Homeless Action in Barnet
Trustees Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2025
Charity registation - 1155559
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Contents
| Legal and administrative information | 4 |
|---|---|
| Chair’s introduction | 5 |
| Trustees annual report | 6 |
| Objects and activities | 6 |
| Achievements and performance | 7 |
| Plans for Future | 8 |
| Structure, governance & management | 8 |
| Financial review | 9 |
| Statement of Board of Trustees’ responsibilities | 9 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 11 |
| Statement of f nancial activities | 13 |
| Balance sheet | 14 |
| Statement of cash f ows | 15 |
| Notes to the f nancial statements | 16 |
Charity number 1155559
3
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
Legal and administrative information
Charity name
Homeless Action in Barnet
Charity registration no.
1155559
Registered offi ce and contact details
36b Woodhouse Road London N12 0RG
Trustees
John Bier ` Chair Stuart Slater Deputy Chair Marian Cohen Secretary Yeong Min Choy (resigned January 2025) Clare King Jane Myers Sameer Pabari Josh Tapper Simon Rubinsohn Darren Haringman Deborah Salman (appointed September 2024) Chief Executive Joe Lee until July 2024 from October 2024
Joe Lee Ben Tovey
Bank
CAF Bank Limited Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4TA
Lloyds Bank plc 841 High Road North Finchley London N12 8PX
Independent examiner
Chartswood Accounting Solutions Limited 13 Arm & Sword Lane Old Hatfi eld Hertfordshire AL9 5EH
Charity number 1155559
4
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Chair’s introduction
The year 2024-25 was overshadowed by the sad loss of our long serving CEO Joe Lee in November 2024. Although Joe had been unwell for a little while his illness and death came as a great shock to all at HAB. For 25 years as CEO – Joe was a champion for our charity and voice of support for people experiencing homelessness in our Borough. Many people from across the voluntary sector and from Barnet attended his memorial in January 2025 and paid tribute to his contribution not just to HAB but to the voluntary sector within the Borough. Joe is missed and we pay full respect to Joe’s contribution in establishing HAB as the strong charity it is today.
With Joe’s departure we have a new beginning with the appointment of Ben Tovey as our new CEO. Ben brings over 20 years experience within the sector and is already proving to be a great asset to HAB – to the clients, the staff team and to the Board. Welcome Ben!
Our other services at the Centre and in the projects continue to support several hundred people a year. The needs have grown – not least with the cost-of-living crisis – and rough sleeping levels in Barnet and across London continue to rise. Our expanded project work continues – at the Golders Green Project, the Mill Hill House, Somewhere Safe to Stay HUB and the Women’s House. We continue to support over 50 people in temporary accommodation - assisting people in their move-on journey from ‘the street’ to safe accommodation. The Night Shelter was a great success in 2024-25 season supporting nearly 70 individuals and with an incredible 34 people being helped to fi nd accommodation from rough sleeping. A tremendous effort from all of the team at HAB. However as noted in previous years - the problem for ‘move on’ from the projects remains – there is too little accommodation for rent at prices people in average salaries can afford.
Our relationship with partner organisations such as Civitas and Encircle Housing continues successfully; and our relationship with Barnet Homes, Barnet Council, the ICB (Integrated care Board -was CCG) and Public Health continues to be positive. Once again, I would like to thank all those organisations and individuals who continue to support our work. Some through fi nancial grant or donation – like Barnet Council, BKL Accountancy, Finchley Reform Synagogue; others through steady donations of food and supplies – e.g. Felix Project, Greggs, Costco, Nando’s and others. We are grateful for the support given to our appeals and fundraising events – this last year saw excellent amounts raised at our Halloween Quiz; through our Winter Appeal and with our ‘Walk in their Shoes’ fundraising linked closely to the Nightshelter network of venues and supporters. This has all contributed to our income exceeding £500,000.
I noted last year that with successful growth in our turnover there comes some fundraising challenges. One challenge is that many funding bodies have a ‘cut off’ point of only supporting charities with a turnover under £500k. I am pleased to report that HAB has met this challenge through the efforts of our Fundraising Committee and signifi cantly with increased success with funding bids led by fundraising specialist Dave Redfern. We hope and aim for this to continue through 2025. Around 45% of our funding continues to be linked to grants and longer-term contracts; meaning over half of our income is dependent upon shorter term funding applications, donations and fundraising activity. So community support for our fundraising remains vital – thank you!
