Registered Charity Number: 1173856 MORE THAN BOOKS (A Charitable Incorpor.ated Organisation) FINANCIAL STATEMEf+trs Year ended 31 MARCH 2025 Ph.oenix Accountancy Business & Consultsncy Ltd
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Contents to the Flnancial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Page TrUStS Annual Report Independent Examine, Report 14 Receipts and Payments Account 15 Statement of As*ts and Liabilities 17 Notes to the Financial Ststements 18
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No. 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For the year ending 31 March 2025 The trustees present their report with the independently exarriined financial statements of More Than Books, a Chdrltable Incorporated Organisation, for the year ending 31 March 2025. Reference and Administratlve Details of the Chaiity, its Trustees and Advisers. More Than Books Re ti 1173856 Princi tin ddre Eastfield Library and Communty Hub High Street Eastfield Scarborough YOII 3LL Trustees Names of truste&s who seryed during the year and since the year end were as follows: Linda Kemp Nick Kemp Pauline Caulfleld John Symonds Janet Beevers Sandra Low Appolnted 14.01.25 Inde endent Examln Rebecca Triffitt, MAAT practi Accountant Phoenix Accountancy and Business Consultancy Limited 4-6 Roberts Street Scunthorpe North Lincolnshi DN15 6NG
MORE THAN BIY)KS' Charity No: 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For the year ending 31 March 2025 Bankers Natwest 3 Westborough Scarborough YOII IUH Jepson Longstaff Midgley Wesley House l Lora Courtyard Wykeham Y013 9QP Structure, Governance and Management Governing Document More Than Books is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) govemed by its constitution (foundation model). It was registered with the Charity Commission on 19th July 2017. The Charity is governed in accordan with its.Constitutlon. The only persons eligible to be members of the CIO are its charity trustees, and. any member ceasing to be a charity trustee automatically ceases to be a member of the CIO. Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees The Constitution outlines the procedure for the appointment of Trustees. There must be a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 9 Trustees. the quorum is set at 3, or the number nearest to one third of the total number of trustees, whichever is the greater. The Trustees may at any time decide to appoint new charity trustees, within the limits set out above. Trustse Induction and Training All Trustees are provided with a copy of the Constitution, and a briefing on the roles and responsibilities of Charlty TrUSts. The induttion process is ongoing, and continues as a standard element of Trustee Meetings.
MORE THAN B(X)KS Charity No: 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For the year ending 31 Marc,h 2025 Organisational Structure: The charity is managed by the Board of Trustees and is responsible for all strateglc decisions. Trustees a made aware that any conflicts of interest must be declared and mlnuted. The Board meets every other month. Organisational Management The Trustees may involve other individuals who may be co-opted to assist in the running of the charty but who will not be Trustees. Delegation of powers or functlons to a sub-committee is allowed, subject to the terms of this delegation being t out clearly in Terms of Referen. More than books benefits from staff employed by North Yorkshlre Council to ensure effective running of the library ac.tivities. This year, we appointed a new "Community Coordinator" with Grant funding, to work wlth the Trustees In the areas of marketing aiid partnership working. Premises North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) ran the Branch Libr7ry in the building until 31 March 2017 when ma Than Books took over to run It as a Community Library. The premises remained the property of NYCC and transferred to the new Unitary Authority North Yorkshire Councll (NYC) in April 2023. We have recently signed a new lease for the building, extending the term until March 2032. The adjoining garden was under the management of Eastfield Town Council and had been neglected. we have taken over the Lease for this area and have started to develop the space for the benefit of all. We have also leased an additional small ple of ground between the garden and the road which we will utillse for new access direct from the library building, again with Grant funding
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For the year ending 31 March 2025 Compliance elatioh and The Trustees are aware of thelr duties under the various areas of legiJ regulation which apply to B, and have a rolling prcgramme of policy review and development in order to ensure compllance. To date, the following polices have been adopted: Health and Safety Policy Child and Vulnerable Adults Policy Equality and Diversity Policy Data Protection Pollcy Copips of these policies are made avallable to all Volunteers and to library users on requesL Insurers The TNstees recognise that they are urKler a legal obligation to protect the building, its users and volunteers through adequate and appropriate insuran. We have a policy issued through Came & Company Local Government Insurance, including the following cover: Public Liability £IOM, Employees, Liability £IOm, Legal assistan and Personal Accident. Building Issues Gas appliances and portable electrical appliances are tested by qualified personnel annually The mains electrical installatlon is checked by a qualified englneer every 5 years A Fire Safety Risk Assessment is updated annually and firefighting appliances are inspected annually under contratt. 'A volunteer carries out other regular maintenance checks as required.
