SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE Sightsupport
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1170013 (England & Wales)
Chartered Certified Accountants Champleys Mews Market Place Pickering YO18 7AE
SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE
CHARITY INFORMATION AS AT 31ST MARCH 2024
Trustees
Ann Ruddick Helen Clark Judith Carr Julia Mary White Kevin Davis Maria Jacqueline Clerkin Nicholas Medcalf Patricia Langton
Accountants
Champleys Chartered Certified Accountants Champleys Mews Market Place Pickering YO18 7AE
Bankers
Virgin Money Skipton Building Society
Principal Operating Address
Norton Hive Community Library Commercial Street Norton Malton YO17 9ES
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2024.
Background and Structure
The legal name of the Charity is Sight Support Ryedale. The Charity was established by a constitution adopted on 2nd November 2016. On 3rd November 2016 it became a CIO. The Charity is registered in England & Wales with the Charity Commission in England & Wales (CCEW) with charity number 1170013.
Summary of the purposes and activities of the Charity
The aim of the Charity is to promote any charitable purpose which will benefit adults living in Ryedale who are visually impaired, in particular by:
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providing regular meetings where members can come together in a welcoming atmosphere and participate in social and other activities chosen by themselves;
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disseminating information about visual and technical assistance which could benefit members;
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providing signposting about the range of state or any other benefits which exist to assist sight impaired persons;
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fostering the confidence and enjoyment of members by enabling them to take part in wider activities such as outings;
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representing the needs and views of members to statutory authorities, charitable groups and others who provide services for the visually impaired
Public Benefit Statement
Throughout the year Sight Support Ryedale Board of Trustees had regard to the guidelines on public benefit as set out by the Charity Commission when exercising powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.
Trustees
The following persons served as Trustees during the year ended 31st March 2024:
| Trustee | Office | Trustee Appointments/Resignations |
|---|---|---|
| Nicholas Medcalf | Chair | - |
| Ann Ruddick | - | |
| Christine Collins | Resigned 26th September 2023 | |
| Helen Clark | - | |
| Judith Carr | - | |
| Julia Mary White | Appointed 20th November 2023 | |
| Kevin Davis | - | |
| Maria Jacqueline Clerkin | Appointed 20th November 2023 | |
| Patricia Langton | - |
Staff, Management and Selection of Trustees
One third of our Trustees in rotation are required to stand down at the Charity's Annual General Meeting, but those being eligible and who wish to can offer themselves for re-election.
Trustees are appointed at the annual general meeting and are recruited from people who have an interest in the charity. The charity is controlled and directed by the elected members of the executive committee.
Risk Management
The executive committee continues to examine the principal areas of the Charity’s operations to review the major risks which may arise in each area. In the opinion of the executive committee, this review enables such risks to be identified and allows them to be mitigated to an acceptable level in the Charity’s day to day activities.
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Review of the Charity's achievements and performance, including the difference the Charity has made to the beneficiaries and to wider society throughout the year
The year 2023-24 has been one of growth and continued support for Sight Support Ryedale. We remained committed to enhancing the quality of life for people with visual impairments within our community.
Our services have seen a steady increase in demand as we continue to broaden our outreach. During the year, several new initiatives were launched, such as enhanced social activities and tailored support sessions, responding directly to the feedback and evolving needs of our members. The new services supplement the existing provision of home visits and the management of referrals from external organisations including North Yorkshire Council, The Sensory Team and Eye Clinic Liaison Officers (ECLOs) at local hospitals, and from self-referrals, families and a range of other professional organisations. Collaborative efforts with local organisations and healthcare providers have been strengthened, allowing us to extend our reach and to provide more comprehensive support.
We’ve also focused on technological empowerment, helping our members access assistive technologies that promote independence.
Financially, we have managed our resources prudently while securing additional funding to sustain and expand our services. During 2023-24 we successfully requested funding from the National Lottery Fund and were granted £437k which will cover most of the Sight Support Ryedale core costs over the next three years, from April 2024 to March 2027. This will provide additional staff, to continue our work with the Pathways and Outreach programs that we have started.
There have been some governance changes during the year, with the recruitment of two new trustees from our membership. At the previous AGM in November 2023, Mrs Jackie Clerkin and the Rev Dr Jo White stepped up to join the Board and have been instrumental in our operations during the year. The responsible role of trustee is not remunerated, and Sight Support Ryedale greatly appreciates the time and expertise that the trustees contribute to governing the organisation.
As noted in the last annual report, during the reporting period we recruited a new member of staff, Carol Stevens, in the capacity of Engagement Officer, to strengthen the team and to allow more even distribution of work across service delivery and administration.
