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← Norton Community Library And Hub

2023-12-31-accounts

86 Commercial Street, Norton-on-Derwent, North Yorkshire. YO17 9ES

NORTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY & HUB

A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGSNISATION (CIO) (CHARITY NUMBER 1169524)

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

1

Norton Community Library and Hub

(Charity Number 1169524)

CONTENTS

LEGAL INFORMATION 3
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 4
CHAIR’S REPORT 5
TREASURER’S REPORT 7
FORWARD PLAN 8
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 9
10
BALANCE SHEET
11
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
13
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

2

Norton Hive Library and Community Hub

(Charity Number 1169524)

Legal Information

Registered Charity Number - 1169524

Principal Address and Registered Office -

Norton Community Library and Hub 86 Commercial Street Norton-on-Derwent Malton YO17 9ES Bankers - Yorkshire Bank (Virgin Money UK PLC) 46 Coney Street York YO1 9NQ

Independent Examiner – Martyn Herring 2 Sutton Farm Langton YO17 9PU

Note: Co-Operative bank account opened but not actively used until January 2024

3

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Shirley Wilde Trustee from 2018
Vice-Chair untl March 2023
Chair from March 2023
Carol Dulson Trustee from December 2019
SECRETARY from May 2020
Geof Powers Trustee from October 2023
TREASURER since Oct 2023
David Ponton-Brown Trustee from 2017
Chair from 2018
Vice-Chair untl May 2020
Gill Wannell Trustee from 2017
Treasurer from 2017
Resigned August 2023
David Hurley Trustee from October 2019
Ray King Trustee from July 2020
Tony Kingston Trustee from September 2020
Sue Pacey Trustee from 2022
Resigned December 2023
Judi Watkinson Trustee from March 2022
Nicholas Messenger Trustee from June 2023

4

CHAIR’S REPORT 2023

Unfortunately this year had a wobbly start as no-one had come forward to be nominated for the position of Chair. Following an Emergency Meeting of the Trustees the situation was resolved and Shirley Wilde agreed to Chair meetings and responsibilities for the smooth running of the library were discussed and trustees allocated to various tasks. A planning sub-group was formed alongside marketing and events sub-group. One of the main items on the planning subgroup was the suggestion of installing solar panels. The project would need to be funded by a grant and also would need the approval from NYC. The current lease is due to be renewed in 2027.

May saw the coronation of King Charles III and an event -“morning cuppa”- was arranged and children were encouraged to bring small baked items and plant sunflower seeds in the library’s garden. Also in May Radio York made a broadcast from Norton Library and David Ponton-Brown was interviewed. This we feel raised the profile of the library. Proposal to revamp the children’s area was raised and a small working group appointed to investigate any available grants and to look as possible layout and refurbishments. A grant of £5,000 was granted from NYC and with the hard work of the volunteers and support from Rotary Club the children’s area has now been completed and is much appreciated by the children and their parents.

In August Gill Wannell retired from the post of Treasurer having joined the newly formed Community Library in 2017. She worked diligently to seek grants and funding to benefit the library and the Norton community. We wish her well in her retirement.

The Pop-up Library Service to outlying schools continues to be well received by schools and parents. The summer reading challenge was also well supported and children found the activities interesting and invigorating. Thanks to the Marketing and Events sub-group and the efforts of the volunteers the events have provided some much needed revenue for the library. This group now has a representative from Sight Support which has proved beneficial to both charities.

We are well supported by regular groups, ie Knit & Natter, Book Club and Spinning Group where local people can get together to enjoy and share their interests. We also have a dedicated gardening group who keep the outside area in good condition despite problems with vandalism.

The volunteers have worked hard to raise the profile of the facilities and activities available at the library eg. Summer reading challenge was well supported. Events during the year have provided addition income and appreciation for the variety of activities. These included the annual bingo held at Ryedale community centre and the Christmas Fair went very well and raised over £1,000 for the library funds so thanks to all those who booked a table and all who enjoyed this event which was hosted in conjunction with Norton Town Council. The children met Father Christmas on his sleigh and it was a very successful event. The continued donations from book sales help the coffers. The footfall into the library has increased alongside the increase in the loan of books.

