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2025-03-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 223584

Hartlepool Vision Support Unaudited Financial Statements

31 March 2025

TREMAINE

Chartered accountants 19 Tremaine Close Hartlepool TS27 3LE

Hartlepool Vision Support

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2025

Page
Trustees' annual report 1
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Statement of financial position 6
Notes to the financial statements 7
The following pages do not form part of the financial statements
Detailed statement of financial activities 17

Hartlepool Vision Support

Trustees' Annual Report

Year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name Hartlepool Vision Support Charity registration number 223584 Principal office Greenbank Stranton Hartlepool TS24 7QT The trustees K Braithwaite S Wheatley Independent examiner Julie Todd Tremaine Chartered Certified Accountant 19 Tremaine Close Hartlepool TS27 3LE

Structure, governance and management

The organisation is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales on 23rd October 1963. The charity is governed by its Deed of Constitution as amended 4 June 2019.

The charity was formerly known as:

Hartlepool Blind Welfare Association, and The Hartlepools Workshops for the Blind.

The Trustee Board is responsible for the overall governance of the organisation and delegates day-today management and other responsibilities to the manager who is currently Mrs B Harding-Smith.

The manager takes the responsibility for the induction of new Trustee Board members and this induction can include:

The Trustee Board undertakes a yearly Risk Assessment and complies a Risk Register for which for which any know risks to the organisation are identified and plans formulated to address these risks.

1

Hartlepool Vision Support

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Objectives and activities

At Hartlepool Vision Support, our mission is simple yet powerful - to empower people with visual impairments to live life their way. We provide the tools, skills, and support to help people stay independent, connected, and confident, no matter their stage in life.

Achievements and performance

For more than 100 years, we've stood alongside local people, offering not just services, but a community that understands. Whether it's helping someone learn new technology to stay in touch with loved ones, supporting a first trip out after sight loss, or simply offering a friendly voice on the phone, we're here every step of the way.

Our work reaches hundreds of people each year through:

…and so much more that changes lives in ways big and small

Every service, every conversation, and every event are shaped by the belief that sight loss should never mean life loss - and that everyone deserves the chance to live fully, freely, and with dignity.

2

Hartlepool Vision Support

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Financial review

The unrestricted funds of the charity at 31 March 2025 amount to £137,416, of which free reserves (that is those not tied up in fixed assets) amount to £129,702.

The trustees have examined the requirement for free reserves and consider the charity should aim to provide for specific purposes such as redundancy and other contingencies. The trustees also consider that is prudent to ensure that there sufficient free reserves at a level that equates to on years running cost, this provides sufficient funds to cover support costs, management and administration.

Reserves are vital to ensure that the charity has the capacity to find alternative funding and support the charity's obligations when funding is paid in arrears pending defrayment of expenditure, settlement of such costs can range from 1 to 3 months before payment is received.

The current free reserves represent the following:

2025
£
One year running costs 59,702
Redudancy costs 40,000
Contingency reserves to support deferment projects 30,000

129,702


The trustees' annual report was approved on 16 September 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

K Braithwaite Trustee

3

Hartlepool Vision Support

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Hartlepool Vision Support

Year ended 31 March 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Hartlepool Vision Support ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements 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 charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do 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.

Julie Todd Tremaine Chartered Certified Accountant Independent Examiner

19 Tremaine Close Hartlepool TS27 3LE

4

Hartlepool Vision Support

Statement of Financial Activities

Year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies 4 54,944 70,005 124,949 69,826
Charitable activities 5 32,038 32,038 24,753
Investment income 6 3,046 3,046 1,387
   
Total income 90,028 70,005 160,033 95,966
   
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities 7 54,422 60,025 114,447 102,545
   
Total expenditure 54,422 60,025 114,447 102,545
   
   
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movement in funds 35,606 9,980 45,586 (6,579)
   
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 101,810 108,771 210,581 217,160
   
Total funds carried forward 137,416 118,751 256,167 210,581
   

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 7 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

5

Hartlepool Vision Support

Statement of Financial Position

31 March 2025

2025 2024
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 12 7,714 7,768
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand 249,797 203,171
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 1,344 358
 
Net current assets 248,453 202,813
 
Total assets less current liabilities 256,167 210,581
 
Net assets 256,167 210,581
 
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 118,751 108,771
Unrestricted funds 137,416 101,810
 
Total charity funds 16 256,167

210,581


These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 16 September 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

K Braithwaite Trustee

The notes on pages 7 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

6

Hartlepool Vision Support

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2025

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Greenbank, Stranton, Hartlepool, TS24 7QT.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

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

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

7

Hartlepool Vision Support

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

8

Hartlepool Vision Support

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Tangible assets (continued)

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Fixtures and fittings - 12% reducing balance

Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cashgenerating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the charity will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.

Where the grant does not impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Where the grant does impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income only when the performance-related conditions have been met. Where grants received are prior to satisfying the revenue recognition criteria, they are recognised as a liability.

