Leeds Destitute Asylum-Seekers Support Charity Number 1190001
Annual Report and financial statements for the period 18[th] June 2020 to 30[th] June 2021
LEDAS (Charity Number: 1190001)
Charity Information
DIRECTORS: G Tober (Chair) S Brown J Willison (Secretary) T Pickles M Thornfield (Treasurer) REGISTERED OFFICE: 20 Moss Gardens Leeds LS17 7BH REGISTERED NUMBER: 1190001 (England and Wales) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: T P Lawler
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Trustees’ report for the year ended 30 June 2021
Review of the year
This was our first year of operation as a charity, and we have achieved a considerable amount during the year.
We formed the charity to provide housing and support to destitute asylum-seekers with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) with the knowledge that as a result of the global pandemic, some of the previously available provision (night shelters and in-home hosting) would not be able to resume as the restrictions were lifted.
Soon after founding, we became aware of 8 destitute asylum seekers who had been provided with temporary accommodation as part of Leeds City Council’s all-in programme, would need to find alternative accommodation provision before the end of November 2020.
These individuals were all NRPF asylum seekers – as a result they are not permitted to work, and have no entitlement to claim benefits. They are therefore at risk of becoming destitute / street-homeless.
Leeds City Council provided us with a one off grant payment through Public Health monies to support the prevention and spread of COVID-19 in the city during the height of the pandemic. This funding, of £16,000, came at a time when night shelter facilities were unable to operate due to the Public Health risks. Together with considerable practical support and assistance from Leeds City Council, we were able to locate, rent, furnish and prepare our two current houses. The grant covered the cost of rent and utility bills for the first few months, and this, together with the practical assistance, was instrumental in the charity being able to initiate its service provision.
One of our residents left the property during the year, and we were able to offer use of the vacant room to another destitute asylum seeker. The new resident was able to take up their place within just a few days of the previous resident leaving, and as a result during this year we have provided the equivalent of over 1,600 nights of accommodation.
Part of our aim is for the residents to be able to live with a sense of dignity. Towards this we are very grateful for the Orlander Trust who have paid for weekly deliveries of fresh fruit and vegetables for our residents, and to the Leeds Conversation Club, who have been able to arrange funding to cover the cost of a monthly telephone top-up for our residents. These two items have had a big impact on the quality of life of our residents.
We have also explored other opportunities for our residents to engage in the local community and develop self-supporting interests. For example, with the assistance of local project Growing Friendship, residents in one of the houses are now growing a selection of vegetables in the house’s yard.
The charity has received further funding from other organisations (detailed below) and donations from a number of individuals over the year. We therefore leave the year with an active service and in a financially sound position.
The trustees wish to express their thanks to all those who have supported the charity over the year, whether financially, with donations of food, clothing or other items, or with offers of practical help and support.
Summary of current operations and activities
We commenced renting two 4-bedroom properties in Leeds at the end of November 2020. Since this date, we have been providing accommodation and services to 8 individual asylum seekers who would otherwise be street homeless.
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Each of our residents has their own bedroom, and access to the other shared facilities in their house (kitchen, bathroom and living room). We provide basic food items, household consumables and a small weekly financial allowance.
As a result we are now providing a living environment which offers physical safety, the ability to observe appropriate levels of hygiene during the Covid pandemic, and the chance for our residents to live in dignity.
We have held weekly meetings with the residents and offered practical assistance and support. This has included assisting residents to attend medical appointments and encouraging the residents to avail themselves of the Covid-19 vaccines.
The other main activity undertaken by the trustees over the year were:
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fundraising, to cover the costs of running the charity
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looking for other potential accommodation providers – ideally benevolent landlords who would be willing to rent properties to us at below-market rates.
Reserves Policy
The trustees have decided that the charity should hold reserves equivalent to 3 months’ forecast operating costs (£12,000).
Trustee appointments
The charity is run by the trustees with a small team of volunteers. It does not employ any staff.
The current trustees founded the charity. Trustees are normally to be appointed for a 2 year term. To provide for continuity, an initial term of office of between 1 and 3 years was agreed for each trustee, as stated in the charity’s constitution. At the end of a trustee’s term of office, they may stand for re-appointment for a standard 2 year term.
Risk Management
To manage the risks faced by the charity, the trustees have put in place a number of policies covering topics including safeguarding, health and safety and data privacy. Procedures have been established to cover how asylum seekers may be referred to the charity and subsequently assessed for the suitability of living in the charity’s accommodation. All residents agree to abide by the charity’s rules and procedures for living in our accommodation. These include rules relating to living in a Covid-safe environment.
Summary of grants received
Leeds City Council (Public Health) - £16,000 for initial costs of property, utilities and council tax Scurrah Wainwright Charity - £5,382 for property costs West Riding Masonic Charity - £819 for equipment and appliances Orlander Trust - £1,000 for fresh fruit and vegetables Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux - £2,800 for living costs Sisters of the Cross and Passion CIO - £7,072 for bus passes and travel Funding via Leeds Conversation Club - £1,280 for mobile phone top-ups Church Homeless Trust - £716 towards residents allowances Hillards Charitable Trust - £1000 unrestricted Leeds City Council (Mice money from counsellors) - £200 unrestricted.
The charity received donations from private donors and groups totalling £17,547.
6[th] July 2021 _____ ____ Dr Gillian Tober Date Chair of trustees
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of LEDAS
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2021, which are set out on pages 6 to 7.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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LEDAS (Charity Number: 1190001)
Statement of Financial Activities (prepared on a cash basis) for the Year Period 18 June 2020 - 30 June 2021
| INCOME Grants and donations from charitable trusts Leeds City Council (All in programme) Scurrah Wainwright Charity West Riding Masonic Charity Leeds Conversation Club Church Homeless Trust Orlander Trust Sisters of the Holy Family of Bordeaux Sisters of the Cross and Passion CIO Hillards Charitable Trust Leeds City Council (Councilor’s MICE money) Donations and fundraising Donations eligible for gift aid Other donations Other income Gift aid reclaim EXPENDITURE Property and residents’ expenditure Rent and contribution to Landlords’ costs Residents’ weekly allowances and expenses Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water) Council tax TV Licences Household consumables General repairs and upkeep General expenses and one-off purchases Equipment and appliances Set up expenses Insurance Organisation membership fees Net surplus |
30/06/2021 Restricted 30/06/2021 Unrestricted 30/06/2021 Total 16,000 5,382 819 1,280 716 1,000 2,800 7,072 1,000 200 16,000 5,382 819 1,280 716 1,000 2,800 7,072 1,000 200 14,508 3,039 14,508 3,039 2,731 2,731 |
|---|---|
| 35,069 21,478 56,547 30/06/2021 Restricted 30/06/2021 Unrestricted 30/06/2021 Total 14,356 3,200 3,485 1,507 3,700 367 267 230 14,356 6,900 3,485 1,507 367 267 230 816 269 282 694 60 1085 282 694 60 |
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| 23,364 5,869 29,233 |
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| 11,705 15,610 27,314 |
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| Balance Sheet at 30 June 2021 Fixed Assets Current Assets Cash at bank and in hand 27,314 Debtors 0 Net Current Assets Creditors 0 Total assets less current liabilities Net Assets |
30.4.2021 £ 0 27,314 27,314 27,314 27,314 |
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