**REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 11875362 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1187164** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND** 

## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **FOR** 

## **COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

**(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)** 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

|||**Page**||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Report of the Trustees**|1|to|9|
|**Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities**||10||
|**Report of the Independent Auditors**|11|to|13|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**||14||
|**Statement of Financial Position**||15||
|**Statement of Cash Flows**||16||
|**Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows**||17||
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|18|to|26|





**COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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). 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

## **Public benefit** 

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. 

## **STRATEGIC REPORT Achievements and performance** 

## **CHAIR'S FOREWORD** 

This year has been one of growth, partnership, and significant achievement for Communities 1st. The successful merger with Welwyn Hatfield CVS has strengthened our ability to support and represent the local voluntary, community, faith, social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. As a unified organisation, we have expanded our reach and enhanced our impact, helping more groups and communities than ever before. 

It has been rewarding to see the dedication and resilience of our staff, volunteers, and partners. Together, we have helped secure over £285,000 for local organisations, enabling them to deliver essential services and innovative projects. We were particularly pleased to see more groups come together to share ideas and develop stronger connections, building a sense of mutual support across the sector. The introduction of networking breakfasts and continued success of our thematic networks have also fostered stronger relationships and collective action among local groups. 

We remain committed to supporting and empowering communities, ensuring everyone feels welcome and able to participate, and helping build resilience across the region. Thank you to all who have contributed to our successes this year, including our dedicated volunteers, staff, trustees, and strategic partners - we look forward to building on these achievements together 

## Jason John, Chair 

## **Our Vision:** 

Strong local communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful difference. 

## **Our Mission:** 

To partner with local communities, turning knowledge and energy into action and progress. 

## **Our Values:** 

Creative | Integrity | Quality | Caring | Inclusivity | Collaboration 

## **Our Goals:** 

1. To develop a more resilient, effective and representative local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. 

2. To ensure volunteering is more recognised, visible and valued in the community, providing improved community wellbeing and personal development. 

3. To achieve improved health and wellbeing where individuals facing barriers or experiencing inequalities are supported and resilient. 

4. To be a sustainable, inclusive and responsible organisation driven by our values. 

Page 1 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S SUMMARY** 

Reflecting on the past year, I am proud of how Communities 1st has continued to evolve, embracing new challenges and opportunities with determination and creativity. Our efforts have led to meaningful progress across many areas - from securing vital funding for local organisations to us being able to enhance volunteering, training, employment support, and wellbeing programmes. We've continued to respond to the changing needs of our communities with agility, compassion, and commitment. 

This year marked a significant milestone in our journey with the merger of Communities 1st and Welwyn Hatfield CVS. This merger has expanded our reach and increased our capacity to support communities across Hertfordshire. It has also ensured a more unified, coordinated approach to delivering local services and amplifying community voices. 

We worked with our members to shape and publish a series of local voluntary sector 'what we stand for' policy statements. These now provide a shared foundation for influencing decisions and championing the sector more effectively. 

Our commitment to creating meaningful connections between business and community has been demonstrated through the expansion of our Better Business programme. We doubled our business engagement this year and saw a marked rise in employer-supported volunteering. 

Through the Multiply programme, over 600 people have gained essential numeracy skills. At the same time, 133 individuals secured employment through initiatives such as Able2Enable, which supports people facing barriers due to disability or mental health challenges. Our new 'Future Focus: Empowering Potential' programme offers integrated, personalised employment pathways, designed to deliver faster and more effective results. 

Innovation has remained central to our work. One example is our 'Community Thirst' Coffee Cart at St Albans Civic Centre - providing real-world work experience and life skills development. We also launched a 'dance for all' training programme that has widened access to creative opportunities for people of all abilities. 

Communities 1st has further strengthened its role as a trusted local delivery partner by supporting residents moving to the UK government's new eVisa system and by securing new funding to expand our Creative Cafes in community centres across Hertsmere. 

All of these achievements reflect the power of partnerships - with local authorities, funders, charities, community groups, volunteers, and residents. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, we are helping build stronger, fairer and more connected communities. 

Stephen Craker, Chief Executive Officer 

## **A MORE RESILIENT, EFFECTIVE, AND REPRESENTATIVE LOCAL VCFSE SECTOR** 

- Over £285,000 secured for local voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups, marking a significant 10% increase from the previous year. 

