2025-12-31-accounts - Hidden Help

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01/01/2025 To 31/12/2025

Charity name: Hidden Help

Charity registration number: 1193305

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	1. To relieve those in need, especially (but not exclusively) those rehoused after seeking refuge from domestic violence, asylum seekers, the long term unemployed, the homeless, those with chronic illness or disability, ex-offenders & veterans from the armed forces by providing such practical assistance or support as the trustees deem fit. 2. To advance education by proving training and training resources to increase the employment opportunities and potential of (but not limited to) those reintegrating into society, re-locating or in long term unemployment. 3. To relieve financial hardship by such means as the trustees deem fit.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	Helping those in urgent need in Cornwall to make a new home and a fresh start with recycled household items from the local community. We help those referred to us by Social Services and other statutory bodies. We run a warehouse to store donated items, as well as two vans to collect and distribute items. We also have a shop to sell vintage items to raise funds. We engage the community through our contacts, our website and social media.

		We employ two part time admins to help us with these activities and processes.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	We are aware of the guidance and run the charity for the sole purpose of benefiting our clients (those in need) and to do it in a sustainable manner which repurposes items from the local community and avoids waste to landfill. No trustee or volunteer benefits financially from the charity operations other than recompense for expenses. We are not aware of any harms resulting from our charity.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: SORP reference We have not offered any grants. Para 1.38 Policy on grant making We have no social investments. Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment In order for the charity to function at low cost, and to provide household items to clients for free, the charity relies on Para 1.38 volunteers to support its work. For example, Contribution made by someone to do stock checks, to drive the volunteers van, to carry furniture and household items into client homes, (and of course, the trustees are all unpaid volunteers). Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	2025 was a very significant year for the charity as we moved location around May to take over a site which is significantly bigger and which also provides more space for our charity shop. We also replaced one of our charity vans with a newer one. We completed 601 referrals, up from 571 the previous year, helping 753 adults and 476 children with furniture and other household items (for free). Since the shop now has more space, we have been able to raise more funds to support the charity via our shop. Our social media following on Facebook increased 16% from 6.9K to over 8K followers. Our clients themselves are very thankful for the support they receive which helps them with basic necessities to live a more decent life and to then focus on other things.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

We do not set targets for the number of clients we support other than to meet the Achievements against needs of those clients referred to us, (which objectives set Para 1.41

		generally speaking is increasing). Financially, our main objective is to remain financially sustainable, ideally with greater income than expenditure or with enough funds in the bank for the near future (6-9 months).
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	2024 we had a significant Crowdfunder campaign. In 2025 we did not repeat this to avoid donor fatigue. Our new, larger, site helped shop sales increase to £64,659 (versus £28,621 in 2024), due in no small part to its highly dedicated team of shop volunteers. This has provided a more stable income stream to the charity, thereby making it less reliant on donations and grants. We received only £600 (£16,768) in grants. Similarly, we received £15,168 (£25,938) in donations (excluding the crowdfunder), and a gift aid reclaim yielded £4,643 (£722).
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	We make no investments other than savings account interest in order to try to preserve our funds against inflation. Interest earned increased to £2,711 (£1,300)
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	The charity’s financial position is healthy, with total cash and bank accounts at £95,804.03
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	The trustees believe that it is necessary to hold reserves of about 9-12 months of running costs in order to support the continuity of the charity and cover crucial key costs such as the warehouses, staff, vans and insurance etc, since its expenses are relatively predictable, but income is less predictable, although more so since the expansion of the shop. It also spends cash on the purchase of some new items for clients which cannot be obtained second hand via donations.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£50.85K target
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	N/A

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	Shop sales Donations Grants
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	N/A


A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	Lack of drivers Fire Safeguarding issue Lack of volunteers / key volunteers leave
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:		N/A
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Written constitution
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	CIO
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	Appointment of charity trustees (1) Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. (2) In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CiO.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	Appraised of the charity policies, procedures, the role of a trustee, charity values etc.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	Day to day the charity is run by: Admin (part-time employee) The Founder Volunteers Office Manager (part-time employee)