Signifi cant problems remain and demand for HAB services is high. The general rise in the cost of living; the increases in rents within a market with insuffi cient affordable or social housing; and the pressure upon core services (such as Mental Health provision) presents a ‘perfect storm’ of pressure upon many in our Community. There is simply insuffi cient housing at rents that people can afford – both social and private rented. Our projects rely on funding through the benefi ts system – excluding those with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) – and this can mean signifi cant challenges in helping people to ‘move on’. However we do not lose hope at HAB and in these challenging times – HAB continues to be a source of hope, help and a pathway to change.
I want to congratulate our staff team who managed so well in a diffi cult year of losing our dear Joe Lee; but also welcome the new leadership of Ben Tovey as CEO who has already made an impact at HAB. My thanks also to Board members and the other dedicated volunteers that help support HAB. I continue to be both humbled by the work people at HAB do and proud to be Chair of such an important Charity.
JOHN BIER
CHAIR OF TRUSTEE BOARD
Charity number 1155559
5
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
Trustees annual report
The Board of Trustees submit their annual report and the fi nancial statements of Homeless Action in Barnet (HAB) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The Board of Trustees confi rms that the annual report and fi nancial statements of the Charity comply with current statutory requirements, including the Charity Act 2011, as well as the requirements of the Charity’s governing document and the provisions of 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) second edition (effective 1 January 2019)’, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and other relevant legislation.
Objects and activities
HAB’s Objects
To further such charitable purposes (charitable under the law of England and Wales) as the trustees see fi t in particular but not limited to:
-
the relief of Homelessness;
-
the relief of poverty;
-
the relief of unemployment;
-
the advancement of education and training;
-
the advancement of health and well-being
The Trustees confi rm that they have given due regard to the public benefi t guidance published by the Charity Commission in line with section 4 of the Charities Act 2006.
Activities
We opened our doors in 1997. Today we provide support for some of Barnet’s most vulnerable people. Our clients receive food and a hot shower, access to fresh clothes along with support to help overcome barriers to housing and Independence. People can access services such as GP, Chiropody, Dentistry, DWP, Local Authority Housing Team, Employment, Immigration, Mental Health & Substance Misuse services.
We provide access to Hostels, Social and Private Housing and support clients to maintain their tenancy through a support plan tailored to the individual’s needs. We also provide Emergency Night Shelter accommodation to those ineligible for alternative accommodation.
Our approach
We are proud of the fact that we are a place of change.
We don’t look at housing in isolation but work with people to achieve the change they have identifi ed they need to make in life. Our Teams work with clients at each stage along a Pathway from Street Homelessness to Independent Living.
We recognise the complexity of Individuals and tailor our support to their unique needs. We help people to navigate systems and foster collaboration within our community that leads to greater understanding, engagement and positive outcomes.
Charity number 1155559
6
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Vision and mission
Our vision is a society where all people have a safe space to call home.
Our mission is to work with people in need to help break the cycle of homelessness; help people achieve dignity and express themselves as fully independent members of society.
Our purpose is to seek justice and dignity for all, and make a positive difference to the lives of single people with housing need in Barnet.
HAB values
-
Clients are treated with respect and empowered to achieve independence and their full potential.
-
We will maintain a fl exible and open-minded approach to the needs of our clients and to the
-
challenges of homelessness.
-
We will offer a holistic and dependable service of high quality.
-
We will offer an environment that is safe, welcoming and non-judgmental.
• We are committed to providing a service that refl ects and meets the diverse needs of our clients, staff and other stakeholders.
Achievements and performance
How HAB Helps
We are a place of change; At our Day Centre we provided support to over 700 men and women who found themselves living on the streets, we provided Hostel places and support to over 100 people at two dedicated sites. Our Winter Night Shelter operated over 166 Nights utilising over 200 volunteers and providing 2,156 Bed Spaces. We Found Accommodation for over 250 people including 34 from our Night Shelter.
Case Study 1
54 year old, homeless as a result of family breakdown, domestic violence and PTSD. His autistic teenage son was violent and services had not intervened to support the family. The mother had left previously and the man lived on in private rented accommodation caring for his son who frequently attacked him. The man was diagnosed with stress and PTSD, signed off sick from his job and was unable to pay the rent leading to eviction.
HAB supported the man to claim benefi ts as his statutory sick pay ran out. HAB arranged a property through a private provider. We arranged tenancy support for an initial period. We provided him with a starter pack of food, bedding and kitchenware.
