ANNUAL
REPORT
2023-2024
COMMUNITY
SPACES
NORTHAMPTON
## CONTENTS
|CHAIR’S REPORT|2|
|---|---|
|A NOTE FROM THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR|4|
|CHARITY OVERVIEW|5|
|OUR CENTRES|7|
|COMMUNITY HUBS|8|
|OUR ACHIEVEMENTS|9|
|CHARITY PROGRESS|10|
|ADDITIONAL INFORMATION|11|
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
01
## CHAIR’S REPORT
A great deal of development and change has taken place over the year, with many new initiatives in place which engage and support our communities. There have also been some notable and positive developments regarding our strategic and management processes. As a result of this change,
it seems that CSN has become stronger, more positive, and confident. This lays a very strong foundation for future growth and developments.
## COMMUNITY SERVICES
The cost of living crisis certainly added to extra pressures on the charity. However, our finances have now stabilised and the future looks very positive.
Some of these challenges have been caused in fact by some notable successes. We have increased the number of groups using the centres and the Community Hub programme is now attracting more and more residents requiring support, guidance and access to food, hot meals, clothing and toys.
As a charity we believe in the power of partnerships, and I am pleased to report that our partnership working has become even more established and strong in the town. We have now joined the ICS Local Area Partnership boards to represent the VCSE sector in two areas that our centres are located - the east and west of Northampton. These partnerships are developing strong links between the VCSE sector, local authority, councillors, Public Health, ICS and other statutory services. They will be the place where future developments will take place, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute for the benefit of the VCSE and local community. More on this later in the report.
The advent of the Integrated Care System and place based working offers CSN a real opportunity to develop centres to ensure people and communities are at the heart of health and social care.
There are a number of other significant partnerships that have been developed through the year, including with West Northants Council Communities team and Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire. We look forward to continuing this work and delivering great outcomes within the localities in which we work.
## BUILDINGS
Our buildings of course remain crucial to our charity - without which we would not be able to provide the much needed space for local people to meet, connect, and access services which support their health and wellbeing. We continue with upgrading the centres and making improvements where funding allows.
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
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We are still trying to gain the lease on St Crispin Community Centre along with the management agreement and licences. It is hoped that this will happen soon. The S106 funds to support the centre seem to be uncertain.
We still await any paperwork from WNC on Semilong Community Centre and Bellinge Community House. A great deal of community development work is taking place at both centres and our team has worked hard to turn the buildings, once at risk of closure, into thriving hubs for the community. Although other areas of WNC are supportive, the Assets department has created additional costs and restrictions on gaining leases, leading to difficulties for our charity. We will put forward a robust business plan to try and extend the leases past the 7 year restriction.
## ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
Community Spaces Northampton were thrilled to have been selected as an organisation for support through the national Pilot Light 360 programme. It has been an invaluable experience and has led the Board and staff to analyse in depth and refocus our mission, aims and objectives. The opportunity has enabled CSN to re-evaluate the organisation and its future direction. I would like to thank Pilot Light for all their support, advice and analysis of CSN.
The number of groups, statutory sector sessions, hubs and residents using our centres has dramatically increased over the last two years, as well as the number of volunteers supporting our delivery. Our income streams have also improved. All of this has created extra pressures on management processes and staffing. As such, a review is vital in the future.
## STAFFING
Congratulations go to our Strategic Director, Alice Morgan, and her family on the birth of Myles. We wish them happiness and joy for the future. We are looking forward to her return at the start of the new year, following her maternity leave.
A big thank you to Mo Sonnie for his dedication and taking on the management of all areas of the charity while Alice has been on maternity leave. Jo Morris has also made a very valuable contribution to the running of the Hubs and the expansion of our Community programme, as well as developing our reporting systems. I would like to thank her for the commitment and energy she has brought to our charity to make sure our community programme reaches those who need it the most.
I would like to thank our enthusiastic and dedicated staff and volunteers for all of their hard work, energy and commitment. The Board of Trustees has had to make some challenging decisions this year, and bring valued and important advice and expertise to our charity. I would like to thank them for their commitment, dedication and input.
## TOBY BIRCH
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES | CO-FOUNDER
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
03
## A NOTE FROM THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR
When reflecting upon the past year, I have been trying to find a word to sum it up. Whirlwind, perhaps. Sometimes, unfortunately, ‘fire-fighting’ may be more appropriate, as we kept things going for our communities through difficulties and pressures experienced in the Voluntary and Community Sector. But really and truly, these descriptions do not do justice to how hard our team have worked, how dedicated they have been, and how much of an impact they have made.
