We are pleased to enclose your annual accounts.
REGISTERID COMPANY NUMBER: 08227390 {England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUIVIBER: 1150892 Lightwaves Community Trust Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements Year Ended 30 September 2024 SMH Jolliffe Cork Ltd Accountants & Business Advisors 33 George Street Wakefield West Yorkshire WFI ILX
Lightwaves Community Trust Contents ofthe Financial Statements for the year ended 30 Septetnber 2024 Page Report of the Trustees Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities io Balance Sheet 11 to 12 Notes to the FinanciAI Statements 13 to 19
Lightwaves Community Trust Report of the Trustees for th¢ year ended 30 September 2024 The trustces who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present IhciT report with the financial stal¢ments of tli¢ ¢haTity for the y¢ar ended 30 September 2024. Tl)¢ trnstees have adoptcd tlie provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Sial¢ment of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accoullls in accordance with thc Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (cff¢ctive l Janu2ry 2019). OBJECTIVES Af4D ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims The aim of the cliarity is to provide tlie residents of Wakefield district and the neighbourhood of College Grove and Pind¢rfields With a thriving community-nin factlity for sport, leisure. social and communtty activities to advanc¢ their well-being. health and prospects and to promote cohesion within the community. Charitable object The objects of the charity as outlined in the articles of association are.. "to furtlier benefit th¢ residcnts of Wak¢field and elsewh¢re, without distinction of sex. sexual orientation. race or of political, r¢ligtous or other opinions by associating togetlier said r¢sid¢nts and tlie local authorities, voliintary and other organisations in a common effort to relieve poverty, advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfar¢ and for recreation and eisure time occupation with th¢ object of improving conditions of life for the residents Public benefit aims and intended impact The key benefit for tlie public lias been tliai Lightwaves Leisure and Cominunity Centre (hereaft¢r the Centre) lias been sustaincd and remained op¢n and in business for Ilie public and local comtnunity following the major clialleng¢s of the pandeini¢. Thc return to 'normal' has been a gtadual process biit now wiih the resumption of tlie fiill Tange of activities the Trust has underlined the centre's importance as a cominunity anchor providing services and siipport for local people. In this period we have regained levels of incoine and iisag7e as pre-covid times, but reillain open on a Monday t() SatUTday basis rather than a 1] seven-day basis. Thiis, the Trust has bounced back to providing a full range of services and re-eslablishing its repiitation as th¢ key commiinity-run city centi'e facility that hosts education and learning activities, social and leisure pursuits as well as welfare servkces that support th¢ most vulnerable and deprived cilizens and families in the community. As people have returned to "nornial pre-pandemi¢ patterns of activity, it is clear tliat tlie local community is still adapting to serioiis social and economic probleTns, with tlie Centre providing vital facility for assisting families to finding their way through the iinpacts of the Cost-of-living crisis and the long run problems l¢ft by economic aust¢rity. Significant Activities Th¢ yeaT saw a rtI]er strengthening of and rebuilding on normal patterns of activity after the transitional period post-covid as Lightwaves as a key part of the voluntary and coinmunity sector got to grips with Ilie changed landscape of tlie tremendoiis upheavals of the pandemtc and its social, economic and health impacts. Centre usage now inatches pre-pandemic levels, albeit in a very changed environment in wlii¢h Lightwaves Community Trust has returned to sexrcliing oiil funding for th¢ C¢ntre's core and additional activities. As a rettiim to normal pall¢rns continued the Trust has seen a welcoin¢ rettirn to large event bookings, which have significantly iTnproved centre use, and thus revenue levels. However, w¢ have kept to a six-day working week as Sunday opening has only been viable for large event bookings. As noted in last year's annual report. the case for opening all weekend remains weak, but if large event bookings continue to grow then the Trust will move to a full week opening schedule. The challenges of Covid also brouglil some lasting positive l¢gacies, notably where Ligl)twaves Centre becam¢ part of a system of local hubs delivering services to local corninunities around supporting peoples, pliysical, emotional and financial well-being. Working with partners we continued to build on and adapt lessons learned in respons¢ to tlie changing lleeds of local resid¢nts. Page I
Lightwaves Community Trust Report of the Trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024 We have focussed on services tackling.. Money concerns (l)udgcting, benefits. vouchers), Energy worries (hclp witli utilities), Hoiising related conccrns (rent and accoinmodation), Jobs and relalcd issues (training opporttinilics, CV help with job applications), and Health and family concerns. The Centre's Successful siipport of local people is fundamentally dependent on approachable and friendly staff and voliinteers steering peoplc to tlie support that will help them iinprov¢ their sittiation and well-being. Many local people and families come to di¢ Centre to access and have printed iheir food voucliers, a vital mechanism for Il)¢in gct food, and more broadly free up household budgets to pay for their ever-rising utilities bi115. Utility bills continue lo rise well above retail price ind¢x increases piitting great pressiires on tlie poor¢st and Inost llnerable famili¢s and individuals in Clty. The Trust conliniics Providkng a broad range of support to families and bas worked with.. Live W¢ll tcam and their services for tlie older people s¢rvices, Step Up organisation for employment Iielp {Providenc¢ Str¢eirrown Hall), Adult Education for training opportunities/ESOL (Manygates Centre), Wakefield College for adult & yoiing people ESOL training, City of Saneary Foodbank & services {St Michacls Church), Art House Projccts for refugees and asylum