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2024-03-31-accounts

Company No. 07949964 Charity No. 1154666

The North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau (a company limited by guarantee) ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Year Ended 31 March 2024

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU CONTENTS

Page
Trustees’ Annual Report 1-7
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 8
Independent Auditors’ Report 9-11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Cash Flow Statement 14
Notes to the Financial Statements 15-26

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For The Year Ended 31 March 2024

The Trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act) present their report and audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Charity number: 1154666
Company number: 07949964
Authorised & regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN: 617687
Registered office: Camden House
Camden Street
North Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE30 1ND
Trustee Directors: Dr Margaret Stewart (Chair)
Mr Tony Best (Vice Chair)
Mr Robert Hurren (Hon. Treasurer)
Mr David Peel
Mr Peter Elliott OBE
Mrs Elaine Nylander
Miss Jessica Callaghan
Mr Matthew Robson
Mr Garry Winship
Mr Daniel Fatuyi Co-opted 21/12/23
Ms Stacey Standen Co-opted 01/07/24
Mr David Drummond Co-opted 23/07/24
Senior Management Team: Mr Mark Almond Chief Executive
Mr Stuart Gibb Deputy Chief Executive
Mrs Jacqui Ramsay Head of Operations
Mrs Tracy McIlwraith Finance & Administration
Auditors Read Milburn & Co.
71 Howard Street
North Shields
NE30 1AF
Bankers: Barclays Bank
Leicester
LE87 2BB
Solicitors: Muckles LLP
32 Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4BF

1

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For The Year Ended 31 March 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCEAND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity was formed as a company limited by guarantee on 1[st] January 2014 (Company Number: 07949964). The full name of the charity is The North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau and was registered with the Charity Commission on 1[st] January 2014 (charity Number: 1154666). It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Recruitment and appointment of Trustees

The charity is governed through a trustee board. Trustees who have held office during the year are listed on page 1. The Articles of Association provide for a minimum of six and a maximum of fifteen Trustees. The Trustees meet 6 times per year including a strategic planning day with additional quarterly meetings for the sub-committees listed below.

Trustees are elected to the Board for a three-year period and are appointed by a resolution of its members at a full Trustees’ meeting and announced at an AGM. The board has powers to co-opt members who shall retire at the following AGM and may offer themselves for re-election.

Citizens Advice appoints a representative from the Local Authority who attends the Board as a non-voting member.

The Trustee Board is supported by an Executive Sub-Committee and an Investment Committee.

The Trustees who have served during the year can be seen on page 1. None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

The organisation is co-ordinated from its office in North Shields.

Trustee induction and training

New Trustees are briefed on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity. They also meet key employees and other Trustees. Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the understanding of their role.

Organisation Structure

North Tyneside Citizens Advice is a member of Citizens Advice, the operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, which provides a framework for standards of advice and casework management as well as monitoring progress against these standards. Operating policies are independently determined by the Trustee Board of Directors in order to fulfil its charitable objects and comply with the national membership requirements.

The Chief Executive of the organisation has been appointed by the Trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. In addition, there is an experienced team of paid staff and volunteers who are key to the service offered by the charity. Decisions are made by the trustee board in line with the Business Development Plan and are reviewed at least annually.

The Senior Management Team (SMT) meet to review progress against targets and the Charity's financial position and to discuss issues referred to them by the trustee board. Reports and recommendations are then taken to the full board for approval, and their implementation is organised by the Chief Executive and the staff team. There are regular staff, volunteer meetings and SMT meetings which ensure that progress is being made against targets. There is an Annual General Meeting, which involves the staff team, trustee board, members, and other stakeholders.

2

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For The Year Ended 31 March 2024

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (continued)

Pay and Remuneration of Key Management Personnel

The Trustees consider that the board of Trustees and the Senior Management Team (SMT) comprise the key management personnel of the charity. The charity’s SMT are all paid in accordance with a published scale of grades used in the voluntary sector. Any increases to these published grades are approved by the Trustee Board. The Chief Executive's salary is reviewed and approved by the Trustee Board separately but in line with the policy set out above.

Key risks and Uncertainties

The Trustees having had consideration to and mindful of the risk factors for the charity identify the following:

Trustees plans and strategies for managing these risks.

