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2021-03-31-accounts

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 05438407 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1184112

PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

David Allen

Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor Dalmar House Barras Lane Estate Dalston Carlisle CA5 7NY

PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

CONTENTS

Reference and administrative details 1
Trustees' report incorporating Directors' report 2 to 7
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities 8
Independent auditors' report 9 to 12
Statement of financial activities 13 to 14
Balance sheet 15
Statement of cash flows 16
Notes to the financial statements 17 to 33

PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Chief Executive Officer Mr D L Blacklock
Trustees Mr S Corlett
Mr J M Mills
Miss L Townson
Mr M A Sykes
Ms E Harkness
Mr P R Wiggins
Mrs H M Horne (Deceased 9 July 2021)
Mr S J Rigby
Mr J Fell (appointed 23 February 2021)
Secretary Mr P R Wiggins
Principal Office People First Conference Centre
Milbourne Street
Carlisle
CA2 5XB
Registered Office People First Conference Centre
Milbourne Street
Carlisle
CA2 5XB
Company Registration Number 05438407
Charity Registration Number 1184112
Bankers Unity Trust Bank plc
Nine Brindleyplace
Birmingham
B1 2HB
Auditor David Allen
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor
Dalmar House
Barras Lane Estate
Dalston
Carlisle
CA5 7NY

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT

The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2021. The annual report serves the purposes of a trustees' report and a directors' report under company law.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objects of the charity are:

Our trustees have developed a Business Strategy in consultation with our staff and following engagement with our customers. This strategy is delivered by our Chief Executive and supported by our department Directors. A Business Development plan guides each team’s activities to support the achievement of our goals.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

People First has four main departments:

Finance and operations; managing finance, human resources, IT, resources, buildings, policy, compliance, legal, health and safety, governance and risk.

Advocacy; managing the delivery of all advocacy services which ensure that those who access the service understand their rights, have a voice and where possible can make their own choices. We deliver Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy, Care Act Advocacy, Specialist Advocacy, and the Advocacy Hub.

Healthwatch; ensuring local people can share their experiences of using health and care services and that those experiences are used to help shape and improve services. Delivered via Healthwatch Cumbria and Healthwatch Lancashire.

Research, Education and Inclusion; working with people who use health and care services to ensure that they are included, listened to and respected, delivered via a range of inclusive projects such as, work with universities, education for people with learning disabilities including the hospitality academy and bistro, youth work, as well as projects aimed at helping people who use services to be involved in decision making and quality assurance.

All of the services provided by People First are aimed at helping people to live their best life, we listen to, engage and empower people to be involved, be heard and included in their lives, communities, and the services that they use.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

We fundamentally believe that volunteers enhance our capacity across communities and by bringing additional skills to our teams. All volunteers are recruited through a safer recruitment process and are provided with extensive support from induction and through participation in events which include those also attended by staff.

We aim to maximise the benefits of working with volunteers by matching skills and experience to roles and tasks.

We aim to ensure that volunteering with us increases our contribution to social value and is equally rewarding to our volunteers themselves.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

In one of our most challenging years to date due to the Covid pandemic, we are proud of our response. We have not only managed to keep all our services running with minimal disruption; we have established a wide range of new support services to meet the increased needs of our communities.

New services included:

Keeping People Connected - A telephone helpline supporting vulnerable, isolated people during the Covid pandemic. This temporary service supported 431 people to maintain regular contact across Cumbria, Lancashire, and Northumberland conducting 4,815 calls in total.

Lancashire 246 - A project carrying out welfare checks on 246 individuals across Lancashire on behalf of Lancashire County Council. A temporary Covid service.

All other services continued to thrive delivering outstanding support through listening to the views of the public, advocacy, information sharing and training to those in need.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the year income amounted to £1,540,116 (2020: £1,643,253) and total expenditure was £1,377,965 (2020: £1,534,340). This resulted in net income of £162,151 (2020: £108,913).

At the year end the total reserves had increased to £818,833 (2020: £656,682), these being made up of unrestricted funds of £777,897 (2020: £608,057) and restricted reserves held of £40,936 (2020: £48,625).

