Charity number: 291530
Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Contents Page For the year ended 31 March 2024
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 3 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 15 |
Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2024
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 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 the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Chair's report
2023-24 was a year of gathering and resilience. Our community has pulled together to support those most in need during the cost-of-living crisis. We have continued to focus on our older East and Southeast Asian members suffering from isolation whilst supporting the wider community through our many activities. Thanks to the support of The London Community Foundation and their Together for London grant, we were able to help our members with group and 1-to-1 advice sessions to manage their bills and access financial support.
Through our Back on Your Feet project generously supported by Hackney Council Main Grant we promoted physical and mental wellbeing for our members and the wider community which is crucial to build their confidence and increase independence. We continued our efforts to deliver the most accurate information to community members on all health related topics by attending the monthly Community Champions Forum, connecting us with many other voluntary organisations within Hackney, the Public Health Team at Hackney Council and health professionals.
Our many activities such as our garden club, community days, karaoke sessions, tai chi classes, outing to the seaside encouraged members and visitors to be active and gave them opportunities to socialise and make friends. This work was also made possible by an award from Postcode Society Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People's Postcode Lottery.
We are very grateful to Hackney Council for its continued support with our Lunch Club Grant, allowing us to offer 2,572 meals this year to community members, giving them the opportunity to access a hot home-made meal twice a week. We took part again in the Warm Welcome providing a space for local residents to find a warm space to gather, have a free cup of tea/coffee and meet people.
We built up our resilience as an organisation by refurbishing our basement rooms and installing double-glazed windows with the support of National Lottery Community Fund / Awards for All and Asda Foundation. Consequently, we were able to offer well heated rooms in our basement over the winter months and saved on our energy bills. Once again, we were able to sustain our finances with a great input from Hall Hire representing 60% of our income, contributing to our core costs and supporting our many activities for the benefit of our members.
We also would like to thank Four Winds Mahjong Club for their wonderful fundraising event In the Mood for Mahjong at our Centre and their generous donation towards our activities.
A highlight of the year was certainly our Open Day which gathered the whole community for a family friendly day focused on wellbeing. This was a much anticipated event by all and was a needed meeting point for all generations to meet and share some downtime. Van Huynh Company and the Wellbeing Collective were key supporters in making this day a success bringing the arts and body therapies to the community whilst displaying the wide range of people using our spaces throughout the year. This confidence in our organisation displayed by the many regular users of our Centre and their solidarity with our most vulnerable service users gives us hope for the future at a time when many people from Global Majority communities are experiencing increased racism.
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The trust's objects are the promotion of any charitable activities for the benefit of the refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in particular the relief of poverty, the advancement of education and the provision of facilities for recreation and leisure. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are the operational policies listed below which are reviewed on a regular basis.
Finance Policy and Procedure Confidentiality Procedure Health and Safety Policy Complaints Procedure Vulnerable Adults and Children Protection Policy Grievance Policy & Procedure Staff Safety and Harassment Policy Roles of the Management Committee Training Policy Equal Opportunities Policy and Procedure Risk Assessment Policy Environmental Policy
The trustees have considered the Charity Commision's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance 'public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Significant events
The financial position of the charity at the end of the financial year is as detailed in the attached financial statements. The charity received funding from charitable sources totalling £130,235 (2023: £105,734) during the year. It is financially dependent on funding from these sources.
Reserves
It is the policy of the trust that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month's expenditure. The trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the trust's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The trust was established by a charitable constitution on 23 March 2003.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The trustees and the officers, which also refer to as the Management Committee, within it are selected at each annual general meeting.
The Management Committee comprised of 11 members. 3 co-optees of which 1 member must be from Laotian and 1 from Cambodian Community. The Term of office of elected members is 2 years. Half of these members will be retired annually and be eligible for re-election. The Amendment of the Constitution in 1995 states not more than 3 Co-optees shall be co-opted by the Management Committee as non-executive members. They shall be entitled to vote at the meetings of the Management Committee and shall serve until the next general meeting after individual co-option. The Management Committee is a policy making body and shall meet not less than 4 times a year. The day-to-day affair is managed by a Standing Committee that includes Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
There were no related parties identified during the year.