- Provided funding advice and tailored development support to 110 organisations, helping them build capacity and resilience. 

- Hosted 130 attendees at our Annual Conference, providing networking opportunities and sessions designed to enhance sector-wide collaboration. 

- 250 individuals actively participated in Stronger Together Network (STN) meetings, exchanging valuable insights and best practices across various organisational activities. 

- Worked closely with key partners to host the Hertfordshire Funding Fair, attended by 150 people, which facilitated connections and practical funding opportunities. 

- Supported 88 food distribution organisations through advice and support, enhancing their sustainability and service delivery. 

Page 2 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **Highlights:** 

- Published a comprehensive series of 'what we stand for' policy statements shaped with input from our members, providing a robust framework for collective advocacy and informed representation of the sector's views. 

- Launched breakfast networking events, drawing in new members and encouraging face-to-face conversations on practical issues including funding, staffing, and volunteering. 

- Led a strategic Food Distribution Project commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council, working with CVS partners to map existing services, provide expert advice, and support local organisations to better manage rising levels of need. 

## **VOLUNTEERING IS MORE RECOGNISED, VISIBLE, AND VALUED** 

- **988** enquiries dealt with via our Volunteer Centre 

- Managed **485** volunteer applications through our Volunteer Centre, enhancing community engagement. 

- **161** New volunteering opportunities promoted on behalf of other organisations 

- Facilitated **334** hours of employer-supported volunteering, representing a remarkable 68% increase from last year's total. 

- Actively engaged with **75** local businesses, significantly increasing their commitment to corporate social responsibility initiatives and volunteer engagement. 

## **Highlights:** 

- Expanded our Better Business initiative, successfully doubling business engagement and significantly increasing employee participation in community volunteering activities. 

- Conducted targeted presentations on volunteering benefits for over **280** NHS employees, fostering new volunteer recruitment opportunities and sector support. 

- Prioritised the promotion and recruitment of traditionally challenging volunteer roles, including trustees, drivers, and befrienders, ensuring vital community services could continue uninterrupted. 

- We were the only Local Infrastructure Organisation (LIO) invited to a national DCMS roundtable on improving volunteering data and 'passporting' volunteers between organisations. 

## **ADULT SKILLS AND LEARNING** 

- Engaged over **600** individuals through the Multiply numeracy programme, providing essential skills training and practical support. 

- **336** individuals attended one of our training courses 

- **116** individuals attended our Wellbeing and Life Skills Awareness Sessions - over three times more than last year - showing increased interest in personal wellbeing and practical skills. 

- Enhanced employment opportunities for **133** individuals through our employment initiative 

- Supported more than **120** work experience students, providing essential exposure to volunteering opportunities and fostering their understan ding and appreciation of the voluntary sector. 

- Enhanced employment opportunities for **159** individuals through our employment initiatives, notably through the Able2Enable programme tailored for individu als facing barriers due to disability and mental health challenges. 

- Launched the innovative 'Community Thirst' Coffee Cart at St Albans Civic Centre, offering practical, hands-on employment training and life skills development. 

- Delivered inclusive dance sessions to **163** participants through our Para Dance programme, promoting inclusive physical activity and social participation. 

## **Highlights:** 

- Successfully launched our comprehensive 'Future Focus; Empowering Potential' employment support scheme, providing integrated support pathways for participants and ensuring faster, broader, and more effective interventions. 

- Expanded our Dance For All Training courses, reaching more people and raising awareness of accessible recreational opportunities.. 

- Delivered activity sessions at Parallel Windsor for over 150 people, supporting participation in a national disability-focused event. 

- Shared our inclusive dance work at Move It 2025, building new connections at a key national dance platform. 

Page 3 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **IMPROVED HEALTH AND WELLBEING** 

- Achieved more than **60,000** visits to our managed community centres (an increase of over 10% from 2023/24), highlighting their critical role as comm unity engagement and support hubs. 

- **2,897** visits to our Creative Cafes, offering people a welcoming space to connect, explore creativity, and develop new skills. 

- Over **9,000** journeys made through our community transport services 

- **781** practical support tasks - such as shopping, prescription collection, and home checks - were delivered by our trained volunteers to help people stay safe and well at home 

- **969** individuals accessed our Better Days Hubs, which offer signposting and support across volunteering, health and wellbeing, training, employment, digital skills, money management and confidence building 

- **1,084** health and wellbeing enquiries were answered through our Healthy Hubs, offering advice, referrals, and signposting to local support services 

- Delivered over **1,270** befriending and wellbeing calls, ensuring continuous emotional and practical support, especially during challenging per iods such as Christmas. 