3

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For The Year Ended 31 March 2024

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objects

The charity’s purposes, as set out in the objects contained in the Company’s Memorandum of Association, are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the whole community of North Tyneside and wider for England and Wales (“the area of benefit”) by the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress.

The charity’s objects are defined as above. Our aims are:

Our service provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

Though the area of benefit refers to the whole community of North Tyneside, the local office focus activities on the town centres of North Shields, Wallsend and surrounds. We have a National area of benefit for National Projects.

The charity has developed its own Mission Statement to reflect more accurately its purpose and role:

North Tyneside Citizens Advice will use all the resources available to it, its experience, knowledge and influence, to ensure that every citizen who seeks advice or assistance, receives, free, confidential, impartial, appropriate and effective help for the benefit of the individual and the wider community.

Ensuring our work delivers our aims

We review our aims, objectives and activities each year. The annual review takes place at our Strategic Planning Day and seeks to examine our achievements and outcome together with the success of individual key projects and the benefits that have been realised. In carrying out the review we are ensuring that that our aims, objectives and activities are in line with our stated purpose.

Our main objectives for the year have been developing our service so that it really meets the needs of the clients we are trying to support. Key activities have included:

HOW OUR ACTIVITIES DELIVER PUBLIC BENEFIT

Our main activities and who we try to help are described below. All our charitable activities focus on providing the advice people need for the problems they face and are undertaken specifically to provide public benefit. The board of Trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2011.

4

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For The Year Ended 31 March 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Advice and Information Services

The main areas of charitable activity are:

Throughout the year we continued to offer Advice and Information in the following ways:

In addition to general advice, the following specialist services are provided:

Contribution of Volunteers and Paid Staff

The charity’s success could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of volunteers and staff. The Trustee Board and SMT recognise the tremendous contribution made by the charity’s volunteers in advising the public and administering the service without which the service could not operate. Throughout 2023/24 the service employed average of 64 paid workers 50.7 FTEs (22-23 41.6 paid workers 33.85 FTEs), and 31 volunteers (2022/23: 36 volunteers) together delivering some 11 projects (2022/23 10 projects), including the core service.

Volunteers represent the indispensable core of the service for without them there would not be a Citizens Advice service. The volunteers contribute, on average, 248 hours per week (2022/23: 288). This may be expressed as an annualised value of £149,905 (2022/23: £185,829). However, their value is inadequately expressed in monetary terms. Indeed, volunteers bring many skills to the service and very often the experience gained helps individuals return to full employment. During 2023/24, 2 volunteers left to take up external work (2022/23: 4 volunteers).

North Tyneside Citizens Advice are working hard to review our approach to attracting and keeping volunteers. It is our intention to consistently monitor our approach to recruitment and training, to provide an accessible and welcoming place to volunteer.

5

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For The Year Ended 31 March 2024

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)

Who used and benefited from our services?

During the reporting year 38,396 clients (2022/23: 21,632) benefited from the services of North Tyneside Citizens Advice, generating 190,788 contacts (2022/23: 89,289). We support people on any issue that they may face; however, our most common enquiry area is welfare benefits and universal credit, which makes up a total of 31% of the issues we have supported on.

In total the service negotiated on £17,264,768 worth of debt (2022/23: £3,967,840), rescheduling or reducing the debts to make people’s lives more sustainable. The service generated a total of £20,814,532 (2022/23: £16,492,301) in additional income for its clients.

Clients continue to present with multiple problems and on average clients are presenting with 5 issues each.

Factors Affecting the Achievement of Objectives

Maintaining sufficient funding to continue delivering the service remains a continual challenge. we are making sure that we invest in fundraising and continue to diversify our approach to ensure we are delivering the most cost-effective service we possibly can. This isn’t about simply cutting costs; it is about delivering a service that genuinely meets clients’ needs to make us as cost effective as possible.

The complexity of the issues that clients are facing, and the additional challenges that clients are experiencing, places additional demands on the service. The support networks that were previously in place for people are changing and we are asked to offer support that falls outside the remit of direct advice. Where people are vulnerable, it is essential that we offer support in a person-centred way and whilst necessary this can be resource intensive.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The availability of funding in the charity sector remains difficult in a period of austerity. The charity is focused on providing added value to its funders from a base of sound financial management and ensuring that our services remain relevant to the strategic objectives of stakeholders at local and national level.

