Charity registration number 1159263
THE ALEX GROUP
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
THE ALEX GROUP
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | J A Livesey | |
|---|---|---|
| D Cain | ||
| S Walsh | ||
| T O'Kane | ||
| A Anderson | ||
| S Edwards | ||
| A M Tuohey | ||
| J Holt | ||
| J Cain | ||
| C Chaplow | (Appointed 10 July 2023) | |
| Charity number | 1159263 | |
| Principal address | Rough Lee Home | |
| Rough Lee Road | ||
| Accrington | ||
| Lancashire | ||
| BB5 2LR | ||
| Independent examiner | PM+M Solutions for Business LLP | |
| New Century House | ||
| Greenbank Technology Park | ||
| Challenge Way | ||
| Blackburn | ||
| Lancashire | ||
| BB1 5QB |
THE ALEX GROUP
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Statement of cash flows | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 - 14 |
THE ALEX GROUP
TRUSTEES REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements 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)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
The principal objective of the charity is to provide 24-hour support to residents with physical disabilities. To this end, the charity has established a family type home consisting of suitable residential accommodation available for life, or if appropriate, respite care, giving the residents such facilities as to enable them to engage in fruitful activities to enhance their individual potential.
Strategies for achieving objectives
The Trustees place great emphasis upon ensuring the accommodation provided is of such a quality as to make the residents feel they are at home living in a family environment whilst having all the necessary facilities to support their particular physical needs and receiving a high standard of care. A full programme of social and intellectual activities is provided to ensure the residents feel fulfilled and content.
We continue to seek to recruit members to the Trustee team who can add value and in addition seek suitable volunteers to support the team and residents.
The Trustees are continually committed to ensuring the highest level of regulatory compliance and work closely with the Home Manager to improve systems and procedures in this regard.
Achievements and performance
Charitable activities
The home is an active and vibrant facility for our disabled adult residents many of which have been in the home for many years. The philosophy is very much a home from home and our energies are directed at making it the best it can be and a stable and loving environment. Eight of the rooms now have en-suite facilities and both shared rooms have been adapted to individual bedrooms.
The Staff under the leadership of Andrea Buckley and her Deputy Wendy Hargreaves are qualified and experienced. The team ensure a secure and supportive care environment for our residents and we have achieved and maintained a "Good" Care Quality Commission rating in all five areas.
Investment performance
The investment policy of the charity is to invest the available funds to maximise the return to the charity while at the same time keeping the funds as safe and secure as possible. Interest received for the year was £5,091 (2022£368).
Factors relevant to achieve objectives
The charity continues to be dependent upon the continued placing of residents in the home by the local authority and the Trustees and Management continue their efforts to seek fees which reflect the quality of care and the increasingly complex demands of residents.
The Trustees continue the tough task of balancing the books in a very challenging environment with an increasing cost base, an extremely tough regulatory and compliance regime and the ongoing need to invest in the Homes infrastructure.
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THE ALEX GROUP
TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Financial review
The Trustees aim to maintain free reserves at current levels to provide financial protection in the increasingly uncertain commercial environment. It is also necessary to retain funds for the ongoing renovation, modernisation and improvement of facilities to ensure that the Charity can continue to provide excellent standards of care to the residents of the home. The potential under occupation which may occur as a result of the increasing time lag in filling resident vacancies continues to give cause for concern in that home expenses costs will continue to rise whilst income may remain relatively static. In view of these circumstances the Trustees feel that reserves of £210,000 must be held as a minimum. This is the expected outgoings for a period of 3 months should the home be unoccupied. The Trustees feel that this length of time would be sufficient to fill any vacancies.
General trustee and management plans
The long-term benefit of the residents and the long term future of Rough Lee Home are, and will be, the focus in all of our meetings.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a charitable incorporated organisation.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: J A Livesey
D Cain S Walsh T O'Kane A Anderson S Edwards M Warren (Resigned 23 November 2023) A M Tuohey J Holt J Cain C Chaplow (Appointed 10 July 2023)
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust Deed. The charity is always ready to welcome new trustees who have the experience, empathy and knowledge of the charity and are willing to play an active role in promoting its success and development.