- Offered **244** individuals targeted energy efficiency support, including distributing carbon monoxide alarms and practical slow cooking advice, to enhance household safety and reduce energy bills. 

- **350** people took part in targeted engagement events promoting NHS diabetic eye screening, particularly within ethnic minority communities, with on-site checks and advice leading to 85% feeling more informed about managing diabetes - Supported **163** refugees and asylum seekers through our Beyond Borders programme, offering critical advice and practical assistance to f acilitate integration and access to essential services. 

- **83** individuals received one-to-one support to navigate the transition to the UK's E-visa system, helping reduce stress and avoid potential disruption to their rights and entitlements 

## **Highlights:** 

- Enhanced our Healthy Hub services, prioritising critical public health initiatives such as smoking cessation, diabetes management, and NHS health checks. 

- Expanded community centre activities through additional funding from Clarion Futures and the Rothesay Foundation, enabling broader community engagement and diversified support services. 

## **LOOKING AHEAD** 

As we look ahead, Communities 1st is preparing for a period of significant change - both within our organisation and across the wider system in which we operate. Despite the uncertainty in national and local policy landscapes, our purpose remains clear: to strengthen communities, empower voluntary action, and help local people and organisations thrive. 

In the coming year, the implications of the Local Government Review and the reshaping of NHS commissioning - particularly the streamlining of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) - will begin to take effect. These changes will alter how decisions are made, how services are commissioned, and who holds influence. As a trusted partner rooted in our local places, we will continue to represent the voice of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector and ensure communities are not left behind in the process. 

We are also undergoing internal transformation. Alongside our recent merger with Welwyn Hatfield CVS, we are finalising a further organisational merger that will bring together creativity, community engagement, and social enterprise in new and exciting ways. This development will broaden our service offer, and allow us to embed creative, culturally relevant and creative practice into the heart of our community programmes. 

## Looking ahead, we will: 

- **Champion the role of the VCFSE sector** in system-wide solutions, supporting partners across health, local government and housing to engage more meaningfully  and equitably with community organisations. 

- **Adapt our delivery models** to align with new commissioning structures, enabling more responsive, place-based services that reflect the real needs  of residents. 

- **Scale up successful pilots** , including our inclusive employment and enterprise initiatives, ensuring they become embedded, sustainable and community-le d. 

Page 4 



## **COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

- **Continue investing in innovation** , including digital tools, creative practice, and new ways of engaging volunteers and residents in shaping local support . 

- **Strengthen our leadership voice** , ensuring we speak up not only for the sector, but with it - through collaborative policy work, shared learning, and collec tive advocacy. 

- **Support local organisations through uncertainty** , helping them to navigate funding changes, increased demand, and growing complexity with practical tools, advice a nd solidarity. 

At Communities 1st, we know that the future will not be without its challenges. But we also know that meaningful change happens when people come together. We remain committed to working alongside communities, partners, and our members - building a fairer, more resilient and connected future for all. 

## **Financial review** 

## **Financial position** 

We internally record our performance against outcomes for the organisation and the sector. We are pleased with the activity we have undertaken which meets our strategic headlines and also those that add value to our communities and the sector. 

We have active 7,238 volunteers - 68% identifying as female, 37% as male and 1% self-defined - with 11,318 hours of volunteering, helping us to provide individual support alongside developing and sustaining the local voluntary and community sector. 

Income from all sources was £1,631,442 in the year to 31 March 2025 (2023/24: £1,352,470). Of the income received, £80,000 (2023/24: £61,758) was restricted for specific programmes and projects, made up of grant income. The remaining income of £1,551,442 (2023/24: £1,290,712) was unrestricted, comprising grants, donations, membership income as well as revenue generated through SLAs and service delivery. Unrestricted income remains important to the financial sustainability of the charity. Through our contracts and grants, we were able to fund local charities to undertake work to the value of £285,000. 

||Unrestricted Funds|Restricted Funds|Total 24/25|
|---|---|---|---|
|Incoming Resources|£1,551,442|£80,000|£1,631,442|
|Resources Expended|£1,516,504|£65,343|£1,581,847|
|Surplus/(Deficit)|£34,938|£14,657|£49,595|



## **Investment policy and objectives** 

All reserves not required for day-to-day operational costs are invested in accounts with unity trust bank. 