Reserves are held to ensure the stability and deliverability of our mission and vision over all our activities and to ensure the employment and retention of our staff resources. This is equivalent to the greater of 5 months’ budgeted costs or the potential close down costs.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Our focus in the coming year will be on recovering from the pandemic. Returning our staff to more normal working practices whilst retaining good new practice established. We will seek to further develop our structure, strength and offer.

A new department will be created to support us to grow our offer and help more people who are in need by supporting increased funding.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

People First Independent Advocacy was incorporated on 28 April 2005 as a company limited by guarantee with company registration number 05438407, and was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission on 26 June 2019 under charity registration number 1184112. The charitable company is governed by its memorandum and articles.

The registered company address is People First Conference Centre, Milbourne Street, Carlisle, CA2 5XB.

The trustees shall from time to time determine procedures for the election of trustees by the members, which may include elections held at the AGM, or a postal ballot of the members conducted prior to the AGM, or any other method considered to be effective and democratic.

In order to protect the charity, the trustees may implement pre-election procedures for assessing potential candidates for election and ensuring their suitability. Only persons approved by the trustees through such procedures may be candidates in the election.

All trustees attend the same induction training as staff and volunteers. This covers the overall vision and mission of the charity as well as information on the individual departments and services. Trustees also receive safeguarding and data protection training.

The board of trustees set the remuneration of the CEO who in turn sets remuneration for all other members of staff in collaboration with the finance committee.

The board of trustees set the overall 3 year business strategy, which informs the annual business development plan. There is also a series of committees supporting the board, these include: Finance, Quality and Performance, Our People, and Customer Voice; a committee which the board plans to establish during 2021/22. The CEO reports to the trustees at every board meeting and directors report annually to the board on their area of responsibility. The board of trustees delegate day to day operational management to the CEO supported by directors.

People First strongly believes in working in partnership in order to advance our objectives. We have a wide network of relationship and partnerships with other organisations in the public, private and third sectors. These relationships help us to deliver our services by providing information, support, funding, collaboration, ideas and challenge.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

We have a Risk Management policy and Risk Matrix which are kept under regular review. Risks are identified, scored using our agreed tolerance and appetite levels and placed on our Risk Matrix under the headings of Governance, Operational, Financial, External and Compliance with law and regulation. Management of risk is firmly placed in our governance framework with mitigation being kept under review at the assigned level.

The main risks now relate to financial sustainability due to uncertainty following Covid-19 and the percentage of our business which is dependent on Local Authority contracts. Delivering outstanding services, growing our business and diversification are the main strands of mitigation in place to address this.

The charitable company has purchased indemnity insurance during the year on behalf of the trustees.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The charity's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including credit risk, cash flow risk and liquidity risk. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the charity’s policies approved by the board of trustees, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives to manage these risks. The charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

The charity’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of interest rates. Interest bearing assets and liabilities are held at fixed rate to ensure certainty of cash flows.

The charity’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, trade and other receivables, and investments.

The charity’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables. An allowance for impairment is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction in the recoverability of the cash flows.

In order to maintain liquidity to ensure that sufficient funds are available for ongoing operations and future developments, the charity uses a mixture of long-term and short-term debt finance. Further details regarding liquidity risk can be found in the Statement of accounting policies in the financial statements.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

TRUSTEES' REPORT INCORPORATING DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITOR

Each trustee has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. The trustees confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditor is unaware.

REAPPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR

In accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the re-appointment of David Allen as auditors of the charity is to be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Small companies provision statement

This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.

The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 24 August 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... Mr P R Wiggins Company Secretary and Trustee

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The trustees (who are also the directors of People First Independent Advocacy for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the trustees of the charity on 24 August 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... Mr P R Wiggins Company Secretary and Trustee

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

OPINION

We have audited the financial statements of People First Independent Advocacy (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2021, which comprise the Statement of financial activities, Balance sheet, Statement of cash flows, and Notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising Charities SORP - FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

BASIS FOR OPINION

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the original financial statements were authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY (CONTINUED)

OTHER INFORMATION

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' report incorporating the Directors' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' responsibilities [set out on page 8], the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY (CONTINUED)

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to those identified risks, including non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) and fraud that are material to the financial statements. Our audit procedures included but were not limited to:

• Discussing with the Trustees and Management their policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations;

• Communicating identified laws and regulations throughout our engagement team and remaining alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout our audit; and

• Considering the risk of acts by the charity which were contrary to the applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.

Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to:

• Making enquiries of the Trustees and Management on whether they had knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

• Gaining an understanding of the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud;

• Addressing the risks of fraud through management override of controls by performing journal entry testing.

We are not responsible for detecting fraud and preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect all fraud and non-compliance with all laws and regulations. The primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities including fraud rests with both the Trustees and Management. As with any audit, there remained a risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations or the override of internal controls.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY (CONTINUED)

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and its trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

...................................... ALISON WELTON (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of David Allen Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor

Dalmar House Barras Lane Estate Dalston Carlisle CA5 7NY

Date:.............................

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES)

Total Total
Unrestricted Restricted 2021 2020
Note £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 - 86,769 86,769 59,551
Charitable activities 4 1,439,773 - 1,439,773 1,486,511
Other trading activities 5 11,107 - 11,107 94,520
Investment income 6 318 - 318 1,085
Other income 7 2,149 - 2,149 1,586
Total income 1,453,347 86,769 1,540,116 1,643,253
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 8 (1,288,348) (89,617) (1,377,965) (1,534,340)
Total expenditure (1,288,348) (89,617) (1,377,965) (1,534,340)
Net income/(expenditure) 164,999 (2,848) 162,151 108,913
Transfers between funds 4,841 (4,841) - -
Net movement in funds 169,840 (7,689) 162,151 108,913
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 608,057 48,625 656,682 547,769
Total funds carried forward 19 777,897 40,936 818,833 656,682

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED) (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT AND STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES)

Total
Unrestricted Restricted 2020
Note £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 - 59,551 59,551
Charitable activities 4 1,486,286 225 1,486,511
Other trading activities 5 94,520 - 94,520
Investment income 6 1,085 - 1,085
Other income 7 1,586 - 1,586
Total income 1,583,477 59,776 1,643,253
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 8 (1,481,981) (52,359) (1,534,340)
Total expenditure (1,481,981) (52,359) (1,534,340)
Net income 101,496 7,417 108,913
Transfers between funds (3,008) 3,008 -
Net movement in funds 98,488 10,425 108,913
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 509,569 38,200 547,769
Total funds carried forward 19 608,057 48,625 656,682

All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2021 and 2020 are shown in note 19.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021

2021 2021 2020 2020
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 14 98,624 150,141
Current assets
Debtors 15 197,692 231,019
Cash at bank and in hand 738,688 437,177
936,380 668,196
Creditors: Amounts
falling due within one
year 16 (216,171) (161,655)
Net current assets 720,209 506,541
Net assets 818,833 656,682
Funds of the charity:
Restricted income
funds
Restricted 19 40,936 48,625
Unrestricted income
funds
Unrestricted 777,897 608,057
Total funds 19 818,833 656,682

The financial statements on pages 13 to 33 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 24 August 2021 and signed on their behalf by:

......................................... Mr S Corlett Trustee

Registration number: 05438407

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

2021 2020
Note £ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash income 162,151 108,913
Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items
Depreciation 66,961 66,823
Investment income 6 (318) (1,085)
228,794 174,651
Working capital adjustments
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 15 33,327 (78,355)
Increase in creditors 16 54,516 16,248
Net cash flows from operating activities 316,637 112,544
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest receivable and similar income 6 318 1,085
Purchase of tangible fixed assets 14 (30,175) (108,709)
Sale of tangible fixed assets 14,731 764
Net cash flows from investing activities (15,126) (106,860)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 301,511 5,684
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 437,177 431,493
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 738,688 437,177

All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

1 CHARITY STATUS

The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales.

The address of its registered office is: People First Conference Centre Milbourne Street Carlisle CA2 5XB

These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 24 August 2021.