s¢¢kers, Hepworili Gallory Projects for reget$ and asyluin seekers, and Age UK Wakefield Dislri¢t (Cas¢lcford) for pension h¢lp and oldcr people services, In th¢ winter period th¢ Centrc continued to act Ic s a Wam] Space foT the community. Wan]] Space piovision continued to provide a warm and w¢lcoining space for local people and act as a vitsl resource siistaining tlie quality of people's social life. The Wami Space project sliowed a mix of young people and adults accessing our Centre. Tlie trend of increased use on Fridays continued, incliiding the use of the Centre's sporting activities. Centre Staff also supported people by maintPAining a signposting to otlier siipport services for Centre users and their families. In this period the Trust and Centre managers continu¢d lo cope with the aftermath of the discovery of serious fraud and theft by a previously higlily-trusted Inember of staff wlio stole £29,000 from the charity. The member of staff had been with th¢ Centre since its inception and tlie egregious betrayal of tNst was particiilarly distressing for all staff m¢inbers. The fraud was passed to the polic¢ and justice aiithorities who charged the individual, who has pled guilty and whose trial and sentencing is set to occur after the period of this annual report. As reported previously the matters were reported to Charity Cominission and the TnLsI worked witli NOVA and external experts to review, strengthen our govcrnance and operational checks and ov¢rhauled administrative procedures to prevent this ever recurring. The Trust remains commilled to tackling this contingent liability by seeking recovery of the documented losses. Thc Trust's 'Feel Good Fridays, initiative was maintained and is still very much universally appreciated by staff, volunteei's and the local commiinity. Together with the Centre's central location in Wakefield and this FGF initiative Inakes tlie centre even Inore accessible to all the coinrnunity, with a free lunch provided for tlie elderly, and with sports activities free for the over 60-year-olds and local uneinployed, as well as asylum seekers and the refugee community. Activities ar¢ lialf price for everybody and activities siich table tennis have proven popular. The ernpliasis is on inaking the Centre w¢lcoming and tea and cake made by local volunteers plays its part in providing a lioille-from-home feel to the Centre on Fe¢1 Good Fridays. Tlie mileston¢ ¢volution of Lightwaves Foodbank into the Lightwaves Food or Coinmunity Pantry was driven by a series of chall¢nges.' a fall in donations, users, feedback on what tliey needed and r¢vi¢w xnd reflection on likely trends in supply of foodstuffs and tlie deinand for a wider range of essential hous¢hold itcms beyond just food. Th¢ Food Pantry has continued to grow from strengtli to Strength w(th local fainili¢s finding die service essential to help tliem cope (lgainst a relentlessly rising food prices and household bills. In March 2024 tlie BBC reported that there had been the greal¢st rise in absolute poverty in over 30 years. (Tlie Absolute Poverty lev¢1 measures Iiow rnany people cannot afford a set standard of living. constructed on the Department for Work and Pensions, definition calculated from the living standard that an average income could buy in Il)e foiindation year ending in Marcli 2011, and where Tf your income is 40 % below diis. after adjusting for rising prices since, then you will be classed as living in absolute povety.) Page 2
Lightwaves Community Trust Report of the Trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024 Tlic cost-of-living crisis has ac¢¢lerated over the past decade and especially in the last few years ending in September 2024, as energy costs have surged ahead of largely relatively static (or declining) hous¢hold incomes and wage l¢vels. Food banks across the Wakefield district and beyond have foiind it very challenging supporting families facing rising poverty. In Lightwav¢s Food Panty local citizens pay a £5 weekly siibscription to gain approximately £40 worth of food and otlier hoiisehold essentials (toilctrics, etc). Th¢ Community Panty is open every Friday and its successful operation is a r¢flection of tlie levcl of need in the local comrnunity. On averag¢ 4 to 5 volunteers support the Community Food Pantry Co-ordinator on Fridays. wlii¢h is especially helpfi]I for tli¢ service's funclioning as well as appreciated by the Food Pantry members for th¢ kindncss, checking in and disciissions about cooking tlie various iteins at the sessions. E&¢li session attracts 10 to 15 imcnibcrs attending for food but who are also signposted and h¢lped to access other services. The latter includ¢s siipport sessions from Citizens Advice Biireaii and Leeds Credit Union witli fiiiancial advice and help, as well as a¢c¢ss lo IT resoiirces which people ne¢d to get log into L7ovcrnment departments websites, and other inforination support sources. Faniilies attend weekly aiid individuals fortniLFhtly. Volunteers have helped out across 159 different occasions und¢rliniDg tlie valuable efforts that tliese good souls arc putting back into and for local coinmunities. The pantry is laid out like a shop, and members choose tbeir own items from a wide selection, including fresh. refrigerated, frozen and long-life foods. (Th¢ latter tends to dep¢nd on wliat is received froni Fayre Share plus donations.) Our Community Pantry Co-ordinator attends the Wakefield & District Food Aid Network and Household Funding Meetings. Tlie Food Panty suslains broader benefits and access to other services for local peopl¢. notably- Enhancing mental and pliysical healtli of tli¢ pantry meinbers, R¢ducing feelings of isolation with the social colltacl, Enabling then] to forni new friendshtps via signposting to community organisations, Encourages local volunteering oppornitIes, Improve health aiid well-being as th¢ iT)embers choose their own food, Prevents food and other waste via Fayre Share panty and donations, Prevent hunger. Helps rebuilds dignity and feelings of p¢rsonal empowernient. R¢news and deepens connection5 between families and individuals in crisis and their local community. Siistaining supplies for the Food Pantry has been a constant pressur¢ as the cost-of-living crisis has affected so many people, increasing deinand for help as donations have fallen. As noted above the work of the Food Pantry is complemented by breadth and