Company registration number : 08179414 Charity registration number : 1150977
LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Trustees’ report and unaudited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021
LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
| Contents : | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Legal and administrative information | 1 |
| Trustees’ report | 2 – 6 |
| Independent examiner's report | 7 |
| Statement of financial activities | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the accounts | 10 - 11 |
LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Legal and administrative information
Trustees/Directors Mrs Tessa Beaumont Dr Christopher Robin Coggins Mr David John Collett Mr Carl Michael Good Mrs Deborah-Ann Britz Mr Jeffrey Mark Jones Charity registration number 1150977 Company registration number 08179414 Registered office Harrogate Community House 46-50 East Parade Harrogate North Yorkshire HG1 5RR Independent examiners Bulmer & Co Chartered Certified Accountants & Statutory Auditors 2 Mount Parade Harrogate HG1 1BX
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2021
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s articles of association, the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in March 2006.
Structure, governance and management
Lifeline Harrogate is a Charity registered with the Charity Commission under number 1150977. Lifeline (Harrogate) Limited is a company limited by guarantee under number 08179414.
The principal activity of the company continued to be the relief of needs and poverty of homeless people in Harrogate and District in accordance with the charity's objects.
Carl Good is an Accredited Member of the National Landlords Association.
Lifeline work in partnership with Green Pastures (CBS) Limited, a Christian social enterprise and the purchaser of our homes, and so are able to access the combined expertise of not only Green Pastures but also 56 partners nationwide, all housing the homeless. There is an annual conference to share best practice.
The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, and who served during the financial year were:
Mrs Tessa Beaumont (appointed 11/01/2021) Mrs Carol Jayne Bexon (resigned 17/03/2022) Dr Christopher Robin Coggins Mr David John Collett Mr Carl Michael Good (reappointed 15/03/2021) Mr Richard John Marjoribanks (resigned 31/05/2022)
Mrs Deborah-Ann Britz was appointed as a trustee on 9 May 2022 and Mr Jeffrey Mark Jones was also appointed as a trustee on 9 May 2022.
The directors of the company, under the company’s articles, are known as members of the management committee. Under the requirements of the memorandum of articles of association, the directors are elected and / or re-elected at the annual general meeting.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up of the company.
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2021 (continued)
Structure, governance and management (continued)
The charity has a management committee of up to 6 members who meet at regular intervals and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Objectives and principal activities
The charity’s objectives are the relief of need and poverty of homeless people in Harrogate and district by providing accommodation, education, training, personal development opportunities, counselling, mentoring and advice. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are set out in the charity's articles of association and there has been no change in these during the year.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Details of the main activities of the charity are shown in the following paragraphs:
We aim to provide move-on accommodation for those people who have been formerly homeless and to equip them to live independently.
We work with Local Authority financed initiatives, such as the Harrogate Homeless Project, to identify those ready to move on from hostel or temporary accommodation as a step towards independent living. These help support the Government's National No Second Night Out initiative by freeing up places in hostel accommodation.
Lifeline is a Christian Charity that has Jesus as its inspiration and its core. We always strive to follow Him and make all our actions spring out of our love for Him. We know this does not buy us our salvation, as our salvation is a gift from God, but we do everything we do at Lifeline for others out of the gratitude for what He has done for us.
Public benefit
The trustees have considered their statutory duties to ensure that the charity operates in the public benefit. The trustees believe that the support they offer to homeless people is clearly in the public benefit.
Fundraising activities
Our fundraising activities in the past year have included talks to local Churches, organisations and schools to encourage people to adopt us as their sponsored charity or join us as "Partners" and other personal contact activities. We have also made applications to grant-making bodies.
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Trustees report for the year ended 31 December 2021 (continued)
Review of the Year
Lifeline Harrogate was established as a response to the lack of hope that many were experiencing after the traumatic experience of becoming homeless. This had left them unable to manage a tenancy and hence there was no viable route for them out of a hostel environment.
With our partnership with Green Pastures enabling Lifeline to buy houses with them on a long-term lease we could offer clients of hostels a route out of hostel living into a supported house, living independently in the community again.
Lifeline is able to provide a real ‘home from home’. This brings many benefits for our residents to enjoy such as an address in the community, a front door key, a place to rebuild their life, a place where they can feel safe and secure, with support, and a launch-pad into a future life.
