REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 287367
AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
Sugarwhite Meyer Accountants Ltd First Floor 94 Stamford Hill London N16 6XS
AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Report of the Trustees | 2 to 4 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 to 13 |
AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
TRUSTEES
PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
C Pinter (deceased 1.10.24) J Schleider R Grussgott 97 Stamford Hill London N16 5DN
REGISTERED CHARITY 287367 NUMBER INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Sugarwhite Meyer Accountants Ltd First Floor 94 Stamford Hill London N16 6XS
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2024. 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).
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
The information is shown on page 1 of the financial statements and forms part of this report
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The objectives of Agudas Israel Community Services (AICS) are to assist vulnerable members of the community by providing information and support to enable them to make the most of available resources as well as of their own strengths and abilities to improve their lives and those of their families.
The charity operates an advice services, providing a wide range of benefits, immigration and employment advice, as well as an employment facility and other services including a number of training opportunities in partnership with other local organisations focusing on employment skills such ac CV writing and interview techniques.
The trustees of the charity confirm that they have considered The Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
The trustees are pleased to report that thanks to grants received we were able to continue our services which are in great demand. This was quite difficult, considering the fact that one of our advice workers did not return to work following the pandemic. This caused a great strain on our services, and we were often booked ahead for several weeks. We are aware of the high demand for our services, and the distress that having to wait for appointments can cause.
As the community grows exponentially, we are experiencing an increased demand for our services, especially, as we are the only organisation in the area providing expert advice in English, Hebrew and Yiddish, in a culturally appropriate setting. Additionally, the government's introduction of a Benefit Cap, as well as the restriction of Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit to two children per family, disproportionately affects our community, where larger families are the norm.
We have a very high level of customer satisfaction and are proud of the professional service we provide and would ideally like to increase our capacity and reach to meet the growing need for our services, but await a better financial situation.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
It is the charity's policy that only funds that have cleared the bank be allowed to be used as payment for direct charitable and governance expenses. The trustees therefore ensure that the charity retains sufficient funds to cover immediate anticipated outgoings. They have contact at all times with potential donors who are able to assist with the charity's requirements.
Reserves at the year end stood at £859 deficit (2023 - £2,739 deficit)
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
FUTURE PLANS
AICS’s plans for the future are to continue to support the most vulnerable members of the community by providing time appropriate advice in the fields in which it has developed high levels of expertise. Advisors continue to attend in service training to ensure that their knowledge and skills are kept up to date in a rapidly changing climate.
It continues to remain our priority to increase fundraising activities, bearing in mind that we are providing essential and otherwise inaccessible services to the most needy members of our community and to their families. The demand is increasing as the government continues to cut the resources available and as the community grows. We are mindful of the fact that we are the only available resource for this community for benefits, immigration and employment advice and support, and take our responsibilities seriously. We look to the wider community to support us in our work and enabling members of the community and their families to live their lives with dignity, and to be able to access the minimal resources they need to survive in the increasingly challenging environment of our times.
Immediately following the end of the period these accounts cover, we set up a hub with newly trained in staff, to assist people with migration to Universal Credit. We have seen huge successes.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document
The charity was constituted by Declaration of Trust dated 15th May 1983.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
It is not currently the intention of the trustees of the charity to appoint new trustees. Should this situation change in the future, the trustees will apply suitable recruitment and training procedures.
Organisational structure
The trustees and administrator meet regularly in order to ensure that the charity runs smoothly and that all activities are run efficiently, as well as to deal with issues as they arise, and to pre-empt potential problems before they develop. They plan both current and future strategy, balancing the developing and increasing needs of the community with the resources of Agudas Israel Community Services.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees 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".
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed 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 charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES - continued
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 4 February 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
J Schleider - Trustee
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Agudas Israel Community Services
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Agudas Israel Community Services (the Trust) for the year ended 5 April 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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts 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.
E Meyer FCA BSc
Sugarwhite Meyer Accountants Ltd First Floor 94 Stamford Hill London N16 6XS
4 February 2025
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 160,186 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 3 468 Charitable activities 4 Education and training 55,436 Community Service and advice 98,548 Support costs 3,854 Total 158,306 NET INCOME 1,880 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward (2,739) TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD (859) |
Restricted fund £ 11,210 - - 11,210 - 11,210 - - - |
2024 Total funds £ 171,396 468 55,436 109,758 3,854 169,516 1,880 (2,739) (859) |
2023 Total funds £ 203,928 539 89,189 111,482 (1,080) 200,130 3,798 (6,537) (2,739) |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 5 APRIL 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 8 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CREDITORS Amounts falling due after more than one year 10 NET ASSETS FUNDS 13 Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
2024 £ 10,117 26,879 (23,503) 3,376 13,493 (14,352) (859) (859) (859) |
2023 £ 10,650 32,439 (28,698) 3,741 14,391 (17,130) (2,739) (2,739) (2,739) |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 4 February 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
J Schleider - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, 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 Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Critical accounting 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.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures and fittings - 5% on reducing balance
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles appropriate to a going concern notwithstanding the deficiency in net assets at the balance sheet date. The trustees consider this to be appropriate having regard to the continued provision of financial support by the charity's creditors.