A council made up of appointed Trustees and elected members meet monthly to administer the charity. The chief executive officer during the year ended 31 March 2023, and on the date this report was approved, was Mr J A Livesey.
The Trustees take responsibility for ensuring that they have skills and knowledge required to fulfil their roles efficiently and effectively. Wherever appropriate they will be supported by encouragement, guidance and training.
The Trustee Committee holds regular meetings and annually reviews pay and remuneration fro staff including performance issues and review of the Home Manager and Deputy.
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THE ALEX GROUP
TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The Trustees regularly assess the major risks to which the charity is exposed, have reviewed those risks and established systems and procedures to manage those risks and are satisfied that the current systems in place mitigate exposure to the major risks albeit they are constantly under review.The primary risks identified are as follows:
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To ensure that the home remains financially sound and robust systems and procedures are in place to maintain strong financial control.
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To ensure that the home is fully compliant with all relevant legislation and provides the highest levels of care.
The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
J A Livesey .............................. J A Livesey Trustee Date: ............................................. 05/12/2023
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THE ALEX GROUP
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ALEX GROUP
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Alex Group (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2023.
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 2011 Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 2011 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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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 financial statements to be reached.
Ceri Dixon BSc Hons ACA PM+M Solutions for Business LLP Chartered Accountants New Century House Greenbank Technology Park Challenge Way Blackburn Lancashire BB1 5QB
Dated: ......................... 07/12/2023
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THE ALEX GROUP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 22,772 | 43,897 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | 708,452 | 666,770 |
| Other trading activities | 4 | 6,341 | 6,129 |
| Investments | 5 | 5,091 | 368 |
| Other income | 6 | 8,295 | 3,850 |
| Total income | 750,951 | 721,014 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 7 | 736,564 | 691,632 |
| Other | 11 | 192 | 175 |
| Total expenditure | 736,756 | 691,807 | |
| Net income for the year/ | |||
| Net movement in funds | 14,195 | 29,207 | |
| Fund balances at 1 April 2022 | 740,604 | 711,397 | |
| Fund balances at 31 March 2023 | 754,799 | 740,604 |
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE ALEX GROUP
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2023
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 13 Current assets Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 15 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Unrestricted funds |
2023 £ 19,229 270,366 289,595 (58,945) |
£ 524,149 230,650 754,799 754,799 754,799 |
2022 £ 34,232 363,364 397,596 (52,862) |
£ 395,870 344,734 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 740,604 | ||||
| 740,604 | ||||
| 740,604 |
05/12/2023 The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................
J A Livesey
.............................. J A Livesey Trustee
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THE ALEX GROUP
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| 2023 Notes £ £ Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 18 48,656 Investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets (146,745) Investment income received 5,091 Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities (141,654) Net cash used in financing activities - Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (92,998) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 363,364 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 270,366 |
2022 £ - 368 |
£ 48,384 368 - |
|---|---|---|
| 48,752 314,612 |
||
| 363,364 |
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THE ALEX GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
1.3 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Grants of a revenue nature are recognised in profit or loss as and when they are received. Grants of a revenue nature for which there are no future performance-related conditions and costs are recognised as income in the period in which they become receivable.