The charity is working hard to deliver a cost-effective service that genuinely meets the needs of our clients. It remains a challenging prospect to meet the ever-increasing demand with reduced availability of funding resources.

In the reporting period, the charity had a surplus of £285,814 (2022/23: £131,540) from a total income of £2,317,226 (2022/23: £1,801,191), expenditure of £2,083,151 (2022/23: £1,628,570) and investment gains of £51,739 (2022/23: losses of £41,081). At the year end the charity’s total funds stand at £1,300,543 (2022/23: £1,014,729) of which £1,300,543 (2022/23: £985,233) is unrestricted and £nil (2022/23: £29,496) is restricted. Free reserves amounted to £699,198 (2022/23: £465,762)

Principal Funding Sources

The total income for the year of £2,317,226 represents a net increase of £516,035 compared to 2022/23. The Trustees extend their sincere gratitude to North Tyneside Council who continue to support the key (core) operating capacity of the charity.

Project specific funding was gratefully received from North Tyneside Council to provide outreach support and poverty intervention; the Money Advice & Pensions Service in support of money advice, the DWP towards the Help to Claim Service; the provision of financial education from the Money Advice and Pensions Service in respect of the Pension Wise Service; The North of the Tyne Combined Authority to provide welfare rights advice in schools; and The National Lottery Community Fund for Community Engagement activities .

6

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For The Year Ended 31 March 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Investment Policy

In furtherance of its objects, and for no other purposes, the Company has the power to invest or deposit funds in any lawful manner (but to invest only after obtaining professional advice and having regard to the suitability of investments and the need for diversification).

The Trustee Board has created an Investment Fund under the guidance of Brewin Dolphin to manage the majority of its reserves.

Reserves Policy

North Tyneside Citizens Advice is required to ensure that free monies are available in each financial year to meet any reasonably foreseeable contingency. The Trustees consider that it would be prudent to set aside an amount equivalent to three months' operating expenditure . The value of this will be calculated using an average of 6 months’ running costs based on the current annual budget. This is reviewed on a quarterly basis. The reserves policy figure at the end of 2023/24 equates to £1,293,038. At the end of 2023/24 the actual level of reserves (i.e., unrestricted funds less designated and fixed assets) totalled £699,198 (2022/23: £465,762).

Going Concern

After making further appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

FUTURE PLANS

Developing a sustainable service that meets the needs of our clients remains a priority of the trustee board for 2024/25. The charity will build on the work completed in the previous financial year to develop diversified funding streams to increase our sustainability and enable us to build a diverse service that is responsive to client needs.

The charity will continue to work to ensure that it delivers a cost-effective service, meaning that we are not only offering value for money to our existing funders but that we have a viable offer, whilst never compromising on the high-quality service that our clients expect and deserve.

During the year 2024/25 we will ensure that we have a clear understanding of each element of the service and ensure that we are achieving as much as we can possibly achieve and delivering an excellent service to our clients.

AUDITORS

In accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the re-appointment of Read, Milburn & Co. as auditors of the charity is to be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

The annual report was approved by the Trustees of the charity on 29 October 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Margaret Stewart Chair of Trustees

7

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU STATEMENT OF TUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES For The Year Ended 31 March 2023

The trustees (who are also the directors of The North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees 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 which give a true and fair view of the state 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 those financial statements, the trustees are required to

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

Approved by the Trustees of the charity on 29 October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

bes Rob Hurren Trustee

8

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, 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 appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

9

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the 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 to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. In this regard, our procedures include the following:

Because of the field in which the charity operates, we have identified the following areas as those most likely to have a material impact on the financial statements: Health and Safety; Employment Law; and compliance with the Companies and Charities Acts.

10

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' 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 charitable company and the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

KSsoc_

Nicholas J Liley (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Read, Milburn & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor 71 Howard Street North Shields Tyne and Wear NE30 1AF

2 December 2024

11

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Including income and expenditure account For the year ended 31 March 2024