Through the pages of this report, you will read of the numbers of people within our communities across Northampton that we have supported to access warmth, food, clothing, connection, advice and support in our Community programme regardless of their background or circumstances. Everyone has a right to these things, and this is why I am proud that our centres are here for all - we are a place for everyone needing us to come together. And on top of this, we saved two community centres at risk of closure, ensuring they stayed open for the benefit of local people.
This huge increase in demand has led to challenges for us as such a small charity. Our total of 7 employees, including our caretaking team, worked tirelessly to make sure we delivered time and time again.
With this in mind, perhaps the word should in fact be perseverance.
I will be taking my maternity leave in 2024 and wish the charity and our team the best of luck for the year ahead. I look forward to returning in 2025 to continue our charity’s mission.
ALICE MORGAN STRATEGIC DIRECTOR
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
04
## CHARITY OVERVIEW
## PURPOSE
Our charity’s purpose, as set out in the objectives contained in the company’s Memorandum of Association is to: -
- Promote the benefit of the inhabitants without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, race, or of political, religious, or other opinion, by associating together the said inhabitants and the statutory authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education, and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare, or recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants.
- To establish, or secure the establishment, of community centres and to maintain and
- manage the same (whether alone or in co-operation with any statutory authority or other person or body) in furtherance of the objectives.
## VISION
Thriving community centres throughout Northampton, where local people are resilient, engaged and feel supported.
## AIMS & OBJECTIVES
We believe in building a strong sense of community around our centres, cocreating opportunities and services with local residents. We are working to inspire social action around our centres, focussed on empowering people to take an active role in the community and to foster a sense of ownership over each Community Space.
- Accommodate a range of activities that are relevant, accessible and affordable for local people
- Provide a welcoming, safe and supportive environment that responds to local needs Encourage local partnerships and networks that reflect the diversity of communities Support local people to improve their health and wellbeing
- Support the development of new initiatives and groups
- Encourage active participation in the life of the local community Nurture an ethos of trust and mutual respect
- Promote and organise co-operation between local residents, voluntary and community organisations, statutory bodies and other agencies for the benefit of the local community.
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
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## OUR DEFINITION OF A ‘COMMUNITY CENTRE’
The term ‘Community Centre’ covers facilities that provide opportunities for social interaction, health activities and exercise, recreation, events, interest based courses, meeting spaces, youth groups. The organisation is proactive in determining needs, innovative in meeting the requirements of the local community and open to all groups within the community. The centres are there to provide a space for activities built around the needs of local people and are welcoming, inclusive and encourage a sense of belonging.
Our aims, objectives and activities are reviewed annually. The review also considers what has been achieved and the outcomes from the initiates that have been actioned. The success of the engagement activities, initiatives and development can be shown to demonstrate how the charity is improving and enhancing the lives of people living, working or learning in the community. Through our feedback from groups and events, and liaison with residents and stakeholder groups we can ensure that we have a range of activities that are relevant, accessible and affordable for local people.
Many new initiatives have been started in response to local needs. The review helps us to ensure our aims and objectives remain focussed on our stated purposes.
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
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## OUR CENTRES
We now proudly manage ten community spaces across nine locations in Northampton.
The two latest additions are Bellinge Community House, which operates as a separate space next to our Bellinge Community Centre, and Semilong Community Centre. Both of these spaces were at risk of closure, due to charity restructures and closures in the town. We have been able to step in and keep them open for the benefit of the local community. We await longer term tenancy agreements from West Northants Council to ensure we can keep these centres open, at a time when shared community space is needed more than ever.
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
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## COMMUNITY HUBS
Our Community Hub programme has grown from strength to strength over the year, led by our Community Hub Coordinator Jo Morris. Jo has transformed the Hub programme, bringing with her extensive experience in inclusive community engagement. Hubs currently run in three locations: Briar Hill, Bellinge and Semilong.
The key themes and issues discussed at during Community Hub sessions over the last year illustrate the diverse range of challenges and needs within the community.
## FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND DEBT MANAGEMENT:
- A significant number of visitors sought assistance with financial matters, including Universal Credit (UC) applications, Council Tax arrears, and Debt management.
- Concerns about Benefit Caps and the need for Discretionary Housing Payments were prevalent among visitors facing financial hardship.
