Cornpany regislralion number.. 06150651 Charity registralion number= 1153582 CITIZENS ADVICE ESSEX LIMITED TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 *AEF5FOIJ' 121111202S COMPANIES HOUSE A11
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Denmark Forrester Limited Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor Office 12 Bentalls Centre Colchester Road Maldon Essex CM9 4GD
CStlzens Advice Essex Limited Contents Page Reference and Administralive Details Trustees, Report Independent AuditOT'S Report Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) 12 Comparative Statement of Financial Acliwties (induding Income and Expenditure Account) 13 Balance Sheet 14 Slatement ol Cash Flows 15 Notes lo the Statement of Cash Flows 16 Notes to the Finanaal Statements
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Reference and Administrative Details For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Trusteeg Riccardo Tazzini - Treasurer Neil Jones {appointed 0710812024) (resigned 2910112025) Alexander Tarala Claire Morin (resigned 0410312025) Graham Clark Jean Wells (resigned 1510212025) Lanston Ramsay (appointed 2210812024) (Tesigned 15108120251 Mary Slenson Paula Whrttle Stuart Freel Tonia Parsons Philip Wakeling - Chair (appointed 04103120251 lan Allsop (appointed 1910512025) Charlty Numbor 1153582 Company Number 06150651 Principal Address Council Offices Princes Road Maldon Essex CM9 SDL A¢¢ounlants Denmark Forrester Limiled Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor offi 12 Bentalls Cenlre Colchester Road Maldon Essex CM9 4GD Page 1
Cltizens Advlce Essex Limited Company No. 06150651 Truslees. Report For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 The trustees present their report and the financial slalements for the year ended 31 March 2025. Objectives and Activities Aims and ObJe¢tlve8 The objects of the charity are lo promote any charitable pUoSe for the benefit of Ihe community of Essex and the surrounding areas by ihe advancement of education. the prolectian and preservation of health. and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress. Citizens Advice Essex achieves these objects by securing and managing Countywide funding and distributing it to member Local Citizens Advice. The charity acts as a conduit belween lunders and local delivery. providing accounlability, leadership and consistency on behalf of the network. The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefii guidance published by the Charity Commission. Publlc Benoflt Citizens Advice Essex Limited aims to meet its charitable objectives by assisting ils member LCAS to provide free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information for the benefit of the communily of Essex. The tTUStees confirm that they have complied wilh the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 10 have due regard to Ihe Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. Achievements and Perforniance Maln Achlevements During 2024125, Citizens Advice Essex maintained a lolal income of £2,061,860. This level was consistent with the previous year bul reflected a changed mix of funding sources. Consortium led activities have Iransilioned from a peiiod when significant emergency funding was provided by Essex County Council for COVID-19 and C05t-of-living responses to one where that support has reduced and is unlikely to relum. Trustees regard this as a slruclural shift in the funding environment and have therefore priorilised diversification and the development of new income streams lo ensure sustainabilily. The Macmillan Welfare Service remained one of the consortium's most significant and most impaclful programmes. With funding of over £434,000, the project supported specialist advisers located in hospitals and local offices who provide welfare benefits advice to people affected by cancer. The Sery1 helped clienls lo maximise their income. challenge incorrect decisions, and maintain financial stability during treatment and recovery. Beyond financial outcomes, it has provided clients with reassurance and reduced anxiety during a particulady vulnerable time in their lives. The Finan Benefits and Debt advice seThice for Men on Probation, funded by Ihe Ministry of Justice, entered ils second year of delivery. This programme, which provides financial wellbeing SVPPOrt for men on probation, recognises that financial instability is often a barrier to rehabilitation. Advisers worked closely with probation teams to assist clients with opening bank accounts, accessing benefits, dealing with deb15 and developing ski115 lo manage money effectively. The project has been successful ID helping these men gain financial slability, Ihereby increasing their chances of successful rehabililalion. ..CONTINUED Page 2
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Trustees. Report lcontinued) For The Yèar Ended 31 March 2025 Maln Achlevements - continued A major development during the year was the transition of our work with UK Power Netsvorks. In February 2025, the long-standing granl-funded programme became a contract under the company's ED2 framework. This meant Ihal delivery was placed on a unit-priced basis, wrth a greater emphasis on performance monitoring, reporting and quality assurance. The contract also required the inclusion of Local Cilizens Advice offices outside the Essex consortium, extending delivery across the East of England. This was a 5ignificanl milestone, demonslraling the consortium's ability lo operale wilhin a more commercial environment while continuing to fulfil its charitable aims. Income from this funding source began later and al a slower pace than expected, resulting in lower-Ihan- projected results for 2024125 however, clients volumes are expected to increases as the programme stabilises and new delivery partners become embedded. In November 2024, the con50rtium began participating in the Aviva inward referral service as a resull of its selection by our national association {Cilizens Advice) following a competitive process open lo all local rnembers of the network. Forming