Note Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023
Funds Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 2 933 - 933 1,000 - 1,000
Charitable activities 3 1,313,092 990,088 2,303,180 481,375 1,309,049 1,790,424
Investments 4 12,781 - 12,781 9,259 - 9,259
Other 332 - 332 508 - 508
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Total income 1,327,138 990,088 2,317,226 492,142 1,309,049 1,801,191
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 3,725 - 3,725 4,775 - 4,775
Charitable activities 6 1,111,418 968,008 2,079,426 272,244 1,351,551 1,623,795
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Total expenditure 1,115,143 968,008 2,083,151 277,019 1,351,551 1,628,570
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Net gains/(losses) on 51,739 - 51,739 (41,081) - (41,081)
investments
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Net income before transfers 263,734 22,080 285,814 174,042 (42,502) 131,540
Transfers between funds 51,576 (51,576) - - - -
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Net movement in funds 315,310 (29,496) 285,814 174,042 (42,502) 131,540
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Reconciliation of funds: 17
Total funds b/f 1 April 2023 985,233 29,496 1,014,729 811,191 71,998 883,189
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Total funds c/f 31 March 2024 1,300,543 - 1,300,543 985,233 29,496 1,014,729
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 15 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

12

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU BALANCE SHEET As at 31 March 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 - -
Investments 13 589,246 507,372
--------------- ---------------
589,246 507,372
Current assets
Debtors 14 432,025 129,729
Cash at bank and in hand 20 530,740 547,700
--------------- ---------------
962,765 677,429
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year 15 191,468 122,072
--------------- ---------------
Net current assets 771,297 555,357
--------------- ---------------
Total assets less current liabilities 1,360,543 1,062,729
Provision for liabilities 16 (60,000) (48,000)
--------------- ---------------
Net assets 1,300,543 1,014,729
--------------- ---------------
Funds of the charity 17
Unrestricted and designated funds 1,300,543 985,233
Restricted funds - 29,496
--------------- ---------------
Total charity funds 1,300,543 1,014,729
--------------- ---------------

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements on pages 12 to 25 were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on 29 October 2024, and signed on their behalf by:

(VOROBV 2d ON Margaret Stewart Rob Hurren Chair Treasurer

Company Number: 07949964

The notes on pages 15 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU CASH FLOW STATEMENT For the year ended 31 March 20234

Notes 2024 2023
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash generated from operations 19 394 143,825
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of fixed asset investments 13 (89,100) (47,467)
Sale of fixed asset investments 13 58,965 53,093
Interest and dividends received 4 12,781 9,259
-------------- --------------
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities (17,354) 14,885
-------------- --------------
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period (16,960) 158,710
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 547,700 388,990
-------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 20 530,740 547,700
-------------- --------------

The notes on pages 15 to 26 form part of these financial statements.

14

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting Policies

1.1 Basis of preparation

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements of the have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

At the date of approval of these financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue for the foreseeable future and as such the financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis.

1.2 Financial Instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at the present value of future cash flows (amortised cost). Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash at bank and in hand and debtors excluding prepayments.

Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise creditors excluding deferred income and taxation payable. Financial liabilities that are provisions are held at fair value. No discounting has been applied on the basis that the periods over which amounts will be settled are such that any discounting would be immaterial.

1.3 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

All income is included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the funds and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is deferred only when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts, including gift aid income where applicable, and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Income from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for when it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified and is material. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.

1.5 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.

15

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting Policies (continued)

1.6 Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Expenditure on raising funds comprises the costs associated with attracting voluntary income.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. The primary functional activity of the charity is the giving of free and confidential advice to the public. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to this activity and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs include all those overhead costs of office and bureau accommodation, utility services, and other services and costs, which are in support of the activity. They also include those costs not associated with the other two headings and includes costs of meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity, the audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. They have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

1.7 Operating leases and hire purchase agreements

The charity classifies the lease of property and printing and telecommunications equipment as operating leases; the title to the property and equipment remains with the lessor. Rental charges are charged on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

1.8 Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK Corporation Tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

1.9 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Fixed assets are initially recorded at cost and subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Assets costing less than £1,000 are not capitalised.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Computer equipment 25% on the straight-line method Furniture and equipment 25% on the straight-line method

1.10 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

1.11 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.12 Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

1.13 Pensions and retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution scheme. The amount charged to the statement of financial activities in respect of pension costs and other post-retirement benefits is the contributions payable in the year. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the balance sheet.