MORE THAN BOOKS Charlty No: 1173856 Trustees Annual Report, For the year ending 31 March 2025 Risk Management The major risks to which the charlty Is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, are regularly reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. Objectives and Activities The purpose of the charlty as set out in the constitution is: To promote for the beneflt of the residents of Eastfield to the south of Scarborough in North Yorkshire, and the surrounding area the provision of a public library for recreation and other leisure time occupation of individuals who have the need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmty or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of Ilfe of the said residents. In planning for the future, tlie Twstees have given regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit. Our main objectlves for the next year, which are to: Develop the garden to allow public access and enjoyment of the space, and to promote the environmentsl benefits; Provide a new access from the library to the garden, disabled-friendly tr) improve accessibility'for all. Forge new partnerships, explore marketing opportunities and expand our publicity efforts to encourage new volLJnteers, customers and sponsors. Enhance the Interior, so that the public spaces and meeting rooms are comfortable and attractive, with a view to generatlng more income both from renting out the spaces and from increased numbers of customers. The Trustees will work to malntsin and enhance the financial position of the charity and to explore all possible Income streams.
MORE TrIAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For lthe year ending 31 March 2025 Achlevement and Performance Review of Activrties 2024125 The principal activity of the Charfty Is to operate a community libraryi providing a wami, safe Spa for everyone to make use, of and enjoy. The Ilbrary standard opening hours are: Monday 10.00-17.00 Tuesday 10.00-13.00 Wpdnesday 10.00-17.00 Thursday 10.00-13.00 Friday 10.00-17.00 Saturday 10.00-.12.00 Core Library There were over 26,000 visits (slightly up on last year) with about 1400 acttve users, and l)ooks were regularly delivered to 12 housebound readers. Loans of books and other items totalled over 14,000, by nearly 1,000 active borrowers, with a peak in August when the Summer Reading Challenge encourages chlldren to come into the libraryr take part in activities and read more books. We enrolled 19 babies and toddlers into the Buzzy Bee scheme for under-5s. These figures are down from last year. we hope NYC staff can help to rever* thls trend. Public Pcs were used for over 1,700 hours and over 1200 customers were helped with rr issues, a blg rise, mainly due to an enthusiastic volunteer taking on the rr Buddy role. We asslsted customers with 42 Blue Badge appllcatlons. Community The Easffield PAcf is now becoming the South Scarborough Partnership. we are active participants in this, networking with other local organisations, sharing knowledge and experien. We have played a key role in the Easffield Easter, Summer and Christmas events, providlng a large venue for stslls, Santa's Grotto and refreshments.
MORE THAN BOOKS . Charity No: 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For the year ending 31 March 2025 Review of Activities 2024125 (continued) We had another busy and SucCeful year, welcomlng some new groups using library Spa and meeting rooms, offering a repeat of the Warm Welcome scheme and assisting more customers with online applications for benefits. The weekly 'Friendship Café" has continued and grown: almed at refugees needing to practice English coiiversation, this regularly has around a dozen participants. We have arranged rr training sessions, and a party for the group, and next year plan to run a craft course wlth a day trip OLrt to follow. Following last year's "Crafts for Wellbeing, se55ions one of the volunteers is now leading weekly sessions, exploring a variety of craft skills with adults in term time, and children in school holidays. Some of our regular events are: A weekly story time for the under 5s Knitting circle NYC Summer Reading Challenge Lego Club Arts & Crnfts for Relaxation Buddy appointsnents Holiday craft and activty sessions for children International Friendship Cafe, offering English conversation prattice for refugees Dungeons and Dragons club Board Games and Cuppa for adults Age UK drop-ins Beyond Houslng advice sessions Oryanisations using our premises to meet clients Include: SEND Carers Plus NY Horizons - Pr Support Disability Attion Group Cambian School We have also organised or facilitated special events such as: Remembrance Day service Book Sales & Craft Fairs
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No.. 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For the year ending 31 March 2025 Volunteers As at 31 March 2025 we had 12 volunteers on the regular rota. During the year they recorded 4,000 hours spent In the library; Trustees spent additional tirrie in meetings, dealing with financlal matters and working on the Business Plan & funding applications. In addttion we have volunteers In many vital roles, such as Storytime reader, window cleaner, handyman, Finance Manager and a Health & Safety officer. We now also have volunteers assisling in the garden. We had funding for a part-time librarian (11 hours per week) from Eastfield Town Counal he is a very valuable member of our team, but unfortunately the funding has now stopped and we cannot replace hlm for next year. Our volunteer numbers are very low and early next year we will be running a recruitment campaign to add to the numbers. A new Trustpe was appointed from the volunteers in January. she wlll manage room bookings and the Summer Reading Challenge. As part of the PAcf funding, we employed a "Community Coordinator" to assist with our goals of improving our connettions, building partnerships and exploring fundraising opportunities wlth local businesses. She has been very sucSsful in pursuing donatlons of money and goods; she leads on Social Media and publishing and is also developing a new brand identity for the charity Financial Review Reserves policy The policy is to have in reserve the equivalent of thr months, operating costs. Currently our reserves are high due to the Support Grants received to compensate for Covid closures, but we are keeping them under careful review due to volatillty in gas and electricity costs. 10