## **Financial Risk Review** 

Internal risks are minimized by the implementation of procedures for the authorisation of all transactions and projects and to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charity. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they still meet the needs of the charity. 

## **Reserves policy** 

It is the policy of the trustees to maintain free reserves of at least three month's running cost to enable the charity to meet all the commensurate costs in the event of extreme scenario of winding-up, the running cost reserve is £875,232 at the year end. 

## **Going concern** 

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern (see also Accounting Policies (Note 2) in our Annual Accounts 24/25). The Trustees have reviewed the financial position, budgets and cash flows for the period to March 2025 and consider that the charity is in a position to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. 

The charity continues to seek ways to diversify its income to ensure a robust financial future. The charity has developed sound financial management systems and along with the support of the team has generated a positive financial outcome for the period. The charity has had success in grant application. 

Page 5 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **STRATEGIC REPORT Financial instruments** 

## **Objectives and policies** 

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. 

## **Cash flow risk** 

The charity's activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The charity uses foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts to hedge these exposure. Interest bearing assets and liabilities are held at fixed rate to ensure certainty of cash flows. 

## **Credit risk** 

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. The charity has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and customers. 

## **Liquidity risk** 

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. 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **Governing document** 

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by  guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. 

## **Net Zero** 

Communities 1st remains committed to reducing our environmental impact and working towards Net Zero. This year, we've focused on embedding sustainability into how we work - from improving energy efficiency in our community spaces to reducing unnecessary travel and paper use. Staff continue to reflect on their individual carbon footprints and explore practical steps to reduce them. While plans to roll out Net Zero training with partners have not yet progressed, we remain committed to supporting the local VCFSE sector to better understand and act on climate-related challenges. As we look ahead, we are exploring new opportunities to measure our progress and build environmental responsibility into our wider organisational planning. 

Page 6 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **Pay Gap** 

Communities 1st believes in equality of opportunity for all. Although Communities 1st employs fewer than 250 staff (currently 57) and is therefore not required to publish gender pay gap information under current legislation, we have chosen to do so voluntarily and would encourage other organisations in the sector to do the same. As of 1 April 2024, the median and mean hourly earnings for male and female employees are as follows: 

||**Male hourly earnings (£)**|**Female hourly earnings (£)**|**Difference (£)**|**Difference (%)**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Median|12.00|13.96|-1.96|-16.33%|
|Mean|14.21|14.76|-0.55|-3.83%|



For comparison, the UK gender pay gap reported by the Office for National Statistics in 2024 was 7% in favour of men. In contrast, the gender pay gap at Communities 1st is 16.33% (median) and 3.83% (mean) in favour of women. This means that, on average, women at Communities 1st earn more than men. It is important to highlight that the gender pay gap reflects the difference in average earnings across all roles within the organisation and is not a measure of equal pay for the same or similar work. Communities 1st's gender pay gap does not present a concern, however gender pay and equal pay will continue to be monitored closely. 

## **MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATED BODIES** 

Communities 1st is proud to be part of a range of national and local networks. These memberships help us and our members access valuable resources, share best practice, and contribute to wider conversations shaping the future of the voluntary and community sector. 

We are members or partners of: 

- Armed Forces Covenant 

- Community Help Hertfordshire (CHH) 

- Community Transport Association (CTA) 

- EMD UK 

- Locality 

- National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) 

- Vision for Volunteering 

- Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership (VCSEP) 

- Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN) 

- Volunteering Herts 

- National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) 

## **PLEDGES AND QUALITY MARKS** 

We actively uphold a range of recognised pledges and quality marks that reflect our dedication to fair pay, equality, the wellbeing of staff and volunteers, digital security, and environmental responsibility.  We are proud to hold the following: - Living Wage Employer 

- Disability Confident Employer 

- Armed Forces Covenant (Bronze) 

- Mindful Employer 

- Herts Healthy Workplace 

- Cyber Essentials 

- Net Zero Gold+ 

- Matrix Standard (for information, advice and guidance) 

- LIQA 

- Age Friendly employer 

Page 7 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number** 11875362 (England and Wales) 