16

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

2
Donations and legacies
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Donations and gifts 933 - 933 1,000 - 1,000
3
Income from charitable
activities
Grant and contract income Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023
Receivable for charitable £ £ £ £ £ £
activities
General Advice:
North Tyneside Council (NTC) 300,000 - 300,000 300,000 100,000 400,000
NTC: Outreach - 24,000 24,000 24,000 24,000
NTC: Poverty Intervention Fund - 33,313 33,313 - 66,626 66,626
Citizens Advice (CA): Cost of - - - 15,000 - 15,000
Living
CA: Guardian - 31,125 31,125 - - -
Wise Steps: Building Better - - - - 26,627 26,627
Opportunities
National Lottery Community Fund - - - - 25,000 25,000
(NLCF): Ending Loneliness
NLCF: Advice Easy Access - 60,000 60,000 - 60,000 60,000
North of Tyne Combined Authority: 78,167 - 78,167 41,500 - 41,500
Welfare Rights in Schools
Other grants - - - - 16,044 16,044
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
378,167 148,438 526,605 356,500 318,297 674,797
Debt Advice:
CA: Money Advice Service - 303,167 303,167 - 447,350 447,350
National Debt Hub 934,925 - 934,925 124,875 - 124,875
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
934,925 303,167 1,238,092 124,875 447,350 572,225
Benefits Advice:
CA: Help to Claim - 138,770 138,770 - 144,492 144,492
Pensions Guidance &
Financial Capability:
CA: Pension Wise - 399,713 399,713 - 398,910 398,910
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Total income from charitable 1,313,092 990,088 2,303,180 481,375 1,309,049 1,790,424
activities
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------

17

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

4 Investment income

Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Income from fixed asset 12,160 - 12,160 9,135 - 9,135
investments
Interest received 621 - 621 124 - 124
--------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
12,781 - 12,781 9,259 - 9,259
5
Raising funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Raising donations and
legacies
Fundraising expenses 203 - 203 216 - 216
Investment management
costs
Portfolio management 3,522 - 3,522 4,559 - 4,559
--------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- ---------------
3,725 - 3,725 4,775 - 4,775
--------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- ---------------
6
Expenditure on charitable
activities by fund
Charitable Activity Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
General Advice 242,271 172,565 414,836 152,791 333,850 486,641
Debt Advice 869,147 256,960 1,126,107 119,453 458,755 578,208
Benefits Advice - 138,770 138,770 - 144,492 144,492
Pensions Guidance & Financial - 399,713 399,713 - 414,454 414,454
Capability
--------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- ---------------
1,111,418 968,008 2,079,426 272,244 1,351,551 1,623,795
--------------- --------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- ---------------

18

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

7a Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities – current year

Allocation basis* General Debt Advice Benefits Pension Total 2024
Apportionment
basis**
Advice
£

£
Advice
£
Guidance &
Financial
£
Capability
£
Direct costs:
Salaries Direct* 200,832 1,126,389 138,770 313,678 1,779,669
Staff & volunteers Direct* 23,618 642 - 3,246 27,506
Other costs Direct* 11,771 4,585 - 81,076 97,432
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
236,221 1,131,616 138,770 398,000 1,904,607
Support Costs:
Office costs Staff & volunteer 99,174 (4,944) - - 94,230
hours**
Premises costs Staff & volunteer 73,097 (565) - 1,713 74,245
hours**
Governance costs Staff & volunteer 6,344 - - - 6,344
hours**
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
178,615 (5,509) - 1,713 174,819
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Total Expenditure on charitable activities 414,836 1,126,107 138,770 399,713 2,079,426
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
7b
Analysis of expenditure on charitable
activities – prior year
Allocation basis* General Debt Advice Benefits Pension Total 2023
Apportionment
basis**
Advice
£

£
Advice
£
Guidance &
Financial
£
Capability
£
Direct costs:
Salaries Direct* 209,873 541,098 142,259 331,438 1,224,668
Staff & volunteers Direct* 12,542 551 2,233 1,750 17,076
Other costs Direct* 111,509 - - 77,911 189,420
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
333,924 541,649 144,492 411,099 1,431,164
Support Costs:
Office costs Staff & volunteer 83,268 32,663 - 1,000 116,931
hours**
Premises costs Staff & volunteer 63,147 3,696 - 2,355 69,198
hours**
Governance costs Staff & volunteer 6,302 200 - - 6,502
hours**
Other costs Staff & volunteer -------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
hours**
152,717 36,559 - 3,355 192,631
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Total Expenditure on charitable activities 486,641 578,208 144,492 414,454 1,623,795
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- --------------

19

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

8 Net incoming resources for the year

2024 2023
£ £
This is stated after charging:
Audit fee (net of VAT, 2023: including VAT) 1,375 1,546
Other fees payable to the auditors (net of VAT, 2023: including VAT) 1,625 1,796
Operating leases – land and buildings 40,000 40,000

9 Trustees

During the year no remuneration or benefits for services as a director/trustee have been paid or were payable, directly or indirectly, out of the funds of the charity to any trustee or to any person known to be connected with them.