- Debt collectors, Budgeting, and accessing emergency funds through Food Banks were recurring topics of discussion.
## HOUSING AND ACCOMMODATION:
- Housing-related issues emerged as a prominent concern, with discussions revolving around Eviction notices, Homelessness, and Emergency accommodation.
- Visitors expressed challenges with housing maintenance, including Boiler repairs, Leaks, and Disputes with housemates.
- Tenancy management and access to suitable accommodation, especially for vulnerable individuals, were highlighted as areas needing attention.
## HEALTH AND WELL-BEING:
- Both physical and mental health issues were frequently discussed, with visitors seeking support for conditions such as IBS, shingles, toothache, and mental health crises.
- Accessing healthcare services, including mental health support and disability assistance, posed challenges for some visitors.
- Concerns about substance abuse, including cocaine and alcohol, were raised alongside discussions about access to medication and treatment.
## **Community Engagement and Activities:**
- Despite facing challenges, visitors actively engaged in community events and activities,
- including job fairs, education programs, and leisure pursuits such as yoga classes and gaming nights.
- Volunteer work and participation in community initiatives were viewed as opportunities for social connection and personal development.
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
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## OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
**----- Start of picture text -----**
145 Hub
4152 visits
sessions
to our Hubs
provided
1488 free
hot meals
provided
315 referrals 40
made for volunteers
support recruited
**----- End of picture text -----**
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
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## CHARITY PROGRESS
## PILOTLIGHT
We were thrilled to have been selected to participate in the Pilotlight 360 programme this year. The experience, while challenging at times, has been transformational for our charity and has supported us to begin our journey towards sustainability and security for the future. This process has included:
- Redefining the identity of the charity, so that it expresses what it does today, and is fit for purpose for the future strategy. This covers our aims, objectives, mission, vision and Mem & Arts.
- Aligning with the Board on the Strategy Impact map, particularly looking at how the charity prioritises itself for the greatest impact.
- A major review of staffing and how we work with volunteers. Developing and embedding management processes and systems for review, risk register, KPIs and financial reporting.
## PARTNERSHIPS
We continue to believe in the power of partnership working, and invest time in strengthening and multiplying these relationships for the benefit of our communities. Operationally, We are long standing members of Locality, and have joined Chamber of Commerce this year, which has proved to be very beneficial for advice and support. We also receive support from HCR Hewitsons, providing updates on charity law.
We have developed a partnership with Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire. CSN is a founding member of the ‘Power of Small’ collaborative set up by VIN to provide support and a much needed voice for small charities.
WNC has signed a co-host agreement with CSN to develop and engage with residents in Briar Hill. This is also being established in Bellinge and Semilong. They have also appointed Community Development Workers to work alongside CSN in increasing the provision and engagement in these areas. This is a welcome development since there will also be funding attached.
We have now joined the ICS Local Area Partnership boards to represent the VCSE sector in two areas that our centres are located - the east and west of Northampton. These partnerships are developing strong links between the VCSE sector, local authority, councillors, Public Health, ICS and other statutory services. They will be the place where future developments will take place, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute for the benefit of the VCSE and local community. We have strong links with Spring Social Prescribing and the GPA Alliance.
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
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## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
## PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT
The trustees have paid due regard to the charity commission guidance on public benefit. The trustees are confident that CSN’s aims, objectives and activities accommodate a range of activities that are relevant, accessible and affordable and improve and enhance the lives of people, whilst encouraging and developing partnerships and networks, and are in accordance with the regulations on public benefit.
## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
The organisation is a charitable company, limited by guarantee, incorporated on 1st November 2011, and registered as a charity on 11th April 2012. The company was established under a memorandum and articles of association, which defines its objects and powers, and is governed by its articles of association.
The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the memorandum and articles of association and the statement of recommended practice – accounting and reporting by charities (SORP 2005) issued in March 2005.
All the trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity.
## ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The organisation is led by the board, who meet at least 6 times per year. During these meetings consideration is given to strategic direction and policy of the charity. The Strategic Director and Finance, Resource & Operations Manager attend to discuss strategy, present reports and to take direction from the board. Consideration is given to updating the business plan, future opportunities and assessing, and mitigating where possible, potential and known risks to the charity.
The charity has put in place systems to encourage new volunteers in areas where the community centres are located. There has been a focus on volunteering policy, development and activities to enable this to be undertaken. Volunteers have helped in improving the centres through decoration, development and involvement in community activities and Community Hubs.
