Charlty Registration No. 1168469 Company Règistration No. 09651107 (England and Wales) AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Fawley Judge & Easton Chartered Certified Accountants I Parliament Street Hull Eastyorkshire HU1 2AS
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Trustees Ms J P Cunningham Ms L M Hilder Ms S C Sedgwick Charity number (England and Wale$l 1168469 Company number 09651107 Registered offi¢e 185 Preston Road Hull East Yorkshire England HU9 5UY Independent ¢xaminer Fawley Judge & Easton Chartered Certified Accountant$ 1 Parliament street Hull East Yorkshire HU12AS Bankgrs unity Bank 9 Brindley Place Birmingham B1 2HB
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED CONTENTS Page Trustees. report Independent examinevs report Statement of financial activities Balan sheet Notes to the finanaal statements 7-13
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Th8 trustees present their annual report and financial ststeTnents for the year ended 31 March 2025. The financial statem8nts have been prepared in accordance with the accounts.ng policies set out in note 1 to the financial Statements and comply with the charity's articles of assciation, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities". Statement of Recornmended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordanTr with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 {effective 1 January 2019)" Obje¢tives and activities In February 2016, we established Affordable Justice Ltd. 2 not for profit Family Law firm aimed at offering reasonably priced family law services to women fleeing Violen and abuse who require legal advice and representation. Arising from the need observed and expressed by women coming through the women's centre's specialist domestic violence and support service, the Trustees worked to develop a financially sustainable service to address this need. sin Ihe changes to Legal Aid enb'llement which came into force in April 2013, many women attempting to flee violent relationships have been excluded from accessing vital legal advi and support to ensure their safety and the safety of their children. Comrnercial Family Law solicitors, prIS in Hull are typically £350 per hour plus VAT, meaning the cost of an injunction or an order for child arrangements can be up to £1800, well beyond the reach of women on benefits or on low incomes. More complex or lengthy matters can incur bills running into thousands of pounds for crucial advice, representation and legal protection. Women are therefore fOrd into the Choi of either.. Dropping proedIng5, placing themselves and their children at risk Taking on unmanageable debt (through credit cards, doorstep lenders or costly loans) Attempting to represent themselves in court (where their abuser has the right to cross examine them) It is a social enterprise, operating on a not for profil basis, employing expert staff at rnarket rates Iso as not to compromise quality) and charging affordable hourfy rates which are typically less than a third of commercial high street rates with options for payment plans and aCsS to affordable borrowing through the local credit union. It is registered and regulated by the Solicitor'5 Regulation Authority and subject to all the same governance as any standard commercial Saw fimi.
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 It is the first and only one of its kind in the country As a result of this we have had significant levels of interest locally, regionally and nationally and have delivered seminars and presentations to Law Schools and Conferen$, particular around the subject ofAcsS to Justi. Affordable Justice Ltd is a separate company limited by guarantee and registered charity, which 15 co-located at Winner, the Preston Road Women's cent . Affordable Justice was made possible by a start-up grant from the Tudor Trust to help us get established and begin to operate_ During 2024125 the charity delivered its charitable objectives as the Servi was delivered lo more than 200 women and was very well used. The practice has become established, even expanding to incorporate a related practice for divorce, separation and financial matters and employing an additional two fee eamers and office administrator. It also attracted national grant funding and has expanded its geographi¢81 reach lo cover the whole of England 2nd Wales, supporting women as far south as Cornwall and as far North as Newcastle, made possible by the remote working which has become the norm since the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2022, as part of our work to expand service5 we commissioned an external evaluation of Affordable Justice which demonstrates the value of the model of work and the outcomes achieved for women Key points from the evaluation include Over 1.000 women living in 100 locations across England and Wales, have been supported Eslimaled total savings to women of over £1,340.000 Women fell respected. believed, and that staff are on their side 96 percent ol women achieved the legal outcome5 they wanted In full or in part The pricing made a significant difference to 80 percent ol women R21es of self-representation were reduced by 69 percent 90 percent of women found the service èasy lo ac$5 all or most of the liine 87 percent of women felt supported lo make the choices they wanted all or most ol the time The trustees have paid due regard to guidan issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Financial review It Is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintsined at a level equivalent to three month's expenditure. The trustees Consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a signifi'cant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional ftjnds may be raised. Reserves policy The trustees have a policy to keep no more than Ihree months running costs (approximately £24 0001 in reserves in order that the charity's funds can be applied to further its charitable purpose. The trustees have assessed the major risks lo which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in pla to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Future developments In the upcoming year we will continue to expand the Servi across England and Wales and look al nemorking with other organisations who have expressed an interesl in doing similar Ihings. We will also work with Winner, the Preston Road Women's Centrelwhere we are located) to expand our office space in order to accommodate our growing staff team Structure, governance and management The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were". Ms J P CLtnningham Ms L M Hilder Ms S C Sedgwick None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of Ihe trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up. The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Ms L M Hilder Trustee Daled. 8 July 2025