depth of advice and support for vulneTable families and individuals. Assistance from the Citizcns Advice Bureau (CAB) has be¢n particularly important. Wakefield CAB runs a drop in ¢v¢ry Wednesday, from l Oam till 12pm as well as pre-planned ic ppointtllents from Ipm to 3pm. Demand for the Food Panty has remained high and tliis service has b¢come a vital, indeed, an csscntial core support meclianism for some of the local coniinunity's most vulnerable families and individuals. R¢f¢n-als to tlie Food Pantry typically comc froni Wakefield Council services as well as local schools. A previous grant of £l 1,000 Prosper Together Fund enabled the Trust to s¢t up an assessment and decision panel made lip of 3 Lightwaves Tnist members who Consider applications via r¢f¢rrals to help families exp¢ri¢ncing exceptional hardship and em¢rgencies, for example, such as white goods (several washing macliines, tumble dry¢r, fridge, freezer, cooker. air fryer, et¢) need for clothing for scl)ool, beds and bedding, carpeting, and in one instance a bicycle and bike lock to Iiclp a sliift worker get lo work on an industrial estate wlien buses don't nin. Tliis flexible crisis support scheine has continued into this period providing a vital financial support mecbanisin to get fainilies and individuals through desperate emergency circumstances. Liglitwaves is one of 20 organisations wlio have been identified as closest to the households that need support. The Prosper Tog¢ther Fund is helping to support families and indkviduals that due to unexpected circumstances find tliemselves tn crisis especially du¢ to no savings and living to month-to-monih (lack of financial resilience) then struggle to ine¢t tlicir reSpo11b1IitI¢$. wliich cali lead to fid]er deterioration and decline in mental and physical health. Page 3
Lightwaves Community Trust Report of the Trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024 Indeed, ther¢ has been a treinendous demand for Acce55 Vouchers and the Centre has handed out 1,335 vouchers over this period. Data compiled in NOVA'S Inonitoring pro¢¢sses show Lightwaves to be the most activ¢, and in demand Help at the Hiib centre, a reflection of its central accessibility and welcoming ¢haracter. Referrals for siipport come via a serics of local organis<ltions sucli as.. Vico Homes Tenants, Officers, WDH Cashwise Team, Parents, Liaison Officers from local schools, WDDAS, Tiirning Point and Social Workers from thc Early Help Hub @ Tliornhill Street and via our Food Pantry. Also of continiiing importancc is the work undeTtakcn via tlie Wakefield Connect Cafe whicli focusscs on siipporling cliildren, teenagers, young adults, and adults. This is paralleled aiid complemented by funding from Ihc Happy Healthy Holiday clubs that operalc in scliool lioliday p¢riods and whicli finances SPOTts and leisiire activitics as well as food for the school children and young people, and particularly mindful of supporting low-income families and children entitled to free s¢liool meals. Over tliis period continued fvnding for the operation of the Happy Healtliy Holiday clubs has provid¢d a stirnulating and crucial lifeline sustaining cliildren and young people from somc of the community's most vulnerable and poor famili¢s to have access to sports and leisure activities, meals, energising entertainment and social dcvclopment that they could not otherwis¢ afford. Lightwav¢s is proud to provide the safe space and leadership for such cnriching activities to take plac¢ in a compassionate and inclusive fasliion that nourishes health bodies and niiJ]ds. Liglitwaves has sustained a strong track record leading good practice in PTomoting and siistaining coinmunity cohesion and inclusion and problem-solving. Tliis lias included taking an active role in trying to get local public bodies (particiilarly Wcst Yorkshire Polic¢ and Wakefi¢ld Council) to act quickly and effectively to reduc¢ anti-social behaviour or to tackle "hot spots" of such behaviour. This has not always provcn easy and TegTetfully some problems have been allowed to drift and f¢st¢r to the disadvantag¢ of local coi]ununities. Sometin)¢s public bodies take a non-strategic and reactive response to problems tliat can often results in largely wastefullinadeqLial¢ repeat visits to probl¢m sites when early and comprehensive intervention could have d¢alt with tlie issue more effectively once and for all. The Trust has also sustained and led a welt¢r of positive initiatives ranging from community clean-up campaigns and litter picks through to cel¢brating different cominunities, religious holidays such as Christmas and Eid. The Centre still hosts six different faith and religious groiips and plays a key role as facilitator for local faith groups as part of an overall pi-ovision of a safe, multi-cultural and open environment for all communities. On an annual basis the Tn]st reports Lightwaves, d¢¢p involvement in a wide pattern of strong parthership relations and this lias improved across tliis period. Tlic Trust has built a strong and successful record of partnership working witli key local partners such as.. Next Generation, WakefIeld District Sight Aid (hosting its regular Living Well with Sight Loss courses, The City of Sanctuary, the local councillors, Wakefield Colleg¢, Wakefield Council, Public Healtli, Young Lives, NOVA, National Ediication Union, We Are Wakefield, the Wakefield Bid. Wakefield Hospice, WDH Hatfield Court. Create Café, and Amnesty International. The Trust's continued relationship with, and presenc¢ of Wakefield College and its staff and sdentS provides another w¢lcotne strand of further vitality to the Centr¢. In the face of some difficult challenges froin anti-social behaviour in tlie locality Ligl)iwaves lias worked hard ov¢r tliis period to make the Centre Wakefield College students and staff feel SfAfe and valued guests and partners. This will be a continued priority over next, and future years as we ensure the Centre operatcs as a safe and welcoming environm¢nl for all. Page 4
