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2021-07-31-accounts

Charity Registration Number: 1154861

Real Lives Real Choices Financial Statements For the Year Ending 31 July 2021

JANE ASCROFT ACCOUNTANCY LIMITED

Chartered Accountants Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XP

Real Lives Real Choices

Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 July 2021

Page
Trustees' Annual Report 1
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Statement of Financial Position 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9
The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 19

Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report

Year Ended 31 July 2021

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2021.

Objectives and Activities

Objectives

To relieve the needs of people with learning disabilities, learning difficulties, autism/autism related conditions who live in the North East of England by assisting such persons to develop their full potential and obtain their rights and privileges, particularly, but not exclusively by providing, or assisting in the provision of, independent advocacy, support, advice, information, education and training, arts, paid and unpaid volunteer work, social enterprise/s.

Public Benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. We believe the charity’s work to be in compliance with the duty in the section of the Charity’s Act 2006 to have regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. This is reviewed at appropriate intervals.

Contribution by volunteers

We continue to be supported by a small group of long-term volunteers who are essential to our work.

Volunteers supported the collating and distribution of creative care packages, including commitment to weekly packaging within the themes and a home delivery service to numerous areas of County Durham.

1

Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

Update on how the pandemic affected our operations, ongoing impact, and strategic changes as a result:

The pandemic in the first stages severely impacted our ability to apply for grant funding as many funders changed priorities and shifted focus. Our beneficiaries still needed support and their needs were being exacerbated by the impact of the restrictions. We saw a huge increase in issues and deterioration in the mental health and wellbeing of the adults with learning disabilities we support.

Our core team converted our offer and increased the art and creativity aspect; which is research and evidence based as beneficial in supporting health and wellbeing. We designed and created care packages and delivered sessions in alternative ways. The outreach work we completed was locally recognised as good practice and an essential support service that complimented and assisted the essential services and statutory service provision locally.

We continue to see changes in our user groups since the pandemic.

As we continue the recovery process from Covid-19, we are experiencing higher numbers of users, an increase of people who need our services for the first time and higher levels of need within existing participants.

Having increased demand from participants, seeing an increase in users and the need for additional resources adds to the pressures on the organisation within an existing high pressure environment where small organisations are competing for the grant funding available. This is being made even harder with the increased costs associated with inflation, energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis in general.

We know and understand the need in our user group, we have gathered the views of those we support and have asked the best way of meeting their needs. We have consulted with professionals and are clear on how important the support we provide is for people with the most complex needs locally who need our level of support in the first instance and at crisis points to then move on to other services. Strategically we are expanding the arts, creativity, cultural and inclusion aspects of our offer and services in line with the direction we are seeing funders taking and the ways we know we can use these themes to support adults with learning disabilities to achieve better lives and personal outcomes.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

Achievements During the Year

During this period the Charity continued to support adults with learning disabilities, their families and carers within the on-going restrictions and guidelines relating to Covid-19.

Partnership working with other agencies was central to the approach in order to reach those with the highest needs and ensure support was in place; in particular in relation to health, wellbeing and maintaining connections.

People with learning disabilities were deeply impacted and required responses that could be flexible to their needs. In response the organisation converted and created content that could be delivered via creative care packages and a combination of group, collective and 1:1 support; including video calls, online based sessions, telephone support and packages when face-to-face support was not possible.

Face-to-face sessions returned once the restrictions were lifted with smaller group sizes, timetabling in 'bubbles' and working arrangements to support safer ways of working.

The Charity delivered a programme funded via European Social Fund for a group of individuals developing skills for life and work;

The Charity delivered a programme targeted providing groups and support via funding specifically for 'Women and Girls'

The 'Wellsolate & Create' project distributing creativity packs with themes and techniques that included - working with clay, tattoo art, glass painting, tattoo art, metal embossing, decoupage, tabletop woodwork and making skills.

Financial Review

Main sources of funds are grants via funders seeking to support health, wellbeing and opportunities focused on outcomes for people with learning disabilities. Key themes include life skills, personal progression, life-long learning and progressing towards employment options.

Reserves Policy

Reserves are held to meet fluctuations or problems in receipt of payments and to respond to contingencies and risks. At 31st July 2021 reserves totalled £5,555.

A separate fund of £10,000 has been designated to cover working capital requirements.

Important partnerships during this period have included NHS Services, Specialist Care Homes, Independent Sector Support provider services and workers that could support our connection with individuals living at home and with family carers.

We have greatly valued the honest conversations and flexibility of approach with key grant fundersthat has enabled us to be responsive and individualised in our support of people with learning disabilities.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

Structure, Governance and Management

The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with charity number 1154861. It was registered with the Charity Commission on 4th December 2013 and on 1st July 2015 took over the assets and activities from the old unincorporated charity of the same name. It is controlled by its governing document.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The RLRC Trustee Board has between 3 and 12 members. Trustees are elected from the membership.