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The children’s activities: Harminis, storytime, craft activities etc. continue to be well supported and appreciated. Before Christmas a Christmas card competition for children was launched and the Trustees chose 3 designs in the different age groups for our official Christmas card.

Following extensive investigation it was decided to divert our enquiries from solar panels to decarbonisation projects, eg cavity wall insulation, new windows, new gas boiler etc. to make the library more energy efficient and therefore, hopefully, be cheaper to run.

At the beginning 2024 David Ponton-Brown resigned from the Board of Trustees but he has remained a valuable volunteer in the running of the library. David was one of the original members of the Working Group which initiated the founding of Norton Community Library in 2017 and his experience and expertise has been essential in steering the library to its present position. He will be greatly missed as a steady hand to guide the Trustees.

The Trustees have discussed the various names by which the library is known. In line with the Charity Commissions guidelines it was decided that:-

Finally – last but not least -we would like to thank the Friends of Norton Community Library whose continued support is greatly appreciated.

Shirley Wilde Chair March 2024

6

TREASURER’S REPORT

In August 2023 Gill Wannell retired in August 2023 after being Treasurer since 2017. She became Treasurer when the library first became a Community Library and we wish to thank Gill for all the hard work and support she has provided for volunteers and Trustees in seeking grants for funding various projects to improve the facilities of the Hive. In September 2023 I took over the position of Treasurer and thank Gill for her assistance in the change-over period.

Norton Community Library started the year in a good financial position. We received grants, mainly from North Yorkshire Council and were able to refurbish the children’s area with a grant of £5K and a further small grant to provide new toys. Other small grants provided funds for various events eg Harminis, and an author event in July.

Income from the hire of rooms has been steady with regular clients, eg Andy's Man Club, U3a, York Vineyard, Sight Support and Refugee Council and other monthly regulars. The room rentals provide a regular income for Norton Library.

Regular fundraising events have played their part too. The Auction night, Bingo night, Christmas Fayre were very well supported. The Knit and Natter Group collection provides regular support for the library and general monthly income from preloved books sales, donations boxes plus library receipts have helped with funding.

A change of electricity supplier in April, arranged by NYCC, from npower to EDF, has not been a smooth transition. For several months over the summer we were not billed and together with the rise in unit energy costs we were faced with a very large bill in the autumn. The cost of energy has led the Trustees to look at other energy sources and we are looking at decarbonisation as a way of costs being reduced.

In 2023 we started to move our bank account from Virgin Money to the Co-op Bank mainly due to banking costs.

The positive financial support we receive from grants, donations, Friends etc. is greatly appreciated and ensures that we are able to provide a good standard of service to the people of Norton and surrounding areas.

Geoffrey Powers Treasurer March 2024

7

- - Norton Library and Community Hub 5 year Forward Plan 2022 27

- Progress 2023 24

Capital
Projects		 Descripton Budget
provision		 Priority
(1-3)		 Estmated
completon		 Comments
Gazebo for
sensory
garden		 Weather
protecton at
story tme or
baby/toddler
events		 Grant
applicaton		 3 N/A Outstanding
Refurbishment
of children’s
library area		 Increased book
display area and
storage, new
educatonal play
equipment		 Grant
applicaton		 1 2023 Completed
CCTV - joining
with Council
run/monitored
system		 Prevent ant-
social behaviour
at rear and
front/side of
library		 Grant
applicaton		 2 2022/24 Completed
Additonal
lockable
storage
cabinets		 More security &
storage space		 Grant
applicaton/
Hive funds		 2 2023/24 Completed
Cavity wall
insulaton;
Roof
insulaton;
Solar Panels;
Air source
heat pumps;
LED lightng;
Double glazing		 Decarbonisaton
project		 VCSE Grant
applicaton		 1 2024/25 Grant
applicaton
pending
May require
planning
permission
NYC
permission
required

