Charlty reglstratlon number 1151790 (England and Wales) Company registratlon number 08357279 CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees Mr M Smtth Mr J Scollen Mr J WTaylor Mrs V Wlkinson MrA Shield Mr D Blackwell Mrs J Smurthwaite MSA Bamett Mr P Topping Charlty numbèr (England and Wales) 1151790 Company number 08357279 Reglstered offlce 71 High Street Spennymoor County Durham DL16 6BB Audltor Allen Sykes Audit Llmited 5 Henson Close South Church Entarprl$8 Park Bishop Auckland Co Durham DL14 6WA
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM CONTENTS Page Trustees, report ststement of trustee5' responsibilities Independent audltor's report 8-11 statement of financial activities 12 Statement of financial position 13 Statement of cash flows 14 Notes to the financial statements 15-28
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their annual report and financial statements for the year 8nd8d 31 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounling and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financlal Reporting Standard appllcable In the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). Objectlves and actlvltles The charity's purposes, as set out in the objects contained in the Company's Memorandum of Association, are to promote any charttab18 purpose for the benefit of th8 whol8 communlty of County Durham by the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress. Citizens Advice County Durham (CACD) provides free. confidential, impartial and independent advica and information to benefit the local community. campaigning for change and to ensure individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge or an inability to express their needs effectively. We value diversty, promote equity and challenge discrimination. These objectives are shared by all members of CitizensAdvice as per the 1n aims: Our aims are focused on: To provide the advlce people need for the problems they face, and To improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives. Ensurlng ourwork dellvers our alma We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. The annual review seeks to examin8 our achievements and outcomes. Together with the success of individual key projects and the benefits that have been bam from them. In carrying out the review. we are ensuring that our aims, objectives and activities are in line with our stated purpose. Our main objectives for the year have been developing our 89rvice so that it really meets the needs of the dients we are trying to support. Key activities have included.. Making sure our service delivery is cost effective and yet person Gentred. Continually reviewing, and improving where necessary, the quality of the advic8 wa dellv6r to all our clients. Diversifying our approach to fundlng to minimise the risks associated with holding reduced funding streams. Continued partnership working with other organisations to help develop initiatives to Improve access to quality advice, information and support services. The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should und8rtak8. Slgnlflcant Actlvltles Our princlpal activity remaln8d the provislon of free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to clients in County Durham and across the country to empower them to move forward. Some of our activity was focused in our locality. Wlth other key contracts being delivered on a national basis. We have been able to focus more on the advice we gtve in our local communities, ensuring a mix of local and remot8 advice services. Vve had an active Research and Campaigns team and a lot of work had been done during thi5 period to re-build and improve our approach to research and campaigns. We understood the scale of potential impact that social change could have on the residents of County Durham. Therefore, we prioritised research and campaigns as a key activily and have been working on campaigns that affect out local community but also those that have a broad UK impact.
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Contrfbution of Volunteers Th8 charity's success could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of volunteers and staff that glve thelr tlme to help people in both their communities and the wider population of County Durham. The trustee board and senior &x8cutiv8 team recognise the tremendous contribution made by the charity's volunteers in advising the public and administering the service without which the service could not operate. Volunteers represent the indispensable core of the service and without tham there would not be a Citizens Advice seNice. Throughout 2024125 the service Lrtilised 60 volunteers The volunteers contribut8. on average 252 hours per week. Contrlbutlon of Pald Staff The Trustees also wish to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our paid staff, whose teamwork, skill and dedication have been key to the charity's achievements this year. Togethar wlth our volunteers. they form the foundatlon of our success and ensure we continue to make a positive impact in our community and nationally. Achlevements and porformance 2024125 has allowed us to rebuild our advice presence across County Durham, rationalising th8 locatlons that we usa as bases and utillslng other organisations premises to deliver advice in the local communlty. We have trled to ensure we have a local presence in all of the major towns as well as outreaches in more rural locations. Across the projects that involve us, the following summarises our key activities and b8n8fits we &hieved for people, both in County Durham and nationally-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM TRUSTEES, REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 IZ$&ll '.tisii4apisiE%!11s1,, Ill ji ',Ill,Il, Iilii 1132.12