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Affordable justi Limited Ilhe charity) for the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the charity land also its directors for the purposes of company lawl, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in a¢cordance with the requIrnents of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial ststements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Cornmission under section 14515llbl of the Chaflties Act 2011. Independent examiner's statement 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.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006. the financial statements do not accord with those records". or the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not matter considered as part of an independent exarnination", or the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. I have no concern5 and have corne attention should be drawn in this re be reached. ross no other matters in connection with the examination to which n order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to Jonathan Laalhley Fawley Judge & Easton Chartered Certified A 1 Parliament Street Hull East Yorkshire HU1 2AS untants Dated.. 8 July 2025
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrgslrictsd funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2024 Notes Income from.. Charitable activities 234,390 211,091 Total income 234,390 211,091 Expenditure on: Charitable activities Other expenditure 249,447 2,596 245.567 2,569 Totsl expendituro 252,043 248,136 Net expenditure and movement in funds 117,6531 137,0451 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 April 2024 133.4671 3,578 Fund balances at 31 March 2025 151,1201 133.4671 The statement of financial activities indudes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expendilure derive from continuing activities.
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED BALANCE SHEET AS AT31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 1.851 1,093 Current assets Stocks Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 12 13 5,036 7,244 6.044 5.036 3.505 2.105 18,324 10,646 Creditors: amounts falling due wlthin one year 14 171,2951 {45,2061 Net current liabilities (52.9711 134,5601 Totsl assets less Current liabilities 151,1201 {33.4671 The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 16 151,1201 133,4S71 (51.120} 133,4671 The company is enb.tled to the exemption from the audit requiremenl contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requiremenls of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with saclion 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance wilh the provisions applicable to Companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 8 July 2025 MsLMHild Trustee Company registration number 09651107 IErsgland and Wales)
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accountlng policies Charity information Affordable Ju5ti¢e Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered Offi is 185 Preston Road, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU9 5UY. England. 1.1 Accounting convention The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006. FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charilies SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities." Ststemenl of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordan with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021" The charity is a Public Benefit Entity a5 defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charib'es not to prepare a statement of cash flows. The financial statements are prepared in steding, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monelary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, Imodified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instrurnents at fair valuel. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Going concern At the time of approving the financial statements. the trustees have a reasonable expectation Ihat the charity has adequate reSoUrS to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus Ihe trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounts.ng in preparing the fInancal statements. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use al the discrelion of the trustees in furtherance of their charrtable obieclives. Restricted funds are subject to specific condit'ons by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The Purposes and uses of the restricted funds are sel out in the notes to the financial statements. Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that Ihe capital must be maintained by the charity. 1.4 Income Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance condilions have been mel, the amounts can be measured reliably. and it is probable Ihat income will be received. Cash donation5 are recognised on ceIPt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deed5 of Covenant is cognIsed al the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otheNise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is nol known, the legacy is treated as a contingent a55et.
