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2024-03-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Leatherhead Community Hub

Charity Registration No. 1190394

LEATHERHEAD COMMUNITY HUB

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

WORKING NAME: Leatherhead Community Hub (LCH) CHARITY NUMBER: 1190394 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR: 1st April 2023 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR: 31st March 2024 TRUSTEES WHO SERVED Mr A Moulton (Chair) DURING THIS FINANCIAL YEAR: Mrs J Moore Mrs R Shepherd (resigned 24 March 2024) Mr R Furze Mrs P Horner-Long Mr M Williams Mrs A Lee (appointed 14 November 2023) GOVERNING INSTRUMENT: Established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) under constitution dated 13[th] July 2020 OBJECTS The objectives of the charity are to provide facilities and services for the local community both itself and through acting as an umbrella organisation for other charitable and public/private partners in and around North Leatherhead in Surrey. The charity aims to fulfil these objectives with the help of their partners and a team of experienced volunteers. The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing its aims and objectives and in planning future activities. CORRESPONDENCE: Leatherhead Community Hub Kingston Avenue, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7PX BANKERS: The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Skelmersdale Lancashire WN8 6WT Metro Bank 91A High Street Epsom, Surrey KT19 8DR LEATHERHEAD COMMUNITY HUB (LCH)

TRUSTEES REPORT

Introduction

The Board of Trustees are pleased to present their annual report and accounts for the period ended 31 March 2024.

Structure, Governance and Management

Trustees’ appointment

Trustees are appointed with regard to the skills required by the charity and their dedication to its purposes. The initial trustees have been appointed for a range of periods to ensure continuity. Other trustees are appointed for an initial period of three years. The Trustees meet on a monthly basis to deal with strategic matters, to approve policies and major operational decisions and to monitor the progress of the charity including its finances and risk issues. Daily operational matters are delegated to Management and Operational teams which meet regularly.

The trustees welcomed the appointment of Mrs Amy Lee during the year and are most grateful for the huge contribution made by Mrs Ruth Shepherd who left the Board during the year. Ruth continues to play a very full part as a volunteer.

Trustees Responsibilities

The Charities Act 2011 requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the trust and of the surplus of the trust for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the trust. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other Irregularities.

Partnerships

The charity has been established as an umbrella organisation for several charities with the common aim of serving the people of North Leatherhead and its environs, rebuilding a true sense of community, hope and support. The charity is independent of the partner organisations and there are no formal partnership agreements. Hire agreements are entered into, where relevant, for the use of parts of the community centre. The partners are:

● The Links Centre 2030

The charity is also most grateful for the support it is receiving from Mole Valley District Council and Surrey County Council as we continue to develop services for the area. Achievements and performance

2023-24 was another very busy year for the charity as we expanded rapidly to meet the growing demand for the Old Schoolhouse Café and the many other community activities organised and hosted by LCH, with more than 3,000 visitors to the Hub every month.

Our community café has gone from strength to strength, thanks to the infectious enthusiasm and energy of Rachel, our Café & Operations Manager, and Kitt, our Café Supervisor - and all the brilliant volunteers who give their time helping in the kitchen and serving customers. Takings are up considerably on the previous year and the number of people we welcome for breakfast, coffee and lunch has increased steadily to over 1500 a month.

Our customer survey showed that the Cafe has become an important and much-loved part of the local community. All or nearly all our customers said that the staff and volunteers are friendly, that there is a good choice of food, that it’s affordable, and there is a strong sense of community. Nearly half visit the Café more than once a week and 70% are from the local KT22 postcode. Furthermore, around three-quarters of respondents have taken part in other activities at the Hub, such as art, bingo, book club, bridge, brownies, sewing and yoga, in line with our vision for the Hub to be a place for people to connect, have fun, learn, and get the support they need to thrive.

One regular told us : “The café means everything to us. Like a warm, friendly, caring family, you make us feel loved and part of the community. Thank you so much.”

With rising energy prices and the financial after-effects of the pandemic, this has been a difficult year for many in the local community, which has one of the highest concentrations of foodbank use in the county. LCH has become a safety net for individuals and families who are struggling financially and in other ways. Thanks to funding from Surrey County Council, we continue to be part of their Warm Welcome Network, offering fun and affordable activities, including our monthly community meal (Family Feast) and children’s movie night (Friday Film) and our annual Summer BBQ and Christmas Party.

This year, we ran a Soft Play Zone (with free lunch) to support low-income families during the long summer holidays and hosted several Energy Workshops over the winter months. Our partner organisations, which include All Saints Preschool, Leatherhead Community Fridge and the Foodbank, have also been very active in responding to a wide range of needs, using the Hub as a base to provide vital support to residents of North Leatherhead. We have hosted regular meetings with them and with other local charities to share information and discuss new ways of supporting the local community. All our partners agree that co-location enables us to achieve far more than we could alone.