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For the year ending 31 March 2025 Principal Funding Sources Our principal income is from LIn Fees and Room Hire, library charges, and members using paid for facilities. We also sell books, both ex-library and donated, in the library, online and at special events. Where possible we supplement thls with grant funding for speclal projects; we are also forging Ilnks with local busines who donate cash or goods to support our attivities. Beyond Housing continue to rent an Offi from us. We receive an annual precept from NYC for maintaining the libRry servico. Plans for Future Years Our priortties continue to be expanslon of our capabilities by: Increasing the number of volunteers to improve our flexibility Appointing additional trustees to strengthen the management team Forging partnerships in the communty to raise our profile and extend our reach. Working to maintsin and enhance the financial position of the charity and to explore all possible Income streams. In the coming year we will: Provide new access doors from the library to the garden, disabled-friendly to Improve accessibility for all. This is under wayi but delayEd by technical issues. Plan and implement a publiclty & volunteer recruitment campaign, focussing on people moving into the new local housing; Remove the. public computer "pod" which restricts the use of the main spa, and relocate the Pcs to other areas in the library; Investigate opportunities to contribute to the Government's Digital Inclusion initiative; we are well placed to offer resources to support this. Draw up a new business plan, to cover 2025-2030; Continue to network with local groups, to maximise opportunities for working tojether for the benefit of the community; Target local businesses to ask for ongolng sponsorship, particularly for our regular bills. Refurbish the meeting rooms, wlth a grant from NYC Inspire Fund, and volunteer labour from Mccain's. Make use of the garden, with new benches & fencing, garden games and a "Froggo" litter bin, from an NYC grant li
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For the year ending 31 March 2025 Redesign the children's area so that it is safe and inviting, with new furniture and fittings The Trustees will do everything possible to ensure that MTB is a solvent, sustalnable organlsation, valued by the community and ready for the future statement of Disclosure of Information to the Independent Examiner We, the trustees of the Charity who held office at the date of approval of these financlal statements, each confirm that so far as we are aware:
There is no relevant infomiation of whlch the Charity's Independent Examiner is unaware. All steps have been tsken to make ourselves aware of any relèvant information and to estsblish that the Charitys Independent Examiner is aware of that information. 12
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Trustees Annual Report For the year ending 31 March 2025 statement of Trustees. Responsibilities Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the excess of Income over expendlture for that period. In preparing these financial sl3tements, the Trustees are required to:
Select suitsble accountlng policies and then apply them consistently. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless It is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will contlnue to operate. The Trustees confirm that the accounts comply wlth the above requirements. The Trustees are responsible ft)r keeping proper accountlng records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial ststements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking asonable steps for the prevention and deteth'on of fraud and other Irregularities. During the year the income of the Charty was below £250,000, therefore in line with Charity Leglslation the trustees have. elected to prepare their accounts on the Receipts and Payments basis. Independent Examiner The Independent Examination was undertaken by Rebecca Triffitt, MAAT, Practice Accountsnt, employee of Phoenix Accountancy and Business Consultsncy Limited. By order of the Board, Linda Kemp Trustee Date: 13
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Independent Examiner's Report to the Members of More Than Books I repoit on the accounts of More 'Than Books for the year ending 31 March 2025, v¥hich are set out on pages 15 to 21. Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner The charity's Trust'ees 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 Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Chartties Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under sectson 145 (5)(b) of the Charities Act; and to stste whether particular Matte have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Comrnissioners. An examination includes a reviéw of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideTrtion of any unusual iteins 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view giveii by the accounts. Independent exarninerfs statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention, apart from outlined below: l) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respett the requirements a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 and 131 of the Charities Act; and b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities 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. The charity rnust ensure that when paying cleanerfs consideration is given to the employment status. All employees should be paid at least the relevant minimum wage appropriate for their age. A payroll scheme should be maintained by the charity unless it is legally not required, From October 2021, all cleaning has been done on a voluntary basis. Rebecca Triffitt, MAAT Prartice Accountsnt, employee of: Phoenix Accountancy and Business Consultancy Lim ited 4-6 Roberts Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6NG Date. glki 14