Lightwaves Community Trust Report of the Trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024 ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORIVAANCE Trust Development T$t governance has developed over tliis p¢riod witli a continuing focus on r¢newing board representation and the nctioning of a board that acts a5 a critical friend and assct to the operations of the Centre. The return to physical meetings has helped to anchor tlie sense of a return to "normal" This is the Trnst's elevenlh year of operation and of successfully sustaining the centre and its services as a vital resoiir¢e for communities that have fa¢¢d soillc of the most challengying and difficult economic and social conditions seen in the past 25 years and more. For sure, the C¢ntre's services havc been a very important safety net" and soiirce of practic21 and emotional support for communities and individiials. Tliis is born¢ out by data (collected by NOVA) on th¢ voliirne (as well as the quality} of the support provided lo local communities. Given the iinportance of the services hosted by as well as delivered by th¢ Trust and its partners froin the Centre it is deeply frustrating tliat Wakefield Coiincil's officers and leadersliip have failed to deliver on long standing and oft-repeated verbal undertakings to mak¢ progress on th¢ capital works needed on the Lightwaves building and which would sustllin the Centre's long-tern] nCtiOnal1ty and b¢ncfits for local communities. As the Trust mov¢s forward into tlie second quartcr of the 21 st c¢nttiry it will need to consider alternative options to safc&ryiard the future of the building and the services and communities that it hosts. Page 5
Lightwaves Community Trust Report of the Trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024 FINANCIAL REVIEW Overview In this period Lightwav¢s Community Trust continued managing the trend to delivering a full rang¢ of community activities concomitant witli opening hours and services at "nomial" pre-covid patterns. In th¢w new nonnal of post-covid it is clear that commiinity anclior facilities still facc some difficult and chall¢nging times ahead and particiilarly given Ihc long-tenn effects of austerity on public funding sources. Maintaining sound financial management and support from local organisations and both staff and volunteers have helped Lightwaves reiurn to almost noiinal levels of service. Whilst various siipport and financial grants from Wakefield MDC, National Lottery and NOVA ensured the organisalion's financial viability and sustainability in th¢ Covid period and afterinath have allowed the Centr¢ to bounc¢ back in tliis period the operating environment of increasing costs reinains cliallenging. Principal Funding Lightwaves continued last year's rern to pr¢-pandemic pallems of income generation activities via trading activities. notably and chiefly sports facilities income, aiid events income. The Tnist is also seeking out and applying to funding opporttinities as and when these arise and appropTiate to tl)e Trust's strengths and priorities. Over Ili¢ year head a major priority will be accessing grant and otlier financial Tesources to upgrade and refresh the building and its facilities. The capital investment owed to Next Generation has been systernatically and significantly reduced. Trustees re¢ognise the need to maintain its efforts to build up i-eserves and to pro-actively seek oiit further capital investment in developing the Centre's facilities as a means to enhance the sustainability of our operations as well as boost incom¢ generation. Reserves, Policy The aims and objectives of OUT Reserves Policy are to= Ensure a level of working capital to siistain the Centre and the ability to perfom] its charitable objectives. b. Ensiir¢ a level of funding to undertak¢ new cliallenges and opportunities as tlicy arise. Ensiire availability of funding to cover extraordinary expenditllre and loss of reveniie as a consequence of matters arising beyond th¢ TTUSt nonnal day to day operations. Und¢rpinning th¢se aims and objectives the Tn]st s¢eks to build lip and hold a level of fr¢e reserves eqiiivalent to two years, anniial expenditure. The Tnistees realise that this Continiies to be a long-tenn biit necessary challenge that the Board must pursue. Sport facilities income is seasonal and flucttiales in coinparison lo r¢ntal income which has remained regiilar and lielped sustain our working capital ftind5 as well as fund staff wages and other fixed costs. The Board of Tnisl¢¢s and staff continually seek to promote and implem¢nt creative and innovative income initiatives, grant applic&tions and donations (both individual and corpoTate). In the year aliead a revitalis¢d board will focus on a revision of the Trust's Flinding Strategy docuinenl aiid begin much delay¢d work on a coinpletely new five-y¢ar Business Plan. This will be informed by tlie conversations w¢ liope to have with Wakefield Council (referenced above) Concerning tli¢ mediuin to long terni sustainability of th¢ Lightwaves biiilding, and thus th¢ vital coinmiinity work tliat goes on within it. Investment poivers* policy and performance Tlie trustees having regard to the liquidity rcquiremellts of operating the centre and to the res¢rves policy hav¢ maiiilained a policy of keeping available funds in an inter¢st earning deposit account allowing imm¢diate access as neccssaiy. Looking ahead The Tnist's overall strategy of enhancing incoine generation and improving sustainability remains a key priority as well as specifically seek major investinent to enhance and Iip-grade tlie Centrc's facilities continues. Lightwaves Tnist will redoiible its efforts in seeking major capital inveslinent options and particularly in light of the long hiatus of Wakefield Council in delivering on its promises to invest in the Centre to bring it up to modern standards and sustainabl¢ energy iisage. Page 6