Case Study 2
32 year old man with a challenging family history presented to us as homeless again and sleeping in a tent. His behaviour at the centre and on the phone was challenging and we manage his risks while keeping clients and staff feeling safe. HAB staff worked with a mental health nurse practitioner at his surgery we gathered documents to present to Barnet Homes who allocated him temporary accommodation and subsequently Private Rented Accommodation which we have provided ongoing support for. This outcome relied on the proactive, positive relationships HAB nurtures with other agencies ensuring good communication in the best interests of the client.
Charity number 1155559
7
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
Plans for Future
Vision
To ensure that every person experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Barnet has access to high-quality support, pathways to stable housing, and opportunities to thrive.
Mission
To deliver compassionate, expert, and impactful services that prevent homelessness, support recovery, and strengthen community resilience through partnership, advocacy, and innovation.
HAB’S new 5 year Strategy Document will be published in February 2026.
Structure, governance & management
Homeless Action in Barnet is a registered charity constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation under its consitution dated 30 January 2014. The charity registration number is 1155559 (England and Wales).
Membership of HAB
HAB has a current membership of 15 full members who were the original subscribers to the Memorandum of Association.
Membership falls into two categories:
-
Full membership
-
Associate membership
Membership is open to individuals and organisations that support the aims and objectives of HAB. Full members have voting rights and are entitled to vote at general meetings and in the appointment of trustees. They can also be appointed as trustees.
Associate members can attend general meetings, but they have no voting rights and cannot be appointed as trustees.
Trustees
The trustees of the charity are ultimately responsible for HAB. Trustees are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. They set the strategic direction and objectives of the organisation, agree the budget and are responsible for the overall management of the charity. Trustees meet approximately six times per year and minutes of these meetings are made available to all members.
None of the trustees received any remuneration or other fi nancial benefi t for their services during the current year. All trustees have confi rmed that they do not have, and have not had, any benefi cial interest in any contract with the charity.
The HAB Trustee Board is supported by 4 Board Committees. The Governance Committee ensures the Board is effective and compliant. The Finance & Risk Committee is tasked with overseeing a best practice fi nancial management framework. The HR Committee is tasked with overseeing a best-practice HR strategy. The Fundraising and Social Media Committee oversees HAB’s Fundraising activities as well as our presence on Social Media.
Trustee Induction and Training
On their appointment, new Trustees are provided with information, in the form of an induction pack, on their role as a Trustee. Ongoing training is provided as required.
Charity number 1155559
8
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Risk management
The Trustee Board has overall accountability for Risk Management. This includes the process of identifying, assessing and managing risks. The Finance & Risk Committee has specifi c responsibility for oversight of this Risk Management Policy and The Risk Register. Oversight is conducted by ensuring the attainment of appropriate quality standards by agreeing outcomes with the CEO. The Finance & Risk Committee coordinates with other Committees to ensure other Committees exercise oversight over risks relevant to their remit. The CEO is responsible for managing risk on a day to day basis.
As part of the Trustee Board’s Risk Management Framework, the Board maintains and reviews a Risk Register of the principal risks faced by the Charity. For several years, the top risk recognised by HAB was succession planning, and specifi cally the eventual hand-over from founding CEO Joe Lee to a new role holder. It is with great sadness that HAB needed to put the risk management plan into place sooner than expected and with greater urgency. Joe was hospitalised due to a long-standing condition in August and sadly passed away in November.
The Board’s succession planning group had been preparing for this and other eventualities for more than a year. The Board authorised the search for an interim CEO in September. The Chair and Deputy Chair appointed Ben Tovey to the position in October, and HAB is very fortunate to have found such an excellent fi t in Ben. In consultation with the Finance and Risk Committee, Ben brought in additional expert resource to support HAB in remapping it’s fi nancial and operational workfl ows. By the end of fi nancial year 2024 2025, this resulted in HAB having a new executive responsible for all core processes, a clearer understanding of current strengths and weaknesses, and a prioritised action plan for improving HAB’s effectiveness and resilience. The top items on the current risk register include upgrading HAB’s digital infrastructure to support governance and further reducing key person risk by broad staff training on the new digital infrastructure.
Financial review
During the current fi nancial year the Charity incurred a defi cit of £31,852 (2024: surplus of £7,011) in the year. This resulted in total reserves decreasing in the year to £406,328 (2023: £438,180).