Sight Support Ryedale continues to benefit from the generous donations of several individual donors and donor organisations. Confidence in our organisation and its importance to the community has been demonstrated by the continuing support from the National Lottery Fund. Our staff and volunteers have made a difference in providing advice and assistance to sight impaired people in our community. Our region presents challenges to those who have lost, or are experiencing loss of, their sight. These challenges arise from the very features that make it such a special place to live. In our region the towns and villages are spread out and this can make access to practical and social resources difficult for those who are unable to drive. We know from the RNIB surveys that the incidence of sight impairment in our region exceeds that of the national average and is likely to grow, partly due to influx of older residents and partly due to the changing nature of agriculture, which is such a key feature of our area. Our provision of comfort /wellness calls to members who are unable to attend our activities or friendship groups in person are therefore particularly valuable.
./ctd
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Review of the Charity's achievements and performance, including the difference the Charity has made to the beneficiaries and to wider society throughout the year (continued)
Nationally, there are demands on government funding that are being felt at the local level, as services must find ways to become more efficient or, in some cases, undergo reduction in scope. In this context it is vital that we continue to grow while becoming as efficient and as effective as possible.
2023-24 represented the second and concluding year of the first round of our NLF support. In the current austere funding climate, it is difficult for charities to obtain money to pay for the fixed costs of operation, such as rent, utilities and staff salary and the NLF awards will cover most of these. It was therefore particularly pleasing that our Chief Officer, Di Tymon, was successful in her bid to the NLF for continuation of funding. This provides us with the confidence we need to build our service scope and to increase the geographical range that we cover. Looking ahead, it is important for us to be able to demonstrate to future funders that we are operating in a capital-efficient manner and to avoid over-reliance on any single donor. For this reason, we are reviewing the way that we operate, including integration with other local service providers, and this activity is likely to be a feature of the next annual report.
We are a member-led organisation, and we rely on members and volunteers for a lot of our service delivery. Our small team serves over 200 members to build social inclusion, community spirit, increased independence and social engagement. Our staff work hard every day to provide the necessary advice and guidance to enable sight impaired people to live independently with confidence. All this work would not be possible without the energy and dedication of our wonderful volunteers who continue to offer much-needed support at meetings, on outings and to individual members. This group of people are invaluable to our work, and we are always grateful for their assistance. The continuing funding is allowing us to extend the work of the organisation, and we can now look forward to supporting many more sight impaired people living in Ryedale.
Our staff have been key drivers of this work, contributing not just their time but their passion and dedication, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions, which enable us to deliver our important services.
Our best information suggests that we are not yet reaching all of those people in our area who would benefit from our services. Looking to the future, our intention is to reach out to the whole community and to grow to become a right-sized, efficient service that is able to compete effectively for grant funding while providing a compassionate, personalised service that meets the emotional and practical needs of our members.
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales require the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:
◦select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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◦observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP,
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◦make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statement on the ongoing concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the Charity's constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity, and hence for taking reasonable steps for prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
This report was approved by Sight Support Ryedale trustees on 4th November 2024 and is signed on their behalf by:
19 Nov 2024 a) Oo Nicholas Medcalf Dated Chairman
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Financial Review
The financial position of the Charity as at 31st March 2024 as more fully detailed in the accounts, can be summarised as follows:
| Income Expenditure Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Designated Funds Total Funds Net Surplus/(Deficit) |
2024 2023 £ £ 89,487 97,546 (99,150) (87,837) (9,663) 9,709 38,484 39,166 25,938 34,919 29,500 29,500 93,922 103,585 |
|---|---|
The results for the year show a deficit of £9,663. Total reserves amounted to £93,922 at as at 31st March 2024, of which £38,484 are unrestricted.
The Charity’s income primarily derives from the National Lottery fund, although there are restrictions on what these funds can be spent on. The accounts can vary from surplus to deficit depending on the timing of the funding received.
Reserves Policy
The reserve fund is set at £29,500 (2023: £29,500). The Trustees acknowledge that unrestricted cash reserves are required to:-
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cover any redundancy or other costs that may arise in the event of closure
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◦ as a source of funds of last resort in the event of cost overruns on activities that can not be met elsewhere
The Board of Trustees have reviewed the current reserves and they assess them as being adequate to cover the above requirements.
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE
hi ~~eee~~ REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
As a practising member firm of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, we are subject to its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at http://rulebook.accaglobal.com/
I report on the accounts of Sight Support Ryedale for the year ended 31st March 2024, which are set out on pages 8 to 13.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity 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 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 present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records; or
-
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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.
