COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE
(CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1152204
Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7EG
COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 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
WORKING NAMES
Charitable Incorporated Organisation
CCDC
START OF FINANCIAL YEAR
01 April 2024
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31 March 2025
TRUSTEES AT 31 MARCH 2025
Sian Simpkins Michael Roberts Toby Bull Andrew Neill Rev Sara Batts-Neale - Resigned on 13.05.2025 Rev Nicky Young
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
The C3 Centre Ypres Road Colchester Essex CO2 7FD
PRIMARY BANKERS
The Co-operative Bank plc PO Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Z Derbak Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7EG
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Objectives
Colchester CMA Debt Centre (CCDC) exists for the relief of poverty through debt counselling, money advice, and other related activities in the Colchester, Essex area. CCDC’s priorities remained the same as in 2023-24, 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 successful change for CCDC, establishing our new affiliation with Community Money Advice (CMA).
Achievements
This has been another year of change for CCDC with three members of our staff moving on to new pastures, Ruth Woodman has successfully stepped up to become our new Centre Manager, and we have welcomed Casey Collins to the staff as our Centre Administrator. Since partnering with CMA we have worked with 91 clients and currently have 25 clients working through their debt solution. There is still a waiting list for a first appointment showing that there is still a significant need for our services. Two volunteers have started training to become CMA Money Mentors to help meet this need.
During the year we successfully referred a number of clients to attend local Multiply skills courses. These courses covered a range of helpful day to day life skills.
Our Chair of Trustees has moved to a new role in a different county so has stepped down from the board in May 2025.
Financial Review
CCDC has had a number of successful grant applications in the 2024-25 year, that along with lower staff costs has strengthened our financial position compared to our previous financial year. The fundraising environment for charity and third sector agencies remains challenging, particularly finding grants to support salaries.
In 2024/25 our costs came to £36,003 – a 30% decrease from the previous year.
Income from grants was up from £10,668 to £33,250. Gifts and donations were down, £11,169 in 2024-25 compared to £18,999 in 2023-24. Our total income increased 43% to £47,188 in 2024-25 from £34,080 in 2023-24.
The net impact for the year was surplus of £11,185, taking our total retained funds at the year end to £24,462 and a bank balance of £24,949.
The trustees have every confidence that the charity will meet its financial obligations when they become due. In 2024/25 trustees maintained reserves in excess of three months' salary costs. This is kept under review.
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
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;
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
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comply with applicable accounting standards subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation
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:-
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the charity is operating efficiently and effectively
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all assets are safeguarded against unauthorised use or disposition and are properly applied
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proper records are maintained and financial information used within the charity or for publication is reliable
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the charity complies with relevant laws and regulations
The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.
Approved by the Trustees on…14 January 2026 Signed on their behalf by Trustee ….............................. .
Printed Name: Michael A Roberts
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
Report to the trustees/ members of Colchester Cap Debt Centre on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025 set out on pages 7 to 17.
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:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
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
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- 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: Lob The Grain Store Hills Barns Date: 15.01.2026 Appledram Lane South Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7EG
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE
(CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 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 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ £ £ £ 34,749 - 10,175 44,924 31,305 1,994 - - 1,994 2,775 270 - - 270 - 37,013 - 10,175 47,188 34,080 25,388 440 10,175 36,003 51,502 25,388 440 10,175 36,003 51,502 11,625 (440) - 11,185 (17,422) 640 - (640) - - 12,265 (440) (640) 11,185 (17,422) 11,078 1,541 658 13,277 30,699 23,343 1,101 18 24,462 13,277 |
|---|---|
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
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Fund | Fund | 31-Mar-25 | 31-Mar-24 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Assets | Notes | |||||
| Tangible Assets | 2 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Investment Assets | 7 | - | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Current Assets | ||||||
| Debtors & Prepayments | 9 | 450 | - | - | 450 | 2,402 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 8 | 23,830 | 1,101 | 18 | 24,949 | 11,852 |
| Total Current Assets | 24,280 | 1,101 | 18 | 25,399 | 14,254 | |
| Creditors:amounts falling due | 10 | 937 | - | - | 937 | 977 |
| within one year | ||||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 23,343 | 1,101 | 18 | 24,462 | 13,277 | |
| TOTAL ASSETSless current liabilities | 23,343 | 1,101 | 18 | 24,462 | 13,277 | |
| Creditors:amounts falling due in | 11 | - | - | - | - | - |
| more than one year | ||||||
| NET ASSETS | 23,343 | 1,101 | 18 | 24,462 | 13,277 | |
| FUNDS OF THE CHARITY | ||||||
| General Funds | 23,343 | - | - | 23,343 | 11,078 | |
| Designated Fund | 6 | - | 1,101 | - | 1,101 | 1,541 |
| Restricted funds | 5 | - | - | 18 | 18 | 658 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 23,343 | 1,101 | 18 | 24,462 | 13,277 |
Approved by the Trustees on 14 January 2026
Signed on their behalf by Trustee …..............................