1.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
1.5 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
| Freehold land and buildings | 2% to 20% on cost |
|---|---|
| Fixtures and fittings | 20% on reducing balance |
| Computers | 20% on reducing balance |
| Motor vehicles | 20% on reducing balance |
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
1.7 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
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THE ALEX GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.8 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
2 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 14,453 | 8,253 |
| Grants | 8,319 | 35,644 |
| 22,772 | 43,897 | |
| Grants receivable for core activities | ||
| Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme | - | 3,891 |
| Further Covid Grants received | - | 15,582 |
| Other grants received | 8,319 | 16,171 |
| 8,319 | 35,644 |
3 Charitable activities
| Caring for | Caring for | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | Residents | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Services provided under contract | 696,070 | 659,437 |
| Sales of services by beneficiaries | 4,582 | (467) |
| Charitable rental income | 7,800 | 7,800 |
| 708,452 | 666,770 |
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THE ALEX GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
4 Other trading activities
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Fundraising events | 212 | - |
| Letting and licensing arrangements | 6,129 | 6,129 |
| Other trading activities | 6,341 | 6,129 |
5 Investments
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Interest receivable | 5,091 | 368 | |
| 6 | Other income | ||
| **Unrestricted ** | Unrestricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Other income | 8,295 | 3,850 |
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THE ALEX GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
7 Charitable activities
| Caring for | Caring for | |
|---|---|---|
| residents | residents | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Staff costs | 399,959 | 356,243 |
| Depreciation and impairment | 18,466 | 18,305 |
| Equipment leasing | 5,641 | 3,966 |
| Rates and water | 8,202 | 8,055 |
| Insurance | 13,683 | 12,092 |
| Light and heat | 34,113 | 27,268 |
| Telephone | 2,277 | 2,316 |
| Print, postage, stationery and advertising | 2,407 | 1,942 |
| Sundries | 11,844 | 6,728 |
| Subscriptions | 4,265 | 4,778 |
| Food and household | 57,698 | 53,652 |
| Gardening | 752 | 300 |
| Staff training | 2,996 | 6,042 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 41,241 | 60,583 |
| Motor expenses | 5,566 | 6,295 |
| Computer costs | 1,691 | 3,883 |
| 610,801 | 572,448 | |
| Share of support costs (see note 8) | 93,343 | 94,522 |
| Share of governance costs (see note 8) | 32,420 | 24,662 |
| 736,564 | 691,632 |
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THE ALEX GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
8 Support costs
| Staff costs Bookkeeping fees Independent examiner's fee Professional fees Analysed between Charitable activities |
Support costs Governance costs £ £ 93,343 - - 16,056 - 3,144 - 13,220 93,343 32,420 93,343 32,420 |
2023 £ 93,343 16,056 3,144 13,220 125,763 125,763 |
Support costs Governance costs £ £ 94,522 - - 14,400 - 2,784 - 7,478 94,522 24,662 94,522 24,662 |
2022 £ 94,522 14,400 2,784 7,478 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 119,184 | ||||
| 119,184 |
Governance costs includes payments to the independent examiners of £3,144 (2022- £2,784) for examination fees.
9 Trustees
None of the trustees or any persons connected with them received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
10 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| Employment costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs |
2023 Number 18 2023 £ 457,523 30,415 5,364 493,302 |
2022 Number 20 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 £ 418,509 27,887 4,369 |
||
| 450,765 |
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
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THE ALEX GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
11 Other
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| Financing costs | 192 | 175 |
| 192 | 175 |
12 Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxationof Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
13 Tangible fixed assets
| 13 Tangible fixed assets |
||
|---|---|---|
| Freehold land and buildings Fixtures and fittings £ £ Cost At 1 April 2022 683,867 122,525 Additions 144,095 2,650 At 31 March 2023 827,962 125,175 Depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2022 309,654 114,353 Depreciation charged in the year 13,161 1,979 At 31 March 2023 322,815 116,332 Carrying amount At 31 March 2023 505,147 8,843 At 31 March 2022 374,213 8,172 14 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
Computers Motor vehicles £ £ 3,907 46,485 - - 3,907 46,485 2,519 34,388 302 3,024 2,821 37,412 1,086 9,073 1,388 12,097 2023 £ 9,856 9,373 19,229 |
Total £ 856,784 146,745 |
| 1,003,529 | ||
| 460,914 18,466 |
||
| 479,380 | ||
| 524,149 | ||
| 395,870 | ||
| 2022 £ 25,410 8,822 |
||
| 34,232 |
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THE ALEX GROUP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Other taxation and social security Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2023 £ 8,337 15,686 1,254 33,668 58,945 |
2022 £ 7,745 11,911 890 32,316 |
|---|---|---|
| 52,862 |
16 Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £5,364 (2022 - £4,369).
17 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).
| 18 Cash generated from operations Surplus for the year Adjustments for: Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets Movements in working capital: Decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Cash generated from operations |
2023 2022 £ £ 14,195 29,207 (5,091) (368) 18,466 18,305 15,003 13,008 6,083 (11,768) 48,656 48,384 |
2023 2022 £ £ 14,195 29,207 (5,091) (368) 18,466 18,305 15,003 13,008 6,083 (11,768) 48,656 48,384 |
|---|---|---|
| 48,384 |
19 Analysis of changes in net funds
The charity had no debt during the year.
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