Lightwaves Community Trust Report of the Trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMEIYT Coverning document The company was fom]ed in 2012 and is limited by giiar&ntee. It is registered witli Compani¢s House under company registration number 08227390. Th¢ charity was forni¢d in 2013 and is registered with the Charity Commission under cliarity number 1150892. Governing document The charity is governed by its M¢morandum and Articles of Association. Recruitment and appointment of nejv trustees Members of the board of trustees are appointed to represent Next Generation (2), Wakefield College (l), local community (4) and users of Lightwaves Leisure Centre {2). Organisation) governance and management The board of trustees, which can have up to twelve rnernbers {¢ight trustees and four Board advisors), who are coinmitted to making a success of the community management of Liglittvaves, administer the charity. The board nonnally illeets monthly with sub committees covering finance and audit, coLntnunity fundraising, marketing and promotion and operational Inanagernent ineeting as appropriate and reporting to the full board. A general manager is appointed by the trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of tl)e charity. To allow effective man&g¢inent, the geiieral manager has d¢l¢gated authority, within tenns of delegation approved by the trustees, for operational matters including finance and employment. We Iiav¢ reviewed our governance and control arrangements via participation in a programinc provided by NOVA, the charity that 5UPPOrts Voluntary, Cominunity and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Wak¢field District to thriv¢ and the metliodology of which ¢¢hoes the best practi¢¢ governance assessment template of the Charity Commission. The charity also has a numb¢r of volunteer helpers who assist the paid staff witli running tlie centre and an apprcnticeship schenie operated in conjunction with Wakefield College which provides local young people with an opportunity to work at tlie centre for a period of twelve Months. Tlie strong partnership relations with Next Gen¢ration CIC, have continued on a day-lo-day basis with both parties benefitting from collaboration on projects and services wliet]ier jointly run. or nianagcd in the Centre. A ¢or¢ mission of Liglittvaves Community Trust is a coinmitinent to sustaining deep and strong community involvem¢nt and we will continue to build on our ti'ack record of an ¢x¢ellent working relationship with Next Generation. Induction 2nd training of new trustees Indiiclion into the Workings of the cbarity is carri¢d out by trustees and senior managers already serving on the board witli ongoing training being undertaken in house and by external visits to ¢vents and similar organisations. Risk management The trust¢¢s have a duty to identify and review th¢ risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls ar¢ in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The trustees have approved a risk management strategy which comprises: a. an annual review of the risks the charity may face. Ili¢ establisliment of systerns and procediir¢s to initigate those risks id¢ntifEed in the plan, and th¢ iLnplem¢ntation of procedures designed to miniinise any potential impact on th¢ charity should those risks materialise. Tliis work identified financial siistainability of the building and its facilities as the conttnuing rnajor financial risk for tlie charity. Development work in this period fociissed on efforts to secure significant investinents in addr¢ssing the building's sustainability. It is deeply exasperating that Wakefi¢ld Council's officers and lead¢rship have failed to deliv¢r on long standing aiid oft-repeated vei'bal undertakings to make progress on the capital works needed on Il)¢ Lightwaves building and which woiild sustain the Centre's long-terin functionality and benefits for local ¢oinrnunities. Page 7
Lightwaves Community Trust Report of the Trustees for the year ended 30 September 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number 08227390 {England and Wales) Registered Charity number 1150892 Registered office Lightwaves Leisure Centre Lower York Street Wakefield West Yorkshire WFI 3LJ Trustees Ms l G M Van Rijn (Community Centre Manager) Mr M A1b (Comniunity Centre Manager) Mr J Howard (FE Collcge Director of Estates) Ms D Bracewell (Physics and Maths Teaclier) Mr J Coiilton (Sports Facility Manager) Mr M McKigney (Retired Company DirectOT) Ms S B¢dford {Social Worker) Ms H Grocock (CEO Siglit Aid) Ms G Gainble (NHS Manager) Mr J Ellis (Retired Local Gov¢rnment Officer) Resigned 27 Nov¢mb¢r 2024 - Resigned 13 F¢bNary 2025 - R¢signed 27 November 2024 - Appointed 29 January 2025 - Appointed 26 February 2025 Independent Examiner Claire Lawton FCA DChA SMH Jolliffe Cork Ltd Accouiitants & Business Advisors 33 George Street Wakefield West Yorkshire WFI ILX Approved by order of the board of trustees on 25 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by: J- Mr M G McKigney - Tnjstee Page 8
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Lightwaves Community Trust Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Lightwaves Community Trust ('the Company,) report to the ¢haiity trnste¢s on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 September 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report As the cliaritys trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purpos¢s of company law) you 8Te responsible for die preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requireinents of the Coinpanies Act 2006 {'th¢ 2006 Act,). Having satisfied inysclf that the accounts of tlie Company are not requir¢d to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for indep¢ndent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Chariti¢s Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'}. In carying out iny examination I have followed the Dii'ections given by the Charity Cominission under Section 145(5} (b) of Ilic 2011 Act. Independent examiner's Statement Since your chai-ity's gross inconie exceeded £250.000 your exaininer iniisl b¢ a mcinber of a list¢d body. I can confirni that I am qualifLed lo iindertake th¢ ¢xainination becausc l am a member of the Lnstitute of Cbart¢r¢d Accountants in England and Wal¢s, which is one of the listed bodi¢s. I have Completed my examination. I ¢onfirn] that no inatters have com¢ to my attention in Connection with the examiiiation giving me cause to b¢lieve'. accounting r¢cords were iiot kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act. or tlie accoiinls do not accord witli tliose records,. or the accoiints do not comply witli tlie accouiiting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requircmcnt tliat the a¢¢ounts give a true and fair vi¢w whicli is not a matter considered as part of an indep¢ndcnt examination. or the accounts have not been prcpared in accordance with the ineihods and principles of the Staternent of Recoinmended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities {appli¢ablc to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with tlie Financial Reporting Standard applicable in tlie 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 att¢ntion should be drawn in this report in order to enabl¢ a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 14 Clairc Léwtoii A DChA The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wal¢s SMH Jolliffe Cork Ltd Accountants & Business Advisors 33 George Street Wakefield West Yorkshire WFI ILX Date: z5tkn June 2025 Page 9