It remains the case that there are tremendous problems with securing housing in the Harrogate district. This used to be for those who are on benefits (‘DSS’ as the landlords term it) but now this has even extended to anyone seeking rented accommodation with potential renters outbidding each other and even paying the bond and 12 months rent up-front in order to secure a property. So, for our residents who are struggling with homelessness, addictions, debt, low self-confidence, extremely low self-esteem acting out of previous traumas, then these problems become insurmountable. This is where Lifeline is able to step in and despite many times there being impossible odds we have found that these chains can be broken and progress can be made.
We are part of a move-on pathway with Harrogate Borough Council. This means that we can obtain additional points for the residents when we can confirm they have actively engaged with their support plan. With the correct number of points they can secure a move into a council property so the private renting issue is able to be circumvented.
Once a Council property is available, we help our ex-resident with all aspects of the move including setting up their gas, electric and water accounts, helping them source furniture and white goods as well as providing financial provision for carpets, or other requirements up to a certain amount.
Whilst a resident is with us Lifeline takes each individual through a support plan which provides the focus for weekly meetings. We focus on the following areas of development with each resident:
Finance and Debt Physical Health Education, training and employment Emotional and Mental Health Relationships Offending behaviour Confidence and self-esteem issues Resettlement Independent Living Skills Any other quantifiable support need Substance Misuse
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Trustees report for the year ended 31 December 2021 (continued)
Review of the Year (continued)
By focussing on these issues, and continually reinforcing them, we are able to increase the chances of resettling individuals back into the community minimising the change that they should become homeless again.
Referrals leading to new residents being accommodated in the last 12 months have been from Harrogate Homeless Project, Horizon Life Training, Housing Options department at Harrogate Borough Council, Ripon YMCA, Foundation Housing, IDAS, SASH, Probation, In2Out, Shelter, The Carpenters Arms Rehab, Betel Rehab, self-referrals, some Churches and the NYCC Mental Health Team.
Lifeline has 5 houses, with one dedicated to women which opened in February 2021. To date Lifeline has had 92% occupancy of its beds since its inception in February 2013. Rent unpaid is only 1.2% of total rents achievable comparing very well even to private landlords.
Lifeline has housed 88 residents since inception. We have had 73 leavers with 51 (69%) of those being positive move-ons: 24 into private accommodation, 15 into council accommodation,7 returning to family and 5 going onto a rehab.
Since Lifeline began housing people in February 2013 our residents have now enjoyed over 28,700 nights in a warm, safe comfortable environment.
Covid has of course had an immense impact on our residents who struggled with the isolation that lockdowns brought. This has focussed our minds and we have stepped up our levels of engagement with the residents. We now have at least a monthly outing to provide stimulation and encouragement and the different type of engagement with our residents has really helped them and for us to get to know them better as we talk in a more relaxed environment.
We have also stepped up many other support aspects and can now present a package to our residents which includes a gym membership, crisis loans, food bank support, an IT grant and loan scheme, a rent subsidy scheme for those who are working more than 15 hours a week and are on a move-on pathway, a fortnightly delivery of fruit and veg, a regular supply of ‘Cook Meals’ from a local food provider, internet in each house, an emergency number at weekends, a fortnightly lunch club, a dedicated support worker and a house to live in which has a family feel to it and is fully furnished.
Lifeline is a Christian Charity that has Jesus as its inspiration and its core. We always strive to follow him and make all our actions spring out of our love for him. We know this does not buy us our salvation as our salvation is a gift from God but we do everything we do at Lifeline for others out of the gratitude for what he has done for us.
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2021 (continued)
Financial Review
Total incoming resources in the year increased by 37% following the move to five houses during the year and successful grant applications. Incoming resources from charitable activities were marginally down due to slightly lower housing benefit income. Resources expended on charitable activities increased by 38% as we started paying for the fifth house in March and strengthened the staff team to support the extra residents. Overall, the charity achieved a surplus of £5,847 for the year with a deficit of £279 on unrestricted activities and a surplus of £6,126 on restricted activities. Unrestricted reserves at the year-end amounted to just over four month’s normal operating expenditure which is within the target range.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific purpose should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained or exceeded throughout the year under review.