## **Registered Charity number** 

1187164 

## **Registered office** 

Ver House Frogmore St Albans AL2 2DR 

## **Trustees** 

Jason John (Chair) Sarah Yexley (Vice-chair) Ross Gemmell (Treasurer) Roberta Beaton Chris Cloke Joy Dobbs Ann Harrison John Howson Sue Pearlman Ann Rogers Karl Wilding Julia Tilbury - Co-optee - joined in January 2025 Madeleine Clark - Co-optee - joined in January 2025 

## **Company Secretary** 

S M Craker 

## **Senior Statutory Auditor** 

Neil C Harding 

## **Auditors** 

Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Croft Chambers 11 Bancroft Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 1JQ 

## **AUDITORS** 

The auditors,  Bradshaw Johnson, will be proposed for re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. 

Page 8 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

Report of the trustees, incorporating a strategic report, approved by order of the board of trustees, as the company directors, on 30 October 2025 and signed on the board's behalf by: 

J J John - Trustee 

Page 9 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

The trustees (who are also the directors of Communities 1st for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland". 

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). 

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 the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to 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. 

In so far as the trustees are aware: 

- there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware; and 

- the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. 

Page 10 



## **REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Communities 1st (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position, the 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 applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'. 

In our opinion the financial statements: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; 

- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'; and 

- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

## **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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company 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 charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are 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. 

## **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 Report of the Independent Auditors 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. 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. 

## **Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006** 

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

- the information given in the Report of the Trustees for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

- the Report of the Trustees has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

Page 11 



**REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Report of the Trustees. 

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: 

- adequate accounting records have not been kept or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

- certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) 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. 

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company'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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

## **Our 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 a Report of the Independent Auditors 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. 

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

We considered the nature of the Charitable Company's industry and its control environment, and reviewed the Charitable Company's documentation of their policies and procedures relating to fraud and compliance with laws and regulations. We also enquired of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities. 

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the Charitable Company operates in, and identified the key laws and regulations that: 

- had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. These included the UK Companies Act, Charities Act and tax legislation; and 

- do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental to the Charitable Company's ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. 

We discussed among the audit engagement team regarding the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and how and where fraud might occur in the financial statements. 

In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override. In addressing the risk of fraud through management override of controls, we tested the appropriateness of journal entries and other adjustments; assessed whether the judgements made in making accounting estimates are indicative of a potential bias; and evaluated the Charitable Company's rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of business. 

Page 12 



**REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

In addition to the above, our procedures to respond to the risks identified included the following: 

- reviewing financial statement disclosures by testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with provisions of relevant laws and regulations described as having a direct effect on the financial statements; 

- performing analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships that may indicate risks of material misstatement due to fraud; 

- enquiring of management and external legal counsel concerning actual and potential litigation and claims, and instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations; and 

- reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance, reviewing internal audit reports and reviewing any correspondence with HMRC. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors. 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, 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 charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' 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 the charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Neil C Harding (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Bradshaw Bradshaw Johnson Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Croft Chambers 11 Bancroft Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 1JQ 

9 December 2025 

Page 13 



## **COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

|Notes<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>3<br>Investment income<br>4<br>**Total**<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>5<br>Purposes of the charity<br>**NET INCOME**<br>**Transfers between funds**<br>15<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|Unrestricted<br>fund<br>£<br>1,531,048<br>20,394<br>1,551,442<br>1,516,504<br>34,938<br>(2,671)<br>32,267<br>886,286<br>918,553|Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>80,000<br>-<br>80,000<br>65,343<br>14,657<br>2,671<br>17,328<br>180,367<br>197,695|31.3.25<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>1,611,048<br>20,394<br>1,631,442<br>1,581,847<br>49,595<br>-<br>49,595<br>1,066,653<br>1,116,248|31.3.24<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>1,340,957<br>11,513|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||1,352,470|
|||||1,320,325|
|||||32,145<br>-|
|||||32,145<br>1,034,508|
|||||1,066,653|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 14 