Lightwaves Community Trust Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 30 September 2024 2024 Total funds 2023 Total flinds Unrestricted nd Restrict¢d nds Notes INCOME AND EI¥4DOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 54,062 54,062 53,438 Charitable aetivities Sports facilities income 70,827 70,827 53,490 Otlier trading activities Investment income 209,469 2,437 209,469 225,048 795 Total 282,733 54,062 336.795 332,771 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Management and adn)inistration Events Publicity and proinotion Premises 38,605 11,039 309 221,368 53,658 92,263 11,039 309 221,368 127,460 43,044 1,159 176,504 Total 271321 53,658 324,979 348,167 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 11,412 404 11,816 (15,396) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total ndS brouglit fonvard 114,856 60,005 174,861 190.257 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 126 268 60,409 186,677 l 74,861 Tli¢ notes fortn part of these financial statements Page 10
Lightwaves Community Trust Balance Sheet 30 September 2024 2024 Total fuiids 2023 Total funds Unrestricted fund Restricled ftLnds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible ass¢ls 14,836 14,836 18.545 CURRENT ASSETS DebtOTS Cash at bank and in hand 40,027 134,191 40,027 179,764 37,066 189,519 45,573 174,218 45,573 219,791 226,585 CREDITORS Amounts falling du¢ within one year io (47,950) (47,950) (70,269) NET CURRENT ASSETS 126,268 45,573 171,841 156,316 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 126,268 60,409 186,677 174,861 NET ASSETS 126,268 60,409 186,677 174,861 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 126,268 60,409 114,856 60,005 TOTAL FUNDS 186,677 174,861 The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 September 2024. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ¢nd¢d 30 September 2024 in a¢¢ordance witli Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for (a) ensiii-ing that tli¢ charitable coinpany keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 3 86 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 aiid preparing financial statements wl)icli give a trne and fair view of Ilie state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each flnancial year in accordance willi the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which othenvise coniply witli the requirernents of tlie Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements. so far as applicable to the charitable company. (b) The notes fonn part of these financial statements Pagell continued...
Lightwaves Community Trust Balance Sheet- Continued 30 September 2024 These financial statein¢nts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subjeet to the sinall companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 25 June 2025 and were sign¢d on its belialf by.. Mr M Ayub - Trustee IfJ- aoz4 Mr M G McKtgney- Trustee Tlie notes form pt of these financial statements Page 12
Lightwaves Community Trust Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial statcinents of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'A¢counting and Reporting by Charili¢s: St&tcment of Reconimcndcd Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordanc¢ witli the Financial Reporting Stxndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effectiv¢ l January 2019),, Financial R¢poTting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and R¢public of Ireland, and thc Companies Act 2006. Tlie financial statein¢nts have been prepared under th¢ historical cost convention. Going concern The financial statcments are drawn lip on the going concern basis which assuines the Trust will continue in operational cxistcnce for the fores¢¢able flitte. The Trust's prillcipal sources of income aTe from the trading activities, sports events and event inconi¢. New income streams are continiially being evaluated and initiatives sought to balance against any future disruptions to thc usual trading patl¢m. The Trustees monitor cash flow and the budget forecast on a r¢gular b&8is taking into consideration th¢ changing ¢conoTnic and social climate, along with public sector finance availability. Th¢ Trustccs budg¢ts indicat¢ that thc Trust will b¢ abl¢ to maintain liquidity for a period of at least one year following th¢ date of signing these financial statements and sustain its operational ¢xist¢nce during the next twelve inonths and accordingly, the Trust accounts are appropriately prepared under the going concern basis. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as tlieie is a legal or constrn¢tiv¢ oblioation cominitting the cliarity to that Cxpenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will b¢ required in settlement and the ainoiint of thc obligation can be measurcd reliably. Expcnditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified linder hcadings that aggregate all Cost related to the category. Where costs cannot b¢ directly ttribiited to particular headings tliey have b¢¢n allocated to activitles on a basis consistent witli the use of Tesources. Tangible red assets Depreciation is provided at Il)¢ following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. Sports ¢quipment Fixtures and fittings 25% on cost 20 % on cost No depreciatton is charged in the year of acquisition and a full years depreciation is ¢harg¢d in the year of disposal. Tangible fixed assets are initially recorded at cost and the charity do¢s not capitalise fixed assets which cosl less than £l.000. Taxation The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. Fund accounting Unr¢stricted funds can be used in Rccordance with the charitabl¢ objcctives at the discretion of the trust¢es.General fund balances are comprised of centre income and fundraising income for tlie general purposes of tlie centre. Resti'icted fund balances are comprÉsed of grants 2nd donations from individual donors. The temis and conditions of tlie lld$ relate to specific reqiiests at tlie tirne of receipt by tlie Trust. Further explanation of th¢ nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. Page 13 continued..