Investment policy and objectives
The charity’s funds are retained at the bank to be available for the charity’s activities.
On behalf of the board of trustees
David John Collett , Chair of Trustees
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Lifeline (Harrogate) Limited
We report on the accounts of the charity, and accompanying notes, set out on the following pages for the year ended 31 December 2021.
Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner
The trustees, who are also the directors of Lifeline (Harrogate) Ltd for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied ourselves that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is our responsibility to:
-
1) examine the account under section 145 of the 2001 Act;
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2) follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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3) state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
Our examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In the course of our examination, no matter has come to our attention which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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(i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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(ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principle of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities;
have not been met, or to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
D T Kitson FCCA Bulmer & Co Chartered Certified Accountants & Statutory Auditors 2 Mount Parade Harrogate HG1 1BX
Dated: 31 May 2022
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Statement of Financial Activities including Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 December 2021
| Incoming resources from generated funds Donations and grants Investment income Incoming resources from charitable activities Total incoming resources Resources expended Charitable activities Total resources expended Net income/(expenditure) for the year Net movement in funds Fund balances at 1 January Fund balances at 31 December |
Un- restricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 2021 2020 £ £ £ £ 62,224 26,300 88,524 44,560 5 - 5 43 |
|---|---|
| 62,229 26,300 88,529 44,603 139,975 - 139,975 121,709 |
|
| 202,204 26,300 228,504 166,312 |
|
| 202,483 20,174 222,657 161,040 |
|
| 202,483 20,174 222,657 161,040 |
|
| ( 279) 6,126 5,847 5,272 69,397 1,271 70,668 65,396 |
|
| 69,118 7,397 76,515 70,668 |
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an Income and Expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Balance sheet as at 31 December 2021
| Note Tangible fixed assets 4 Debtors Cash and bank balances Current assets Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 5 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Represented by funds of the charity: Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds |
Total 2021 £ 818 7,439 69,796 77,235 (1,538) 75,697 76,515 76,515 69,118 7,397 76,515 |
Total 2020 £ 1,023 7,160 63,458 |
|---|---|---|
| 70,618 (973) |
||
| 69,645 | ||
| 70,668 | ||
| 70,668 | ||
| 69,397 1,271 |
||
| 70,668 |
The company is entitled to exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the Year Ended 31 December 2021.
No member of the company has deposited a notice, pursuant to section 476, requiring an audit for these accounts.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial period and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the financial period in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the company. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
The accounts were approved by the board on 9 May 2022
Dr Christopher Robin Coggins , Trustee Company registration number: 08179414
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021
Note 1: Accounting policies
Note 1.1: Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 102 -The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.
Note 1.2: Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Office and Other Equipment used within the charity are depreciated on a reducing balance basis from the date they are brought into use at the following rates:
- Office Equipment 20% pa
Individual items of equipment with a purchase price of £500 or less, and ‘White Goods’ purchased for the charity’s houses, are written off when the item is acquired.
Note 2 : Trustees
Carl Good is remunerated for his duties as Chief Executive of the company. None of the trustees (or anyone connected to them) received any remuneration during the accounting period. Normal out of pocket expenses were reimbursed as required and have been verified by the trustees.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Note 3 : Employees | ||
| The average monthly number of employees | ||
| during the period was | 5 | 3 |
| Number of employees at the year-end | 6 | 3 |
| The total cost of salaries | ||
| including NI & pension) was | £71,487 | £47,221 |
| The Director’s remuneration | ||
| including NI & pension) was | £17,713 | £13,538 |
| The remuneration of the highest paid | ||
| employee (including NI & pension) was | £17,974 | £16,153 |
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LIFELINE (HARROGATE) LIMITED
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 (continued)
| Note 4 : Tangible fixed assets Cost : Cost @ 1 January 2021 Additions Cost @ 31 December 2021 Depreciation : Depreciation @ 1 January 2021 Charged during period Depreciation @ 31 December 2021 Net book values : Book value @ 31 December 2021 Book Value @ 1 January 2021 |
Equipment £ 1,300 - |
|---|---|
| 1,300 | |
| 277 205 |
|
| 482 | |
| 818 | |
| 1,023 |
| Note 5 : Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 2021 Accruals 614 Payroll liabilities 924 £1,538 |
2020 973 - |
|---|---|
| £973 |
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