## **COMMUNITIES 1ST (REGISTERED NUMBER: 11875362)** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION** 

## **31 MARCH 2025** 

|Notes<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible assets<br>11<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors<br>12<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>13<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**<br>**LIABILITIES**<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>**FUNDS**<br>15<br>Unrestricted funds<br>Restricted funds<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Unrestricted<br>fund<br>£<br>34,189<br>130,579<br>1,238,328<br>1,368,907<br>(484,543)<br>884,364<br>918,553<br>918,553|Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>85,545<br>-<br>112,150<br>112,150<br>-<br>112,150<br>197,695<br>197,695|31.3.25<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>119,734<br>130,579<br>1,350,478<br>1,481,057<br>(484,543)<br>996,514<br>1,116,248<br>1,116,248<br>918,553<br>197,695<br>1,116,248|31.3.24<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>173,973<br>257,658<br>1,075,638<br>1,333,296<br>(440,616)<br>892,680<br>1,066,653<br>1,066,653<br>886,286<br>180,367<br>1,066,653|
|---|---|---|---|---|



The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 30 October 2025 and were signed on its behalf by: 

J J John - Trustee 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 15 



## **COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

|Notes<br>**Cash flows from operating activities**<br>Cash generated from operations<br>1<br>Interest paid<br>Net cash provided by operating activities<br>**Cash flows from investing activities**<br>Purchase of tangible fixed assets<br>Interest received<br>Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities<br>**Change in cash and cash equivalents in the**<br>**reporting period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning**<br>**of the reporting period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the**<br>**reporting period**|31.3.25<br>£<br>261,603<br>(2,422)<br>259,181<br>(4,735)<br>20,394<br>15,659<br>274,840<br>1,075,638<br>1,350,478|31.3.24<br>£<br>156,141<br>(939)<br>155,202<br>(110,631)<br>11,513<br>(99,118)<br>56,084<br>1,019,554<br>1,075,638|
|---|---|---|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 16 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

|**1.**|**RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM**|**OPERATING ACTIVITIES**|**OPERATING ACTIVITIES**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||31.3.25|31.3.24|
|||£|£|
||**Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial**|||
||**Activities)**|49,595|32,145|
||**Adjustments for:**|||
||Depreciation charges|58,974|30,370|
||Interest received|(20,394)|(11,513)|
||Interest paid|2,422|939|
||Decrease/(increase) in debtors|127,079|(73,402)|
||Increase in creditors|43,927|177,602|
||**Net cash provided by operations**|261,603|156,141|



## **2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS** 

|**Net cash**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Total**|At 1.4.24<br>£<br>1,075,638<br>1,075,638<br>1,075,638|Cash flow<br>£<br>274,840<br>274,840<br>274,840|At 31.3.25<br>£<br>1,350,478|
|---|---|---|---|
||||1,350,478|
||||1,350,478|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 17 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **1. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE** 

Communities 1st is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated in England & Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation. 

The address of its registered office is: Ver House Frogmore St Albans AL2 2WH 

The charitable company's financial statements have been prepared in compliance with Charities SORP (FRS 102) as it applies to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. 

## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** 

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

The financial statement are prepared in sterling. 

Communities 1st meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 

## **Going concern** 

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

## **Income** 

All income is recognised once the charitable company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Income is deferred when monies have been received in advance of a service being rendered. The deferred income is released at the point when the service has been rendered. 

## **Donations** 

Donations are recognised when the charitable company 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 charitable company before the charitable company is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those are conditions fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charitable company and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. 

## **Grant receivable** 

Grants are recognised when the charitable company 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 statement of financial position as deferred income to be released. 

continued... 

Page 18 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **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, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset`s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. 

## **Charitable activities** 

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charitable company 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 cost of an indirect nature necessary to support them. 

## **Support costs** 

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time  spent and other costs by their usage. 

## **Governance costs** 

These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees’ meetings and reimbursed expenses. 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Individual fixed assets costing £150 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. 

## **Depreciation and amortisation** 

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

|**Asset class**|**Depreciation method and rate**|
|---|---|
|Motor vehicles|25% reducing balance|
|Equipment and fittings|33% reducing balance|
|Computer equipment|33% reducing balance|



## **Trade debtors** 

Trade debtors are amounts due from voluntary organisations and individuals who have undertaken to fund or meet the cost of services provided. Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to  collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. 

## **Cash and cash equivalents** 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject ot an insignificant risk of change in value. 

## **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 charitable company 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 the amortized  cost using the effective interest method. 

continued... 

Page 19 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Fund accounting** 

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

Restricted 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. 