9

Hartlepool Vision Support

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Defined contribution plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

4. Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
Donations
Subscriptions & donations 7,474 7,474
Grants
Thomas Pocklington Trust 2,000 2,000
Santander 2,500 2,500
Hospital of God Greatham 1,000 1,000
Hartlepool Borough Council - Rehabilitation 20,000 20,000
Hadrian Trust 1,000 1,000
Powell Family Foundation 5,000 5,000
The National Lottery Community Fund 50,005 50,005
Sports England 7,470 7,470
PFC Trust 5,000 5,000
Ballinger Trust 15,000 15,000
The Primary Club 8,000 8,000
Rothley Trust 500 500
  
54,944 70,005 124,949
  
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Donations
Subscriptions & donations 5,842 5,842
Grants
Thomas Pocklington Trust 2,000 2,000
Tees Valley Community Fund 2,500 2,500
Hartlepool Borough Council - Rehabilitation 20,000 20,000
The National Lottery Community Fund 39,084 39,084
Asda Foundation 400 400
  
10,742 59,084 69,826
  

10

Hartlepool Vision Support

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

5. Charitable activities

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Service contract income 31,500 31,500 21,500 21,500
Other 538 538 268 268
Training income 1,485 1,485
Room hire 1,500 1,500
   
32,038 32,038 24,753 24,753
   
Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 3,046 3,046 1,387 1,387
   

6. Investment income

11

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Hartlepool Vision Support

Year ended 31 March 2025

7. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
General Fund 54,422 54,422
Rehabilitation 20,000 20,000
One Vision Project 35,025 35,025
Counselling Service 5,000 5,000
  
54,422 60,025 114,447
  
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
General Fund 28,581 28,581
Counselling Services 6,680 6,680
Rehabilitation 23,650 23,650
One Vision Project 43,634 43,634
  
28,581 73,964 102,545
  
8. Net income/(expenditure)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 1,179 1,255
 
9. Independent examination fees
2025 2024
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements 250 250
 
10. Staff costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 80,925 72,177
Social security costs 1,570 638
Employer contributions to pension plans 3,135 2,683
 
85,630 75,498
 

12

Hartlepool Vision Support

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

10. Staff costs (continued)

The average head count of employees during the year was 4 (2024: 4). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:

2025 2024 No. No. Charitable activities 4 4  

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: Nil).

11. Trustee remuneration and expenses

No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees.

12. Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures and
fittings
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024 37,913
Additions 1,125

At 31 March 2025 39,038

Depreciation
At 1 April 2024 30,145
Charge for the year 1,179

At 31 March 2025 31,324

Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025 7,714

At 31 March 2024 7,768


13. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

2025 2024
£ £
Bank loans and overdrafts 23
Accruals and deferred income 250 250
Social security and other taxes 950
Other creditors 121 108
 
1,344 358
 

14. Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £3,135 (2024: £2,683).

13

Hartlepool Vision Support

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

15. Government grants

Included in Government Grants are amounts received in respect of Local Authority Coronavirus Business Support Grants.

16. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds
At At 31 March
1 April 2024 Income Expenditure 2025
£ £ £ £
General funds 101,810 90,028 (54,422) 137,416
   
At At 31 March
1 April 2023 Income Expenditure 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 93,509 36,882 (28,581) 101,810
   
Restricted funds
At At 31 March
1 April 2024 Income Expenditure 2025
£ £ £ £
Beneficaries Fund 100,000 100,000
Hartlepool Borough Council -
Rehabilitation 20,000 (20,000)
One Vision Project 8,771 35,005 (35,025) 8,751
National Lottery Community Fund -
Counselling Service 15,000 (5,000) 10,000
   
108,771 70,005 (60,025) 118,751
   
At At 31 March
1 April 2023 Income Expenditure 2024
£ £ £ £
Beneficaries Fund 100,000 100,000
Counselling Services 6,680 (6,680)
Hartlepool Borough Council -
Rehabilitation 3,650 20,000 (23,650)
One Vision Project 13,321 39,084 (43,634) 8,771
   
123,651

59,084

(73,964)

108,771


14

Hartlepool Vision Support

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

16. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)

Beneficiaries Fund

The charity received a legacy donation of £100,000 for the use of the beneficiaries of the charity.

Counselling Services

The charity received a grant from Awards For All for the provision of counselling services.

17. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 7,714 7,714
Current assets 131,046 118,751 249,797
Creditors less than 1 year (1,344) (1,344)
  
Net assets 137,416 118,751 256,167
  
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 7,768 7,768
Current assets 94,400 108,771 203,171
Creditors less than 1 year (358) (358)
  
Net assets 101,810 108,771 210,581
  

15

Hartlepool Vision Support

Management Information

Year ended 31 March 2025

The following pages do not form part of the financial statements.

16

Hartlepool Vision Support

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
£ £
Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Subscriptions & donations 7,474 5,842
Thomas Pocklington Trust 2,000 2,000
Tees Valley Community Fund 2,500
Santander 2,500
Hospital of God Greatham 1,000
Hartlepool Borough Council - Rehabilitation 20,000 20,000
Hadrian Trust 1,000
Powell Family Foundation 5,000
The National Lottery Community Fund 50,005 39,084
Asda Foundation 400
Sports England 7,470
PFC Trust 5,000
Ballinger Trust 15,000
The Primary Club 8,000
Rothley Trust 500
 
124,949 69,826
 
Charitable activities
Service contract income 31,500 21,500
Other 538 268
Training income 1,485
Room hire 1,500
 
32,038 24,753
 
Investment income
Bank interest receivable 3,046 1,387
 
 
Total income 160,033 95,966
 

17

Hartlepool Vision Support

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
£ £
Expenditure on charitable activities
Wages and salaries 80,925 72,177
Employer's NIC 1,570 638
Pension costs 3,135 2,683
Training 738
Utilities 7,372 7,686
Repairs and maintenance 10 837
Expenses 487 348
Motor vehicle expenses 886 747
Accountancy 300 250
Professional fees & subscriptions 649 1,874
Advertising & website 205 314
Printing, postage & stationery 545 1,047
Depreciation 1,179 1,255
Counseilling services 8,678 5,280
Office administration 3,416 6,235
Equipment 5,090 436
 
Total expenditure 114,447 102,545
 
 
Net income/(expenditure) 45,586 (6,579)
 

18