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.

Basis of preparation

People First Independent Advocacy meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Income

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.

Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.

Income from other trading activities is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.

Interest on funds held on deposit are included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charitable company, this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

Other income is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £200.00 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

The cost of tangible assets includes directly attributable incremental costs incurred in their acquisition and installation.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Asset class

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

Motor vehicles

Property improvements - Bistro

Equipment - Bistro

Depreciation method and rate

25% straight line and 15% reducing balance 15% reducing balance straight line over remaining life of leasehold lease 20% straight line

Trade debtors

Trade debtors and other debtors are measured at their recoverable amounts. Prepayments are calculated as amounts paid during the financial year, but which relate to a future financial period. Accrued income is recognised where the entity is entitled to the income in the financial year, but the receipt does not occur until a future financial year.

Cash and cash equivalents

Includes all cash held and in bank current and deposit accounts.

Trade creditors

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.

Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Accruals are calculated as amounts relating to the financial year, but which are paid for after the year end. Deferred income includes amounts received in the financial year for income relating to future financial periods.

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Operating leases

Leases in which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Pensions and other post retirement obligations

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Outstanding pension contributions at the balance sheet date are included within other creditors.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction.

Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.

Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

3 INCOME FROM DONATIONS, LEGACIES AND GRANTS RECEIVABLE

Restricted Total Total
funds 2021 2020
£ £ £
Donations and legacies;
Barclays 100x100 Community Relief Funding 11,114 11,114 -
Grants, including capital grants;
Children in Need - Talk active 40,220 40,220 40,039
Children in Need - Next steps 4,435 4,435 -
Other grants receivable 31,000 31,000 14,512
Cumberland Building Society Community Fund - - 5,000
86,769 86,769 59,551

4 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted funds

Total Total
General 2021 2020
£ £ £
Income receivable 1,439,773 1,439,773 1,486,511

5 INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
funds
Total Total
General 2021 2020
£ £ £
Rent receivable, room hire and refreshments 11,107 11,107 94,520

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

6 INVESTMENT INCOME

Unrestricted
funds
Total Total
General 2021 2020
£ £ £
Interest on cash deposits 318 318 1,085
7 OTHER INCOME
Unrestricted
funds
Total Total
General 2021 2020
£ £ £
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme income 2,149 2,149 -
Insurance income - - 1,586
2,149 2,149 1,586

8 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Activity Activity
undertaken support Total Total
directly costs 2021 2020
£ £ £ £
Charitable activities 1,259,586 118,379 1,377,965 1,534,340

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

9 ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS

Support costs allocated to charitable activities

Administration Administration Administration Total Total
costs 2021 2020
£ £ £
Support costs 118,379 118,379 162,688

10NET INCOMING/OUTGOING RESOURCES

Net incoming resources for the year include:

Net incoming resources for the year include:
2021 2020
£ £
Operating leases - other assets 56,368 119,849
Audit fees 3,360 3,360
Other non-audit services 2,490 4,948
Depreciation of fixed assets 66,961 66,823

11TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

During the year the charity made the following transactions with trustees:

Miss Louise Townson

Louise received remuneration of £1,191 (2020: £1,040) during the year.

Louise completes work as an independent expert by experience to help in delivering independent reviews externally.

Mrs Helen Horne (Deceased 9 July 2021)

Helen received remuneration of £4,000 (2020: £4,000) during the year.

Helen was the chair of Healthwatch and received a Honorarium for this as agreed by its independent board.

No trustees have received any reimbursed expenses (2020: £610) or any other benefits from the charity during the year.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

12STAFF COSTS

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
2021 2020
£ £
Staff costs during the year were:
Wages and salaries 876,462 901,870
Social security costs 62,578 68,347
Pension costs 46,997 52,577
986,037 1,022,794

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management team) employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

Average number of staff

2021 2020
No No
56 58

49 (2020 - 48) of the above employees participated in the Defined Contribution Pension Schemes.

Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £46,997 (2020 - £52,577).