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Flnancial r8view In 2024125 the total income decreased by 210/0 due to a signtficant reduction in funding from Citizens Advice. Total funds at 31 March 2025 were £1,230,231, made up of unrestricted funds and restricted nds. The restricted nd5 as at the year end were £160,048 which reflected the level of unspènt fijnding racognised in the year as income which would be spent in 2025126 or returned to the funder rf unspent. Total unr8strict8d funds as at 31 March 2025 were £1,070,183 a reduction of £102,182 from the previous year. Reserves policy We employ 80 staff and had contractual r8sponsibllities for 4 premises. As such, we needed a reserves policy to be able to., run essential services for people of County Durham in the event of funding loss- hold funds in case of unplanned closure of projects; fund major unplanned works to capital assets owned by us. The value of free reserves required to achleve these goals was r&evaluated ce yearly by the Finance Sub Committee and recommended for approval by the Trustee Board. The reserves target agreed In March 2025 was £540,000, Unrestricted free reserves held by CACD 31 March 2025 were £412,261 which is b@low the targ8t level in the company's above reserve policy. However, measures have been implemented to enable th& charity to try to Increase Its free reserves to the targeted level in the future. Rlsk The risk register was reviewed quarterly by the executive team and annually by the Trustee Board. Wa hald bl-monthly Information Risk Management meetings with a Senior Information Rlsk Officer and Senior Management Team. In this meeting, we reviewed data breaches, data impaGt assessments, best practice and tha information risk asset r8glst8r. We also had a risk rnanagement stralegy which was reviewed regularly by the executive team and annually by the Trustee Board. Policies and procedures were reviewed on an annual basis or in response to changes within the charity or extern81 factors such as legislation. Plans for future perlods Short Terni (<1 year) Adapt the balance of local, regional and national advlce servlces that we provide. Respond to the DCC Advic& Revlew process wlth a robust solution that works in partnership with other local advlce 8gencies to provide the best possible support for the people of County Durham. Continue to implement new ITltelecommunications systems to support future fl8xibl8 dev8lopment of services. Medium Term11-3 years) Implement strategy to address changes (both known. expected and unexpected scenarios) to the external landscape. Ensure resources are at Suitable levels to enable optimised deliv8ry of advice, across multiple channe15 (fa to face, email, phone, video etc). Be at the heart of alliance working and collaboration. contributing to shared intelligence in the county.
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Structure, governance and management We were established under a memorandum of association which outlined the objects and power5 of the charitab18 company and are governed under its articles of association. We adopted an updated governing document In 2022123, which is based on th8 model Citizens Advice g0Veman method. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpos8 of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were- Mr M Smith Mr J Scollen Mr J WTaylor Mrs V Wilkinson MrA Shield Mr D Blackwell Mrs J Smurthwaite Ms A Bamett Mrs A M Fahey Mr P Topping (Resigned 21 August 2025) Recrultment and appolntmant of trustee8 Trustees are openly recruited with 8P8clfic skllls and experience tsrgeted according to Trustee Board need. Potential trustees are asked to submit a CV and are subsequently interviewed by a panel consisting of at least existing trustees (one of whom should be the chalr) and head of resource5. Trustees are appointed at the annual g&neral meeling but may be co-opted by the Trustee Board throughout the year where appropriate. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are memb8rs of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up. Organlsatlonal structura We are govemed by a Trustee Board of dlrectors who are also the charity's trustees. SulFcommitt88s Includlng Personnel, Research and Campaigns and Finance report to the Trustee Board with task and finish committaes formed as required. Trustee Board usually meet on a bi-monthly basis with more regular meetings held as and when need dictates. The day-to-day running of the charity is d81egated to the executive tearn led by the chlef executive officer. The Trustee Board is independent from the management of the charity. Inductlon and tralnlng of trustees All newly-appointed trustees ar8 glven a detsiled introduction to the charity's work and are supplied with relevant documents such as governing documents and annual accounts. They are also invited to meet with exisling staff and trustees and visit services where suitable. They are also encouraged to undertake relevant training opportunities and must undertake certain mandatory training such as Data Protection. Wlder Network We are a member of Citizens Advice, the operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux which provides support. guidance and training to members. They also provide a national case managemenl and information system. A condition of membership is to meet and maintain national advice and management standards which ar8 audited regularly. We meet the Advi Quality Standard and are registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and the FinanGial Conducl Authority (FCA). We are a full member of the Advi in County Durham (AICD) partnership, which works with all the advlce providers in the county to enable effective referrals into appropriate services. upskill the advice sector and encourage collaboration.
crrizENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM TrUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 IU•k ffnag•rn•nt t8 had a duty to IdtIfy and review thg rrok• to whith ar• eXpad lo and to ensure approprfalo ¢ontrd8 •re In ptsc• to Pde r•aaanabla assurance again•tlr•xKI and error. Publc 8onofft Our mn actfvttle8 and we hdp are doscrllxd elselthere In Ihis r8w>rt. All our charitab]e ac1188 Ware urJtrtsken to further Dur th•rftable wn)ose$ for tho publlc benafft. The Tru8ts8 Board had ragard to lh• Chafty CommIlOn, 91nce on wblle benefft thrtwghout ts ya•r deddkng on Ihe It116$ of the thgrlty. fjolnq ConG•ffl Aftar nK•klnll futhor OPPToprfats enqulrie8, tho Tnwtee# fv8 a r8aaorwble exp8claOn that thé Clinpany h•1 adwate rnsourco8 to contlnuo In Dperallon81 ex181ence for tho foro8808bla luturo. F IhlB rea60n, tw conllnuo to adopt tr Orvj conc•m balli In pr•porlNd Ih financld stiients. A¥dltor In ceudarKe with the camponY• artkl••, a re8olutk>n rKopo•lng that Al•n Syk••Audlt Umltod ts réappdntsd alItorOf tho fx>mpny lll put TA 8 Qenpnl Meellng. 8mall ¢<xwry pml•l¢)n• Th1$ reF4Jrt ha8 be•n pr•pored In awdanc• vlth provlBIDn8 8ppllcabl• to ¢ompanle8 •ntitlod to tho 8mBII comp•nl# •x•mpdon. Dl•clo•ur• of Infommllon to audltor Each of th• trUIt• has conff med thet Ihere18 rn Irrfomattw of th1¢h thay arn awaro vthlch 18 rolovant to th? audlt, but of whlth th• audltor h unawar8. They have fvrth•r conflm)ad thet Ih•y ¥0 thken approprlts •tep6 to Idwbllfy $uGh r•levant infomatlon arKI to e8tabll•h th•t th• •udilor 1$ aware of •uth Irrfomtlon. Th• trust•, r•port •ppr¢Md by th8 Board of Truste98. J SmurtlYAsltO q/i?.i..?.s
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The trustees, who are also the directors of Citizens Advice County Durham for the purpose of CoMpY law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and th8 financial statements in accordan with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (Unlted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for 8ach financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of reSoUrs, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year. In preparfng these financial statements, the trustees ere requlred to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently., observe the methods and principle5 in the Charities SORP., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financlal statements., and prepare th8 financlal stat8m8nts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charlty will contlnue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accountlng records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial positlon of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statemen ts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable st8ps for th8 prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM Oplnlon Wa have audited the financial statements of Citizens Advice County Durham (the 'charity') for th8 year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the statement of financial position, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their pr8paration is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Flnanclal Reportlng StandaKI applicable in the UK and Republic ol Ireland (United Kingdom Generally ACpted Accounting Practice). In our opinion, the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of th8 charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of reSoUrs, for the year then ended., have been properly prapared in accordance with Untted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practic£" and have been prepared in accordance with the requirem&nts of the Companies Act 2006. Basls for oplnlon We conducted our audit in accordance With Internatlonal Standards on Audltlng (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those slandards are further descrlbed In the Auditors Trsponsibilitips for the audit ol the financi81 sl8lements section of our report. We are independent of th8 charlty In accordance with the ethi1 requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial ststements in the UK, Including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requlr8ments. We believe that th8 audit evldence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our oplnlon. Concluslons relatlng to golng concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going conrn basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a golng concern for a period of at least e1ve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to golng concern are described in the relevant 5eGtion5 of this report. Other Informatlon The other information comprises the infomiation Included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for th8 Oth8r information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other informatlon and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other infomiation 15 materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otheiSe appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements. we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material mlsstatement In the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that th8r8 is material misstatement of this other information. we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Matters on whlch we are requlred to report by exceptlon We have nothlng to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and R8POrtsl Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if. in our opinion- the infomiation given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees, report" or sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or we hav8 not rec8iV8d all the infomiation and explanations we require for our audit.