an element of Cilizens Advice's flagship partnership with Aviva, this initiative provides a direct pathway lor Aviva customers with low financial resilience lo be referred lo Citizens Advice. The Essex consortium is now handling these referrals, providing holistic advice across debt, housing. benefits and financial capability. Although still in ils early stages. the programme is expected to expand and deepen over time, representing bolh a valuable service for clients and a significant new national partnership for Citizens Advice Essex. Olhef energy-relaled projects conlinued throughout the year. Funding from the British Gas Energy Trust supported local offices lo provide advice lo dienls in fuel poverty. In contrast, Cadenl funding allowed advisers to reach rural communities where energy vulnerabillty is often particularly acute. These programmes sit alongside and complement the broader energy portfolio. The Independent Age Income Wse project grew in scale and impact. It focused on supporting older people, particularly those from racially minoritised communilies. lo access unclaimed entillemenls and reduce financial hardship. The Essex Community Foundation provided funding to deliver specialist advice to Ukrainian refugees, helping with benefits, housing and integration into local communities. These projeds demonstrate the cansortium's adaptability in meeting the evolving needs of vanous clienl groups. Across all of its work, the network of s8Mng Greater Essex generated significant benefi15 for clients and communilies. Impact figures for 2024125 are still being finalised, the Trustees note that in 2023124 the consorlium delivered £79.43 million in direct financial gains to clients and £169.4 million in wider economic and social benefits. Truslees expect the 2024125 outcomes to remain al a similar level, reflecting consistently high demand driven by the cost-of-living crisis, energy pressure5, and housing difficulties. The value of the consortium is measured not only In immediate financial outcomes bul also in the prevention of crisis, the reduction of demand on stalulory services, and the strengthening of community resilience. Investment P•rfomiancè Due to the current size of the Charity. all funds are presently held on deposil. The Charity does not Currenlly hold any other type of investment. Flnancial Revlew Flnanclal Posltoon Incoming resources in the year were £2,061.860, almost all of which relaled to restricted projects. Expenditure was closely matched to income. reflecting careful budgel management. The result was a broadly neutral posilion, with reserves maintained above Ihe minimum target set by the Trustees. The reserves policy was reviewed and reaffirmed during the year. The charity aims to maintain unrestricted reseprfes equivalent to three to six months of core operating Costs, including the expenses of the Consortium Director, Finance Officer. one Project Manager. fixed operational costs. and redundancy liabilities. As of 31 March 2025. reserves were above this threshold, providing reassurance at a lime of funding uncertainty. Page 3
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Trustees. Report {continuedl ForThe Year Ended 31 March 2025 Reserves Policy Eath year the Tru51ees review the reserves policy antj consider the appropriate level of reserve5 for the organisation to hold. 11 considers the level appropriate for the current size and complexity of the organisation, the economic environmenl. the risks and known inveslmenl plans above any beyond budgeted costs. Tnjstees also consider our current risk profile. balancing the need lo reflect thal risk, while making sure funds are nol held unnecessarily at the expense of committing funds to meet ¢harilable obiectives. In May 2025. the Board of Trustees agreed that the policy should continue to hold in free reserves (unrestricted funds) the equivalent of 3 to 6 months, core operating costs for the Consortium Director, Finance Officer and one Project Manager, fixed running costs plus any redundancy liabililies. This will require the target range for 2025126 to be between £89,000 and £120,000 (target £105,000). As at 31 Marth 2025, free reserves lolalled £153,091. Based on the original 2025126 budget, the forecast free reseNes on 31 March 2026 are expected to be in excess of the policy's target. The policy will be reviewed annually. Funds Materially In Doflclt No funds were in deficit at the balance sheet date. Prlnclpal Fundlng Sources Pnncipal funding sources included Essex County Council. Macmillan. Aviva. UK Power NeOrkS, British Gas Energy Trust, Cadenl and the Essex Community Foundation. Trustees extend their gratitude to all funders for their 5UPPOrt. Investm•nl Pollcy and Objèctivè8 Due to the size of the Charity and its cash flow requirements, all funds are held on deposit or in low risk investmen15. in furtherance of its objecls, and for no other purpose. The Charity has the power to invest the monies of Ihe Charity not immediately required for ils purposes in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fil. subject nevertheless to such condrtions and such consents as may for the lime being be imposed or required by law. Rlsk Management The Trustees regularly review the risks facing the charity. The most significant risk remains the reliance on major funders, particularly Essex County Council, at a lime when local government finances are under sustained pressure. The Truslees recognise that the Iransition away from short-lemi emergency COVID and cosl-of-living funds towards a more constrained and uncertain environmenl has heightened the risk profile of the organisation. The Board is responding through diversification, pursuing commercial conlracts, and strengihening internal systems to ensure resilience. New Restricted Fund$ Restricted funds newly active in 2024125 were Aviva, the Essex County Council Household Support Fund alloGations lo Local Citrzens Advice and training, the Essex Community Foundalion Ukraine project, and Ihe UK Power Networks ED2 contract. Page 4
