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2024-03-31-accounts

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE

(CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1152204

Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

Page
Legal and Administrative Information 3
Trustees' Report 4 to 5
Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Accounts 9 to 17

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY NUMBER

1152204

PREVIOUS NAME

Colchester CAP Debt Centre

LEGAL FORM Charitable Incorporated Organisation WORKING NAMES CCDC START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 01 April 2023 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31 March 2024 TRUSTEES AT 31 MARCH 2024 Nigel Drew Resigned on 18th March 2024 Sian Simpkins Amanda Drew Resigned on 18th March 2024 Michael Roberts Toby Bull Andrew Neill Rev Sara Batts-Neale Rev Nicky Young Appointed on 18 March 2024

The existing trustees appoint any new trustees following the provisions laid out in the CIO's governing instrument.

GOVERNING INSTRUMENT

Foundation registered 29 May 2013, amended 20 January 2015 as amended on the 12 December 2023.

REGISTRATION DATE

29 May 2013: CIO registration

OBJECTS

The relief of poverty for persons in Essex who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress of their social and/or economic circumstances, by providing services including, but not limited to, debt counselling and support with finding employment.

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

PRIMARY BANKERS

The C3 Centre Ypres Road Colchester Essex CO2 7FD The Co-operative Bank plc PO Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Z Derbak Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF

3

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

Objectives

Colchester CAP Debt Centre (CCDC) exists for the relief of poverty through debt counselling, money advice, job clubs and other related activities in the Colchester, Essex area. CCDC’s priorities remained the same as in 2021-22: to maintain financial stability and to increase capacity for debt counselling.

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

The past financial year has been a period of significant change for CCDC, during which the provision of services was maintained.

Achievements

In June 2023 Colchester CAP Debt Centre celebrated its tenth anniversary. Within weeks, however, the trustees had taken the decision to investigate other potential partners for regulated financial advice. A substantial change in the levels of support for bankruptcy clients from Christians Against Poverty, coupled with ongoing delays to their service provision. was the catalyst. In addition, seeking a partner with a lower affiliation fee would also help with CCDC’s cashflow.

In autumn 2023 trustees resolved to end the partnership with CAP and instead affiliate to Community Money Advice (CMA), who could provide the same of regulated financial advice but with fewer delays and at a lower fee structure. Training for staff on CMA’s processes commenced in the autumn of 2023 along with the administration around updating websites and partner agencies. The agreement with CAP terminated on 31 December 2023. From 1 January a name change took place and the team, now known as Colchester CMA Debt Centre, began operations with a new 0300 direct referral line. Prior CAP clients’ casework was completed or their case was transferred solely to CAP HQ to complete. The name change was registered with the Charity Commission.

One impact was a reduction in the number of clients that could be supported as the staff team were trained in CMA’s workflows. The transition was largely smooth and well-handled, a testament to the level of expertise the team already possessed. One additional strength of the CMA model is that it provides greater flexibility to CCDC staff in terms of managing the workflow for a client; it also reduced the number of volunteers needed as clients visit the centre office rather than staff visiting clients in their own homes. Trustees also intend to encourage staff members to take training so that CCDC becomes a provider of regulated debt advice, once the transition to CMA has been fully embedded.

One new trustee with extensive experience of healthcare management joined in March 2024. Two trustees resigned at the end of March 2024.

In the calendar year 1 January to 31 December 2023 CCDC supported 27 clients to become debt free.

By 31 March 2024 17 clients were being supported, with a total of £105,622 of debt between them.

Financial Review

Financially, CCDC has had a number of successful grant applications and coupled with the lower cost of CMA compared to CAP affiliation the financial position has been marginally more stable than in the previous financial year. However, the fundraising environment for charity and third sector agencies remains challenging. One noteworthy hurdle is that many grant makers will not give grants towards salary costs and these make up the largest proportion of our operating costs.

In 2023/24 our costs came to £51,502 – a 19% decrease from the previous year.

Income from grants was down from £12,338 to £10,688. Gifts and donations were also down,– income in 2022-23 was £28,189 and in the year to date £18,639.

The net impact for the year was deficit of £17,422 taking our total retained funds at the year end to £13,277 and a bank balance of £11,852.

The trustees have every confidence that the charity will meet its financial obligations when they become due. In 2023/24 trustees maintained reserves of £9,000 in excess of three months' salary costs. This is kept under review.