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MORE THAN BOOKS Charty No: 1173856 ststement of Assets and Liabilities As at 31 March 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Monetary Assets Current Account Savings Account 17,670 33,665 2,595 42,569 Total Monetary Assets Comprising Unrestricted Funds Restrfcted Funds 43,260 40,540 51,335 45,164 Non~Monetary Assets and Llabilities Fixed Assets for the Charity's use Coinputer Equlpment other Equipment Solar Panels 4,68?. 2,560 4,682 2,560 Debtors Sundry Debtors Creditors Accounts Fee - Current Year 360 360 360 360 These financial statements were approved by the committee (date) and signed on its behalf by: Llnda Kemp, Trustee The notes on pages 17 to 21 form part of these financial statements. 17
MORE TrIAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Notes to the Financial Ststements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Notes Basis of Preparation These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments (R&P) basis in line with Chan'ty Commission guldance for a charity of this size. More Than Books was reglstered as a Charitable Incorporpted Organisation on 19th July 2017. The flgures for the comparative year are for the year ending 31 March 2024. Grdnts Received 2025 Total 2024 Total Unrestrlcted Grants North Yorkshlre County Council - Stronger Communities stronger Communities Total Unrestricted Grants Restricted Grants North Yorkshire Council - Enhancement of community Hub North Yorkshire Council - Stronger Communities North Yorkshlre Council - Secure our space North Yorkshire Council - Stronger Communities Easffield Cash for Causes Community Grants - Crafting Eastfield Cash for Causes Community Grants - Garden Total Restricted Grants 21,729 41,268 980 508 960 300 659 1,000 Total Grants 24,156 18
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 Marc,h 2025 Restricted Funds Balance At .01104124 Incomlng Outgolng Transfers Movement in Resources Balance at 31103125 NYC- Community Hub (Gardens, Café & play area) 3,644 21,729 (19,310) 6,063 NYC- Stronger Comniunity (Security Alarm replaMent) 508 (486) 22 NYC -. Refugee Council EaSle1d Cash for Causes Community Grants (l) Easffield Cash for Causes Community Grants (2) NYC- Stronger Communities - Refurt) 980 (500) (409) 71 659 659 30B9 960 960 4,624 24,156 (20,296) (40.9) 8,075 A brief description of the restritted funds are given below: Restricted Funds Scarborough Borough Council (NYC) Restricted funding was awarded by Scarborough Borough Council to the enhancement of the charity community Hub. In April 2023 thls responslbilty passed to the new Unitsry Authority, North Yorkshlre Council A £90,000 restrlcted grant was given to provide solar panels, improvements to the community garden, Childn'S area and caféi plus costs relating to marketing and payroll. The solar panels were paid directly from Scarborough Borough Council to the supplier Heat Source Direct Ltd £27,743. Only £62,257 will be received from council over the next two years to fund the rest of the project. NYC- Stronger Communities (Refugees Councll) Restrirted funding was received from North Yorkshire Council, so the charity could support local refugees and Ukrainian nationals improve their English. NYC- Stronger Communities Programme Restricted funding was received from North Yorkshire Council to contribute towards a meeting room refurbishment. 19
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Restricted Funds NYC - Stronger Communltles Programme Restricted fundlng was re"Ved from North Yorkshire Council to contribute towards a securlty alarm replacement. Eastfield Cash for Causes Communlty Grant (l) Restritted funding was received from Eastfield Cash for Causes Communlty Grant to pay towards a garden improvement. Eastfield Cash for Causes Community Grant (2) Restricted funding was reiVed from Eastfield Cash for Causes Community Grant to pay towards a Crdng event. Equipment/Fixed Assets Equipment purchased has been capitslised in the Statement of Assets and Llabillties when the item has been required for long term use. .The Charity maintslns a register of all uipMent capitalised. Computer other Equipment Equlpment Totsl Fixed Assets at 01 April 2024 Fixed Assets purchased during the year Equipment capitalised at 31 March 2025 4,682 30,303 34,985 4,682 30,303 34,985 More Than Books are provldlng library services, which is a Statutory Function of the North Yorkshire Council {NYCC), previously provided by NYCC. NYCC provided the furniture and fixtures,.as vvell as some computer equipment. Values of equipment provlded by NYCC has not b provided. All equipment, purchased during the year has been included at cost. More Than Books maintain a fixed aet register of all equipment opitalised. Ivew solarpanels were erected on the charity building roofin August 2023, this was pald by North Yorkshire Counal wa a grant from them. Payments to Trustees No remuneration direttly or indirectly out of the funds of the Charity was paid or payable for the year to any Trustee. There was no rei mbursement of travel expenses in respect of the year. 2D
MORE THAN BOOKS Charity No: 1173856 Notss to the Fqnancial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025 Related Party Transactions During the year there were no related paty transactions. Taxation More Than Books is a registered charity. All the Charities, income is applied to its tharitsble objectivps and the association Is therefore exempt under current leglslatlon from most forms of taxation. The charity is not VAT registered and all expendtture includes irrecoverable VAT. 21