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Trustees. Report {continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 202S Future Developments Looking forward into 2025126, the Trustees anticipate Ihal the extemal funding environment will remain challenging, with CDntinued constraints on local authority budgets. We expect this will have a more Significant impact on consortium members but this may ultimately reflecl on their ability to engage in consortium led activities - a risk of which Iruslees are mindful. Essex County Council is expected to maintain ils support in the medium term while opportunrtiès for more strategic funding for specific services and initiatives are being explored. The consortium will build on its new contract viith UK Power NeorkS, incorporating commercial disciplines into ils work and seeking further opportunities for contract delivery that align with its charitable aims. Energy advice will continue to be a significant area of development, with plans to pursue new bids under Ihe Energy Redress Scheme, particularly those targeted at older people. The probation project will be a focus for gathering and evaluating evidence, lo secure conlinualion fundin9 and demonslrale the contribution that financial advice makes to reducing reoffending. During 2025126 the Trustees will overseè the continuation of the strategic planning process. This will involve slruclured engagement with all member Local Citizens Advice offices. staff and external partners, so that the resulting plan reflects the collective ambitions of the network. The aim is to sel out a vision for Ihe future of advice in Greater Essex Ihal is agreed by all consortium members and places the organi5ation in the strongest possible position to manage the risks and opportunilies associated with local govemment reorganisalion and devolution. The Trustees believe that such a shared Msion, backed by evidence of need and a realistic understanding of resources, will provlde a powerful foundation for long-lerm sustainability and influenGe. The wider context of devolution and potential local government refomi requires careful navigation. Citizens Advice Essex is uniquely positioned as a countywide body lo engage with declsion-makers and lo demonslrale the value ol a coordinated advice infrastructure that can flex to new governance arrangements. The consortium will continue to develop its capacity for strategic communications and stakeholder engagemenl. ensuring that the voice of clients and the importance of independent advice are strongly represented in discussions about the fulure of local government in Essex. Intemally, the consortium will continue to strengthen ils governance, financial management and digilal systems, ensuring that Local Citizens Advice offices across Essex are resilient and able to meet demand. Trustees believe these developments will enhance both the sustainability of the consortium and the quality of service provided to cllents. Structure, Govemance and Management Governing Document The Charlty was incorporated as a private limited company by guarantee on 12 March 2007. 11 is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association that were adopted by the Board on S December 2018.11 registered as a charity with the Charities Commission on 29 August 2013. Citizens Advice Essex Limited is governed by 115 Trustee Board. comprised of representalives nominated by member Local Citizens Advice offices together with independent trustees and COPIed members as permitted. Truslees meet at least quarterfy and are supported by subcommittees covering finance. strategy and operations. They carry ultimate re5ponsibilily for the conduct of the charity, ensuring complianGe with all legal and conlraclual requirements and maintaining oversight of the organisation's work. Newly appointed trustees are drawn from the leadership of local offices and are inducted through both consortium and local governance processes. Page 5
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Trustees. Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Trustee Selection Methods Ci112ens Advice Essex Limited is governed by its Truslee Board, whose composition is detailed al the front of this document. The Directors of the company are also the Trustees for the purposes of charity law. The Trustees carry the ultimate responsibility for the conduct of th8 Charity and for ensuTing Ihal the Chaiily satisfies ils legal and contractual obligations. Trustees meet as a minimum quarterly. The members of the Charity are made up of individual Local Citizens Advice (LCAS) within the county of Essex. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association each member is entitled to appoint one Trustee to the Board and each trustee shall have one vole at all meeting of the Trustee Board. The Trustee Board may Covopl up to three Trustees in addition lo those appointed by members. Co-opted Tnjslees shall sep4e the lerm of three years from the date ol their appointment and may then be re-appointed. The Trustees therefore are usually exclusively Trustees of the member organisations. As such they are drawn from the various local communitles within Essex and have a broad range of skills and backgrounds. Inductlon and Trdining of Trustees Newly appointed Trustees will usually have acted a5 a Trustee of their member LCA for a number of years prior lo appointment, and therefore will have Teceived comprehensive inductions to the role of a Trustee. within their respective LCA. Statement of Trustees. Responsibillties The Iruslees (who are also the directors of Citizens Advice Essex Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the tTuslees must not approve the financial statement unless they are satisfied Ihat they give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing the financial 51alement5 the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP., make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudenl., and prepare the financial 51alements on the going concern basis unless il is inappropriale lo presume that the ompany will ¢onlinue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy al anytime the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them lo ensure that the accounts comply wilh the Companies Act 2006. They are also iespon5ible for safeguarding the assels of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial stalements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Page 6
