LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED Registered Company No. 5828180 (England and Wales) Registered Charity No. 1146500 ACCOUNTS 31ST MARCH 2024 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 CONTENTS PAGE Report of the Trustees Statement of Financial Activities 10 Balance Sheet 11 Notes to the Accounts 12 Independent Examiners, Report to the Trustees 19 Page 1 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 The Trustees, who are also Directors of the charity for the purposes of Company Law, present Iheir annual report together with ihe accounts for the year ended 3 1st March 2024. They are prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note I to the accounts and coniply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Accounling and Reporting by Charities: Slatemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1st January 2019). OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objects and aclivity The charity'5 objecls are.. the relief of unemployment for Ihe public benefit in such ways as may be ihoughi fil including assislance to find employment. the relief of poverty through the provision of advice, infonnalion and legal represenlalion. The beneficiaries of Ihese object5 are all adults who live in the Unitary Authoriiy of Lulon and the surrounding area within Bedfordshire, The Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing their aims and objectives and in planning future activilies. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute lo the aims and objectives they have set. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Luton Rights is a registered charity in Luton, dedicated to providing local residents, especially ihe vulnerable. with high-quality free advice, casework, and representation. Our services include specialist welfare benefits, community oulreach, family medialion, HMCTS support, and partnerships with Luion Borough Council, Citizens Advice Luton, Luton Law Centre, and Lulon Irish Forum, as part of Luton Access. The Luton Access partnership continues to receive financial support from the Community Investment Fund, adniinistered by Bedfordshire and Lulon Community Foundation. This funding enables us to provide core services lo residenls. However, the funding has been reduced compared to pre-COVID times, making il challenging io mainlain these services. A new three-year funding programme starting in April 2024 ha5 been agreed upon, with a 50/0 reduction year on year from 2025. The three year funding model will provide stability as it allows us to plan services according to our income. However, the year on year reduclion in real ternis, means services may have to be cut accordingly. The fiscal year 2023-2024 has been challenging due to increased demand for our services, driven by the financial difficulties residents face from the rising cost of Itving. The Beds and Luton Community Foundation remained our primary source of income. In January 2023, funding from SEMLEP ceased, leading to the planned closure of our employment support project. This has been a significant Ios5 for both our organisation and Luton residents, who continue lo experience disproportionately high rates of unemploymenl and economic iiiactivity. Throughout the year, Specialist Welfare Benefits Advice and Casework were provided from Commiiniiy House and specific outreach localions. Family Mediation services continued from King Street. Page 2 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE fcomfinued) In 2023-2024, we introduced a dedicated adviceline, which was successful. However, many people seeking advice preferred in-person support due lo additional barriers. We have decided to keep the phone advice option available during our opening times to manage and sustain the service with our limited resources. A small grant from the Community Juslice Foundation enabled us to provide additional outreach resources to help clients with form filling, a significanl need in the community. The demand for forni filling and online claims remains very high. Since June 2022, Luton Rights has partnered wilh We Are Group io offer online assislance with HMCTS forms. This partnership has allowed us to create additional revenue streams while offering supplementary services like free divorce application assistance, which clients would otherwise have to pay for if using a private firm. The overall demand for Specialist Welfare Benefits far exceeds our limited resources, resulting in a continuing waiting list. We express our gralilude to our staff and volunteers for their hard work in supporting our service users during ihls difficult time. We also Ihank our service users for their understanding and cooperation. Finally, we extend our thanks