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
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## PRINCIPAL FUNDING SOURCES
Our main income source is self generated through room hire rental income of the centres. In the current financial climate, as a charity we have needed to increase room hire fees in order to offset some of the rising costs of energy and operations.
The move towards a community hub model, working with a range of organisations in both the public and private sector will create greater opportunities for income generation.
Careful control of our finances has led to us being in a more stable and sustainable position.
## RESERVES POLICY
The trustees have set, in conjunction with the Finance, Resource & Operations Manager, a reserves policy that requires reserves to be maintained at a level which ensures core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty, and that a proportion of reserves be maintained in a readily realisable form. The trustees assess the required level of reserves on an annual basis, alongside the operating budget.
COMMUNITY SPACES NORTHAMPTON | ANNUAL REPORT 2023/24
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**Registered number: 7831065**
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
**Report and financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2024**
**Natalie Green & Co Chartered Accountants 7G Mobbs Miller House Christchurch Road Northampton NN1 5LL**
1
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Legal and administrative information**
## **Registered charity number: 1146849**
## **Registered company number: 07831065**
## **Trustees:**
Toby Birch Jane Birch Damon Boughen Ben Francoise Jessica Pilkington Gary Youens
## **Registered office** :
Unit 1, St. Crispin Community Centre St. Crispin Drive Northampton NN5 4GJ
## **Independent examiner** :
Natalie Green Natalie Green & Co Chartered Accountants 7G Mobbs Miller House Christchurch Road Northampton NN1 5LL
## **Bankers** :
HSBC 22 Abington Street Northampton NN1 2AN
2
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Trustees’ report for the year ended 29 February 2024**
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act, present herewith their report and the financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
## **Structure, governance and management**
The charity is a registered charity and a charitable company limited by guarantee.
Community Spaces Northampton is governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The liability of members is limited. The members of the company are the trustees. The members have the power to appoint and remove trustees of the charity.
The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and having reviewed them have developed systems and procedures to manage those risks.
## **Objectives and activities**
The objects of the charity are set out in the articles of association. The principal object is to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Northampton and the neighbourhood by means of advancing education and providing facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure-time occupation, with a view to improving the conditions of life for the inhabitants.
To this end the charity maintains, manages and develops the work of eight community centres in Northampton for the benefit of the local communities.
The articles of association give the charity the powers to do anything which is calculated to further its objects or which is conducive or incidental to doing so.
In planning activities, the trustees keep in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
3
**Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Trustees’ report for the year ended 29 February 2024 - continued**
## **Achievements and performance**
Details of the income and expenditure for the year are set out in the statement of financial activities on page 5 of the annual report. Activities continued to return to normal following previous statutory closures of the community centres due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The charity received total grants of £19,733 during the year. Total income from all sources for the year amounted to £302,742 and total expenditure amounted to £320,132. The deficit arising of £17,390 has been transferred to reserves.
## **Statement of trustees responsibilities**
The trustees, who are also directors of Community Spaces Northampton for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102);
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by
## **T Birch**
Date: 22 November 2024
4
## **Independent Examiner’s report to the Trustees of Community Spaces Northampton**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 29 February 2024 which are set out on pages 5 to 12.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## **Natalie Green**
Chartered Accountant 7G Mobbs Miller House, Christchurch Road, Northampton, NN1 5LL. Date: 22 November 2024
5
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Statement of financial activities including summary income and expenditure account for the year ended 29 February 2024**
|11
**Total funds carried forward at 29/02/2024**
Total funds brought forward at 01/03/2023
Net (expenditure) for the year (as above)
**Net (expenditure)/income**
**Total expenditure**
3
Other costs
2
Governance costs
**Expenditure on:**
**Total income**
Bank interest
Investment income
Rentals from room hire
Activities for generating funds
Sundry income
Donation
The Neighbourly
Demidav Ltd
Co-operative Stores (restricted)
Lords Group Trading
Northants Community Foundation (restricted)
Northampton Town Council
West Northamptonshire Council (restricted)
West Northants Council Coronavirus grants (restricted)
West Northamptonshire Council for St Crispins
Voluntary income - grants
**Income from:**|60,247
77,637
(17,390)
(17,390)
320,132
316,610
3,522
302,742
1,003
280,899
1,107
36
3,555
390
3,163
-
4,964
7,100
525
-
-
**£**
**2024**|285
216,973
2,047
--
-
-
-
5,000
4,990
6,000
11,254
270
1,000
**£**
**2023**|
|---|---|---|
|||247,819|
|||296,592
9,935|
|||306,527|
|||(58,708)|
|||136,345
(58,708)|
|||77,637|
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. All gains and losses recognised in the year are included above.