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Trnstees. Report Icontinuedl For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Statsment of Disclosure of Inforniation to Auditors Each of the persons who are trustees at the time when this truslees, report is approved has confirmed that.. so far as the trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit infomialion of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware. and they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as trustees in order to make themselves aware of any Televant audit information and to establish that the charitable company's auditors are aware of that information. Small Company Rules This report has beèn prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the smal companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees, report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on ils behaN by.. Philip Wakeling Trustee 31st October 2025 Page 7
Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members of Citizens Advice Essex Limited Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Citizens Advice Essex Limited (the "charlty") for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account), Balance Sheet. Cash Flow Stalemenl and the related notes, including a summary of significanl accounling policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounts'ng Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" In our opinion the financial statement5'. give a true and fair view of the state of Ihe charitable companWs affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended., have been properly prepared In accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Acl 2006. Bas1$ for Opinion We conducted OUT audit in accordance with Inlernational Standards on Auditing (UK) IISAS (UKII and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requiremenls that are relevant lo our audit of the financial statemenls in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and the provisions available lor small entities. in Ihe urcumslances sel out in note 22 to the financial statements, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appr¢Jpriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Concluslons Relatlng to Golng Concem In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded Ihal the trustees, use of Ihe going concern basis ol accounting in Ihe preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have nol identified any malerial uncertainlies relating lo events or conditions that. individually or collectively, may cast slgnificanl doubl on the charitable company's ability lo continue as a going concern for a period of al least 12 months from when the financial slatemenls are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the rèlevant sections of Ihis report. Other Infom)ation The olher information GompTises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditors report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other infomialion contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except lo the extent olhepNise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In onnection with our audit of the financial statements, our Tespon5ibility IS to read the olher information and. in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with Ihe financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears lo be materially misslaled. If we idenlify such material inconsistencies or apparent material mi5Stalements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a maleTial misslatemenl in the finanaal stalemenls themselve5. If, based on Ihe work we have perfomied, we conclude that there is a malerial misslalement of this other information, we are required lo report that fact. We have nothing to report in Ihis regard. Page 8
Independent Auditorfs Report (continued) to the Members of Citi2ens Advice Essex Limited Opinions on Other Matters Prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit= the information given in the Trustees. Report, which indudes the Director's Report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements., and the Director's Report included within the Trustees, Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requiremerbts. Mattern on Which We Are Required to Report by Exception In the light of the knowledge and understandlng of the charitable company and ils environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the DiredoT'S Report induded within the Trustees, Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the lollowlng matters in relation to whlch the Companles Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us., or the finanal stalernenls are not in agreement with the accounting records or retums., or certain disclosures of Iruslees, remuneration specified by law are not made., or we have not received all the informalion and explanations we require for our audit.. or the trustees were not enlilled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companie5 regime and take advantage of the small companies, exemptions in preparing the Trustees, Report and from the Tequiremenl lo prepare a Strategic Report. Responsibilities of Trustees As explained more fully in Ihe Trustees, Responsibililles Statement sel out on page 2 7, the tTUStees (who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes 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 lo enable the preparation ol finanual statements that are free from material misslatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial 5tatemenls, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company'5 ability to continue as a golng concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related lo going concern and using the going concem basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but lo do so. Auditorfs Respon8ibllitie8 for the Audlt of the Flnanclal Ststements Our objectives are lo obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misslatemenl, whether due lo fraud or error, and to issue an audilorfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance 15 a high level of assurance, bul is nol a guarantee Ihal an audit Gonducled in accordance with ISAS (UK) will afway5 delect a material misstalemenl when it exists. Misstatements can arise frorn fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregale, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions ol users taken on the basis of these financial statements. The extenl to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregulanlies, including fraud is detailed below.. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, oullined above, to detect material misstalemen15 in respect of irregularities, including fraud. 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.. ..CONTINUED Page 9
Independent Auditor's Report lcontinued) to the Members of Cbtizens Advice Essex Limited Auditorfs Responsibillties forthe Audit of the Financial Statements- continued the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, Capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations., we identified thelaws and regulations applicable to the charitable company through discussions with Iruslees and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the charity sector; we focussed on specific laws and regulations whi¢h we Considered may have a direct malerial effect on Ihe financial statements or the operations of the Charity. including the Companies Act 2006. taxation legislation and data protection. employment, environmental and health and safely legislation., we assessed Ihe extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquirie5 of management and inspecting legal correspondence,. and Identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-complian¢e throughout Ihe audit. We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statemenls to material misstatement. induding obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by.. making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility lo fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and considerlng the int8rnal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations. To address the risk of fraud Ihrough management bias and override of controls, we.. performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationship5., tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions., and assessed whelher judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounling eslimales were indicative of potential bias. In response lo the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limrted to.. agreeing financial stalemenl disdosures to underlying supporting documentalion., reading the minute5 of meetings of those charged with govemance., enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims- and reviewing correspondence wllh relevant regulators and the company's legal advisors. There are inherent lirnitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required lo identify non- compliance with law and regulalions to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due lo fraud can be harder to delect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. A further descripiion of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial stalemenls is lo¢aled on the Financial Reporting Council's websile wvNI.frc.org.uklauditor5responsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report. Page 10
Independent Audltorfs Report (contlnuedl to the Members of Citizens Advice Essex Limited Use 01 Our Rèport This report is made solely to the charilable compan5 members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Acl 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might slate lo the charilable company's members those matters Ihal we are required lo state to them in an audilor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law. we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charila pany and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report. or for the opini ve fornied. sweh Robert Easby FCA (Senior Stalulory Auditor) for and on behalf of Oenmark FOester Limrted , Statutory Auditor 31st October 2025 Page 11
. citizens Advice Essex Limited Statement of Financial Activities lincluding Income and Expenditure Account) ForThe Year Ended 31 March 2025 2025 2024 Unrestrlcted Restricted Tolal funds Totsl fund$ funds funds Noles INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Other trading aclivities Investments Other 2,047,040 2.047,040 2,102,891 3,500 10,720 600 3,500 10,720 600 8,445 14,820 2,047,040 2,061,860 2,111,336 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charitable activitles: Support costs Governance costs 12,008,230) {2,006,230) (2,079,789) (37,036> (10,200> 13,155) (40,191) (10,200) (13,924) (13.974) (47,236> {2,009,3851 (2.056,621) (2,107.687) NET INCOME (32,4161 37.655 5,239 3,649 Transfers between funds 17 37,655 (37,655) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward 5,239 5,239 3,649 147,852 147,852 144.203 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 17 153,091 153,091 147,852 The notes on page5 16 to 26 form part of these financial slalements. Page 12
Cltizens Advice Essex Limited Comparative Ststement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 2024 Unrestricted Restrlcted Total lund8 funds funds Notos INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies Investments 20.018 2,082,873 2,102.891 8,445 8.445 28,463 2.082,873 2,111.336 EXPENDITURE ON: Raising funds Charitable activities.. Support CX15ts Govemance costs 126.155) (2.053,634) (2,079.789) (7,288) {13.974) {47,417) (2,060,270) (2,107.687) 3.649 (6,636) 113,924) (13,974) NET INCOME {18,954) 22,603 Transfers between funds 17 50,193 (50,193) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 31,239 (27,590) 3,649 116,613 27,590 144,203 17 147.852 147.852 The notes on pages 16 to 26 form part of these financial statements. Page 13