No trustees’ expenses were paid during the current or preceding year.

10 Employees

2024 2024 2023
2023
Full Time Head Full Time
Head
Equivalent Count Equivalent
Count
The average number of employees analysed by function:
Advice workers and support staff 47.7 61 33.8
41
Key management personnel 3.0 3 3.0
3
--------------- ------------- ---------------
-----------
Total 50.7 64 36.8
44
2024 2023
£ £
Employment costs
Wages and salaries 1,601,362 1,100,947
Social security costs 140,031 97,269
Other pension costs 38,276 26,452
-------------- --------------
1,779,669 1,224,668
-------------- --------------

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

2024 2023
£60,001 - £70,000 1 -
---------- ----------

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and the Head of Operations. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £178,008 (2022/23: £167,781).

20

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

11 Pensions

The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund managed by Royal London. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charitable company to the fund and amounted to £38,276 (2022/23: £26,452).

12 Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures and Computer
Fittings Equipment Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 21,817 40,365 62,182
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 21,817 40,365 62,182
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Net book value
At 31 March 2024 - - -
--------------- --------------- ---------------
At 31 March 2023 - - -
--------------- --------------- ---------------
13
Fixed asset investments
Listed
Investments
£
Market value
At 1 April 2023 507,372
Additions 89,100
Disposals (58,965)
Revaluation 51,739
---------------
At 31 March 2024 589,246
---------------
Net book value
At 31 March 2024 589,246
---------------
At 31 March 2023 507,372
---------------
There were no investments outside the UK
14
Debtors
2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 429,010 124,875
Other debtors - 3,165
Prepayments 3,015 1,689
--------------- ---------------
432,025 129,729
--------------- ---------------

21

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2024 2023
£ £
Trade creditors 21,619 9,049
Social security and other taxes 99,631 25,778
Other creditors 52,135 41,456
Accruals 10,750 12,476
Deferred income 7,333 33,313
--------------- ---------------
191,468 122,072
--------------- ---------------
£
Deferred income at 1 April 2023 33,313
Released to incoming resources (33,313)
Amount deferred in year 7,333
---------------
Deferred income at 31 March 2024 7,333
---------------
16
Provision for liabilities
2024 2023
£ £
Energy costs 60,000 48,000
--------------- ---------------

A provision is recognised for the cost of gas supplied to the charity's offices at Camden House. The Trustees have been unable to identify to whom the amount is due and as such there is no legal obligation in place, however it is expected that the matter will be resolved in due course and the liability fall due. For this reason, the previously accrued costs have been derecognised and a provision created accordingly. As the timing of the ultimate payment is unclear, the amount is not discounted.

22

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

17a Movement in funds – current year

Balance at Income Expenditure Gains and Transfers Balance at
1 April losses between 31 March
2023 funds 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General funds 973,134 1,327,138 (1,115,143) 51,739 51,576 1,288,444
Designated funds
Miscellaneous projects 12,099 - - - - 12,099
Restricted funds
Pension Wise - 399,713 (399,713) - - -
NTC: Outreach - 24,000 (24,000) - - -
Universal Credit Support: - 138,770 (138,770) - - -
Help to Claim
Money and Pensions - 303,167 (256,960) - (46,207) -
Service
NLCF: Ending Loneliness 12,095 - (12,095) - - -
NTC: Poverty Intervention - 33,313 (27,944) - (5,369) -
NLCF: Advice Easy 17,401 60,000 (77,401) - - -
Access
Guardian - 31,125 (31,125) - - -
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
29,496 990,088 (968,008) - (51,576) -
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Total funds 1,014,729 2,317,226 (2,083,151) 51,739 - 1,300,543
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------

Transfers Between Funds

The release of surplus funding on cessation of individual projects is contingent on the appointment and retention of the related advisers, as the condition was satisfied funding has been released.