The number of employees whose emoluments fell within the following bands was:

2021 2020
No No
£60,001 - £70,000 1 1

The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £296,654 (2020 - £306,986).

13TAXATION

The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

14TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Property Fixtures,
improvements Motor fittings and Equipment -
- Bistro vehicles equipment Bistro Total
£ £ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2020 38,225 23,986 344,886 31,034 438,131
Additions - - 30,175 - 30,175
Disposals - (23,986) - - (23,986)
At 31 March 2021 38,225 - 375,061 31,034 444,320
Depreciation
At 1 April 2020 4,497 9,255 268,031 6,207 287,990
Charge for the year 4,497 - 56,257 6,207 66,961
Eliminated on
disposals - (9,255) - - (9,255)
At 31 March 2021 8,994 - 324,288 12,414 345,696
Net book value
At 31 March 2021 29,231 - 50,773 18,620 98,624
At 31 March 2020 33,728 14,731 76,855 24,827 150,141

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

15DEBTORS

15DEBTORS
2021 2020
£ £
Trade debtors 130,749 159,648
Prepayments and accrued income 66,349 67,777
Other debtors 594 3,594
197,692 231,019

16CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year

16CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year
2021 2020
£ £
Trade creditors 20,523 72,027
Other taxation and social security 25,269 15,502
Other creditors 11,243 1,373
Accruals and deferred income 159,136 72,753
216,171 161,655

Deferred Income

Deferred Income
2021 2020
£ £
Deferred income at 1 April 2020 31,215 60,428
Resources deferred in the period 143,330 31,215
Amounts released from previous periods (31,215) (60,428)
Deferred income at year end 143,330 31,215

At the balance sheet date, the charity held funds received in advance for grants relating to the next financial year which amounted to £143,330.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

17OBLIGATIONS UNDER LEASES AND HIRE PURCHASE CONTRACTS

Operating lease commitments

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

2021 2020
£ £
Land and buildings
Within one year 68,000 67,250
Between one and five years 229,750 242,750
After five years 137,500 192,500
435,250 502,500
Operating leases - lessor
The total of future minimum lease payments is as follows:
2021 2020
£ £
Land and buildings
Within one year 7,182 7,182

18PENSION

Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to £46,997 (2020 - £52,577.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

19FUNDS

19FUNDS
Balance Balance
at 1 at 31
April Incoming Resources March
2020 resources expended Transfers 2021
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted
General Funds 608,057 1,453,347 (1,288,348) (344,849) 428,207
Property costs - - - 300,000 300,000
Development Director - - - 49,690 49,690
- - - 349,690 349,690
Total Unrestricted 608,057 1,453,347 (1,288,348) 4,841 777,897
Restricted
Dreamscheme 255 - (84) - 171
Cumbria Community Foundation -
Brian and Ann Clark Fund 5,985 - (3,981) - 2,004
Roselands Trust 2,500 - (2,500) - -
Savoy Educational Trust 3,617 - (883) - 2,734
Dobies - 500 (500) - -
Vinci UK Foundation 10,000 - (10,000) - -
Funding for Bistro 26,268 - (5,987) - 20,281
Children in Need - Talk Active - 40,219 (32,022) - 8,197
Children in Need - Next Steps - 4,436 (4,436) - -
Cumbria Community Foundation -
Virtual groups - 10,000 (2,651) - 7,349
DeviceDotNow - 600 (400) - 200
Discharge Pathways - 9,900 (5,059) (4,841) -
Barclays 100x100 - 11,114 (11,114) - -
Cumbria Community Foundation -
KPC - 10,000 (10,000) - -
Total restricted 48,625 86,769 (89,617) (4,841) 40,936
Total funds 656,682 1,540,116 (1,377,965) - 818,833

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

19FUNDS (continued)