Citizens Advice Essex Limiled Balance Sheet As At 31 March 2025 2025 2024 UnrestrScted Restricted Total funds funds funds Total funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets 13 911 911 1,215 911 911 1,215 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 14 600 238.064 280.773 558.436 281.373 403,759 796.500 321,826 238.664 839.209 1.077.873 725,585 Credltors: Amounts Falling Duo Within One Year 15 (86,484) (839.209) (925,693) (578,948) NET CURRENT ASSETS ILIABILITIESI 152,180 152,180 146,637 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 153,091 153,091 147,852 NET ASSETS 153,091 153,091 147,852 FUNDS OF THE CHARI Unreslricted Funds 153,091 147.852 TOTAL FUNDS 17 153,091 147,852 These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable lo companies subject lo the small companies regime. On behalf of the board Philip Wakeling Trustee 31st October 2025 The notes on pages 16 to 26 form part of these financial statements, Page 14
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Statement of Cash Flows For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 202S 2024 Notes Cash flows from operating activities Net cash generaled from operations 463,954 24,701 Nel cash generated from operating activilies Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible assets Interest received 463,954 24,701 (1.5191 8,445 10,720 Nel cash generated from investing activilies 10,720 6,926 Increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginnlng of year Cash and cash equivalenls at end of year 474.674 321.826 31.627 290.199 796,500 321,826 Page 15
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Reconciliation of income to cash generated from operations 2025 2024 Nel income Adjuslments for Interest income Depreciation of tangible assets Movemenls in working capilal.. Decreasel{increase) in trade and other debtors Increase in trade and other creditors 5,239 3,649 (10.720) 304 {8.445) 304 122,386 346,745 1209.332) 238.525 Net cash generated from operations 463,954 24,701 Cash and cosh oqulvalents Cash and cash equivalents. as stated in the Slalement of Cash Flows, Telates to the following items in the Balance Sheet.. 2025 2024 Cash at bank and in hand 796,500 321.826 Analysis of Ghanges in netfunds A8 al 1 Aprll C•$h flows 2024 A8at31 March 2025 C8sh at bank and in hand 321.826 474,674 796,500 Page 16
Citizens Advice Essex Limiled Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 General Infomiation Citizens Advice Essex Limited is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, registered number 06150651 and registered charity number 1153582. The registered office is . 2. Accounting Policie8 2.1. Basis of Preparntion of Financial Statements The financial slatemerbls have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charilies= Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their a¢Gounls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) (effective 1 January 20191" Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006. The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. 2.2. Significant judgements and estimations The eslimales and assumptions which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilitie5 are as follows- Useful economic lives of tangible fixed assets.. The annual depreciation charge for langlble fxed assets is sensitive to changes in the eslimated uselul economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are re-assessed annually. They are amended when necessary lo reflecl current estimates. based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the asses. 2.3. Fund Accountlng Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the truslees. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Further explanation of the nature and purpose ol each lund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 2.4. Incoming Resources All incoming resources are included in the Stalernenl of Financial Activities when the tharity is legally entilled to the income. it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be quantified wilh reasonable accuracy. Voluntary income including donations, gifts and granls of a general nature are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Such income is only deferred when.. the income conditions specify that the income must be used only in fulure accounting periods.. or the donor has imposed conditions which musl be met before the charity has absolute entitlement. Bank interest is included in the income and expenditure account upon receipt. Page 17
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Notes to the Financial Statements Icontinuedl ForThe Year Ended 31 March 2025 2.5. Resources Expended Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligalion lo make a payment to a Ihird party, it is probable that settlem8nt will be required and the afflounl of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity heading5'. Expenditure on charitable activilies includes the costs of running the charity's seNIs. Other expenditure represenls those items not falling into any other heading. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred. Allocation of support C08t8 Support costs are those functions that assisl the work of Ihe charity but do not directly undertake charitable aclivilies. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel. payroll and govemance costs which support the charity. These costs have been alloc81ed beeen cost ol raising funds and expenditure on chanlable activilies on the basis of an estimation of time spent by relevant staff. 2.6. Tanglble Flxed Assets and Depreciation Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulaled impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their e51imated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases.. Compuler Equipment 200/0 Straight line 2.7. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assels and include cash in hand and deposits held al call with banks, other short-lemi hlghly liquid investments thal mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts. 2.8. Flnan¢lal Instruments Debtors Trade and other debtors are iecognised at the setuement amount due. Prepayments are valued al the amount prepaid net of any discounts. Creditorn and provlslon8 Creditors and provisions are recognised where the tharily has a present obligation resulling from a past event that will probably resull in the transfer to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recogniséd at the settlement amount after allowing for any discounts due. Flnancial Instruments The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial inslrumenls. Basic financial instrLJments are initially recognised at Iransaction value and subsequently measured al their settlement value with Ihe exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured and amortised cost using the effective interest method. 2.9. Taxation The tharity is exempt from lax as all rts income is charitable and applied for charitable purposes. 2.10. Pensions The charitable company operates a defined pension contribution scheme. Contribution5 are charged to the stalement of Financial Activities as they become payable in accordan with the rules of the scheme. Page 18
Cltizens Advice Essex Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Income from Donations and Legacies 202S Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Donations and gifts Grants 2,047,040 2,047,040 2,047,040 2,047,040 2024 Unrestrictsd Restricted Totsl funds funds fund$ Donations and glfts Grants 198 19,820 198 2,102,693 2,082,873 20,018 2.082,873 2,102.891 Income from Other Trading Activiti•$ 2025 2024 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds Membership subscriptions 3,500 Investment Income 2025 2024 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds Bank interest receivable 10,720 8,445 Other Incomo 2025 2024 Unrestricted Unre5triGted funds funds LCA Support 600 Page 19
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Notes to the Financial Ststements Icontinuedl For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Net IncomellExpendlturo) The net income is stated after ¢hargingl(¢rediting)'. 202S 2024 Depreciation of tangible fixed a55ets - owned 304 304 Analy¥ls of Expendlture 2025 Activitlé• Support undertaken costs directly (see note 91 Total Raising funds Support costs Governance costs 2,006,230 30,991 2,006.230 40,191 10.200 9,200 10,200 2.037,221 19.400 2.056,621 2024 Activlties Support undertaken Costs dlrectly (see nole 91 Total Raising funds Support costs Governance costs 2,079,789 4,868 2.079.789 13.924 13,974 9,056 13,974 2.084,657 23,030 2,107,687 Support Costs 202S Support Governance costs Costs Total General administration Depreciation Governance costs 8,896 304 8.896 304 10,200 10,200 9,200 10,200 19,400 Page 20
Citlzens Advlce Essex Llmlled Notes to the Financial Statements {continuedl ForThe Year Ended 31 March 2025 2024 Support Governance costs costs Total General administration Depreciation Governance Costs 8,752 304 8,752 304 13.974 13,974 9.056 13,974 23.030 10. Auditorfs Remuneratlon Remuneration r8celv8d by Ihe charitable company's auditors and their associate5 during the year was as follows-. 202S 2024 Audit Servlc Audit of the company's financial statements 6,700 8.130 Other Services Taxation compliance service Other non-audil services 412 2,711 2.900 3,123 2.900 11. Stsff Costs Staff costs were as follows.. 2025 2024 Gross salaries Employers national Insurance 181.978 12,398 5,419 160.402 10.371 4,681 Pension contributions 199,795 175,454 No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000. 12. Average Number of Employees Average number of employees during the year was.. 6 (2024.. 5) Page 21
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Notes to the Financial Ststements Icontinued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 13. Tangible Assets Computer Equipment Cost As al 1 April 2024 2.503 As at 31 March 2025 2.503 Depreciation As al 1 April 2024 Provided during the period As at 31 March 2025 1.288 304 1,592 Net Book Value As at 31 March 2025 911 As at 1 April 2024 1.215 14. Debtor8 2025 2024 Due w•thin one year Trade debtors Prepayrnents and accrued incorne 600 280,773 403.759 281,373 403,759 15. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Withln One Year 2025 2024 Trade creditors Other taxes and social security VAT Accruals Deferred Incorne 418 5,006 70,768 400,838 448,663 184 4.425 491.826 82.513 925,693 578,948 Page 22
Citizens Advice Essex Limlted Notès to the Financial Ststements Icontinuedl For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 16. Deferred Income Deferred income movements in the year were as follows.. 2025 2024 Balance al the start of the period Income deferred in the current period Amounts released in income from previous periods Balance at the end of Ihe period 82,513 125,044 448.663 82.513 (82.513) (125.044) 448,663 82,513 17. Movement In Fund• As at 1 Aprfl 2024 Asat31 Expendlture Transfers March 2025 Income Unrestricted funds General.. General unre51ricted fund Restricted funds British Gas Energy Trust Cadent- Rural Advice Energy Saving Trust- Warm Start Plus Energy Saving Trust - Warm Homes Essex County Council- Cost of Living Essex County Council- Core Essex County Council - Household Support Fund Income Wse Macmillan Welfare Ministry of Justice - Probation Olgem SIF (1) UK Power Networks Aviva Essex County Council- Household Support Fund (LCA) Essex County Council- Household Support Fund (Training) ECF Ukraine 147,852 14.820 (47,2361 37,655 153.091 147.022 123,136 165,319 296 {148,5971 (112,7561 (165,7271 11,4721 11 1591 {122,0001 1,575 (10,380) 408 1,176 1,159 122.000 86,071 (84,3501 {1,721) 41.926 434,571 222.417 (43,9051 1443,9471 (218,7491 2,152 (490,2921 (91,291) 1,979 9,376 (3,668) (2.152) 6,719 4,314 483,573 86,977 50,000 (50,0001 so,000 {9,30SI (40,695) 2,362 (2,362) ..CONTINUED Page 23