4

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

Responsibilities of Trustees

Charity law requires the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and resources expended for the period. In preparing those financial statements, the Board of Trustees should follow best practice and are required to;

The Board of Trustees is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities and to provide reasonable assurance that:-

The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

22 January 2025 Approved by the Trustees on….....................................

Signed on their behalf by Trustee ….............................. SLB mfis Ne

Printed Name: The Revd Dr Sara Batts-Neale

5

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

Report to the trustees/ members of Colchester Cap Debt Centre on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the 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 connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Zita Derbak MAAT AATQB Independent Examiners Ltd Sign: Lb Unit 2, The Broadridge Business Centre Delling Lane Date: 23.01.2025 Bosham PO18 8NF

6

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

Notes
INCOMING RESOURCES
Donations & Legacies
3a
Charitable Activities
3b
Other Income
3c
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
PAYMENTS
Costs of Charitable Activities
4
RESOURCES EXPENDED
NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
5, 6
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Balances Brought Forward
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023/24
2022/23
£
£
£
£
£
21,217
-
10,088
31,305
43,756
2,775
-
-
2,775
2,809
-
-
-
-
360
23,992
-
10,088
34,080
46,925
41,058
360
10,084
51,502
61,516
41,058
360
10,084
51,502
61,516
(17,066)
(360)
4
(17,422)
(14,592)
(1,915)
1,901
14
-
-
(18,981)
1,541
18
(17,422)
(14,592)
30,059
-
640
30,699
45,291
11,078
1,541
658
13,277
30,699

All of the Charity's operations are classed as continuing operations.

The notes form part of these financial statements, found on pages:-

9 to 17

7

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total
Fund Fund Fund 31-Mar-24 31-Mar-23
£ £ £ £ £
Assets Notes
Tangible Assets 2 - - - - 465
Investment Assets 7 - - - - -
- - - - 465
Current Assets
Debtors & Prepayments 9 2,402 - - 2,402 1,918
Cash at bank and in hand 8 9,653 1,541 658 11,852 28,854
Total Current Assets 12,055 1,541 658 14,254 30,772
Creditors:amounts falling due 10 977 - - 977 538
within one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS 11,078 1,541 658 13,277 30,234
TOTAL ASSETSless current liabilities 11,078 1,541 658 13,277 30,699
Creditors:amounts falling due in 11 - - - - -
more than one year
NET ASSETS 11,078 1,541 658 13,277 30,699
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
General Funds 11,078 - - 11,078 30,059
Designated Fund 6 - 1,541 - 1,541 -
Restricted funds 5 - - 658 658 640
TOTAL FUNDS 11,078 1,541 658 13,277 30,699

22nd January 2025 Approved by the Trustees on …....................................

Signed on their behalf by Trustee:

Printed Name: Michael Roberts

8

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

Basis of Preparation:

The financial statements of the CIO have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and applicable accounting standards.

The CIO has applied Update Bulletin 1 as published on 2 February 2016 and does not include a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is applying FRS 102 Section 1A.

Colchester CAP Debt Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

The functional currency of the CIO is sterling (£).

Preparation of accounts on a going concern basis

Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The Trustees are of the view that the level of reserves will support the CIO going forward.

The CIO has opted to prepare its accounts using natural categories.

Changes to accounting estimates

No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period.

Material prior period errors

No material prior year errors have been identified in the reporting period.

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Incoming Resources

Recognition of Incoming Resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.

Grants and Donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS 102 SORP).

Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts

Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

Government Grants

The CIO has not received government grants in the reporting period.

Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the Trustees' annual report.

Income from interest, royalties and dividends

This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.

9

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

Expenditure and Liabilities (continued)

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the CIO to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Governance and Support Costs

Support costs represent the cost of central functions, for example governance costs, payroll administration, information technology. Governance costs are those support costs which relate to public accountability of the CIO and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

Employee benefits

Short term benefits including holiday pay are recognised as an expense in the period in which the service is received.

Redundancy cost

The CIO made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.

Deferred income

No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts.

Creditors

The CIO has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

Debtors

Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

Fixed Assets

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £150. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets on a straight line basis over 3 years from the month they are purchased.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

10

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Additions
Equipment at Cost
At 1 April 2023
At 31 March 2024
Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 April 2023
Charge for the Year
At 31 March 2024
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2024
At 1 April 2023
Unrestricted
Fund
Designated
Fund
Restricted
Fund
2023/24
£
£
£
£
1,556
-
-
1,556
-
-
-
-
1,556
-
-
1,556
1,091
-
-
1,091
465
-
-
465
1,556
-
-
1,556
-
-
-
-
465
-
-
465

The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows:

31st March 2023 : None 31st March 2024 : None

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

11

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

3. INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:

Note
a) Donations & Legacies
Gifts and Donations
Grants
5
Gift Aid Tax Recoverable
ACTS giving
5
b) Other Trading Activities
Fundraising
c) Charitable Activities
Life skills Income
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023/24
2022/23
£
£
£
£
£
18,999
-
-
18,999
28,189
2,000
-
8,688
10,688
12,338
218
-
-
218
-
-
-
1,400
1,400
1,940
21,217
-
10,088
31,305
42,467
2,775
-
-
2,775
2,809
2,775
-
-
2,775
2,809
-
-
-
-
360
-
-
-
-
360