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in the statement of trustees, responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and uslng the going concern basis of accounting unless the trust88S 81ther intend to liquidate the charitable company or to C8ase operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Audltorfs responslbllltles for the audlt of the flnanclal statements We have been appointed as auditor under s8Ctlon 144 of th8 Charities Act 2011 and report in accordanc8 Wlth th8 Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assuranc8 Is a hlgh lev81 of assuran but is not a guarantee that an audit conduded in accordance wlth ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to inff uence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compllance wlth laws and regulations. We design procedures In Ilne with our responslbllltl8S, Outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, induding fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detsiled below..
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. was as follows: the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competen, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulatlons. we identified th6 laws and r8gulations applicable to the company through discussions wilh dir8Ctor8 and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the sector., we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operalions of the company, including the Companies Act 2006, Charities Act 2011, taxation legislation, data protection, anti-bribery, employment, environmental and health and safety legislation., we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of man8gem8nt and inspecting legal corr&spond8nc8,' and identified laws and regulatlons were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit. We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to material misstatement, including obt8lning an understanding of how fraud might occur, by: • making enquiries of management as to where they conslder8d thor8 was susc8Ptlbllity to fraud. thelr knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud- and conslderlng th8 internal controls In place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulats'ons. To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we.. performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships., tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions., assessed whether Judgements 8nd assumptions made In determlnlng the accountlng estlmates were indicative of potential bias., and Investigated th6 ratlonalé behlnd any Identlfied slgnlficant or unusual tr8ns8Ctions. In r8sponse to thè risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to.. agreeing financial statement disclosures to underfying 5UPPOrting documentation., enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims., and reviewing correspondence with HMRC, relevant regulators and the company's legal advisors. There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the les8 likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to idantify non-compliance with laws and regulatlons to enqulry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may Involve deliberate concealmenl or collusion. 10-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM As part of an audit in accordance with ISAS (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to thos8 risks, and obtain audit evld8nc8 that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basls for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is high8r than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, Intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that 8re appropriate in the circumstances. but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiverEss of the internal control. Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and th8 r8asonabl8n8ss of accounting 8stlmat8S and related disclosures made by the trustees. Conclude on the appropriateness of th8 trust88s' use of the going concem basis of accounting and, based on the audit evldence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the relat& disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are Inadequate, lo modlfy our opinlon. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtsined up to th8 date of our 8uditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charlty to cease to continue as a going concern. Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and tlming of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in Internal control that we identify during our audit. A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council's website at.. https:11 www.frc.org.uklauditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to th8 charity's truste8S those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsiblllty to anyon8 Other than the charity and th8 charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for thls report, or for the opinions we have formed. John P Yarrow FCA (Senlor Statutory Audltor) For and on behalf of Allen Sykes Audit Limited, Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants 5 Henson Close South Church Enterprise Park Bishop Auckland Co Durham DL14 8WA 10 Dember 2025 11