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees meet with the board /allocated board representatives for an induction meeting prior to attending their first board meeting and are provided with an induction pack containing all of the key information about the work of RLRC. Trustees are encouraged to visit the projects we host to better understand the work of the organisation. External trainers and training is sourced to support trustees on specific areas, duties and compliance. Charity Commission guidance and other materials are circulated to trustees. Trustees undertake a DBS Enhanced Check.

Organisational Structure

The Board takes all strategic decisions relating to RLRC including:

An enterprise and primary purpose trading sub-committee is going to be established to provide emphasis on the area and report back to the Board.

Risk Management

Trustees review risks on an ongoing basis and in response to new areas of activity. Specific projects require their own risk sub-committee with special emphasis and duties.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

Reference and Administrative Details

Registered charity name Real Lives Real Choices Charity registration number 1154861 Principal office The Trustees B Smith (Co-Chairperson) P McMahon (Co-Chairperson) M Franklin A Ratcliffe C Clifford (Treasurer) Independent Examiner Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab) Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XP

The trustees' annual report was approved on .............................. and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

B Smith (Co-Chairperson) Trustee

5

Real Lives Real Choices

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Real Lives Real Choices

Year Ended 31 July 2021

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Real Lives Real Choices ('the charity') for the year ended 31 July 2021.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner's Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Jane Ascroft FCA MA (Cantab) Independent Examiner

Enterprise House Harmire Enterprise Park Barnard Castle County Durham DL12 8XP

6

Real Lives Real Choices

Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2021

2021 2020
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 68,836 68,836 51,950
Charitable activities 5 1,135 1,135
─────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Total income 1,135 68,836 69,971 51,950
═══════ ════════ ════════ ════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities 6,7 3,770 50,836 54,606 38,708
─────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Total expenditure 3,770 50,836 54,606 38,708
═══════ ════════ ════════ ════════
─────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Net income and net movement in funds (2,635) 18,000 15,365 13,242
═══════ ════════ ════════ ════════
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 18,190 45,000 63,190 49,948
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
Total funds carried forward 15,555 63,000 78,555 63,190
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

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

The notes on pages 9 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Statement of Financial Position

31 July 2021

2021 2020
Note £ £
Current Assets
Debtors 12 136 115
Cash at bank and in hand 85,519 64,264
──────── ────────
85,655 64,379
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 7,100 1,189
──────── ────────
Net Current Assets 78,555 63,190
──────── ────────
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 78,555 63,190
──────── ────────
Net Assets 78,555 63,190
════════ ════════
Funds of the Charity
Restricted funds 63,000 45,000
Unrestricted funds 15,555 18,190
──────── ────────
Total charity funds 15 78,555
════════
63,190
════════

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on ........................, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

B Smith (Co-Chairperson) Trustee

C Clifford (Treasurer) Trustee

The notes on pages 9 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year Ended 31 July 2021

1. General Information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Unit D, Sacriston Enterprise Workshops, Plawsworth Road, Sacriston, Durham, DH7 6PD.

2. Statement of Compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going Concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue.

Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The trustees consider that there are no significant estimates or judgements affecting these financial statements.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Income

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible Assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

10

Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

3. Accounting Policies (continued)

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Plant and machinery - 25% straight line Office Equipment - 25% straight line

Impairment of Fixed Assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

Financial Instruments

A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or paable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.

Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.

Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.

Defined Contribution Plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

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.

Accrued income and tax recoverable is included at the best estimate of the amounts receivable at the balance sheet date.

Cash at Bank and in Hand

Cash at bank and cash 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.

Creditors

Creditors 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 are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Taxation

The company 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 company 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.

4. Donations and Legacies

Restricted Total Funds Restricted Total Funds
Funds 2021 Funds 2020
£ £ £ £
Grants
Bailey Thomas 20,000 20,000
Durham County council 12,336 12,336 10,000 10,000
County Durham Community
Foundation 21,500 21,500 10,000 10,000
Screwfix Foundation 5,000 5,000
Karbon Homes 1,000 1,000
Sir James Knott Foundation 4,000 4,000
Rothley Trust 1,000 1,000
Bernica Foundation 10,000 10,000
NHS Connector 25,000 25,000
Other smaller grants 950 950
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
68,836 68,836 51,950 51,950
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

5. Charitable Activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2021 Funds 2020
£ £ £ £
Trading income 635 635
Other fees 500 500
─────── ─────── ──── ────
1,135 1,135
═══════ ═══════ ════ ════
6. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Fund Type
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2021
£ £ £
Charitable activities (see page 19) 3,770 50,836 54,606
═══════ ════════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2020
£ £ £
Charitable activities (see page 19) 29,798 8,910 38,708
════════ ═══════ ════════
7. Expenditure on Charitable Activities by Activity Type
Activities
undertaken Total funds Total fund
directly 2021 2020
£ £ £
Charitable activities (see page 19) 54,606 54,606 38,708
════════ ════════ ════════
8. Independent Examination Fees
2021 2020
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 600 600
════ ════
9. Staff Costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2021 2020
£ £
Wages and salaries 33,118 11,493
Employer contributions to pension plans 71 59
Redundancy costs 12,822
──────── ────────
33,189 24,374
════════ ════════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

9. Staff Costs (continued)

The average head count of employees during the year was 2 (2020: 2). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:

2021 2020
No. No.
Number of project staff 1 1
════ ════

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2020: Nil).