The Trustees are satisfi ed with the fi nancial performance of the Charity throughout the year.
Of the total reserves held at year end £393,275 (2024: £414,419) were unrestricted as to use, although only £313,275 (2024: £334,419) was available as general funds as a result of designations made by the trustees as outlined in note 11 of the fi nancial statements. Free reserves held within general reserves are £223,319 (2024: £260,259).
Reserves policy
The Trustees have set a reserves policy that the Charity should hold a minimum unrestricted general reserve equivalent between six and twelve months salary and overhead expenditure - approximately £224,000 to £449,000. The current level of £313,275 is safely within this level.
Statement of Board of Trustees’ responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the fi nancial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare fi nancial statements for each fi nancial year. Under that law they are required to prepare the fi nancial statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Under charity law the Trustees must not approve the fi nancial statements unless they are satisfi ed that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the excess of income over expenditure for that period. In preparing these fi nancial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
Charity number 1155559
9
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
-
departures disclosed and explained in the fi nancial statements; and,
-
prepare the fi nancial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
-
that the Charity will continue its activities.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are suffi cient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the fi nancial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the fi nancial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the fi nancial and other relevant information included on the Charity’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of fi nancial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. In addition, the Trustees confi rm that they are happy that content of the annual review in pages 3 to 12 of this document meet the requirements of the Trustees’ Annual Report under charity law.
They also confi rm that the fi nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the Charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and 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) second edition (effective 1 January 2019).
This report was approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 26 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
JOHN BIER CHAIR OF TRUSTEE BOARD
Charity number 1155559
10
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Independent examiner’s report
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Homeless Action in Barnet (charity number 1155559) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 13 to 27.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charitable incorporated organisation’s (CIO) trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act). The CIO’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under
-
section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and,
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
This report, including my statement, has been prepared for and only for the CIO’s trustees as a body. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the CIO’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the CIO and the CIO’s trustees as a body for my examination work, for this report, or for the statements I have made.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the CIO and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters.
The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the CIO’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confi rm that I am qualifi ed to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confi rm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
• the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2011 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.
Charity number 1155559
11
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
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.
Sanjay Parekh FCA
SANJAY PAREKH �FCA� CHARTSWOOD ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS LIMITED
DATED: 26 JANUARY 2026
13 Arm & Sword Lane Old Hatfi eld Hertfordshire AL9 5EH
Charity number 1155559
12
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Notes Income from Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments Other income 16 Total income Expenditure on Fundraising costs 5 Charitable activities 5 Total expenditure Net gains/(losses) on investments 8 Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between fund Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 11 & 12 Total funds carried forward 11 & 12 |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total funds funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2024 £ £ £ £ 112,897 28,590 141,487 123,840 332,858 24,795 357,653 389,931 327 - 327 739 368 31,200 31,568 75 446,450 84,585 531,035 514,585 21,446 - 21,446 - 449,728 95,293 545,021 522,595 471,174 95,293 566,467 522,595 3,580 - 3,580 15,021 |
|---|---|
| (21,144) (10,708) (31,852) 7,011 - - - - |
|
| (21,144) (10,708) (31,852) 7,011 414,419 23,761 438,180 431,169 393,275 13,053 406,328 438,180 |
The notes on pages 16 to 27 form part of the fi nancial statements.
All the above results arise from continuing activities.
There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above.
Charity number 1155559
13
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
Balance sheet
As at 31 March 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Investments 8 Current assets Debtors and prepayments 9 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 10 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity Restricted funds 11 & 12 Unrestricted funds Designated funds 11 & 12 General funds 11 & 12 Unrestricted funds Total funds |
£ 196,014 230,919 426,933 (110,561) 80,000 313,275 |
Total funds 31 Mar 2025 £ 3,162 86,794 89,956 316,372 406,328 13,053 393,275 406,328 |
£ 109,621 276,040 385,661 (21,641) 80,000 334,419 |
Total funds 31 Mar 2024 £ 632 73,528 74,160 364,020 438,180 23,761 414,419 438,180 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 16 to 27 form part of the fi nancial statements.