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (Continued) 1.5 Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be reqUId in settlement and the amount of the obligalion can be measured reliably, Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 1.6 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of valuation of as5et5 less their residual values over their useful lives on the following base5'. Plant and equipment Fixtures an(J fittings 20Wo on a straight line basis 20Vo on a staight line basis The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is delemiined as the difference beeen the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the as5eL and is recognised in the statement of financial activities. 1.7 Impairment of fixed assets At each reporting end date. the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its langible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to detemine the extent of the impaim)ent loss {if any). 1.8 Stocks Stocks are stated al the lower of cost and estirnated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal Consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs lo be incurred in m8rt<eting, selling and distribution. 1.9 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-terrn liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in Crnt liabilities. 1.10 Financial instrurnents The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charrty becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the nel amounts presented in the financial statements. when there Is a legally enfOrable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intenlion to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Accounting policies (Continued) Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include deblors and cash and bank balans, are initially measured at transaction pri including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured al the present value of the future reip1S discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable wrthin one year are not amortised. Basic financial liabilitles Basic finanual liabilities, including creditors and bank loan5 are Initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangernent constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted al a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rale method. Trade creditor5 are obligations to pay for good5 or services thal have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and Subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effectTve intewl method. Derecognifion of financial liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when Ihe charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.11 Employee benefits The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are received. Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed lo terminate the employment of an employee or lo provide terrnination benefits. 1.12 Retirement benefits Payments to defined contribution relirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. Critical accounting estimates and judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required tr) make judgements, estimates and a55umption3 about the carrying arnount of a55et5 and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The esbmates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The ests'mates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which Ihe estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income from charltable actlvlties Unrestrictèd funds 2025 Unrestricted funds 2024 Core Sale ofgoods Other income 199,047 35,343 194,g24 16,167 234,390 211.091 Expenditure on charitable activities Core 2025 Core 2024 Direct costs Staff costs Depreciation and impaimient Insurance Telephone Postage and stationery Advertising Sundnes Heal & light Bad Debts 178,822 208 6,832 3,407 1,096 25,444 648 10,000 470 169.467 208 3,968 487 1,728 25,007 3,823 10,000 358 226,927 215,046 Share of support and governance costs {see note 5) Support Governance 10,064 12,456 9,415 21,106 249,447 245,567 Analysis by fund Unrestricted fijnds 249,447 245,567 10
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Support Costs allocated to activities 2025 2024 Training IT and Computer c05tS Govemance costs 50 10,014 12,456 158 9,257 21,106 22,520 30.521 Analysed bgtwegn: Core 22,520 30.521 Net movement in funds 2025 2024 The net movement in funds is stated after chargingllcreditr'ng).. Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial statements Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 208 208 Trustees Mrs S Sedgewick, trustee, was also a paid employee throughout the year, providing legal services. There were no other trustee remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March. Employees The average monthly number ofemployees during the year was.. 2025 Number 2024 Number Employment costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 159.914 15,601 3,307 152,133 14,273 3,061 178,822 169,467 There were no employees whose annual remuneration was MO than £60,000. Remuneration of key mana9ement personnel The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows.. 11
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Other Unrestricted funds Total 2025 2024 Financing costs 2,596 2,569 2,596 2,569 10 Taxation The charity is exempt from taxab.on on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes. 11 Tangible flxed assets Plant and Fixtures and equipment fittings Total Cost At 1 Apnl 2024 Additions 2.990 966 369 3,359 966 At 31 March 2025 3,g56 369 4.325 Dapreciation and impairment At 1 Apnl 2024 Depreciation charged in the year 1,898 208 368 2,266 206 Al 31 March 2025 2,106 368 2,474 Carrying amount At 31 March 2025 1,850 1,851 At 31 March 2024 1,092 1,093 12 Stocks 2025 2024 Work in progress 5.036 5,036 13 Debtors 2025 Amounts falling duo within one year- 2024 Trade debto 7,244 3,505 12
AFFORDABLE JUSTICE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 14 Credilor8: amounls falling due within one year 2025 2024 Other taxation and soaal security Tr2de creditors Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 652 19,801 48,442 2,400 15,659 27,867 1,680 71.295 45,206 15 Retirernent benefil schemes 2025 2024 Defined contribution schemes Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 3,307 3,061 The charity operates a defined conlribulion pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of Ihe charity in an independently administered fund. 16 Unr88tricted funds The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject lo specific conditions by donors and grantors as lo how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes. At 1 April 2024 Incoming resour¢es Resources Al 31 March expended 2025 General funds {33,467) 234.390 (252,0431 151,120} Previous year.. At 1 April 2023 Incoming resources Rgsources At 31 March expended 2024 General funds 3,578 211,091 {248,1361 (33,4671 17 Related party transactions The following amounts were outstanding al the reporting end dale.. Amounts owed to relatod parties 2025 2024 Winner. The preston Road Womens Centre Ltd 48,442 21.200 13-