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Government grants Social Welfare Education and training Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: Social welfare 3. RAISING FUNDS Investment management costs Interest payable and similar charges 4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Direct Costs £ Education and training 54,033 Community Service and advice 107,701 Support costs - 161,734 |
Grant funding of activities £ - 210 - 210 |
2024 £ 11,210 60,642 99,544 171,396 2024 £ 11,210 2024 £ 468 Support costs (see note 5) £ 1,403 1,847 3,854 7,104 |
2023 £ 10,790 60,570 132,568 |
2023 £ 10,790 60,570 132,568 |
2023 £ 10,790 60,570 132,568 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 203,928 | |||||
| 2023 £ 10,790 2023 £ 539 Totals £ 55,436 109,758 3,854 |
2023 £ 10,790 |
||||
| 2023 £ 539 |
|||||
| 169,048 |
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
5. SUPPORT COSTS
| SUPPORT COSTS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governance | ||||
| Management | Finance | costs | Totals | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Education and training | 1,403 | - | - | 1,403 |
| Community Service and advice | 416 | 1,431 | - | 1,847 |
| Support costs | 354 | - | 3,500 | 3,854 |
| 2,173 | 1,431 | 3,500 | 7,104 |
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
Governance costs
| Governance costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Support | Total | |
| costs | activities | |
| £ | £ | |
| Independent examiner's fee | 600 | 450 |
| Independent examiner's other fees | 600 | 450 |
| Legal and professional fees | 2,300 | - |
| Fees Waived | - | (1,980) |
| 3,500 | (1,080) |
6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 5 April 2024 nor for the year ended 5 April 2023.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 5 April 2024 nor for the year ended 5 April 2023.
7. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Other pension costs |
2024 £ 46,536 749 47,285 |
2023 £ 54,487 749 |
|---|---|---|
| 55,236 |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Advisers | 4 | 4 |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| COST At 6 April 2023 and 5 April 2024 DEPRECIATION At 6 April 2023 Charge for year At 5 April 2024 NET BOOK VALUE At 5 April 2024 At 5 April 2023 9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 11) Taxation and social security Other creditors 10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR Bank loans (see note 11) 11. LOANS An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below: Amounts falling due within one year on demand: Bank loans Other loans Amounts falling due between two and five years: Bank loans - 2-5 years Amounts falling due in more than five years: Repayable by instalments: Bank loans more 5 yr by instal |
2024 £ 2,778 - 20,725 23,503 2024 £ 14,352 2024 £ 2,778 19,525 22,303 11,111 3,241 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 31,827 21,177 533 21,710 10,117 10,650 2023 £ 2,778 1,426 24,494 28,698 2023 £ 17,130 2023 £ 2,778 23,594 26,372 11,111 6,019 |
|---|---|---|
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Unrestricted Restricted funds fund £ £ Fixed assets 10,117 - Current assets 26,879 - Current liabilities (23,503) - Long term liabilities (14,352) - (859) - |
2024 Total funds £ 10,117 26,879 (23,503) (14,352) (859) |
2023 Total funds £ 10,650 32,439 (28,698) (17,130) (2,739) |
|---|---|---|
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Fund TOTAL FUNDS Comparatives for movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Net movement At At 6.4.23 in funds 5.4.24 £ £ £ (2,739) 1,880 (859) (2,739) 1,880 (859) Incoming Resources Movement resources expended in funds £ £ £ 160,186 (158,306) 1,880 11,210 (11,210) - 171,396 (169,516) 1,880 Net movement At At 6.4.22 in funds 5.4.23 £ £ £ (6,537) 3,798 (2,739) (6,537) 3,798 (2,739) |
|---|---|
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AGUDAS ISRAEL COMMUNITY SERVICES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2024
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Restricted Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming Resources Movement resources expended in funds £ £ £ 183,388 (179,590) 3,798 20,540 (20,540) - 203,928 (200,130) 3,798 |
|---|---|
14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 5 April 2024.
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