These fi nancial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 26 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
JOHN BIER CHAIR OF TRUSTEE BOARD
Charity number 1155559
14
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
For year ended 31 March 2025
| Cash f ows from operating activities Net income/(expenditure) for period (as per SOFA) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Investment income received Net (gains)/losses on investments (Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable (Increase)/decrease in accrued income (Increase)/decrease in prepayments Increase/(decrease) in accounts payables Increase/(decrease) in accruals Increase/(decrease) in payroll liabilities Increase/(decrease) in deferred revenue Net cash f ows from operating activities Cash f ows from investing activities Investment income received Purchase of tangible f xed assets Purchase of investments Sale of investments Decrease/(increase) in cash held in portfolio Net cash f ows from investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in period Cash at bank and in hand brought forward Cash at bank and in hand carried forward |
£ 605 (307) (3,580) (32,141) (54,026) (226) 10,411 11,372 471 66,666 307 (3,135) (85,262) 75,752 (176) |
Total funds 31 Mar 2025 £ (31,852) (755) (32,607) (12,514) (45,121) 276,040 230,919 |
£ 991 (739) (15,021) (417) (1,686) 213 (2,326) 5,232 837 - 739 - - 139 |
Total funds 31 Mar 2024 £ 7,011 (12,916) (5,905) 878 (5,027) 281,067 276,040 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 16 to 27 form part of the fi nancial statements.
Charity number 1155559
15
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation of the fi nancial statements
The fi nancial statements have been prepared in accordance with ‘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) second edition (effective 1 January 2019)’, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), including Update Bulletin 2, and relevant charities law.
The effect of any event relating to the year ended 31 March 2025, which occurred before the date of approval of the fi nancial statements by the Board of Trustees has been included in the fi nancial statements to the extent required to show a true and fair view of the state of affairs at 31 March 2025 and the results for the year ended on that date.
The functional currency of the Charity is sterling and amounts in the fi nancial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.
The signifi cant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these fi nancial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
Going concern
The fi nancial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as the Board of Trustees is confi dent that future reserves and future income is more than suffi cient to meet current commitments. There are no material uncertainties that impact this assessment, and the ongoing economic environment has had no material impact on this assessment.
Legal status
Homeless Action in Barnet is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England & Wales and meets the defi nition of a public benefi t entity. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member. The registered address is 36b Woodhouse Road, London, N12 0RG.
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 Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds which have been designated for a specifi c purpose by the Trustees. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in note 11 of the fi nancial statements.
Restricted funds are funds that are to be used in accordance with specifi c restrictions imposed by donors or that have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specifi c fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in note 11 of the fi nancial statements.
Income
Income is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance indicators attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Donations are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when entitled, receipt is probable and when the amount can be quantifi ed with reasonable accuracy. Gift aid receivable is included when claimable.
Charity number 1155559
16
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
1. Accounting policies (continued from previous page)
Income (continued from previous page)
Grant income is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier, unless the grant relates to a future period, in which case it is deferred.
Income from charitable activities and other trading income, including contract income and housing benefi t, is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier, unless it relates to a specifi c future period or event, in which case it is deferred.
Interest is recorded when it is receivable.
Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold. Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at the period end.
Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities.
Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, are allocated proportionate to total direct costs allocated to each project area, as outlined in note 5 of the fi nancial statements.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of expenditure for which it was incurred.
Tangible fi xed assets and depreciation
All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised unless funded by restricted grants.
Tangible fi xed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fi xed assets, less their residual value, over their useful life, on the following basis:
Day centre equipment 5 years
Freehold property is not depreciated.
Taxation
As a registered charity income and gains are exempt from Corporation Tax to the extent that they are applied to the charitable objectives.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash in hand, deposits with banks and funds that are readily convertible into cash at, or close to, their carrying values but are not held for investment purposes.
Debtors and prepayments
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount is applied. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Creditors and accruals
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.
Charity number 1155559
17
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued from previous page)
Critical estimates and judgements
In preparing fi nancial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the fi nancial statements. The annual depreciation charge for tangible fi xed assets is sensitive to changes in useful economic lives and residual values of assets. In the view of the Trustees in applying the accounting policies adopted, no judgements were required that have a signifi cant effect on the amounts recognised in the fi nancial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a signifi cant risk of material adjustment in the next fi nancial year.
Investments
Investments are initially measured at their cost and subsequently measured at their fair value at each reporting date, which gives rise to unrealised gains/losses at the end of the fi nancial period which is refl ected in the SOFA. Realised gains/losses are calculated as the difference between the sales proceeds and the opening carrying value or the purchase price if acquired during the fi nancial period. Partial disposals are accounted for using the average value. Fair value is based on the quoted price at the balance sheet date without deduction of estimated future selling costs.