10. Trustee Remuneration and Expenses

No trustees received any remuneration or expenses during the year (2019 - Nil).

11. Tangible Fixed Assets

Plant and Office
machinery Equipment Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021 3,999 11,796 15,795
═══════ ════════ ════════
Depreciation
At 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021 3,999 11,796 15,795
═══════ ════════ ════════
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2021
═══════ ════════ ════════
At 31 July 2020
═══════ ════════ ════════
Debtors
2021 2020
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income 136 115
════ ════
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2021 2020
£ £
Trade creditors 589
Accruals and deferred income 600 600
Social security and other taxes 1,438
Wages Creditor 4,896
Other creditors 166
─────── ───────
7,100 1,189
═══════ ═══════

12. Debtors

13. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

14. Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £71 (2020: £59).

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

15. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At 1 August At
2020 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2021
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 8,190 1,135 (3,770) 5,555
Redundancy fund
Working capital fund 10,000 10,000
──────── ─────── ─────── ──── ────────
18,190 1,135 (3,770) 15,555
════════ ═══════ ═══════ ════ ════════
At 1 August At
2019 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 July 2020
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 15,166 (29,798) 22,822 8,190
Redundancy fund 12,822 (12,822)
Working capital fund 20,000 (10,000)
10,000
──────── ──── ──────── ──────── ────────
47,988 (29,798) 18,190
════════ ════ ════════ ════════ ════════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

15. Analysis of Charitable Funds (continued)

Restricted funds

Restricted funds
At 1 August At
2020 Income Expenditure Transfers
31 July 2021
£ £ £ £ £
Screwfix Foundation 5,000
5,000
Bailey Thomas 20,000 (15,000)
5,000
Durham County Council 10,000 12,336 (22,336)
County Durham
Community Foundation 10,000 46,500 (13,500)
43,000
Bernica Foundation 10,000
10,000
──────── ──────── ──────── ────
────────
45,000 68,836 (50,836)
63,000
════════ ════════ ════════ ════
════════
At 1 August At
2019 Income Expenditure Transfers
31 July 2020
£ £ £ £ £
Screwfix Foundation 5,000
5,000
Karbon Homes 1,000 (1,000)
Bailey Thomas 20,000
20,000
Durham County Council 10,000
10,000
County Durham
Community Foundation 1,960 10,000 (1,960)
10,000
Hospital of God at
Greatham 450 (450)
Sir James Knott
Foundation 4,000 (4,000)
Catherine Cookson
Charitable Trust 500 (500)
Rothley Trust 1,000 (1,000)
─────── ──────── ─────── ────
────────
1,960 51,950 (8,910)
45,000
═══════ ════════ ═══════ ════
════════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year Ended 31 July 2021

15. Analysis of Charitable Funds (continued)

The restricted grants are for the following purposes:

Screwfix Foundation - Capital works Karbon Homes - Covid support

Bailey Thomas - £5,000 for capital works, remainder for revenue costs Durham County Council - Covid support

County Durham Community Foundation - Revenue costs Hospital of God - Revenue costs

Sir James Knott Foundation - Revenue costs Catherine Cookson - Capital and equipment Rothley Trust - Capital and equipment

16. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2021
£ £ £
Current assets 22,655 63,000 85,655
Creditors less than 1 year (7,100) (7,100)
──────── ──────── ────────
Net assets 15,555 63,000 78,555
════════ ════════ ════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2020
£ £ £
Current assets 19,379 45,000 64,379
Creditors less than 1 year (1,189) (1,189)
──────── ──────── ────────
Net assets 18,190 45,000 63,190
════════ ════════ ════════

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Real Lives Real Choices

Management Information

Year Ended 31 July 2021

The Following Pages Do Not Form Part of the Financial Statements.

18

Real Lives Real Choices

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year Ended 31 July 2021

2021 2020
£ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Bailey Thomas 20,000
Durham County council 12,336 10,000
County Durham Community Foundation 21,500 10,000
Screwfix Foundation 5,000
Karbon Homes 1,000
Sir James Knott Foundation 4,000
Rothley Trust 1,000
Bernica Foundation 10,000
NHS Connector 25,000
Other smaller grants 950
──────── ────────
68,836 51,950
──────── ────────
Charitable activities
Trading income 635
Other fees 500
─────── ────
1,135
─────── ────
──────── ────────
Total income 69,971 51,950
════════ ════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities
Wages & salaries 33,118 11,493
Pension costs 71 59
Redundancy costs 12,822
Premises costs 3,730 8,149
Insurance 868 1,229
Accountancy and professional fees 2,496 853
Office costs 943 655
Materials and equipment 11,748 2,305
Travel and training 1,083 1,065
Other costs 549 78
──────── ────────
Total expenditure 54,606 38,708
════════ ════════
──────── ────────
Net income 15,365 13,242
════════ ════════

19