The above incoming resources relate to unrestricted funds, with the exceptions of certain grants as indicated above. These grants amount to £8,652 and represent restricted income.
The above resources expended relate to unrestricted funds, with the exception of other costs in the sum of £8,494 which were met from restricted income.
The net expenditure for the year and the fund balance carried forward comprise both restricted and unrestricted funds, as detailed in note 11 to the accounts.
6
## **Community Spaces Northampton - Registered company number: 07831065**
## **Balance sheet as at 29 February 2024**
|**Total funds**
11
General funds
**Unrestricted funds**
11
**Restricted funds**
**Funds**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Net current assets**
10
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Cash at bank and in hand
9
Debtors
**Current assets**
8
Tangible assets
**Fixed assets**
**Notes**|60,247
51,134
9,113
60,247
54,198
(67,781)
121,979
85,858
36,121
6,049
**£**
**2024**|10,619
**£**
**2023**|
|---|---|---|
|||96,571
37,519|
|||(67,072)
134,090|
|||67,018|
|||77,637|
|||68,682
8,955|
|||77,637|
For the year ending 29 February 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors’ responsibilities:
- The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
- The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the trustees on 22 November 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
**T Birch Director**
7
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2024**
## 1 **Accounting policies**
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 (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice.
## **Company status**
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the trustees named on page 1. In the event of the charity being wound up the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity.
## **Fund accounting**
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in 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 particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.
## **Income recognition**
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
## **Expenditure recognition**
Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
## **Irrecoverable VAT**
Irrecoverable VAT is charged to the category of resources expended for which it was incurred.
8
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2024 - continued**
## 1 **Accounting policies - continued**
## **Pension costs**
The charity has contributed to a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. The costs of contributions are written off against net income in the year they are payable.
## **Depreciation and amortisation**
Depreciation has been computed to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets over their expected useful lives on a straight line basis using the following rates:
|Office equipment|20% or 10% per annum|
|---|---|
|Heating systems|10% per annum|
## 2 **Governance costs**
|Independent examiner’s fees (see note 7)
Legal and professional fees
**Other costs**
Depreciation
Bank charges
Miscellaneous costs
PRS and PPL licence
Bad debts
Repairs, maintenance and cleaning
Telephone
Office expenses and community development
Insurance
Water
Rent (lease payment)
Heat, light and power
Staff costs (see note 4)|3,522
2,580
942
**£**
**2024**
316,610
4,570
1,277
4,746
2,672
1,142
50,893
6,827
13,862
3,328
2,418
1,728
63,551
159,596
**£**
**2024**|9,935
2,580
7,355
**£**
**2023**
296,592
4,596
905
4,712
2,665
(3,162)
46,303
6,014
4,586
2,595
4,520
1,728
77,007
144,123
**£**
**2023**|
|---|---|---|
## 3 **Other costs**
9
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2024 - continued**
## 4 **Staff costs**
|**Staff costs**|||
|---|---|---|
|Average number of staff (in addition to trustees)
Employer’s pension contributions
Wages and salaries and social security costs|7
159,596
6,513
153,083
**£**
**2024**|5,801
138,322
**£**
**2023**|
|||144,123|
|||6|
No employees had emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2023: none).
## 5 **Trustees remuneration**
The trustees did not receive any remuneration or expenses payments during the year.
## 6 **Pension costs**
The company contributes to a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £6,513 during the year.