Financial instruments
Basic fi nancial instruments are measured at amortised cost other than investments which are measured at fair value.
Pensions
The Charity operates a defi ned contribution pension scheme which is administered by an external independent pension provider. Contributions are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as they fall due.
Charity number 1155559
18
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
- Comparative statement of f nancial activities
| Notes Income from Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments Other income Total income Expenditure on Charitable activities 5 Total expenditure Net gains/(losses) on investments 8 Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between fund Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 11 & 12 Total funds carried forward 11 & 12 |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 £ £ £ 97,840 26,000 123,840 356,871 33,060 389,931 739 - 739 75 - 75 |
|---|---|
| 455,525 59,060 514,585 |
|
| 428,546 94,049 522,595 |
|
| 428,546 94,049 522,595 |
|
| 15,021 - 15,021 |
|
| 42,000 (34,989) 7,011 - - - |
|
| 42,000 (34,989) 7,011 372,419 58,750 431,169 |
|
| 414,419 23,761 438,180 |
Charity number 1155559
19
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Grants Donations Grants Donations |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 £ £ £ 40,403 25,000 65,403 72,494 3,590 76,084 |
|---|---|
| 112,897 28,590 141,487 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 £ £ £ 1,770 26,000 27,770 96,070 - 96,070 |
|
| 97,840 26,000 123,840 |
4. Income from charitable activities
| Contracts Housing benef t Contracts Other support Housing benef t |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 £ £ £ 248,656 24,795 273,451 84,202 - 84,202 |
|---|---|
| 332,858 24,795 357,653 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 £ £ £ 239,944 33,060 273,004 39,615 - 39,615 77,312 - 77,312 356,871 33,060 389,931 |
Charity number 1155559
20
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
- Total expenditure
| Fundraising costs including consultant Charitable activity costs Salaries Temporary and agency staff Day centre costs Move on costs Management and support costs Depreciation Trustee expenses Independent examination Total charitable activity costs Total expenditure Salaries Temporary and agency staff Day centre costs Move on costs Management and support costs Depreciation Independent examination |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 £ £ £ 21,446 - 21,446 276,311 79,614 355,925 12,658 9,724 22,382 14,696 5,824 20,520 71,553 - 71,553 70,689 131 70,820 605 - 605 516 - 516 2,700 - 2,700 |
|---|---|
| 449,728 95,293 545,021 |
|
| 471,174 95,293 566,467 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 £ £ £ 292,054 56,343 348,397 - 11,472 11,472 10,420 4,750 15,170 66,371 12,484 78,855 56,610 9,000 65,610 991 - 991 2,100 - 2,100 |
|
| 428,546 94,049 522,595 |
An analysis of staff costs can be found in note 6.
Charity number 1155559
21
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
- Staff costs
| Gross salaries Employers NIC Employers pension |
Total Total funds funds Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2024 £ £ 329,491 323,287 22,984 21,761 3,450 3,349 355,925 348,397 |
|---|---|
The average headcount during the period was 15 persons (2024: 15 persons).
No employees received employee benefi ts of above £60,000 (2024: Nil).
The total employee benefi ts paid to key management personnel during the year was £59,541 (2024: £44,341).