Trustees who also physically volunteer The charity currently has five trustees, including a Chair, as well as treasurer (volunteer) and two part time admin staff and one part time driver. We received referrals from over 80 different organisations in Cornwall, including housing associations and Cornwall Council. Relationship with any related parties Para 1.51 Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Hidden Help
Other name the charity uses	Hidden Help Cornwall
Registered charity number	1193305
Charity’s principal address	Unit 3 Wheal Rose Estate Scorrier Redruth Truro TR16 5FJ

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
Judith Backus	Founder
Sinead Hanks	Trustee
Merissa Macinnes	Trustee
Jake Backus	Chair
Kate Martyn	Trustee	10 November 2025	Board

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address adviser Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

----- Start of picture text -----
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s) JAKE JAMES ROBERT
STEVE IRWIN
BACKUS
Position (eg CHAIR TREASURER
Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date
13/08/2026 13/08/2026
----- End of picture text -----

HH Treasurer’s report - 2025

Current account balances as at 31.12.2025 (figures for 2024 in brackets)

Metro £7,791	Metro £7,791	(£5,827 )
Metro deposit £6,055		(£26,358)
United Trust Bank	£78,695	(£61,080)
SumUp	£2,411	(£4,531)
Wise £840		(£0)
Paypal £5		(£5)
Cash £7		(£7)
Total £95,804		(£97,810)
Unrestricted funds	£95,804
Restricted funds	£0

This report is for the year ended 31.12 2025. The cash basis of accounting has been used in the preparation of these accounts.

The charity helps those in urgent need in Cornwall to make a new home and a fresh start with recycled household items from the local community. The charity derives most of its income from the sale of donated items at its weekly shop, monetary donations by individuals and corporate bodies, and grants from local government and other trusts.

The charity has seen an increased demand for its services in 2025, fulfilling 601 (571) successful referrals that benefitted 753 adults and 476 children.

Income

The total income for the charity was £90,405 (£124,958), a decrease of 28%. This might at first appear worrying, but the figure for 2024 was flattered by a hugely successful summer crowdfunder campaign which raised over £51,000. This crowdfunder was not repeated in 2025 to avoid donor fatigue. Instead, in summer 2025 the charity entered into a long term lease on favourable terms for a much bigger site. The site now allows for an enhanced operational base and a substantially bigger shop. As a result, shop sales increased to £64,659 (£28,621), due in no small part to its highly dedicated team of shop volunteers. This has provided a more stable income stream to the charity, thereby making it less reliant on donations and grants which have reduced noticeably. We received only £600 (£16,768) in grants. Similarly, we received £15,168

(£25,938) in donations (excluding the crowdfunder). Interest earned increased to £2,711 (£1,300) and a gift aid reclaim yielded £4,643 (£722).

Expenditure

Total expenditure by the charity in 2025 was £92,412 (£73,238), an increase of 26%. There were some major drivers for this increase. Salaries increased from £9,003 to £20,374 due to the hiring of a part-time Office Manager and part-time Driver. One of these positions was

mostly paid for by a restricted grant received late in 2024 and this grant will be repeated again in 2026.

The move to new premises incurred some one-off costs, such as solicitor’s fees, asbestos surveys, installation of a fire alarm system, extinguishers and emergency lighting, plus the creation of a working environment in the warehouse with racking and storage. The shop also incurred some one-off expenses in developing a small cafe to run alongside the shop. These expenses won’t be repeated in 2026 and the new premises will deliver on-going cost savings of £7,000 per annum.

A newer, bigger van was purchased to replace one that was becoming increasingly unreliable but this was bought at a net price of only £10,719 (£16,920). Both vans have been operational due to increased activity leading to a doubling of fuel costs to £4,864. The charity spent £6,263 (£5,893) on household essentials like microwaves, clothes rails and curtain poles that are necessary for people moving accommodation but are not usually donated. Many of these purchases used to be financed by restricted grants received from Cornwall councillors, but this was greatly reduced in 2025 with only £600 (£2,568) received.

Net income / deficit for the charity

The charity has had an overall deficit of income over expenditure of £2,006.

Restricted funds

The charity spent its remaining restricted funds in 2025 leaving a zero restricted balance.

Financial outlook

The charity has reached the end of its fifth year post-transition to a charitable incorporated organisation and its income and expenditure are both increasing but with a good reserve.