## 7 **Independent examiner’s fees**
|- prior year over-accrual
- other
- independent examination
Fees payable to independent examiner:|2,580
(960)
2,940
600
**£**
**2024**|(960)
2,940
600
**£**
**2023**|
|---|---|---|
|||2,580|
10
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2024 - continued**
|8**Tangible fixed assets**
10,619
At 28 February 2023
6,049
At 29 February 2024
**Net book value**
41,840
At 29 February 2024
4,570
Charge for the year
37,270
At 1 March 2023
**Depreciation**
47,889
At 29 February 2024
-
Additions
47,889
At 1 March 2023
**Cost**
**£**
**Equipment**
9**Debtors**
36,121
1,156
Other debtors
1,488
Prepayments
33,477
Trade debtors
**£**
**2024**
10**Creditors - amounts falling due within one year**
67,781
17,238
Accruals
50,543
Trade creditors
**£**
**2024**|-
47,889
**£**
**Total**|
|---|---|
||47,889|
||4,570
37,270|
||41,840|
||6,049|
||10,619|
||-
1,488
36,031
**£**
**2023**|
||37,519|
||12,678
54,394
**£**
**2023**|
||67,072|
11
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2024 - continued**
## 11 **Statement of funds**
|1**Statement of funds**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**Net**|**Transfer re**||
||**At**|**incoming**|**reclassify as**|**At**|
||**01/03/2023**|**resources**|**unrestricted**|**29/02/2024**|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Restricted funds**|8,955|158|-|9,113|
|**Unrestricted funds**|||||
|General reserve|68,682|(17,548)|-|51,134|
|**Total funds**|77,637|(17,390)|-|60,247|
The general reserve represents the free funds of the charity which are not designated for specific purposes. The restricted funds at the year end represent the unexpended portion of restricted grants and comprise £9,113 relating to the Rectory Farm garden project.
## 12 **Lease commitments**
At the balance sheet date the company had annual commitments under operating leases relating to land and buildings. The total future minimum lease payments are as follows:
|- later than five years
- later than one and not later than five years
- not later than one year
Payable:|31,104
22,464
6,912
1,728
**£**
**2024**|24,192
6,912
1,728
**£**
**2023**|
|---|---|---|
|||32,832|
## 13 **Related party transactions**
There were no related party transactions requiring disclosure during the year (2023: none).
## 14 **Contingent liabilities**
At the balance sheet date there are potential liabilities arising in respect of unbilled historical water rates charges. These relate to certain unread meters. Accruals have been made in the accounts on the basis of reasonable estimates, but it is possible that there remain unrecorded liabilities, and these cannot be quantified at the time of approval of these accounts.
12
## **Community Spaces Northampton**
## **Notes to the financial statements**
## **for the year ended 29 February 2024 - continued**
## 15 **General Information**
Community Spaces Northampton Registered number 7831065 is a private company limited by guarantee and is incorporated in England & Wales. The Registered Office is Unit 1, St. Crispin Community Centre, St. Crispin Drive, Northampton, NN5 4GJ.
## **Issuer**
Natalie Green & Co
**Document generated** Fri, 22nd Nov 2024 17:38:57 GMT
**Document fingerprint** c97c336c20f53c393598ba1b4a4014c2
## **Parties involved with this document**
## **Document processed**
## **Party + Fingerprint**
Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 10:54:50 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 14:22:14 GMT
Mr Anthony John Birch - Signer (afa3c6691b7c5dcc7dd925e717bc0e80) Natalie Green - Signer (14481192487133b43bcb97e3a692caef)
## **Audit history log**
## **Date**
## **Action**
Fri, 22nd Nov 2024 17:38:57 GMT
Fri, 22nd Nov 2024 17:38:57 GMT
Fri, 22nd Nov 2024 17:38:57 GMT Fri, 22nd Nov 2024 17:38:57 GMT Fri, 22nd Nov 2024 17:39:03 GMT Fri, 22nd Nov 2024 17:39:03 GMT Fri, 22nd Nov 2024 17:39:03 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 10:38:31 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 10:52:32 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 10:54:50 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 10:54:50 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 10:54:50 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 10:54:51 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 14:21:54 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 14:22:14 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 14:22:14 GMT Sat, 23rd Nov 2024 14:22:14 GMT
Envelope generated with fingerprint 2ce801c0e5c3a59e05bd74e9babe4c3b18.133.63.166 Document generated with fingerprint c97c336c20f53c393598ba1b4a4014c2.18.133.63.166 Mr Anthony John Birch has been assigned to this envelope.18.133.63.166 Natalie Green has been assigned to this envelope.18.133.63.166 Envelope generated
Sent the envelope to Mr Anthony John Birch for signing Document emailed to party email18.175.49.176 Mr Anthony John Birch viewed the envelope213.120.55.118 Mr Anthony John Birch viewed the envelope213.120.55.118 Mr Anthony John Birch signed the envelope213.120.55.118 Sent the envelope to Natalie Green for signing213.120.55.118 Document emailed to party email3.8.145.223 Mr Anthony John Birch viewed the envelope213.120.55.118 Natalie Green viewed the envelope81.130.229.18 Natalie Green signed the envelope81.130.229.18 This envelope has been signed by all parties81.130.229.18 Natalie Green viewed the envelope81.130.229.18