Lightwaves Community Trust Notes to the Financi21 Statements- Continued for the year ended 30 September 2024 ACCOUIYTING POLICIES - continued Fees and other income F¢¢s reccivable and charges made for services and use of premises are accoiinted for in th¢ period in which the service is provided. Grants and donations Donations are accoiiiitcd for in the period in whicli they are received or the ainount receivable is known with certainty- Grants arc rcflected in proportion to tlie expenditure to whicli il relates. Grants and donations &riven for tlie general purposes of the centre ar¢ included in unrestricted funds OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Events catering income Miscellaneous incoine Rents reccivable 25,854 185 183,430 49,575 15 175,458 209,469 225,048 INVESTMENT II¥JCOME 2024 2023 Deposit account interest 2,437 795 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(exp¢nditure} is stated after chargingl(crediting)-. 2024 2023 D¢preciation - owned assets 3,709 4,636 TRUSTEES, REMUNEIL4TION AND BENEFITS No Trustee received remuneritioii or other benefits for tiieir work a5 a Truste¢ during the year ended 30 S¢ptember 2024. How¢v¢r, as disclosed in not¢ 12, one of the coinmunity centre managers was remiin¢rat¢d for their service as 2n employee, in accordance witli the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Trustees, expenses There were no tNstees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 Septemb¢r2024 nor for the year ended 30 Septernber 2023. Page 14 continued...
Lighhvaves Community Trust Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the year ended 30 September 2024 STAFF COSTS Thc av¢rage monthly number of einploye¢s during the year was as follows.. 2024 2023 ManrAgcment and administration Prcmises No employees rcceived emoluments in excess of £60.000. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted fund Restricted fiinds Total funds JTrICOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 53,438 53,438 Charitable activities Sports facilities incorne 53,490 53.490 Other trading activities Investment income 225,048 795 225,048 795 Total 279.333 53,438 332,771 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Management and admintstration Eveiits Publicity and promotion Premises 82,347 43,044 1,159 176,504 45.113 127.460 43,044 1,159 176.504 Total 303,054 45,113 348,167 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) {23,721) 8,325 (15,396) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds broiiglit fonvard 138,577 51,680 190,257 TOTAL FUNDS CARIUED FORWARD 114,856 60,005 174,861 Pag¢ IS continu¢d...
Lightwaves Community Trust Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the year ended 30 September 2024 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS FiAtUTes and fitting5 Sports equipment Totals COST At l October 2023 and 30 Septeinber 2024 3,469 30,119 33,588 DEPRECIATION Ai l October 2023 Cliarge for year 3,469 11,574 3,709 15,043 3,709 At 30 September 2024 3,469 15,283 NET BOOK VALUE At 30 S¢plember 2024 14,836 14,836 At 30 Septemb¢r 2023 18,545 18,545 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments and ac¢wed income 38,107 1,920 35,242 1,824 40,027 37.066 io. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 2024 2023 Trade creditors Otli¢r creditors Accruals and deferred income 18,302 11,250 18,398 12,731 17,250 40,288 47,950 70,269 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS N¢t mov¢m¢nt in fiinds At 1.10.23 At 30.9.24 Unrestricted funds General fund 114,856 11,412 126,268 Restricted funds Grants Donations 58,614 1,391 (764) 1,168 57,850 2,559 60,005 404 60,409 TOTAL FUNDS 174,861 186,677 Page 16 ¢ontinu¢d..-
Lightwaves Community Trust Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the year ended 30 September 2024 ii. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued Net movement in funds. included in the above are as follows- Incoming resources Resources expended Moveinent in funds Unrestricted funds Genei'al fund 282,733 (271J21) 11,412 Restricted funds Grants Donations 51,538 2,524 {52,302} 1,356) (764) 1,168 54,062 (53,658) 404 TOTAL FUNDS 336,795 324,979) 11,816 Comparatives for movement in funds Net movement in funds At 1.10.22 At 30.9.23 Unrestricted funds General fund 138,577 (23,721) 114,856 Restricted funds Grants Donations 51,680 6.934 1.391 58,614 1,391 51,680 8,325 60,005 TOTAL FUNDS 190,257 15,396) 174.861 Coinparative net inov¢ment in fitnds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Mov¢ment in ndS Unrestricted funds General fund 279,333 (303,054) (23,721) Restricted funds Grants Donations 50,364 3.074 (43,430) 1,683) 6,934 1,391 53.438 45.113 8,325 TOTAL FUNDS 332,771 348,167) 15.396) Page 17 continued...