Printed Name: Michael A Roberts
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
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:
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the charity becomes entitled to the income;
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it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources; and
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the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
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.
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
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
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Additions Accumulated Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the Year At 31 March 2025 Net Book Value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 Equipment at Cost At 1 April 2024 At 31 March 2025 |
Unrestricted Fund Designated Fund Restricted Fund 2024/25 £ £ £ £ 1,556 - - 1,556 - - - - 1,556 - - 1,556 1,556 - - 1,556 - - - - 1,556 - - 1,556 - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|
The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows:
31st March 2025 : None 31st March 2024 : None
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
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 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ £ £ £ 11,169 - - 11,169 18,999 23,250 - 10,000 33,250 10,688 220 - - 220 218 - - 175 175 1,400 34,749 - 10,175 44,924 31,305 1,994 - - 1,994 2,775 1,994 - - 1,994 2,775 270 - - 270 - 270 - - 270 - |
|---|---|
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| 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 2024/25 2023/24 £ £ £ £ £ 85 - - 85 901 19,635 - 10,000 29,635 34,975 - - - - 162 774 - - 774 724 483 - - 483 791 441 - - 441 708 440 - - 440 305 - - - - 465 - - 175 175 1,396 - - - - 6,660 2,455 - - 2,455 2,455 - 440 - 440 360 - - - - - - - - - 145 - - - - - - - - - 420 - - - - - - - - - 188 415 - - 415 235 660 - - 660 612 25,388 440 10,175 36,003 52,005 |
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
5. RESTRICTED FUNDS
| CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR Essex Community Foundation CAP Release Group ACTS Giving |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-24 Income Expenditure Transfer 31-Mar-25 £ £ £ £ £ 640 - - (640) - - 10,000 (10,000) - - 18 175 (175) - 18 658 10,175 (10,175) (640) 18 |
|---|---|
| PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR Essex Community Foundation CAP Release Group ACTS Giving |
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 |
|---|---|
6. DESIGNATED FUNDS
| CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR Christmas Fund PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR Christmas Fund |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-24 Income Expenditure Transfer 31-Mar-25 £ £ £ £ £ 1,541 - (440) - 1,101 1,541 - (440) - 1,101 Balance Balance 01-Apr-23 Income Expenditure Transfer 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ £ - - (360) 1,901 1,541 - - (360) 1,901 1,541 |
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
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 and PAYE 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-25 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ £ 23,830 1,101 18 24,949 11,852 23,830 1,101 18 24,949 11,852 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds 31-Mar-25 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ £ - - - - 266 450 - - 450 2,136 450 - - 450 2,402 Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds 31-Mar-25 31-Mar-24 £ £ £ £ £ 77 - - 77 337 200 - - 200 10 660 - - 660 630 937 - - 937 977 |
|---|---|
11.
The CIO held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial period.
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Gross Wages & Salaries Employer's National Insurance Costs Less: HMRC Employer Allowance Employer's Pension Contributions 12. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS |
TOTAL 2024/25 £ 29,392 516 (516) 243 29,635 |
TOTAL 2023/24 £ 34,757 319 (319) 219 34,976 |
|---|---|---|
The average number of employees engaged on a part time basis in the following activities:
| Furthering the charitable objects | TOTAL TOTAL 2024/25 2023/24 3 3 |
|---|---|
| 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 £12,476 (2023/24: £10,882).
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
No trustee received any payment for reimbursements in the financial year. 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. (2023/24: £132)
| 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-25 31-Mar-24 Funds Funds Funds Total Total £ £ £ £ £ - - - - - 23,343 1,101 18 24,462 13,277 - - - - - 23,343 1,101 18 24,462 13,277 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 - 658 13,277 30,699 |
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COLCHESTER CMA DEBT CENTRE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
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
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