Our weekly Advice Café, which offers free drop-in advice on debt, benefits and other issues, has become a model for an emerging network of Advice Cafes in Epsom and Tadworth, staffed by advisers from local service providers.

To accommodate this growth in activity, we recruited two new members of staff in 2023/24 and became a registered Living Wage Employer. Ben, our new Caretaker/Assistant Manager, who is often to be found up ladders or down drains, is responsible for the smooth running of the building and provides a cheerful and dependable presence throughout the week. Ben’s role will become even more critical when we take on the lease for the whole building in May 2024. Carley, our Community Development Worker, also joined the team, and is tasked with stimulating community-led activities and facilitating residents’ engagement in decisions affecting the local area. In the short time Carley has been with us, she has already supported a campaign to save the local Post Office and is working with local residents to set up mental health peer support groups and organise community events on a local housing estate that has experienced high levels of anti-social behaviour. She is usually to be found in the Café, having cups of tea, chatting and making plans.

None of this activity would have been possible without the sterling efforts of our fundraising team, led by Becci, and the amazing support of so many individuals and organisations who have generously donated to us over the past year, both financially and in-kind:  Clarion Futures  Community Foundation for Surrey  Erach & Roshan Sadri Foundation  Exxon Mobil  Leatherhead Lions  Liquona  LoCASE (Low Carbon Across the South and East)  Mole Valley District Council  National Lottery Awards for All  National Lottery Community Fund  Nationwide  Rotary Club of Leatherhead  St Giles & St George’s Churches Ashtead  St John’s School, Leatherhead  St Mary’s Church Fetcham  Surrey County Council  Thomas Flack Trust Fund  Toyota  Wates  Your Fund Surrey Small Community Fund.

Thank you also to all our anonymous donors, and to all our other volunteers who help with the management and day-to-day running of LCH, including our fabulous Operations Team, Management Team and Board of Trustees. You know who you are!

Financial Review

The results for the period and the charity’s financial position at 31 March 2024 are shown in the following financial statements.

During the period, the Charity had income of £219,371 and expenditure of £175,148. There was an operating surplus of £44,223.

Voluntary income remained strong and benefitted from a major three-year grant from the National Lottery Community Fund towards utility costs and the costs of employing our new Caretaker/Assistant Manager.

During the year grants were received from a number of trusts and companies including funds for heating and external works.

Restricted funds include a grant of £25,000 from Mole Valley District Council carried forward from the previous year towards the costs of our Community Development Worker. This post was appointed later in the year than previously budgeted.

Cafe takings increased strongly and margins held up well. This was despite keeping prices as low as possible and was due to higher numbers of people using the cafe. Rent from our partners and from external users was satisfactory and grew overall.

On the cost side, salaries increased significantly given the new members of staff appointed as did café supply costs as volumes increased.

The building is an old one and, despite refurbishment, is costly to run especially in the area of utilities and repairs. Utility costs increased significantly in the year. In addition, there were major building refurbishment costs mainly relating to improved air conditioning and heating, tarmac and footpaths and a new shed.

We have been able to build up higher reserves during the year due to the success of operations described above. Given the nature of the building, the Trustees took the decision to set up a Designated Fund of £25,000 towards future major building expenditure.

Planning for the future

In 2024/25 we plan to take on a long-term lease of the whole building, of which we currently occupy the rear half, from Mole Valley District Council.

This will in turn allow us to improve toilet facilities in the front half of the building as well as construct a second meeting room. It will also mean that we can make our own arrangements for utilities, which will hopefully result in cost reductions.

We will continue to build on the success of the café, looking to improve margins with the help of the appointment of a part-time Kitchen Manager, while keeping prices as low as sustainable.

Given the growth we have experienced, we have strengthened the governance of the charity by creating a Management Board and Operations Team beneath the Trustee Board, each with a clear remit. This new structure will continue to bed in during the next year.

Reserves policy

Given the potential volatility of income and the age of the building which may require further investment, we aim to hold a reserve representing between 3 months and 6 months expenditure to ensure that we can meet our ongoing needs. Currently reserve levels are of the order of 4.7 months. The Trustees are satisfied that, for the present, actions have been put in train to ensure the financial viability of the charity.