The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the trust is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Name of Charity
Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
Charity registration number 291530 Principal address 151 Whiston Road
London
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
E2 8GU
Trustees
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Mr Thinh Van Lai (Chairman) Mrs Sobopha Owen (Vice chair) Mr Tai Phat Tu (treasurer) Mr K Phomavongsa (Vice chair) Mr Dam Van Huynh (Secretary) Mrs Anna Thao Lai Mrs Loan Anh Nguyen Mr Tran Kien Dan Mr Gac Van Nguyen Mr Dinh Pham Mr Andrew Philip Coggins MBE
Independent examiner
Andrew M Wells FMAAT Counterculture Partnership LLP 66 High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 1XG
Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by
............................................................................. 08 October 2024
Mr Thinh Van Lai (Chairman)
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees
For the year ended 31 March 2024
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiners statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
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.
Andrew M Wells FMAAT
Counterculture Partnership LLP
66 High Street Lewes East Sussex BN7 1XG
08 October 2024
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2024
| Notes Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Total Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4/5 Total Net income/expenditure Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ 100 79,238 79,338 (77,376) (77,376) 1,962 295,553 297,515 |
Restricted funds £ 50,897 - 50,897 (59,053) (59,053) (8,156) 11,524 3,368 |
2024 £ 50,997 79,238 130,235 (136,429) (136,429) (6,194) 307,077 300,883 |
2023 £ 42,488 63,246 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105,734 | ||||
| (97,847) | ||||
| (97,847) | ||||
| 7,887 299,190 |
||||
| 307,077 |
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Statement of Financial Position As at 31 March 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | |||
| Tangible assets | 10 | 189,482 | 191,006 |
| 189,482 | 191,006 | ||
| Current assets | |||
| Debtors | 11 | - | 2,496 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 113,604 | 115,213 | |
| 113,604 | 117,709 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 12 | (2,203) | (1,638) |
| Net current assets | 111,401 | 116,071 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 300,883 | 307,077 | |
| Net assets | 300,883 | 307,077 | |
| The funds of the charity | |||
| Restricted income funds | 13 | 3,368 | 11,524 |
| Unrestricted income funds | 13 | 297,515 | 295,553 |
| Total funds | 300,883 | 307,077 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
Mr Thinh Van Lai (Chairman) Trustee
08 October 2024
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for investments which are included at market value and the revaluation of certain fixed assets and 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 (FRS 102), and the Charities Act 2011.
Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
Going concern
The financial statements are prepared, on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as resources expended when there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure:
Taxation
As a registered charity, the company is exempt from income and corporation tax to the extent that its income and gains are applicable to charitable purposes only. Value Added Tax is not recoverable by the company, and is therefore included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, are stated at cost or valuation less depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations received | 100 | - | 100 | 100 |
| Grants received | - | 50,897 | 50,897 | 42,388 |
| 100 | 50,897 | 50,997 | 42,488 |
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
Analysis of grants received
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| ASDA Foundation | - | 7,500 |
| Edgar E. Lawley Foundation | - | 1,500 |
| Hackney Council Lunch Club | 14,248 | 12,381 |
| Hackney Council Main Grant | 7,094 | 7,322 |
| Hackney Giving | - | 3,730 |
| Hackney Giving Grant | 1,470 | - |
| Mayor of London's BSC Fund | - | 9,955 |