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **3. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES** 

|Donations<br>Contracts and SLA<br>Grants<br>Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:<br>Hertsmere B Council<br>St Albans D Council<br>Hertfordshire County Council<br>Clarion Housing<br>Hoare Trust<br>Bedfordshire Luton Community<br>Community Action Dacorum - Staying connected<br>NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB - Core 20+<br>UKSPF<br>Healthy Hubs<br>Cadent<br>Luton able 2 enable<br>Broxbourne able 2 enable<br>REND<br>DESP<br>Good Things Foundation<br>Assura PCN<br>E Visa<br>Adass accommodation guides<br>ICS Care Leavers Op<br>Other grants|31.3.25<br>£<br>182,948<br>748,578<br>679,522<br>1,611,048<br>31.3.25<br>£<br>50,000<br>12,711<br>204,870<br>15,000<br>-<br>-<br>10,271<br>-<br>21,000<br>20,100<br>151,890<br>-<br>-<br>18,000<br>25,740<br>6,000<br>38,948<br>24,540<br>45,000<br>35,000<br>452<br>679,522|31.3.24<br>£<br>216,937<br>853,568<br>270,452|31.3.24<br>£<br>216,937<br>853,568<br>270,452|
|---|---|---|---|
|||1,340,957||
||||31.3.24<br>£<br>1,800<br>12,000<br>97,368<br>17,036<br>25,000<br>2,000<br>10,737<br>21,250<br>21,000<br>18,250<br>30,540<br>1,500<br>7,976<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>3,995|
||||270,452|



continued... 

Page 20 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

|**4.**<br>**INVESTMENT INCOME**<br>Deposit account interest<br>**5.**<br>**CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**<br>Purposes of the charity<br>**6.**<br>**SUPPORT COSTS**<br>Information<br>technology<br>£<br>Purposes of the charity<br>36,398<br>**7.**<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):<br>Auditors' remuneration<br>Depreciation - owned assets|Direct<br>Costs<br>£<br>1,267,299<br>Other<br>£<br>271,850|31.3.25<br>£<br>20,394<br>Support<br>costs (see<br>note 6)<br>£<br>314,548<br>Governance<br>costs<br>£<br>6,300<br>31.3.25<br>£<br>6,300<br>58,974|31.3.24<br>£<br>11,513<br>Totals<br>£<br>1,581,847|31.3.24<br>£<br>11,513<br>Totals<br>£<br>1,581,847|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||Totals<br>£<br>314,548|
|||||31.3.24<br>£<br>6,300<br>30,369|



## **8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** 

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. 

## **Trustees' expenses** 

There were no  trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. 

continued... 

Page 21 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **9. STAFF COSTS** 

|**STAFF COSTS**|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||31.3.25||31.3.24||
||||£||£||
|Wages and salaries||1,205,804|||963,246||
|||1,205,804|||963,246||
|The average monthly number of employees during the year|was as follows:||||||
||||31.3.25||31.3.24||
|Staff|||51||46||
|The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000||||was:|||
||||31.3.25||31.3.24||
|£60,001 - £70,000|||1||1||
|Key management personnel include the Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief|||Executive Officer.||The t|ot|
|employee benefits of the Charity's key management personnel were £113,178 (2023/24: £104,930.11)|||||||
|**2024 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**|||||||
||Unrestricted||Restricted||Total||
|||fund|funds||funds||
|||£|£||£||
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**|||||||
|Donations and legacies|1,279,199||61,758|1,340,957|||
|Investment income||11,513|-||11,513||
|**Total**|1,290,712||61,758|1,352,470|||
|**EXPENDITURE ON**|||||||
|**Charitable activities**|||||||
|Purposes of the charity|1,298,745||21,580|1,320,325|||
|**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**||(8,033)|40,178||32,145||
|**Transfers between funds**||(6,189)|6,189|||-|
|**Net movement in funds**||(14,222)|46,367||32,145||
|**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**|||||||
|Total funds brought forward|900,508||134,000|1,034,508|||
|**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|886,286||180,367|1,066,653|||



Key management personnel include the Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The total employee benefits of the Charity's key management personnel were £113,178 (2023/24: £104,930.11) 

## **10. 2024 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

continued... 