Lightwaves Community Trust Notes to the Financial Statements- Continued for the year ended 30 September 2024 ii. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued RESTRICTED FUNDS Foodbankl Food Pantry Service Th¢ period of the pandcmic saw Lightwav¢s becorne a vital community hub to help local peopl¢ negatively iinpacted socially and economically by tlie health crisis. Thankfully the major health impacts of Covid-19 have receded but th¢ ¢conomic and social effects have continu¢d alongside worsening economic conditions. Th¢ development and growth of the Liglilwaves food bank service sliowed this and as knowlcdLFC and experien¢¢ of providing Slich support deepened other inodels and approaclies to dealing with food povcrly werc examined and discussed with partners siich as Next Generation, the local mosqiies and Wakefield Council. A move to a food pantry servtcc was developed, wh¢re iisers subscribe for £5 per week and can then select from a range of foodstuffs and hoiischold supplies, as well as P¢Tsonal hygiene and other cleaning products to Ihe valu¢ of£40. Tlie transition to a food pantry service took a lot of work in tenns of a differ¢nt set-up as well as fit-out to a anotli¢r space and with new adillinistrative arrangeinents but it all went very sinoothly and successfully. Overall it has been a smooth and cffective change with volunteers and users of the service seeing it as a very positive development in efforts to siipporl families and individuals experiencing need. Clearly tlie consultation with users as well as the d¢velopment of the servic¢ from others, best practice and experience certainly helped. Families and individuals continue to be referred to the Food Panty via Wakefield Council's Welfare Team or via th¢ Citizens Advice Bureau. Demand for support for dq)rived familics has remained high and as the cost of living crisis was compounded by s¢vere energy cost rises it has become a key pillar of what Lightwaves is able to offer the local Community. The energy crisis and its impacts on vulnerabl¢ families has seen the development of "warm Spaces initiativ¢s. Lighttvaves inade siiccessfiil grant applications to the "Warm Spaces" and the Prosp¢r Tog¢tlier Funds which will allow us to provide wann space as well as provide a hardship grant to poor families experiencing financial emergencies. During the ciirrent year, the Prosper Togetlier Fund was not supported with any grants and being iised last year's surplus of £8,069 to carry on in complements the food pantry work. In tliis we established a decision panel Tnist coinposed of 3 Lightwaves Tnist members wlio Consider applications via referrals to help fnilieS experiencing exceptional hardship and emergencies. Th¢s¢ applications for support typically include provision of vouchers to r¢plJce a broken fridg¢. or provide a bed or b¢dding, clothing for school, etc. Th¢ sclieme will continue into 2025 and beyond providing a vital forni of support helptng families out in crisis or desperate circumstances. Flind closing balance £1,659 at 30 Sept¢mber 2024. Poiver to Change Tlie Power to Cliange grant was for a part share of tlie capital works on tlie building to make il safe for the public to come into the centre and then feel safe once they were using tlie biiilding. We had n¢wly fitted automated ¢ntrance doors, a new internal and external mod¢m digital CCTV system, and cleaning productslequipinent that could deal with the COVID-19 virus. Fund balance £7,680 at 30 September 2024 (held as tangible fixed assets). NOVA Support Fund During the pandernic Lightwaves has been a lifeline for many communities., many within our local community had expericnced significant difficiilties whicli meant tliat w¢ n¢¢dcd to adjust our activities lo support thein. The NOVA fund has helped Lightwaves to develop and the setting up of the foodbank for Iliose experiencing financial hardship, includiiig food deliveries for vulnerable resid¢nls and tliose isolating. Some of the funding has also gon¢ towards n]atch funding with tlie other pots to complete capital works. Fund balance £7.156 al 30 September 2024 (held as tangible fixed assets). Page 18 continued...
Lightwaves Community Trust Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the year ended 30 September 2024 ii. MOVEMETrIT IN FUNDS - continued Wakefield Happy, Healthy Holidays The Happy Healthy Holidays scheme has been continued witb funding allowing sports, learning and social activities for 8-16 y¢aT olds. Each child participating gets a healthy meal each day diiring the scheme. The scheme is incliisive and created and operated to help improve fitness Icvcls, sustain ¢r¢ativity and encourage bealtliy eating. Fund balance £25,635 at 30 Septeniber 2024. Emergency Assistance The Emcrgency Assistance grant continued to help Lighttvaves foodbank r¢stock much needed food supplies so we could continue supporting our local cornmunity. Fund balance £1,500 al 30 September 2024. WF Connect Cafés The WF Connect Cafés grant was received from Wakeficld Council, to provide IT and internet access and siipport inembers of the cominunity and public, to help with cducation, employm¢nl and other online services. Fund balance £7,000 at 30 September 2024. Warm Spaces A successfiil funding application allowed continuation of the Warm Space initiative for the community over the winter period. Tliis provid¢d a wann and w¢lcoining space as w¢ll as contributing to people's quality of lif¢ and supporting positive social interactions. Fund balance £1.695 at 30 September 2024. Household Support Fund Funding continued into this year providing a vital tool to Iielp families and individuals in d¢sperate circiiinstances. Fund balance £1,500 at 30 Septeinber 2024. Help at Hubs Fund Th¢ Help al Hubs grant Teceived from NOVA Wakefi¢ld Districl Liinited in th¢ y¢ir, has enabled the trust to provide debt and financial advice fro1]] a range of organisalions (such as Wak¢fi¢ld Citizen5 Advice Biireau and Le¢ds Credit Union) as well as staffs assistance in belping clients to navigat¢ the welfare benefits, system and employment help. Fund balance £4.026 at 30 September 2024. 12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES During the year, remuneration of £24,638 (2023.. £22,743) was paid to one of the community centr¢ managers, wlio is also a trustee and einployee of Next Generation. In 2020 Next Generation provided an interest free loan with no specific repayment t¢rn]s. The balance of this is shown in creditors. amounts falling due in less than one y¢ar - £11,250 (2023: £17,250). During the financial year, grant thnding for th¢ 'Help at Hubs, fund was received from NOVA Wakefield District Liinit¢d in the sum of £15,450, an entity in which a trustee of Lighlwaves Community Trust is also a director and trustee. No trust¢¢ received any remuneration in their capacity as trustee. No trust¢¢ claimed out of pocket expenses for travelling to meetings {2023: £nil) The Trust has arranged Charity Tn]st Assurance at a cost of £266 (2023.. £266) Page 19
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