The move to bigger premises has allowed the charity to expand its activities, necessary at a time of increasing requests for its services. The extra space has allowed the charity to store more items and improve its processes, and also to enlarge and improve the shop to help fund its activities, guarding itself against a noticeable dropoff in discretionary donations and grants. This increased sales turnover will shortly force the charity to register for, or apply for exemption from, VAT reporting. I would expect the charity to show reduced running costs in 2026 once the one-off move costs work through and the reduced rental is felt. This assumes no further vans or other large purchases become necessary.

The increased demand on the charity’s services in 2025 is likely to continue into 2026 and the charity has positioned itself well by taking on larger storage facilities and by engaging additional part time staff alongside extra volunteers to assist in logistics and administration. Unless there are any unforeseen material changes, the charity is in a well funded position for 2026.

HH-Selected Accounts

10/02/26

Net Worth Report

As of 31/12/25 (in Pounds)

Page 1

Acct	31/12/'25 Balance
ASSETS Cash and Bank Accounts Cash Account Metro Metro Deposit Paypal SumUp United Trust Bank UTB Instant Deposit Wise TOTAL Cash and Bank Accounts TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES OVERALL TOTAL	7.08 7,790.67 6,055.14 5.00 2,410.74 63,492.84 15,202.48 840.08
	95,804.03
	95,804.03 0.00
	95,804.03

HH-Bank,Cash,CC Accounts

10/02/26

Cash Flow Report 01/01/25 Through 31/12/25 (in Pounds)

Page 1

Category Description	01/01/'25- 31/12/'25
	6,600.00 6,600.00 2,870.00 1,566.00 4,131.73 8,567.73 472.14 693.48 1,460.00 2,625.62 56.00 64,602.53 64,658.53 600.00 4,642.66 2,710.93 90,405.47 225.95 175.00 236.00 3,500.00 169.89 926.65 173.81 27,711.00 74.75 265.82 30.98 1,229.23 1,837.60 53.12 36,609.80 934.93 54.39 989.32 1,189.00 4,182.63 826.50 64.55 6,262.68 51.00 830.67 181.59 125.00 42.45 42.25
INFLOWS
01 Planned regular giving: Gift aided TOTAL 01 Planned regular giving 03 Misc Cash Gifts: Delivery Fee Gift Aided Not Gift Aided TOTAL 03 Misc Cash Gifts 04 Fund raising: Christmas Gift Catalogue Crowdfunding Plant Sale TOTAL 04 Fund raising 05 Shop sales: Lays Auction Primrose TOTAL 05 Shop sales 06 Restricted grants 09 Gift Aid Refund 10 Interest Income TOTAL INFLOWS
OUTFLOWS
10 Warehouse expenses: Business Rates Clothing Electrical Fire System Heater Other Relocation Rent Repairs Safety Signs Skips Storage Purchases Sundries TOTAL 10 Warehouse expenses 11 Shop expenses (non utility): Cafe General TOTAL 11 Shop expenses (non utility) 13 Purchases for clients: Clothes rails Microwaves Poles TV Stands TOTAL 13 Purchases for clients 14 Charity Administration costs: Bank Fees Card Fees Entertainment Inspection Laptop Other

HH-Bank,Cash,CC Accounts

10/02/26

Page 2

Cash Flow Report

01/01/25 Through 31/12/25 (in Pounds)

Category Description	01/01/'25- 31/12/'25
Postage Printer Professional Fees Salaries Signs Software Stationery Training TOTAL 14 Charity Administration costs 15 Utility Bills: Electricity Internet Phone Water TOTAL 15 Utility Bills 16 Vehicle costs: Accessories Breakdown Cover Fuel Insurance Maintenance Repairs Tax Van Purchase TOTAL 16 Vehicle costs TOTAL OUTFLOWS OVERALL TOTAL	4.80 184.37 3,971.40 20,373.61 374.38 1,463.66 44.60 114.00 27,803.78 225.70 121.00 304.32 206.43 857.45 161.96 9.81 4,863.94 1,491.31 1,352.56 600.00 690.00 10,718.93 19,888.51 92,411.54 -2,006.07