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 19 October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Chair of Trustees:

A.J. Moulton

Mr A Moulton

19 October 2024

LEATHERHEAD COMMUNITY HUB

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

**Unrestricted ** Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Notes 2024 2024 2024 2023
Incoming resources
Voluntary income
Income from Charitable
Activities
Income from other Trading
Activities
Investment income
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Costs of charitable activities
Costs of fundraising
Total resources expended
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought
forward		 £ £ £ £
2 39,669 83,851 123,520 74,107
3 91,870 0 91,870 74,247
4 2,615 1,366 3,981 1,496
5 0 0 0 0
134,154 85,217 219,371 149,850
6 99,143 72,554 171,697 108,318
3,451 0 3,451 2,123
102,594 72,554 175,148 110,441
31,560 12,663 44,223 39,409
33,540 29,676 63,216 23,807
Total funds carried forward
65,100 42,339 107,439 63,216

LEATHERHEAD COMMUNITY HUB

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
Not
es		 2024 2024 2023
£ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 8 4,290 3,848
Cashat bankandin hand 133,249 68,290
137,539 72138
Creditors: amounts falling due withinone year 9 30,100 8,922
Net current assets 107,439 63,216
Net assets 107,439 63.216
The funds of the charity:
Unrestrictedfunds 10
Unrestrictedrevenuefunds 40,100 33,540
Designatedfunds 25,000 0
65,100 33,540
Restrictedfunds 11 42,339 29,676
Total charity funds 107,439 63,216

Trustee. A.J. Moulton

Approved by the Board on 19 October 2024

LEATHERHEAD COMMUNITY HUB

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED

31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and with the Charities Act 2011.

Incoming resources

Donations

Donations are credited in the year in which they are receivable. Associated gift aid is recognised in the period when the donation is received.

Interest

Interest is credited in the year in which it is receivable.

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred.

2
Voluntary Income
Donations by individuals
Donations by organisations
Grants from trusts
Local Government Grants
Gift Aid
Event income
Total voluntary income
3
Income from Charitable
Activities
Cafe Takings
Rent from LCH partners
Rent for other room hire
Total income from charitable
activities		 2024
2024
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
24,356
18,800
43,156
17,175
5,542
4,525
10,067
10,548
6,000
41,656
47,656
14,719
200
18,870
19,070
29,238
1,145
0
1,145
2,427
2,426
0
2,426
0
39,669
83,851
123,520
74,107
2024
2024
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
65,246
0
65,246
48,941
15,493
0
15,493
13,580
11,131
0
11,131
11,726
91,870
0
91,870
74,247
4
Other trading activities
Event income
Community activities
Total income from other trading
activities
5
Investment income
Bank interest
Total investment income
6
Costs of charitable activities
Salaries
Cafe supplies
Event costs
Community activities
Rent and rates
Utilities
Cleaning supplies
Repairs and maintenance
Building refurbishment
Other building costs
Equipment purchase
Garden costs
Marketing costs
Stationery and IT
Legal costs
Insurance
Other general administrative costs
Total costs of charitable
activities		 2024
£
Unrestricted
2,512
103
2,615
2024
£
Unrestricted
0		 2024
£
Restricted
1,366
0		 2024
£
Total
3878
103		 2023
£
Total
1496
0
1,366 3,981 1,496
2024
£
Restricted
0		 2024
£
Total
0		 2023
£
Total
0
0 0 0 0
2024
£
Unrestricted
31,959
34,340
1,156
496
12,241
0
746
1,637
3,235
5,467
787
1,212
452
0
1,315
2,398		 2024
£
Restricted
19,851
0
2,626
4,745
0
17,369
0
0
24,245
867
0
34
0
0
0
2,011		 2024
£
Total
51,810
34,340
3,782
5,241
12,241
17,369
746
1,637
27,480
6,334
787
1,246
452
0
1,315
4,409		 2023
£
Total
29,144
25,487
3,446
2,152
9,660
7,625
2,597
5,685
3,247
8,636
436
1,076
1,788
1,420
1,099
1,687
99,143 72,554 171,697 108,318

7 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

8
Debtors
Gift aid
Prepayments
Other debtors
Total Debtors
9
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
Creditors and accruals
Loans
Deferred income
Total creditors		 2024
2023
£
£
1,145
2,426
3,145
776
0
646
4,290
3,848
2024
2023
£
£
22,100
5,922
3,000
3,000
5,000
0
30,100
8,922

The loan is unsecured and repayable in the next financial year

10 Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted Funds
Balance at 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Outgoing resources
Less: Designated fund
Balance at 31 March 2024		 £
33,540
134,154
(102,594)
65,100
(25,000)
40,100

11 Restricted Funds

Balance at 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Outgoing resources
Balance at 31 March 2024		 £
29,676
85,217
(72,554)
42,339

Restricted funds analysis (funds 12 carried forward)

National lottery (specific core
costs)
Mole Valley District Council
(Community Development)
Capital build project
Other funds		 8,013
17,589
15,000
1,737
42,339

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Leatherhead Community Hub

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Leatherhead Community Hub (the Trust) for the year ended 31st March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust’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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records.

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.

Signed …………………………………………………….. Print Name ……………………………………………………..

Date ……………………………………………………..

Address ……………………………………………………...