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Notes to the Financial Ststements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 UK Power Netsvroks (Contract) Ofgem SIF {2) 28,370 3,000 (25,4801 (2.507) (2.890) (493) Totsl restricted funds 2,047.040 (2,009.385) (37.655) Totsl funds 147,852 2,061,860 {2,056,621) 153,091 A8 at 1 April 2023 Asat31 March 2024 Income Expendlture Transfers Unrestrlcted funds General.. General unrestricted fund Designated.. Designated fund 71,612 28,463 (47,417) 95,194 147,852 45,001 (45,001) Totsl unrestricted funds 116,613 28.463 (47,4171 50,193 147,852 Restricted fund$ British Gas Energy Trust Cadent- Rural Advice Energy Savlng Trust- Warm Start Essex Energy Saving Trust - Warm Start Plus Energy Saving Trust- Warm Homes Essex County Council- Cost of Living Essex County Councll - Corè Essex County Council- Household Support Fund Income Wise Macmillan Welfare Ministry of Justice - Probation Ofgem SIF (1) UK Power Networks 27,590 122,125 80,543 (141,2541 (82,854) (8,461) 2.311 3,634 {1,969) (1,665) 193,658 288,016 336,412 122,000 (198,513) (266,022) (335,056) (122,000) 4,855 (21,994) (1,356) 105,349 (103,849) (1,500) 2B,452 412,265 81,106 41,434 267,879 129,421) (417,054) 178,627) (21,374) (262,277) 969 4,789 (2,479) (20.060) (5,602) Total restricted funds 27,590 2,082,873 (2,060,270) {50,193) Totsl funds 144,203 2,111.336 (2.107,687) 147,852 Page 24
Cltizens Advice Essex Limited Notes to the Financial Statements Icontinuedl For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 Brltlsh Gas Eneryy Trust Funds provided by another charity whose main donor is British Gas, enabling selected local offices to deliver services to fuel-poor dients using foodbanks. Cadent Funds provided directly from Cadenl Gas lo support ESG and regulatory obligations, enabling selected offices to deliver services to fuel-poor dients in rural locations. Warrn Start Essex (Energy Savlngs TfUStI Enabling selected local offices to deliver energy-saving advice and support to fuel-poor households. Wami Start Essex Plus IEnergy Savlngs Trust) Sequentially funded projects derived from income drawn from the Energy Redress Fund enabling selected local offices to deliver seNces to fuel-poor households where there are dependent children. Wami Homes Funding drawn from Affordable Warmth Solutions via Essex County Council enabling selected offices to provide advice to fuel-poor dienls in the Essex County Council Area. Essex County Council - Cost of Living Funding from Essex County Council, enabling selected offices to provide additional services supplemenling our core offer, including out-of-hours provision to people in Essex affected bylhe cost of living CTISIS. Essex County Council Core Funding from Essex County Council supporting the "core" funding of local offices in Essex. essex County Councll - Household Support Fund Funding for the administration and onwards provision of funds through the government's Household Support S¢herne Policy. Essèx County Council - Household Support Fund ILCAI Funding channelled via the Local Citizens Advice membership lo distribule and administer Household Support Fund allocalion5 across Essex. Essex County Council - Household Support Fund {Training Funding to deliver training to local offices lo ensure compliance and consistency in Household Support Fund delivery. Income Wise Funding from Independent Age to support older clienls, especially those from racially minoritized communitie5, in Ihè South of Greater Essèx enabling selected offices lo deliver tailored services. Macmillan Funds Irom Macmillan. enabling $8lecled offices to support people affected by cancer. Mlnistry of Justice Probation Funds enabling selected offices to support males on probation. Ofgem SIF Funds drawn from a contract between UKPN and Ofgem. supporting innovation in low carbon transition specificaSly targeted al low-income families, enabling selected offices to provide targeted assistance. UK Power Networks From February 2025, income has been drawn directly following the award of a separate tender to deliver sirnilar services, but now funded direclly by UKPN rather than through the partnership. This enables selected offices to support vulnerable and fuel-poof households and contribute to the transition to low carbon. ..CONTINUED Page 25
Citizens Advice Essex Limited Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 March 2025 17. Movement in Funds - continued Aviva A subcontract with Citizens Advice nationally - part of their national relationship with Aviva. Began in November 2024, providing a funded referral pathway wa Aviva. with mobilisalion and recruitment of advisers and caseworkers sal within four local offices within the Essex Consortium. ECF Ukralne Funding administered by Essex Community Foundation to support services for Ukrainian refugees and displaced people in Essex, mobilised during 2024125. At the balance sheet date there were no remaining balances on restrictèd funds. 18. Transactlons wlth Trust•e$ No Injstee expenses have been incurred. 19. Related Party Dlsclosureg Each of the Trustees who served during the year represented the following member Local Citizens Advice: Riccardo Tazzinl Neil Jones Alexander Tarala Claire Morin Graham Clark Jean Wells Lanston Ramsay Mary Stenson Paula Whittle Stuart Freel Tonia Parsons Philip Wakeling lan Allsop None- Independent Treasurer None Chelmsford Maldon Harlow Epping Forest Colchester Uillesford Soulhend Braintree and South Essex Tendring Maldon Epping Forest Details of the monies passed, during the year, by Citizens Advice Essex Limited lo each member Local Cili2ens Adwce is disclosed in thè individual arxounts lor each member, whlch are publicly available, 20. Controlllng Parties The charitable company is controlled by its trustees. 21. Company Ilmlted by guarant¢• The company is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to Ihe assets of the company. in the event of a winding up, such an amount as may be required not exceeding £1. 22. FRC'S Ethi¢al Standard - Provision Available for Small Entiti08 In common with other businesses of our size and nalure we use our auditors to prepare and submit returns to the tax authorilies and assist with the preparation of the financial statements. Page 26