HH-Selected Accounts

10/02/26

Comparison Report

01/01/24 Through 31/12/25 (in Pounds)

Category Description	01/01/'24- 31/12/'24	01/01/'25- 31/12/'25
	7,605.00 7,605.00 2,130.00 2,396.00 13,807.18 18,333.18 851.27 51,865.73 535.00 53,252.00 204.88 28,621.40 151.50 28,977.78 9,768.00 5,000.00 722.43 1,300.18 124,958.57 224.48 0.00 0.00 1,188.36 0.00 0.00 1,125.30 0.00 0.00 29,050.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 207.92 39.58 0.00 31,835.64 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,097.00 3,195.25 1,481.20 120.00 0.00 5,893.45 240.00	6,600.00 6,600.00 2,870.00 1,566.00 4,131.73 8,567.73 472.14 693.48 1,460.00 2,625.62 56.00 64,602.53 0.00 64,658.53 600.00 0.00 4,642.66 2,710.93 90,405.47 225.95 175.00 236.00 0.00 3,500.00 169.89 0.00 926.65 173.81 27,711.00 74.75 265.82 30.98 1,229.23 1,837.60 53.12 36,609.80 934.93 54.39 989.32 1,189.00 4,182.63 826.50 0.00 64.55 6,262.68 0.00
INCOME
01 Planned regular giving: Gift aided TOTAL 01 Planned regular giving 03 Misc Cash Gifts: Delivery Fee Gift Aided Not Gift Aided TOTAL 03 Misc Cash Gifts 04 Fund raising: Christmas Gift Catalogue Crowdfunding Plant Sale TOTAL 04 Fund raising 05 Shop sales: Lays Auction Primrose Scrap TOTAL 05 Shop sales 06 Restricted grants 07 Unrestricted Grants 09 Gift Aid Refund 10 Interest Income TOTAL INCOME




EXPENSES
10 Warehouse expenses: Business Rates Clothing Electrical Fire Extinguishers Fire System Heater Insurance Other Relocation Rent Repairs Safety Signs Skips Storage Purchases Sundries TOTAL 10 Warehouse expenses 11 Shop expenses (non utility): Cafe General TOTAL 11 Shop expenses (non utility) 13 Purchases for clients: Clothes rails Microwaves Poles slats TV Stands TOTAL 13 Purchases for clients 14 Charity Administration costs: Accountancy

HH-Selected Accounts

10/02/26

Comparison Report

01/01/24 Through 31/12/25 (in Pounds)

Category Description	01/01/'24- 31/12/'24	01/01/'25- 31/12/'25
Advertising Bank Fees Card Fees DBS Entertainment Eyewear Inspection Laptop Memberships Other Postage Printer Professional Fees Salaries Signs Software Stationery Training TOTAL 14 Charity Administration costs 15 Utility Bills: Electricity Internet Phone Water TOTAL 15 Utility Bills 16 Vehicle costs: Accessories Breakdown Cover Fuel Insurance Maintenance Repairs Tax Van Purchase TOTAL 16 Vehicle costs TOTAL EXPENSES TOTAL INCOME - EXPENSES	737.78 0.00 491.80 36.00 45.20 50.00 0.00 0.00 55.00 97.25 0.00 0.00 666.76 9,003.43 0.00 108.00 204.48 0.00 11,735.70 638.71 0.00 558.35 0.00 1,197.06 15.53 147.46 2,440.17 1,458.95 1,259.63 0.00 335.00 16,919.54 22,576.28 73,238.13 51,720.44	0.00 51.00 830.67 0.00 181.59 0.00 125.00 42.45 0.00 42.25 4.80 184.37 3,971.40 20,373.61 374.38 1,463.66 44.60 114.00 27,803.78 225.70 121.00 304.32 206.43 857.45 161.96 9.81 4,863.94 1,491.31 1,352.56 600.00 690.00 10,718.93 19,888.51 92,411.54 -2,006.07