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restrlcted funds funds 2025 2025 Total Unrestrlcted Restrlcted funds funds 2024 2024 Total 2025 2024 Notes Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments 1,730 1,730 691,115 1,444,883 2,135,998 28,187 28,187 411 1,481,271 31,163 411 1,236,342 2,717,613 31,163 Total Income 721,032 1,444,883 2,185,915 1,512,845 1,236,342 2,749,187 Expendlture on: Charitable activities 745,476 1,488,243 2,233,719 2,031,493 1,381,064 3,412,557 Total expendltura 745,476 1,488,243 2,233,719 2,031,493 1,381,064 3,412,557 Net expendlture (24,444) (43,360) (67,804) (518,648) (144,722) (663,370) Transfers beeen funds 13 (77,738) 77,738 (85,226) 65.226 Other recognlsed galns and losses: Revaluatlon of tanglble fixed assets 82,000 82,000 Net movement In fund8 (102,182) 34,378 (67,804) (501.8741 (79,496) (581,370) Recon¢lllatlon of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 1,172,365 125,670 1,298,035 1,674,239 205,166 1,879,405 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 1,070,183 160,048 1,230,231 1,172,365 125,670 1,298,035 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recogni5ed in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activitl8S. 12-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Flxad a8S•t8 Tar4Jthle a88e18 14 857,922 658,976 Current a•••ts Dobtors Investments Ca8h 8t bank and In hand 15 57.081 11,793 607,847 176.341 11,285 607,849 676,721 795,475 Credltorn: amoun18 fa115ng du• wlthln on• ymr 17 (104,412) (156,416) Nel current 8$86ts 572.309 fj39,059 Total a•o0ts18*8 curront liabllitl•• 1,230,231 1,298.035 Incom• lunQ8 Regtrlctad fvnds 20 180,048 125,670 Oe81gnated fvnd Genenl unreBtriGt8d fund8 21 587,098 483,085 587,098 585,287 1,070,183 1,172,386 1,230,231 1,298,035 The mpY Is entitled to the exemption from the audlt rnqulrement contalned In 8ectlon 477 of th• Cornpanie8 AGt 20C6, f¢x the year ended 31 March 2026. Tho dIrect5 acknrywledge thew responsibllitl•s lor complyirvJ wth the requiroments of the Comp¥nies Act 2008 wlth r68pecl to accounliNJ records arKI the preparation off81 statements. Thè members have not requlred the company to obtaln an audlt of its flnanclal st8tsmerrts urmjer the requI¥Mts of Ihe Companies Act 2006. for Ihe y8ar in questlon in accordanc8 wlth sactlon 476. These tlnancial $t3lements have been prepared in accordance wilh the provisions applible to companles sublect to the small companies regime. The flnancial statsments were 4pprow6d by the Tru$kè8 and aUthl80d for i88ue on ........... . Mrs V IAfilklnson Trnstee Company raglstratk•n numbef 08367279 13-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Cash flows from op8ratlng actlvltles Cash absorbed by operations 25 (27,681) (733.060) Investlng actlvltles Investment Income received 28,187 31,163 Net cash generated from Investlng activiti8S 28,187 31,163 Net cash used In flnanclng actlvltles Net Incr8asel(decrease) In cash and cash equivalents 506 (701,897) C8sh and cash equlval8nts at beginning of year 619.134 1,321,031 Cash and cash equlvalents at end of year 619,eAO 619,134 Relatlng to: Cash at bank and in hand Short term deposits included in current asset investments 607,847 607,849 11,793 11,285 619,640 619,134 14-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting pollcles Charlty Informatlon Citlz8ns Advic8 County Durham is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office Is 71 High Street, Spennymoor, County Durham, DL16 6BB. 1.1 Accountlng conventlon The financlal statements hava been prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and R8public of Ireland. ('FRS 102.) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice appllcable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102>" {effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entty as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charfty. Mon6tary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. Th8 flnandal statements have been pr&pared under the hlstorlcal cost conventlon, modified to indude the revaluation of freehold propertles. The prlnclpal accounting policles adopted are set out below. 1.2 Golng concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charty has ad@quate resources to continue in oper8tional existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trtee5 continu& to adopt tha golng concern basls of accounting in preparlng the financial statements. 1.3 Charltsble funds Unrestricted funds are 8vailable for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of thelr charrtable objects"ves. Restricted funds are subject to specific condition5 by donors or gr8ntors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements. Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintain8d by th8 charity. 1.4 Income Income is recognised when the charty is legally entttled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the tharity has been notified of an impending distribution. the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. 15-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (Contlnued} 1.5 Expenditure ExpenditLAre is reGognised once there is a legal or Gonstructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement. and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of dIrt costs and shared costs, including support costs invofved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset's use. 1.6 Tanglble flxed assets Tanglb18 fix8d ass8ts ar8 Inltially m8asur8d at cost and subsequently m8asur8d at cost or valuatlon, n8t of depreciation and any impairment losses. Freehold land and buildings are carried at fair value at the reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net incomel(expenditure) for the year. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases.. Freehold land and buildings Leasehold property improvements Computer & offlce equlpment not depreciated 1 OVO Straight line 250/0 Stralght Ilne The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference beeen the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised In the statement of financlal activltles. 1.7 Impalrment of flxed a88ets At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). q.8 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-temi liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown wtthin borrowings in current liabilities. 1.9 Flnanclal Instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financi81 instruments. Flnanclal Instruments are recognised In the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes paty to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liabilty simultaneously. 18-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng pollclgs Icontlnued Baslc flnanclal assets Basic financial assets, which include debtor5 and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financi81 assets classified as receivable wlthln one y&ar are not amortised. Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless th8 arrang8m8nt constitut8s a financlng transactlon, where the debt Instrum8nt is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rata of interest. Financial liabllitles classffied as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised Cost, using the effeclive interest rate method. Trade credltors are obllgatlons to pay for goods or serwlces that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or18ss. If not, they ar8 pr888nted as non-curr8nt Ilabllit188. Trade cr8dltors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective Interest method. Derncognition of financial liabilitles Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or canc8118d. 1.10 Employee beneflts The co¥t of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which Ihe employee's servi8 are recelved. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrsbly commltted to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits. crftlcal accountlng 8Stlmates and Judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies, th8 truste8s are required to mak8 Judg8m&nts. estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from olher sources. The estimate5 and associated assumptions are based on historical experien and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estim8te5. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basi5. Revisions to accounting estimate5 are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the parlod of the revlslon and fiJtur8 periods where the revlslon affects both current and fLrture P8riods. Company Llmlted by Guarantee The company Is Ilmited by guarantee. At 31 March 2025 there were 10 members (2024 - 10 members) each of whom had und8rtak8n to contribute an amount not 8XC88ding £1 in the ev8nt of the cornpany winding up. 17-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from donations and legacles Unrestrlcted Unrestricted funds funds 2025 2024 Donations and gifts 1,730 411 Charftable actlvltles Informatlon Informatlon & Advlc8 & Advlce Servlces Servlces 2025 2024 Perfomanc8 r818t8d grants Other income 2,128,588 2,714,521 7,430 3,092 2,135,998 2,717,813 Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 691,115 1,481,271 1,444,883 1,236,342 2,135,998 2,717.813 Fundlng Anatysls Durham County Council Funding Citizens Advice Funding Other Funding 605,250 591.863 1,148,163 1,859,772 375,155 263,086 2,128,568 2,714,521 Incomo from Investmonts Unrestrlcted Unrestrlcted funds funds 2026 2024 Rental income Other income 21,000 7.187 19,333 11,830 28.187 31.163 18
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Expendlture on charitable activities Informatlon Infomiatlon & Advice & Advlce Services Services 2025 2024 Dlrect costs staff costs Other costs 1,561,167 84.S24 2,592,006 153.620 1,646,091 2.745.626 Sharo of support and governance costs (see note 8) Support Goveman 563,408 24.220 650,424 16,507 2,233.719 3,412.557 Analysls by fund Unr8Strlct8d funds Restricted funds 745,478 1,488.243 2.031.493 1.381.084 2,233,719 3.412.557 Support costs allocated to actfvltlas 2025 2024 Staff costs Depreciatlon Other staff costs Office costs Premises Costs Other costs Governance costs 319,065 1,054 10,734 127,580 79,348 25,627 24,220 297.634 5.127 12.203 164.401 145.967 25.092 16,507 587,628 666,931 Analysed between: Information & Advice Services 587,628 666.931 19-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Support costs allocated to actlvltles (Contlnued) 2026 2024 Govarnancè costs eomprlse: Audit fees Legal and professional Other governance costs 7,749 7,104 9,367 5,729 2,428 8,350 24,220 16,507 Net movement In funds 2025 2024 The net movement in funds is stated after chargingl{crediting): Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements Dépreciation of owned tangib16 fixéd assats 7,749 1,054 5,729 5,127 10 Trustees None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) recelved any remuneratlon or benefits from the charity during the year. 11 Employees The average monthly number of employees during the year was.. 2025 Number 2024 Number 79 121 Employment costs 2026 2024 Wages and salaries Social security Costs Other pension costs 1,899,871 132,693 47,668 2,597,348 195,240 97,052 1,880,232 2,889,640 There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000. -20-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 11 Employe88 {Contlnued) Remunerdtion of kay management personnel The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows: 2025 2024 Aggregate compensation 59,845 58,104 12 Taxatlon The charity is exémpt from taxatlon on Its activities because all its income is applled for charltable purposes. 