to our partners and funders for their continued support. During the year, Luton Righls has provided: Specialist Welfare Benefits advice and casework, including appeals and representation at tribunals. Community outreach advice at the Centre for Youth and Community Development and Bury Park Community Centre. focusing on increasing access lo advice for the mosl vulnerable and disadvanlaged. Family mediation services for Lulon resident5 who are Separating or fa¢ing divorce. Cost of Living project, providing holistic advice and casework to individuals facing hardship due to the cost-of-living crisis until December 2023. HMCTS Digital Support in partnership with We Are Group, providing online support for individuals with His Majesty's Courts and Tribunal Service's foms. Digital Supporl Projeet, addressing digital exclusion by supporting individuals with their online claims and PToviding those in data poverty wilh mobile SIM cards, allowing them six months of free calls and dala donated by the Good Things Foundalion, During the year Luton Rights provided direct intervention for 1,870 clients Compared to 1,547 from the previous year. Specialist Welfare Benefits account for 800/0 of all Luton Right5 work. 543 clients were seen in community Outreach locations for advice. Page 3 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE feonlinued) The breakdown by issue is as follows,. Welfare Benefits HMCTS Su ort Housin Famil Mediation General Total 1496 164 85 80 45 1870 Total Financial Gains for clients: Luton Rights, clients received £5,432,415 worth of Welfare Benefits that they were entitled to but were unable to access without direct intervention from our advisers. This is a substanlial increase from the previous year of £3,874,511 which could be attributed to the additional support provided by compleling benefit claim fornis for those who are not able to do so themselves. Data taken from our records shows we worked with: Gender profile Male Female 470/0 530/0 Age profile Over two thirds of clients seen were between the ages of 35 and 64. with the next largest group over 65. Under 17 17-24years 25-34 years 3549 years 50-64 years Greater than 65 330/0 35% Age Profile Under 17 17-24 25-34 35-49 50-64 Greater tlian 65 Page 4 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (coThllnMedJ Ethnlefity profile 58 % of clients were of South Asian heritage. The next highest is White British with 14 % . This increase in clients from Ihe Soulh Asian Community is due to the targeted outreach work which being carried out within the deprived communities in Luton. Ethnicity Profile Unknown Other Romany, Gypsv.. Chinese h Black OtheT Black Afiican Bl&k C3Tibbean Asian Other Ban8lade5hi Paknstani Indian Mixed White White Other White Irish Eastern European 0.0% 5.0% i0.￿ty 15.( 20.Q 25. 30.Cp)6 35.Cl% Disability & work-limitlDg illness Luton Right5 SUPPOrted 753 clients (some 400/0 of overall total) who identified themselves as being disabled or suffering from debilitaling illness. 860/0 of clients idenlified as unfit for work. Employment Status 40.Q 35.ce6 30.(YX 25.(X6 20.¢JJ6 15.Ce6 io.c Page 5 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 FUNDING The following granls and project revenues were received during the year: Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation (BLCF) - CIF BLCF - Community Recovery Fund OFFA We are Digital Training Limiled East of England Probalion Region Grants BLCF- Collaboration Fund Other Grants and Fees 106,711 6,666 13,000 6,175 6,174 3,750 6,426 148,902 FINANCIAL REVIEW The resulls of the charity for the year are set out in ihe Slatement of Financial Aclivilies on page 10. Overall the charity had a deficit for the year of £21,089 (2023 - £6.182). Investment powers and policy Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the charity has the power to invest in any way the Iruslees wish. Reserves policy Unrestricted funds In accordance wilh guidelines issued by the Charity Commissioners, the Trustees have adopied a policy regarding reserves lo ensure that sufficieni finance is available to adequately respond to Ihe polential for a curtailment or cessation of operations in the event of a significant variation in funding. The level of reserves is considered and reviewed at regular intervals by the Trustees. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Strategic Development Plan 2025-28 A fully costed plan will be dcvclopcd sn collaboration with our stakeholders to provide a clear vision with an operational strategy underpinned by sustainability. Specialist Welfare BeDefits advice Luton Rights will continue to work as part of Luton Access, collaborating with Citizei)s Advice Luton, to support clients who are referred after inilial assessment for specialisl welfare Benefits advice, and particularly, those clients who are most vulnerable. The curreni demand far outstrips capaciiy and as such, we will be seeking additional funding to increase resources in this area. Page 6 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 PLANS FOR THE FUTURE {conlinued) Fa￿llY Mediation Luton Righis will continue providing faniily medialion and has Irained a member of staff working towards accreditalion as a mediator. The service provides Legal Aid mediation to those who qualify for Legal Aid, Community Outreach Advice Luton Right5 have been successful in partnership bid with Cilizens Advice Luton and Luton Law Centre from National Loltery. This project will commence from January 2025 for 5 years and will Luton Rights to provide a distinct outreach provision in ihe community with the capacity to expand Ihe provision into oiher community locations. HMCTS Digital Support Service Luton Righls has partnered with We Are Group {formerly known as We Are Digital) to support people remotely and face to face with HMCTS forms. This project started in June 2022 and Luton Righis will be working collaboratively with We Are Group io expand on the digital support offer. His Majesty's Prison & Probation Service Projecl commenced January 2024 for 18 months and Luton Righis will be working towards sustaining Ihe project beyond the lifetime of the Current funding. Access Foundation - Digital Skills Training Projecl coInmenced June 2024 for l year to train l 00 individuals with basic digital skills and Luton Rights will be aiming to suslain this project beyond the lifetiine of the current funding. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing documenl The charity was fomied in March 2003 &s an unincorporaled charity which was registered with the Charity Commission. It was incorporated on 24th May 2006 as a company limited by guarantee, and was re-registered with the Charity Commission on 22nd March 2012. The governing instruments currenlly in force are the Memorandum and Articles of Association, There are currently 5 members (2023 - 5), each of whom agrees to contribute £10 in the evenl of the charity winding up. Appointment of trustees Truslees arc appointed by the members at the Annual General Meeting, which is nornially held in December. Page 7 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (continued) Trustees induction and training All new Trustees are given an inductlon pack to keep. These packs are reviewed and updated regularly. The pack includes:. Governing do¢unient Standing orders Sels of recent board papers and minutes and dates of nexl meelings Ternis of reference of committees, sub-committees, working groups Annual Reports and accounts for the previous three years Policy documenls including equal opportunilies and fjnancial control Brief history of the organisalion Struclure of the organisation - committees, sU1￿COMmittees, working groups, user groups, staff Staff structure Centre managers job description Inforn]ation about premises Publicity Business plan Task descriptions of Trustees and Honorary Officers A profile of Trustees and conlact details A Trustee Guide giving guidance on roles and responsibilities of Trustees OrganisatlOD The names of the Trustees who served during the year are set out on page 8. The Trustees meet on a regular basis and the day to day management of the charity is delegated to the Centre Manager. Management committee The Luton Rights Management Committee is a committee of the Board of Trustees and as such is answerable to it. The commiltee is established for an annual terni every year. Should the Board not be able io place confidence in the work of the management committee during the year, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) niust be Called for the committ¢e to be disbanded. As part of the renewal process, the Board must assess the work done by the managemeni commiltee against Ihe requirements of ihe Board. Purpose of management committee To provide Luton Rights Board of Trustees with the views, oplnions and knowledge of the wider community in Lulon to ensure the work of Luton Rights remains representative of and reflects the needs of the wider community. The management commiltee will provide an advisory servA¢e to the Board of Trustees. To provide the Tole of "critical friend" Ihrough receiving reports and making commenls on the plans, delivery and impact of Lulon Rights work, making recomm¢ndations and raising concerns where necessary to the Board of Trustees. Risk management The Trustees carry out an annual review of the risks which the charity may face, have established systems and procedures to mitigat¢ any risks identified and minimise any potential impacl should any