----- Start of picture text -----
Charity Name No (if any)
Hidden Help 1193305
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period Period start date Period end date
To
from 01/01/2025 31/12/2025
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Donations 15,168 - - 15,168 25,938
Receipts 2,625 - - 2,625 53,252
Charitable shop sales 64,659 - - 64,659 28,978
Grants - 600 - 600 14,768
Gift aid refund 4,642 - - 4,642 722
Interest 2,711 - - 2,711 1,300
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total (Gross income for
89,805 600 - 90,405 124,958
AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 89,805 600 - 90,405 124,958
A3 Payments
Donated goods storage expenses 36,610 - - 36,610 31,836
Shop expenses 989 - - 989 -
Premises repairs - - - - -
Direct purchaes for clients 5,517 746 - 6,263 5,893
Salaries 15,835 4,539 - 20,374 9,003
Bank and card fees 882 - - 882 492
Insurance - - - - -
Repairs and admin sundries 6,548 - - 6,548 2,241
Utilities 857 - - 857 1,197
Vehicle running costs 9,169 - - 9,169 5,656
Sub total [ 76,407 ] 5,285 - 81,692 56,318
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
Van 10,719 - - 10,719 16,920
- - - -
Sub total [ 10,719 ] - - 10,719 16,920
Total payments 87,126 5,285 - 92,411 73,238
Net of receipts/(payments) 2,679 - 4,685 - - 2,006 51,720
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 93,125 4,685 - 97,810 46,090
Cash funds this year end 95,804 - - 95,804 97,810
----- End of picture text -----

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

10/02/2026

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets	Signature Details Details Bank accounts Deposit accounts Cash Details Details *Total cash funds* (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 17,102 - 78,695 - 7 - 95,804 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name JAKE BACKUS	Endowment funds to nearest £ - - -
			-
			OK
			Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - - When due (optional) Date of approval 16/02/2026

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

10/02/2026

Hidden Help

Independent Examiner’s Report

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Hidden Help for the year ended 31 December 2025, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Summary Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet, and the related notes.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is therefore required.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters.

The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’. Accordingly, this report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

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:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 (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); or
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

I have no other concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Additional Comments and Observations

Without qualifying my independent examination opinion, I note the following developments undertaken by the trustees which are expected to enhance the charity’s financial robustness, governance framework, and operational resilience.

Implementation of Xero Accounting System

During the period, the charity has commenced the implementation of Xero cloud-based accounting software. This represents a significant enhancement to the charity’s financial reporting infrastructure and record-keeping processes.

The introduction of Xero is expected to improve the accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of financial information. It provides the trustees with improved visibility over the charity’s financial position through real - time reporting, whilst also strengthening internal controls through a clearer audit trail and improved segregation of accounting data.

This transition supports more efficient preparation of financial statements and ensures that the charity’s accounting records are maintained in line with best practice financial reporting standards.

Banking Arrangements and Continuity

The trustees have strengthened the charity’s financial resilience through the establishment of a banking relationship with Lloyds Bank. This additional banking facility enhances operational continuity and reduces dependency on a single banking provider.

The introduction of dual banking arrangements improves safeguarding of cash flow operations, including the receipt of income and processing of payments, and provides greater flexibility in managing day-to-day financial transactions. This is considered a prudent governance measure supporting continuity of service delivery.

VAT Registration Planning

The charity is progressing plans to register for Value Added Tax (VAT) in the near future. This is intended to enable the recovery of input VAT on eligible expenditure, thereby improving the overall efficiency of resource utilisation.

Based on the nature of the charity’s activities, it is anticipated that outputs will largely be outside the scope of VAT or may qualify for zero-rating or other beneficial VAT treatment. As a result, VAT registration is expected to allow recovery of input tax on qualifying costs without adversely impacting the charity’s funding streams.

The trustees are currently reviewing the timing and structure of VAT registration to ensure compliance with HMRC requirements whilst maximising recoverable input VAT. This forms part of a broader strategy to improve financial efficiency and strengthen the charity’s funding capacity.

Overall Financial Governance

These initiatives collectively demonstrate a clear commitment by the trustees to strengthening financial systems, improving governance oversight, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The continued development of accounting systems, banking infrastructure, and tax planning reflects a proactive and structured approach to financial management aligned with good practice for charitable organisations.

Adam Sloan ACCA FMAAT AATQB CAT AML Accountancy Solutions Ltd

25 May 2026