13 Transfers The fund transfers relate mainly to transfers from restricted funds to unrestricted funds where non monetary expenditure (e.g. management charges, 8tc) has been released during the year. The transfers have been made in order that the restricted funds shown in the balance sheet at the year end shows the total amount of funding remaining which has been restricted in its purpose. In some instances transfers from unrestrided funds have been made to restricted funds where the expenditure was graater than the income received. 14 Tanglbla flxed assets Freehold land and bulldlngs Leasehold Computer & proporty ofllc Improvements oqulpmont Total Cost or valuatlon At 1 April 2024 Disposals 657,000 98,391 (12,600) 117,931 873,322 (12,600) At 31 March 2025 657,000 85,791 117,931 860,722 Dopreclatlon and Impalrment At 1 April 2024 Depreciation charged in the year Eliminated in r8SP8Ct of disposa15 96,415 1,054 (12,600) 117,931 214,346 1,054 (12,800) At 31 March 2025 84,869 117,931 202,800 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 657,000 922 657,922 At 31 March 2024 657,000 1,978 658,976 The freehold property includes property at High Street, Spennymoor and Armstong House, Durham. These are carried at the fair value. The directors have assessed th8ir market value based on valuations undertaken by McGillivray5 Chartered Surveyors on 12th August 2024 and Graham S Hall Chartered Surweyors on 23rd September 2024 respectively. At 31 March 2025, had the revalued assets been carried at historic cost less accumulat8d depreciation and accumulated impairm8nt losses, their carrying amount would have been approximately £451,429 (2024 £456,460). 21
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 15 Debtors 2025 2024 Amounts falling due wlthln one year: Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments 31,366 12,165 13,550 28,560 116,958 30,823 57,081 176,341 16 Current asset Investments 2025 2024 Investment bank accounts 11,793 11,285 17 Credltors: amounts falling due wlthln onè yèar 2025 2024 Notes Other taxation and social security Deferred funding income Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals 28,585 5,000 18,848 22,977 31,002 37,334 19,635 55,440 12,986 31,021 18 104,412 156,416 18 Government grants Deferred income is included in the flnanclal statements as follows: 2026 2024 Deferred income is included within: Current liabilities 5,000 19,635 Movements in th8 year.. Deferred income at 1 April 2024 Released from previous periods Resources deferred in the year 19,635 (19,635) 5,000 21.704 (21,704) 19.835 Deferred income at 31 March 2025 5.000 19.635 22-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 19 Retirement beneflt schemes Deflned contrlbutlon schemes Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schem68 97,052 112,669 The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. -23-
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CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 21 Unr8Strict8d funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. At 1 April 2024 Incomlng resources Resources &xpend8d Transfers Galns and At 31 March losses 2025 Capital Fund Revaluation R8s8rve General funds 505,098 505.098 82,000 585,267 82,000 483,085 721,032 (745,476) (77,738) 1,172,365 721,032 {745,476) (77,738) 1,070,183 Prevlous year: At 1 Aprll 2023 Incomlng Resources resources expended Transfers Galns and At 31 March losses 2024 Capital Fund Revaluatlon Reseive General funds 491,678 (5,127) 18,547 505,098 82,000 82,000 585,267 1,182,561 1,512,845 (2,028,366) {83,773) 1,674,239 1,512,845 (2,031,493} (65,226) 82,000 1,172,365 22 Analysls of net assets between funds Unr•strlcted funds 2025 Restrlctsd funds 2025 Total 2025 At 31 March 2025: Tangible assets Current assetsl(liabilities) 657,922 412,261 657,922 572,309 160.048 1,070,183 160.048 1,230,231 Unrestricted funds 2024 Restricted funds 2024 Total 2024 At 31 March 2024: Tangible assets Current assetsl(liabilities) 658.976 513.389 658,978 639,059 125,670 1,172,365 125,670 1,298,035 -27-
CITIZENS ADVICE COUNTY DURHAM NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 23 Operatlng lease commltments Lessee At the reporting 8nd date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable op8ratlng leases, which fall due as follows.. 2025 2024 Within one year 20,500 Relatod party transactlons Transactlons wlth related partles Mr A Shield, director, was also a dlrector of Durham Christian Partnershlp from 25 June 2024. Included in income from charitable activities is £14,400 in relation to services provided to Durham Christian Partnership slnce that date. 25 Cash ab80rbed by op•ratlons 2025 2024 Deficit for the year (67,804) (663,370) Adjustments for: Investment income recognlsed In statement of financial activities Depreciation and impairment of tangible flxed asset5 (28,187) 1,054 (31,163) 5,127 Movements In working capltal: Decrease in debtors (Decrease) in creditors (Decrease) in deferred income 119,260 (37,369) {14.635} 32,428 (74,013) {2,069) Cash absorbed by operatlons {27,681) (733,060) 26 Analysls of changes In net funds The charity had no materlal debt during the year. -28-