23

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

17b Movement in funds – prior year

Balance at Income Expenditure Gains and Transfers Balance at
1 April losses between 31 March
2022 funds 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General funds 799,092 492,142 (277,019) (41,081) - 973,134
Designated funds
Miscellaneous projects 12,099 - - - - 12,099
Restricted funds
Pension Wise 15,544 398,910 (414,454) - - -
NTC: Outreach - 24,000 (24,000) - - -
BBO: Wisesteps - 26,627 (26,627) - - -
Universal Credit Support: - 144,492 (144,492) - - -
Help to Claim
Money and Pensions - 447,350 (447,350) - - -
Service
NLCF: Ending Loneliness 5,217 25,000 (18,122) - - 12,095
NTC: Poverty intervention - 66,626 (66,626) - - -
Fund
Law Centre Project - 16,044 (16,044) - - -
NTC: Containing Debt 11,405 - (11,405) - - -
NLCF: Advice Easy 39,832 60,000 (82,431) - - 17,401
Access
Household Support Fund - 100,000 (100,000) - - -
client grants
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
71,998 1,309,049 (1,351,551) - - 29,496
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Total funds 883,189 1,801,191 (1,628,570) (41,081) - 1,014,729
--------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------

Fund Descriptions

General Funds

These are the accumulated unrestricted funds of the charity.

Pension Wise

Pension Wise is a free and impartial service set up by Government offering guidance for people as a result of the pension freedoms introduced in 2014. Funding for this service is from national Citizens Advice. During the financial year we worked in partnership with Citizens Advice Allerdale to deliver the Pension Wise service. We continue to cover the same geographical areas as before and are equal partners in the delivery.

Universal Credit Help to Claim

The DWP provide funding for our Universal Credit Help to Claim service.

Money Advice Service - Debt Local

The Government Money Advice and Pensions Service (MAPS) provide funding via National Citizens Advice for our specialist Money Advice caseworkers.

Money Advice and Pension Service – Debt Advice Hub

The Government Money Advice and Pensions Service (MAPS) provide funding via National Citizens Advice for delivery of a national debt telephone and digital advice service.

Money Advice and Pension Service – Debt Relief Order Hub

The Government Money Advice and Pensions Service (MAPS) provide funding via National Citizens Advice for delivery of a national Debt Relief Order service.

24

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

Poverty Intervention Fund

Funding from the Local Authority, providing debt, housing and benefit advice to North Tyneside residents - referrals from North Tyneside Housing dept.

Advice Easy Access

Community Engagement in North Tyneside. Ensuring access to service for vulnerable people, working with partners. Funded by the Big Lottery, Community Fund.

Household Support Fund client grants

Administration of grants to clients in target groups on low incomes and affected by cost of living. On behalf of North Tyneside Council.

Through the Front Gate – Poverty Prevention in Schools

Providing welfare rights advice to families within 10 schools in North Tyneside. Funded by North of the Tyne Combined Authority.

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Investments 589,246 - 589,246 507,372 - 507,372
Current assets 916,080 46,685 962,765 614,620 62,809 677,429
Current liabilities (144,783) (46,685) (191,468) (88,759) (33,313) (122,072)
Provisions (60,000) - (60,000) (48,000) - (48,000)
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
Total 1,300,543 - 1,300,543 985,233 29,496 1,014,729
--------------- -------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- --------------

19 Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities

2024 2023
£ £
Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) 285,814 131,540
Adjustments for:
Net (gains)/losses on investments (51,739) 41,081
Interest received (621) (124)
Dividends received (12,160) (9,135)
Increase in provisions 12,000 12,000
Increase in debtors (302,296) (107,300)
Increase in creditors 69,396 75,763
-------------- --------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 394 143,825
-------------- --------------
20 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2024 2023
£ £
Cash at bank and in hand 530,840 547,700
-------------- --------------
Total cash and cash equivalents 530,840 547,700
-------------- --------------

20 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

25

THE NORTH TYNESIDE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024

21 Related parties

There were no related party transactions during the year (2022/23: none).

22 Legal status

The North Tyneside Citizens Advice Bureau is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and has no share capital. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found within Reference and Administrative Details.

The liability of members is limited to a sum not exceeding £10, being the amount that each member undertakes to contribute to the assets of the charity in the event of its being wound up while they are a member or within one year after they cease to be a member, for:

26