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

12

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

4. RESOURCES EXPENDED
Notes
Staff Costs
Staff Travel
Wages and Salaries
5
Support Costs
Advertising
Insurance
Printing, Postage and Stationery
Telephone & Internet & Computer
Training
Depreciation
Other Costs
ACTS giving
5
CAP Head Office
CMA Fees
Christmas Hamper
6
Client Events
Fuel Poverty
Grant expenditure
Life skills
Other Costs
Relief of Hardship
Governance Costs
Accountancy Fee
Independent Examiners Fee
a) Charitable Activities
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023/24
2022/23
£
£
£
£
£
901
-
-
901
1,727
26,287
-
8,688
34,975
35,605
162
-
-
162
843
724
-
-
724
800
791
-
-
791
224
708
-
-
708
513
305
-
-
305
296
465
-
-
465
155
-
-
1,396
1,396
1,954
6,660
-
-
6,660
12,520
2,455
-
-
2,455
-
-
360
-
360
1,455
-
-
-
-
729
145
-
-
145
600
-
-
-
-
147
420
-
-
420
848
-
-
-
-
1,980
188
-
-
188
-
235
-
-
235
32
612
-
-
612
586
41,058
360
10,084
51,502
61,516

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

13

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

5. RESTRICTED FUNDS CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR

CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
Essex Community Foundation
PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR
Essex Community Foundation
CAP Release Group
ACTS Giving
CAP Release Group
Balance
Balance
01-Apr-23
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31-Mar-24
£
£
£
£
£
640
-
-
-
640
-
8,688
(8,688)
-
-
-
1,400
(1,396)
14
18
640
10,088
(10,084)
14
658
Balance
Balance
01-Apr-22
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31-Mar-23
£
£
£
£
£
640
-
-
-
640
6,715
-
(6,715)
-
-
7,355
-
(6,715)
-
640

6. DESIGNATED FUNDS CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR

CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
Christmas Fund
Balance
Balance
01-Apr-23
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31-Mar-24
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
(360)
1,901
1,541
-
-
(360)
1,901
1,541

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

14

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

7. INVESTMENTS

The CIO held no investment assets during this or the previous financial period.

8. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Current Account
9. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
Prepayment - PAYE Payable
Gift Aid Tax Recoverable
Accruals
Pension Payable
Independent Examiner's Fee
10. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS AMOUNTS
FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
31-Mar-24
31-Mar-23
£
£
£
£
£
9,653
1,541
658
11,852
28,854
9,653
1,541
658
11,852
28,854
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
31-Mar-24
31-Mar-23
£
£
£
£
£
266
-
-
266
-
2,136
-
-
2,136
1,918
2,402
-
-
2,402
1,918
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
31-Mar-24
31-Mar-23
£
£
£
£
£
337
-
-
337
(80)
10
-
-
10
-
630
-
-
630
618
977
-
-
977
538

11.

The CIO held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial period.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

15

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

Gross Wages & Salaries
Employer's National Insurance Costs
Less: HMRC Employer Allowance
Employer's Pension Contributions
12. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
TOTAL
2023/24
£
34,757
319
(319)
219
34,976
TOTAL
2022/23
£
35,363
496
(496)
242
35,605

The average number of employees engaged on a part time basis in the following activities:

Furthering the charitable objects TOTAL
TOTAL
2023/24
2022/23
3
4
Administration and Support 1
1

Staff are paid through the PAYE system. No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. (22/23- None)

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Board of Trustees, and the Debt Centre Manager. No trustees are remunerated. The total employee benefits (including employer national insurance and employer pension contributions) of the key management personnel of the charity were £10,882 (2022/23: £11,012).

The CIO does pay employer pension contributions on behalf of any employee, although a stakeholder pension scheme is offered to those eligible employees who wish to contribute. The staging date for auto enrolment date for the CIO was April 2017, at which point a pension scheme was made available to eligible employees.

13. TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES

One trustee received payment of £132 for reimbursements for her out of pocket expenses. No other related parties received any remuneration during this financial year. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them. (2022/23- None)

14. a.) CURRENT YEAR ANALYSIS OF
NET ASSETS BY FUND
Fixed Assets
Net Current Assets
Liabilities (due in more than one year)
14. b.) PRIOR YEAR ANALYSIS OF
NET ASSETS BY FUND
Fixed Assets
Net Current Assets
Liabilities (due in more than one year)
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
31-Mar-24
31-Mar-23
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
465
11,078
1,541
658
13,277
30,234
-
-
-
-
-
11,078
1,541
658
13,277
30,699
Unrestricted
Designated
Restricted
31-Mar-23
31-Mar-22
Funds
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
£
£
£
£
£
465
-
-
465
620
29,594
-
640
30,234
44,671
-
-
-
-
-
30,059
-
640
30,699
45,291

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

16

COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

15. RISK ASSESSMENT

The Trustees actively review the major risks which the CIO faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

16. RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the CIO's needs. This is based on the CIO's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the CIO will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

17. PUBLIC BENEFIT

The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

17