identified risks materialise. P•ge 8 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Registtred Comp8Dy Nfr. 5828180 (England and Wales) R¢gi4ttred Charity No. 1146500 Trustees D Billington P Cowan MBE R CartMTipJ)t Clir S Goodchild O Ajayi Chair Treasurer Comp*tsy Se¢r¢lgry Cllr S G(MMlchild M*nAgemeTrt And Development Mrs R Chowdhury Centre Manag¢r M*ts*%emeni Committee M Keaney Clir David Frank5 Cllr B&sii Mahmood Cllr Yarun Begum Cllr BabatundL Aji501a Tariq Haidtt Ali Ak]akul Islain (Resigned December 20231 IAppoin¢¢d May 20231 (Resigned May 20241 (Appointed May 20241 IAppoinied Deceinber 20231 IAppoinled May 2024) (Appointed May 2024) Lulon Trsdes Coun¢il Staff Represenlalion Volunieer R¢pres¢nlalion RtRi5tered OtTlce 2nd Floor Unilc House 28 King Strttt Luton Beds LUI 2DP IndependeDt Examiner Tara Aldwin ACA FKCA Limited 260- 270 Butt¢rfield Great Marlings Lulon LU2 8DL B#Dkers Unity Trust Bank PO Box 7193 Planetary Road Willenhall WVI 9DG Page 9 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 The Repoi-t of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance wilh tlie special provisioiis for small companies under Part 15 of the Coinpanies Act 2006. Signed, on behalf of the Board, P Cowan Trustee 15 New Bedford Road Luton Beds LUI ISA ! ?lJ.O LLV Page 10 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2024 Tot#1 Funds 2023 Total Funds Unrestrieted Restricted Fund5 Tr"unds Note Income from: Charitable activities.. 6.666 106,711 113,377 119,457 39,972 SEMLEP OFFA We are Digital Ti'aining l.imited Access to Juslicc Foundation East of. England Pi'obatioii Region Gi'ants Other grants and fees Total 13,000 6,175 13,000 6,175 3,745 12,196 6,174 6,174 10,176 148,902 10,176 36,017 3,055 178,425 112,885 Expcnditurc on: Cl)ai'ilable activilics 57,106 57,106 112,885 112,885 169,991 169,991 184,607 Total 184,C)07 Net movenient in funds (21,089) (21,089) (6,182) Reconciliation of funds: Balaiicc brou&yht forward at l %t April 2023 Balance carried forward at 31 st Jlqarcl) 2024 133,046 133,046 139,228 111,957 111,957 133,046 Page 11 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 ST MARCH 2024 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets 613 595 CURREi%T ASSETS Dcbtors Cash at bank and in liand 32.507 85.983 118,490 15,785 121,254 1.37,039 LESS: CURRENT LIABILITIES Liabilities: amounts t"alliiig due within one year 7.146 4,588 NET CURRENT ASSETS 111,344 132,451 'ET ASSETS 111.957 133,046 Unrcsli'ictcd: General Dcsignated 62,346 70,700 10 111,957 Restricted TOTAL FUNDS 111,957 133,046 Thc charity is entitled to exemption from aiidit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the yeai. ended 31 st March 2024. Tlie members hal'c not requii'ed tlie charity to obtain ali audit of its accounls for tlie year ended 31 sl March 2024 in accoi'dance willi Scction 476 of thc Coinpanics Act 2006. The trustees acknowlcdge thcir rcsponsibilitics for (a) ensuring tliat the chai'ity keeps accounting records that coniply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Coinpanics Act 2006 aiid {b) preparing accouiits which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as al the end of each financial year aiid of its sU￿lUS or deficit for each financial ycar in accordance with tl)e requirements of Section 394 and 395 and wliich otherwise comply ivith the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating lo accounts, so far as applicable to the chai-ity. Tliese accounts liave been prepared in accordance witli the special provisions for sinall companies uiider Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. Approved by the TrllSt¢es on and signed on theÉr behalf by= P Cowan Trustee fc/4 Coinpany Registration Number.. 5828180 Page 12 LUTON RIGHTS LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES {a) Basis of preparation (i) The accounts have been prepared under the historical cosl convention. {ii) 'riie accounts have been prepared in accoi-danee Hiith Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Pi'actice applicable to charities preparing Iheii- accounts in aLcordancc witli Ihc Finaiicial R¢porling Slaiidard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effeclive 1st January 2019) and tlie Companies Act 2006. (iii) Tlie chai-ity meets the dcfinilion of a public benefit enlity undei. FRS 102. (iv) Tlie presentation currency of tlie accounts is in Pounds Sterling {£), wliich is thc funclional curi'ency of the charity. {b) Company status The charity is a company limiled by gTiliifdntee. The members of the cl)arity are the trustees named on page 8. In the event of tlie cliarity being WOLind up, the l iabi l ity in resPCLt of tlie guarantec is limited to £ l O per mcmber of tlie cliarity. (c) Fujid accounting (i) Tlie cli