Page 22 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** 

|Fixtures<br>and<br>fittings<br>£<br>**COST**<br>At 1 April 2024<br>37,632<br>Additions<br>1,543<br>Transfer<br>-<br>At 31 March 2025<br>39,175<br>**DEPRECIATION**<br>At 1 April 2024<br>30,200<br>Charge for year<br>2,962<br>Transfer<br>-<br>At 31 March 2025<br>33,162<br>**NET BOOK VALUE**<br>At 31 March 2025<br>6,013<br>At 31 March 2024<br>7,432<br>**12.**<br>**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Trade debtors<br>Prepayments and accrued income<br>**13.**<br>**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Trade creditors<br>Other creditors<br>Accruals and deferred income|Motor<br>vehicles<br>£<br>183,297<br>-<br>14,750<br>198,047<br>30,830<br>50,314<br>14,750<br>95,894<br>102,153<br>152,467<br>|Computer<br>equipment<br>£<br>40,646<br>3,192<br>-<br>43,838<br>26,572<br>5,698<br>-<br>32,270<br>11,568<br>14,074<br>31.3.25<br>£<br>81,048<br>49,531<br>130,579<br>31.3.25<br>£<br>12,594<br>172,286<br>299,663<br>484,543|Totals<br>£<br>261,575<br>4,735<br>14,750|
|---|---|---|---|
||||281,060|
||||87,602<br>58,974<br>14,750|
||||161,326|
||||119,734|
||||173,973|
||||31.3.24<br>£<br>164,771<br>92,887|
||||257,658|
||||31.3.24<br>£<br>29,362<br>145,096<br>266,158|
||||440,616|



Accruals and deferred income includes £260,631 (2024: £214,191) of designated funds relating to monies received in 2023-24 for 2024-25 projects and £nil (2024: £nil) of restricted funds relating to monies received in 2023-24 for 2024-25. 

continued... 

Page 23 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **14. LEASING AGREEMENTS** 

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows: 

|Within one year<br>Between one and five years<br>In more than five years|31.3.25<br>£<br>46,303<br>72,955<br>25,778<br>145,036|31.3.24<br>£<br>39,429<br>84,888<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|||124,317|



**15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Mini-bus grants<br>Para Dance UK<br>Income<br>Capital<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>Net movement in funds, included in the above are a<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Mini-bus grants<br>Para Dance UK<br>Capital<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1.4.24<br>£<br>886,286<br>118,609<br>29,608<br>7,150<br>25,000<br>180,367<br>1,066,653<br>s follows:|Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>34,938<br>(33,064)<br>(32,279)<br>-<br>80,000<br>14,657<br>49,595<br>Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>1,551,442<br>-<br>-<br>80,000<br>80,000<br>1,631,442|Transfers<br>between<br>funds<br>£<br>(2,671)<br>-<br>2,671<br>-<br>-<br>2,671<br>-<br>Resources<br>expended<br>£<br>(1,516,504 )<br>(33,064)<br>(32,279)<br>-<br>(65,343)<br>(1,581,847 )|At<br>31.3.25<br>£<br>918,553<br>85,545<br>-<br>7,150<br>105,000|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||197,695|
|||||1,116,248|
|||||Movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>34,938<br>(33,064)<br>(32,279)<br>80,000|
|||||14,657|
|||||49,595|



continued... 

Page 24 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

## **Comparatives for movement in funds** 

|Net<br>movement<br>At 1.4.23<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>900,508<br>(8,033)<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Mini-bus grants<br>134,000<br>(21,580)<br>Para Dance UK<br>-<br>29,608<br>Income<br>-<br>7,150<br>Capital<br>-<br>25,000<br>134,000<br>40,178<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>1,034,508<br>32,145<br>Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:<br>Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>1,290,712<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Mini-bus grants<br>-<br>Para Dance UK<br>29,608<br>Income<br>7,150<br>Capital<br>25,000<br>61,758<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>1,352,470|Transfers<br>between<br>funds<br>£<br>(6,189)<br>6,189<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>6,189<br>-<br>Resources<br>expended<br>£<br>(1,298,745 )<br>(21,580)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(21,580)<br>(1,320,325 )|At<br>31.3.24<br>£<br>886,286<br>118,609<br>29,608<br>7,150<br>25,000<br>180,367<br>1,066,653<br>Movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>(8,033)<br>(21,580)<br>29,608<br>7,150<br>25,000<br>40,178<br>32,145|
|---|---|---|



Mini-bus - This is monies received to purchase shopper buses. 

Page 25 

continued... 



**COMMUNITIES 1ST** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** 

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025. 

Page 26