8

INCOME AND EXPENSES FOR INCOME AND EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2023
INCOMING RESOURCES: Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total 2022
Funds Funds 2023
£
 £ £ £
Grants 6 8,500 5,386
Office Rents 3,400 6,900
Room Hire 3,629 2,493
Events (net) 2,652 2,497
Library Receipts 1,439 2579 710
Donations 839 607
NH Friends Donations 112 268
Gift Aid Recoverable 129 116
Other (not incl above) 307
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 12507 11,079 23,586 18,977
RESOURCES EXPENDED:
Charitable activities:
Projects 7 2,776 8,763 4,488
Heat, light, water 8,840 5,799
Repairs and Maintenance 2,244 2,024
Health and Safety 912 14
Insurance 450 438
Cleaning 1,659 1,733
Legal 0 780
Office equipment, fixtures etc. 164 430
General 1,042 752
Gardens 0 285 52
IT 840 791
Travel 135 270
Bank Charges 9 93
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 19.155 9,048 28,203 17,521
NET INCOMING RESOURCES -4068 -548 -4,616 1,456
FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 10,343 5,925 16,628 17,518
TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS - - - -
FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 6,275 5,377 11,652 14,812

9

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

tes 31 December 2023 31 December 2022
£ £
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS - -
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors and Prepayments 408 399
Bank Deposit 2,000 2,000
Bank current and petty cash 12,659 17,329
15,067 19,728
LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors and Accruals (3,406) (3,460)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 11,661 16,268
NET ASSETS 11,661 16,268
REPRESENTED BY
Unrestricted funds 6,274 10,343
8 Restricted funds 5,376 5,925
11,650 16,628

Notes

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on

and signed on their behalf by:

Date

These financial statements were examined and approved by the independent examiner on 15 March 2024

10

NORTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY AND HUB (registered Charity Number 1169524)

Notes to the accounts for the year 1 January to 31 December 2023

1) Constitution

Norton Community Library and Hub is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation which was registered with the Charity Commission on 6 October 2016

2) Basis of preparation

The accounts have been prepared on the basis of historic costs in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities – Statement of Recommended Practice – and applicable accounting standards. The Charity has taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No.1 from the requirement to produce a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is a small charity.

3) Accounting Policies

Restricted Funds

Restricted Funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted Funds are funds that can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity at the discretion of the Trustees.

Governance Costs

Governance costs consist of the reimbursement of Trustees’ expenses incurred in carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

4) Lease

The Charity has entered into a lease with the North Yorkshire County Council for the occupation of the Library and Hub. The lease is for ten years commencing 1 April 2017 at a peppercorn rent, if charged.

5) Service Agreement

The Charity has entered into a Service Agreement with the North Yorkshire County Council for the operation of the Library and Hub, which includes setting out the obligations of both the Council and the Charity. The Agreement is for five years commencing 1 April 2017.

6) Grants

Restricted grants received during the year:

NYCC – Junior Area Refurbishment
Author Event
Junior Area Re-stock (50%of £1000 in 2023)
Private donation – Community Fund
Harminis		 £
5,000
1,000
500
2,000
2,579

11

7)
Projects
Expenditure during the year: £
Author Event 900
Community Fund 2,569
Community Gardens 285
Harminis 2,660
Junior Area Refurbishment 2,522
Pop-Up Libraries 112
_-___-
9,048
8)
Restricted Funds
As at 1 January 2023 5,925
Received during the year (Note 6) 11,079
17,004
Expenditure during ear (Note 7) 9,048
As at 31 December 2023 7,956
Restricted funds carried forward consist of:
Author event 100
Community Fund 3,844
Community Gardens (192)
Junior Area Refurbishment 2,978
Harminis (81)
Pop-Up 288
Car Park (c/f from 2022) 132
Code Club (c/f from 2022) 313
PPE (c/f from 2022) 313
Waste Bin (c/f from 2022) 261
7,956

9) Governance costs

The Trustees received no payment for their services

No fee was charge for the Independent Examination

12

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of the Norton Community Library and Hub

I report on the accounts for the Norton Community Library and Hub for the year ending 31st December 2023, as set out in the attached documents.

Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner

The Charity's Trustees are responsible for the maintenance of appropriate financial records and preparation of the accounts.

The Charity's Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under the provisions of section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an Independent Examination is required.

It is therefore my responsibility to:

  1. Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011

  2. To follow the procedures as laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the act, and

  3. To state whether any particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of this Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directives given by the Charities Commission. The examination included a review of the accounting records maintained by the Charity and a comparison of those records to accounts presented by the Charity. The review includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as 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 provide a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

lndependent Examiner's Statement

ln connection with the examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; and

. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with requirements of the 2011 Act;

have not been met or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Martyn M. Herring

CIMA

15th March 2024.

13