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have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Michael Richmond FCCA 18th November 2024
on behalf of Champleys Chartered Certified Accountants Champleys Mews Market Place Pickering YO18 7AE
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
==> picture [512 x 416] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Notes 2024 Breakdown By Fund 2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Designated Total Total
£ £ £ £ £
Receipts
Donations, Legacies and Grants 3 3,645 80,124 83,769 89,989
Fundraising Activities and Events 4 5,715 - 5,715 5,937
Gift Aid - - - 1,620
Sundry Income 3 - 3 -
-
Total Receipts 9,363 80,124 89,487 97,546
Payments
Charitable Activities 5 9,797 72,625 82,422 72,656
Support Costs 6 4,235 11,479 15,714 14,047
Fundraising Costs 69 - 69 211
Governance and Administration 7 945 - 945 923
-
Total Payments 15,046 84,104 99,150 87,837
Reconciliation of Funds 8
Total Funds Brought Forward 9 39,166 34,919 29,500 103,585 93,876
Transfers Between Funds 5,000 (5,000) - -
-
Surplus / (Deficit) for the Year (5,683) (3,980) (9,663) 9,709
Total Funds Carried Forward 38,483 25,939 29,500 93,922 103,585
----- End of picture text -----
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE ~~ee~~ STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31ST MARCH 2024
B1 Cash Funds
| B1 Cash Funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Accounts Current Account Deposit Account Cash |
£ 70,541 23,164 217 |
£ 80,203 23,164 218 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 93,922 | 103,585 |
| Represented by Funds Unrestricted Restricted Designated |
38,484 25,938 29,500 |
39,166 34,919 29,500 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 93,922 | 103,585 |
| B2 Other Monetary Assets Gift Aid Claim (2023 and 2024 Estimate) |
1,738 | 1,009 |
| 1,738 | 1,009 | |
| B3 Investment Assets PAYE Pension Contributions Other Accruals B5 Liabilities B4 Assets Retained for the Charity's Own Use |
Nil Nil 1,370 434 775 |
Nil Nil 759 313 775 |
| 2,579 | 1,847 |
For and on behalf of all the Trustees
19 Nov 2024
Nicholas Medcalf Dated
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
1 Basis of Accounting
These accounts have been prepared on the Receipts and Payments basis in accordance with Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011.
Donated Goods, Services and Facilities
Donated goods, services and facilities are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.
Governance and Support Costs
Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help is not included in the accounts, but is described in the trustees’ annual report. Fixed Assets for use by Charity
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Assets are shown on the statements of assets and liabilities if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £300.
2 Nature and Purpose of Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Funds that may be used at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Restricted Funds
Funds that may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes.
Designated Funds
A reserve set aside to cover possible closure costs that could arise sometime in the future if there was a need. This figure is the current estimate of such costs. There has been no change in this financial year.
3 Breakdown of Donations, Legacies and Grants
| Yorkshire Building Society Noble Charity Trust Malton Town Council Barchester Healthcare Boccia Bright Sparks Methodist Women In Britain North Yorkshire Sport Other Small Grants and Donations Total Duke of York Community Initiative North Yorkshire Council National Lottery |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ - - 1,830 1,000 3,000 900 5,394 - - - 68,000 - - - - - - 3,645 - 3,645 80,124 - 2024 Breakdown |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ - - 1,830 1,000 3,000 900 5,394 - - - 68,000 - - - - - - 3,645 - 3,645 80,124 - 2024 Breakdown |
2024 | 2023 Total £ 2,575 - - - - - 225 81,500 650 1,000 1,000 3,039 89,989 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted £ - - - - - - 3,645 |
Restricted £ - 1,830 1,000 3,000 900 5,394 - 68,000 - - - - |
Total £ - 1,830 1,000 3,000 900 5,394 - 68,000 - - - 3,645 |
||
| 3,645 | 80,124 | 83,769 |
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
4 Fundraising Activities and Events
| Resource Centre Memberships Sight Support Shop Total Other Fundraising Activities Activities and Support Groups |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ 1,757 - 365 - 519 - 3,074 - 5,715 - - 2024 Breakdown |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ 1,757 - 365 - 519 - 3,074 - 5,715 - - 2024 Breakdown |
2024 | 2023 Total £ 2,027 928 75 2,907 5,937 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted £ 1,757 365 519 3,074 5,715 |
Restricted £ - - - - - |