19FUNDS (continued)
Balance Balance
at 1 at 31
April Incoming Resources March
2019 resources expended Transfers 2020
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted
General Funds 509,569 1,583,477 (1,481,981) (3,008) 608,057
Restricted
Children in Need 944 40,039 (43,876) 2,893 -
Dreamscheme - 225 (85) 115 255
Cumbria Community Foundation -
Brian and Ann Clark Fund - 5,985 - - 5,985
Roselands Trust - 2,500 - - 2,500
Savoy Educational Trust - 4,500 (883) - 3,617
Sellafield Charity Snowball - 1,327 (1,327) - -
Dobies - 200 (200) - -
Vinci UK Foundation 10,000 - - - 10,000
Funding for Bistro 27,256 5,000 (5,988) - 26,268
Total restricted 38,200 59,776 (52,359) 3,008 48,625
Total funds 547,769 1,643,253 (1,534,340) - 656,682

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

19FUNDS (continued)

The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:

Barclays 100x100 provided funding to UK charities to help deliver impactful support to vulnerable people and communities impacted by COVID-19 and to alleviate the associated social and economic hardship caused by the crisis.

Children in Need provided funding for the Young People First Talk Active project. This project will work with young people with learning difficulties to access a range of creative and recreational activities afterschool, on weekends and holidays.

Children in Need provided funding for the Next steps project. This project will deliver support for learning disabled children and young people in North and West Cumbria, who have become anxious and isolated due to Covid-19. This will improve their online technology skills, confidence and sense of belonging.

Cumbria Community Foundation provided funding for Discharge Pathways. This supported the charity to respond to referrals received through the Hospital Pathway Zero project then through the Health and Welfare Telephone Support Service. The grant has supported people to be discharged from hospital safely and to access other services.

Cumbria Community Foundation provided funding for staff and equipment costs for Virtual Self-Advocacy Groups. The grant enabled the charity to launch the Keeping People Connected project, meaning they were able to support vulnerable people throughout the pandemic with a telephone advice and support service.

DeviceDotNow provided the charity with a connectivity grant which is to be used to support 10 people in purchasing mobile credit and data packages.

The Brian and Ann Clark fund provided funding for the hospitality academy garden.

The Roselands Trust provided funding for training and assistance with self advocacy.

The Savoy Educational Trust provided funding for the purchase of a coffee machine for the bistro.

Dobies provided funding as a contribution towards computers.

Vinci UK foundation initially provided funding for the hospitality staff breakaway room. These funds have been re-allocated to deliver Virtual Self Advocacy Groups and a Buddy system for people with learning difficulties across Cumbria. This re-allocation was agreed by the grant funders.

Francis Scott foundation, Awards for All and the Cumberland Building Society all provided capital funding for the bistro and equipment for the bistro.

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

20ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Total funds
at 31 March
General Designated Restricted 2021
£ £ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 70,769 - 27,855 98,624
Current assets 573,609 349,690 13,081 936,380
Current liabilities (216,171) - - (216,171)
Total net assets 428,207 349,690 40,936 818,833
Total funds
at 31 March
General Restricted 2020
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 120,000 30,141 150,141
Current assets 649,712 18,484 668,196
Current liabilities (161,655) - (161,655)
Total net assets 608,057 48,625 656,682

21ANALYSIS OF NET FUNDS

At 1 April Financing At 31 March
2020 cash flows 2021
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 437,177 301,511 738,688
Net debt 437,177 301,511 738,688
At 1 April Financing At 31 March
2019 cash flows 2020
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 431,493 5,684 437,177
Net debt 431,493 5,684 437,177

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PEOPLE FIRST INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY

COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 (CONTINUED)

22RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year the charity made the following related party transactions:

During the year the charity incurred rent of £12,500 (2020: £27,500) for the lease of a property owned by Perfect Properties, a business in which Mr D L Blacklock CEO has an interest. As of 31 August 2020 the charity no longer occupies these premises and the lease has been terminated. Consequently, £5,235 was paid to Perfect Properties for moving costs.

People First Services

People First Services (PFS) was incorporated and registered as a charity on 17 July 2019. The charity was setup as a foundation CIO where members are the trustees of People First Independent Advocacy (PFIA). PFIA made a donation of £82,500 to PFS to provide 6 months working capital as well as to fund the Cafe refurbishments.

At the balance sheet date, £5,471 was due to PFS from PFIA. This balance arises from recharges between entities.

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