hand 618,652 45 517,369 45 618.697 517,414 10 Creditor Trade creditors Taxation and Social Security Accruals and deferred income 14,386 7.954 7,771 7,462 155.441 136,258 177,781 151,491 11 Ca ital Commitments The Charity had no capital commitments at 31 March 2024, (31 March 2023, £Nil). Trustees, Ex 12 Remuneration nses and Trustees are invited to submit claims for travelling and incidental costs associated with attendance at Board meetings, training and other meetings attended on the Charity's business. Claims were made during the year and payments to Trustees amounted to £43,12023, £2831. 21- Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 13 Anal sis of Net Assets between Funds Restrirted Designated General Total Fixed Assets Current Assets Current Liabilities 17,884 140.000 473,405 -177,781 631.290 -177.781 17.884 140.000 295.625 453.509 14 Em lo The average number of employees during the year was 2612023, 26) and the total emoluments for the year amounted to: 2024 2023 Gross Pay Employer's NIC 452,869 32,391 485.260 402,842 28,329 431.171 Employer's contribution to pensions Std Life 8.876 2,714 496.851 -5000 11,318 442,488 -5000 Less EA 491.851 437,488 The emoluments were shown in the notes to the accounts as follows,. Bureau operation cost (Note 5) Management and Administration Secretarial salary 493.501 434,138 3,350 3,350 491.851 437,488 The pension scheme is a defined contribution scheme. No staff received remuneration at or above £60,000. 22- Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For the Year Ended 31 March 2024 15 Tan ible Fixed Assets Office and Computer Equipment Cost Total As at 1 April 2023 Additions Disposa Is As at 31 March 2024 79.091 79,091 79.091 79,091 Depreciation As at 1 April 2023 Charge for the year Disposals As at 31 March 2024 79.091 79.091 79.091 79,091 Net Book Value As at 1 April 2023 As at 31 March 2024 16 Control of the Charit The Charity is controlled by the Board of Trustees. Reconciliation of net incomelex 17 activities enditure to net cash flow from o eratin 2024 2023 Net income for the year 79,166 -2,570 I nterest received Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Increaseldecrease in debtors I ncreaseldecrease i n cred itors Net cash flow frorn operating activities -14.937 -3,387 -4.174 1,093 23- Independent Examiner'5 Report to the Trustees of Suffolk West Citizens Advice Bureau I report on the accounts of the companyfor the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on page5 13 to 23. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ("the 2006 Acn. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and that an independent examination is needed. The charitys gr055 income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified to undertake the examination by beinga qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Act,- follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515)Ibl of the Charities Act- and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Dirertions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whetherthe accounts present a'true and fairview'and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connettion with my examination, no matter has come to myattention which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with 5ettion 386 of the Companies Att 2006,- or the accounts do nat accord with such records,. or the accounts do not comply with the relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination: or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102). 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. Approved on the 16th October 2024 by Jame sc ACA Knights Lowe Limited Chartered Accountants Eldo House, Kempson Way, Suffolk Business Park, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7AR. -24-