7. Tangible f xed assets
| Cost As at 1 April 2024 Additions in year As at 31 March 2025 Accumulated depreciation As at 1 April 2024 Charge in year As at 31 March 2025 Net book value As at 1 April 2024 As at 31 March 2025 |
Computer Day centre Total equipment equipment funds £ £ - 4,954 4,954 798 2,337 3,135 |
|---|---|
| 798 7,291 8,089 |
|
| - 4,322 4,322 13 592 605 |
|
| 13 4,914 4,927 |
|
| - 632 632 |
|
| 785 2,377 3,162 |
Charity number 1155559
22
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
- Fixed asset investments
| Analysis of market value of investments by investment type: 9. Debtors and prepayments 10. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Market value brought forward Additions at cost Disposals Net gains/(losses) in period Market value carried forward Cash held as part of the investment portfolio Total market value of investment portfolio carried forward UK equities and funds Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Accrued income Prepayments Accounts payable Accruals HMRC payable Pension payable Deferred revenue |
Total Total funds funds 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2024 £ £ 73,525 58,504 85,262 - (75,752) - 3,580 15,021 86,615 73,525 179 3 86,794 73,528 Total Total funds funds 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2024 £ £ 86,615 73,525 179 3 86,794 73,528 Total Total funds funds 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2024 £ £ 135,467 103,326 55,712 1,686 4,835 4,609 196,014 109,621 Total Total funds funds 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2024 £ £ 13,855 3,444 22,393 11,021 6,798 6,572 849 604 66,666 - 110,561 21,641 |
|---|---|
Charity number 1155559
23
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
11. Analysis of charity funds
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Redundancy fund Repairs Total designated funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Age UK C o m m u n i t y Innovation Fund Eighth Rung Streets of London Sisters of the Holy Cross Together in Barnet Total restricted funds |
Balance Income Expenditure Net gains/ Transfers Balance brought in in (losses) on between carried forward year year investments funds forward Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 £ £ £ £ £ £ 20,000 - - - - 20,000 60,000 - - - - 60,000 80,000 - - - - 80,000 334,419 446,450 (471,174) 3,580 - 313,275 414,419 446,450 (471,174) 3,580 - 393,275 - 5,000 (1,952) - - 3,048 8,761 10,000 (8,769) - - 9,992 - 24,795 (24,795) - - - 15,000 - (15,000) - - - - 5,000 (5,000) - - - - 39,790 (39,777) - - 13 23,761 84,585 (95,293) - - 13,053 438,180 531,035 (566,467) 3,580 - 406,328 |
|---|---|
Redundancy fund
These funds have been set aside by the trustees to meet any redundancy liabilities should the charity face closure.
Repairs fund
These funds have been set aside by the trustees to meet any ongoing repairs to the building.
Age UK
These were funds received to purchase essential items for clients aged 55 or over.
Community Innovation Fund & Streets of London
These were funds received to support specifi c roles within the organisation.
Sisters of the Holy Cross
These were funds received to support the provision of housing support services.
Charity number 1155559
24
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
11. Analysis of charity funds (continued from previous page)
Together in Barnet
These were funds received upon merging with Together in Barnet (note 16) and are restricted to support the night shelter activities.
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Redundancy fund Repairs Total designated funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Barnet Community Fund Community Innovation Fund London Community Foundation Eighth Rung Streets of London Total restricted funds |
Balance Income Expenditure Net gains/ Transfers Balance brought in in (losses) on between carried forward year year investments funds forward Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 £ £ £ £ £ £ 20,000 - - - - 20,000 60,000 - - - - 60,000 80,000 - - - - 80,000 292,419 455,525 (428,546) 15,021 - 334,419 372,419 455,525 (428,546) 15,021 - 414,419 7,750 1,000 (8,750) - - - 36,000 - (27,239) - - 8,761 - 10,000 (10,000) - - - - 33,060 (33,060) - - - 15,000 15,000 (15,000) - - 15,000 58,750 59,060 (94,049) - - 23,761 431,169 514,585 (522,595) 15,021 - 438,180 |
|---|---|
Barnet Community Fund
These were funds received to provide direct support to clients.
Charity number 1155559
25
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
12. Analysis of net assets
| 3. Analysis of net debt Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities |
As at 1 Apr 2024 £ 276,040 276,040 As at 1 Apr 2023 £ 281,067 281,067 |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 31 Mar 2025 £ £ £ 89,956 - 89,956 413,880 13,053 426,933 (110,561) - (110,561) |
|---|---|---|
| 393,275 13,053 406,328 |
||
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024 £ £ £ 74,160 - 74,160 361,900 23,761 385,661 (21,641) - (21,641) |
||
| 414,419 23,761 438,180 |
||
| Cash Other As at f ows movements 31 Mar 2025 £ £ £ (45,121) - 230,919 (45,121) - 230,919 Cash Other As at f ows movements 31 Mar 2024 £ £ £ (5,027) - 276,040 (5,027) - 276,040 |
- Analysis of net debt
14. Trustee remuneration
During the year, no trustee received any remuneration (2024: £Nil). No members of the Board of Trustees received reimbursement of expenses (2024: £Nil).
15. Related party transactions
During the year there were no related party transactions (2024: £Nil).
Charity number 1155559
26
Year ended 31 March 2025
Homeless Action in Barnet Annual report and fi nancial statements
16. Mergers
In the year the charity completed the merger with Together in Barnet (charity number 1157192 and CIO number CE001981) and took on the remaining assets of cash of £31,200 after the charity was closed down at the Charity Commission and Companies House.
Charity number 1155559
27
HAI HOMELESS ACTION IN BARNET