Total £ 1,757 365 519 3,074 |
||
| 5,715 |
5 Breakdown of Expenditure on Charitable Activities
| 10 Website and Maintenance Total Notes Resource Centre Activities and Support Groups Excursions and Travel Newsletter Wages and Salaries |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ 592 - 3,862 6,069 - 139 741 - 4,008 66,417 594 - 9,797 72,625 - 2024 Breakdown |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ 592 - 3,862 6,069 - 139 741 - 4,008 66,417 594 - 9,797 72,625 - 2024 Breakdown |
2024 | 2023 Total £ 1,288 3,969 906 2,886 62,959 648 72,656 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted £ 592 3,862 - 741 4,008 594 9,797 |
Restricted £ - 6,069 139 - 66,417 - 72,625 |
Total £ 592 9,931 139 741 70,425 594 |
||
| 82,422 |
6 Breakdown of Expenditure on Support Costs
| Staff Training and Welfare Total General Expenditure Staff Travel Rent of Premises Cleaning Equipment Expensed Repairs and Maintenance Telephone and Internet Printing, Stationery and Postage Insurance Software Costs |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ - 30 461 289 911 - 404 634 - 4,204 831 361 660 - 94 - - 3,282 659 1,679 215 1,000 4,235 11,479 - 2024 Breakdown |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ - 30 461 289 911 - 404 634 - 4,204 831 361 660 - 94 - - 3,282 659 1,679 215 1,000 4,235 11,479 - 2024 Breakdown |
2024 | 2023 Total £ - 1,906 887 840 5,225 742 660 547 1,412 1,193 635 14,047 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted £ - 461 911 404 - 831 660 94 - 659 215 4,235 |
Restricted £ 30 289 - 634 4,204 361 - - 3,282 1,679 1,000 11,479 |
Total £ 30 750 911 1,038 4,204 1,192 660 94 3,282 2,338 - 1,215 |
||
| 15,714 |
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
7 Breakdown of Expenditure on Governance and Administration
| 11 Accountancy and Independent Exam Total Payroll and Pension Administration Trustees Expenses |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ 775 - 170 - - - 945 - - 2024 Breakdown |
Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ 775 - 170 - - - 945 - - 2024 Breakdown |
2024 | 2023 Total £ 630 292 - 922 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted £ 775 170 - 945 |
Restricted £ - - - - |
Total £ 775 170 - |
||
| 945 |
8 Breakdown of Fund Movements (2024 - Current Year)
| Managed Closure and Refurbishment North Yorkshire County Council Royal Victoria Trust Unrestricted Funds Total Funds Designated Funds Two Ridings Trust NY Stronger Communities North Yorkshire Sport Sirius Minerals National Lottery Transpennine Restricted Barchester Healthcare Boccia Bright Sparks Methodist Women In Britain Duke of York Community Initiative |
B/Fwd £ - - - 3,601 - 7,932 3,025 - 4,155 236 5,000 4,925 6,045 34,919 29,500 39,166 103,585 |
Receipts £ 1,830 1,000 3,000 900 68,000 5,394 80,124 - 9,364 89,488 |
Payments £ (450) (1,010) (420) (71,677) (1,000) (673) (684) (139) (4,014) (4,038) (84,105) - (15,046) (99,151) |
Transfers £ (5,000) (5,000) - 5,000 (5,000) |
C/Fwd £ 1,380 1,000 1,990 3,601 480 4,255 2,025 4,721 3,471 97 - 911 2,007 25,938 29,500 38,484 93,922 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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SIGHT SUPPORT RYEDALE
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
9 Breakdown of Fund Movements (2023 - Prior Year)
| B/Fwd Receipts Payments £ £ £ 252 509 (469) - 1,350 (1,248) 1,800 2,575 (774) 880 81,500 (73,598) 650 3,490 (465) 1,000 225 (813) 5,060 (905) 1,142 (906) 5,000 5,000 (75) 7,815 (1,770) 275 976 (976) 33,199 86,300 (81,999) 29,500 - - 31,176 11,246 (5,837) 93,875 97,546 (87,836) Staff Numbers, Payroll and Pension Costs Unrestricted Restricted Designated £ £ £ 4,008 63,808 - 2,286 - 323 4,008 66,417 - Direct Wages Total Employer Pension Contributions Employer National Insurance 2024 Breakdown There were 3 staff workers in 2024 (2023 : 2). All staff are payroll employed. Total Funds Transpennine Two Ridings Trust Designated Funds Managed Closure Unrestricted Funds Walking Group Wilf Jackson National Lottery North Yorkshire County Council NY Stronger Communities Norton Town Council Royal Victoria Trust Sirius Minerals Noble Trust Duke of York Community Initiative Aerobics / Dancing Age Partnership Restricted Christmas / Rotary Lions |
Transfers £ (252) (40) (102) (850) (650) (412) (275) (2,581) 2,581 - |
C/Fwd £ - - 3,601 7,932 3,025 - 4,155 236 5,000 4,925 6,045 - - 34,919 29,500 39,166 103,585 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Total £ 57,329 5,630 - 62,959 |
||
| 2024 | ||
| Total £ 67,816 2,286 323 |
||
| 70,425 |
10 Staff Numbers, Payroll and Pension Costs
11 Trustee Expenses and Related Party Transactions
No trustee received a remuneration for services rendered. No trustee, or anyone connected with a trustee, has a material interest in any of the charity's transactions.
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