| National Lottery Awards for All | 10,000 | - |
| Postcode Society Trust | 8,085 | - |
| The London Community Foundation | 10,000 | - |
| 50,897 | 42,388 | |
| ncome from charitable activities | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| Community activities | ||
| Hall bookings | 67,036 | 57,443 |
| Luncheon club | 11,116 | 5,099 |
| Tai Chi | 477 | 212 |
| Membership fee | 295 | 145 |
| Others | 314 | 347 |
| 79,238 | 63,246 | |
| 79,238 | 63,246 |
3. Income from charitable activities
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
4. Costs of charitable activities by fund type
| s of charitable activities by fund type | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | 2023 | |
| funds | funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Direct cost | ||||
| Events and activities | 7,383 | 12,689 | 20,072 | 11,560 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 1,805 | 3,443 | 5,248 | - |
| Travelling | 1,175 | 874 | 2,049 | 1,526 |
| Postage and stationery | 88 | 50 | 138 | 44 |
| Others | 701 | 50 | 751 | 1,159 |
| Telephone | 626 | 270 | 896 | 937 |
| Website and marketing costs | 136 | 91 | 227 | 339 |
| Capital project | - | 13,827 | 13,827 | - |
| Premises costs | 12,886 | 2,376 | 15,262 | 15,755 |
| 24,800 | 33,670 | 58,470 | 31,320 | |
| Management | ||||
| Staff costs - wages & | 30,520 | 24,673 | 55,193 | 51,037 |
| salaries | ||||
| Staff costs - pension | 921 | 710 | 1,631 | 1,529 |
| contributions | ||||
| Depreciation - owned assets | 317 | - | 317 | - |
| Depreciation - leased assets | 2,794 | - | 2,794 | 2,794 |
| Funding consultancy | 2,000 | - | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Duty manager | 14,368 | - | 14,368 | 7,727 |
| Governance costs | ||||
| Accountancy fees | 1,656 | - | 1,656 | 1,440 |
| 52,576 | 25,383 | 77,959 | 66,527 | |
| 77,376 | 59,053 | 136,429 | 97,847 |
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
5. Costs of charitable activities by activity type
| Activities | Support | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| undertaken | costs | |||
| directly | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Support costs | ||||
| Community activities | ||||
| Staff costs - wages & | - | 55,193 | 55,193 | 51,037 |
| salaries | ||||
| Staff costs - pension | - | 1,631 | 1,631 | 1,529 |
| contributions | ||||
| Accountancy fees | - | 1,656 | 1,656 | 1,440 |
| Depreciation - owned assets | - | 317 | 317 | - |
| Depreciation - leased assets | - | 2,794 | 2,794 | 2,794 |
| Events and activities | 20,072 | - | 20,072 | 11,560 |
| Repairs and maintenance | 5,248 | - | 5,248 | - |
| Travelling | 2,049 | - | 2,049 | 1,526 |
| Postage and stationery | 138 | - | 138 | 44 |
| Others | 751 | - | 751 | 1,159 |
| Telephone | 896 | - | 896 | 937 |
| Website and marketing costs | 227 | - | 227 | 339 |
| Capital project | 13,827 | - | 13,827 | - |
| Premises costs | 15,262 | - | 15,262 | 15,755 |
| Funding consultancy | - | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Duty manager | - | 14,368 | 14,368 | 7,727 |
| 58,470 | 77,959 | 136,429 | 97,847 | |
| 58,470 | 77,959 | 136,429 | 97,847 |
6. Analysis of support costs
| nalysis of support costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Community activities Management Activity Governance costs Activity |
2024 £ 76,303 1,656 77,959 |
2023 £ 65,087 1,440 |
| 66,527 |
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
7. Net income/(expenditure) for the year
This is stated after charging/(crediting):
| This is stated after charging/(crediting): | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Depreciation of owned fixed assets | 317 | - |
| Depreciation of assets held underlease | 2,794 | 2,794 |
| agreements | ||
| Accountancy fees | 1,656 | 1,440 |
| Staff pension contributions | 1,632 | 1,530 |
8. Staff costs and emoluments
Total staff costs for the year ended 31 March 2024 were:
| Salaries and wages Pension costs Community activities |
2024 £ 55,193 1,632 56,825 2024 4 4 |
2023 £ 51,037 1,530 |
|---|---|---|
| 52,567 | ||
| 2023 4 |
||
| 4 |
9. Comparative for the Statement of Financial Activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 100 | 42,388 | 42,488 |
| Charitable activities | 63,246 | - | 63,246 |
| Total | 63,346 | 42,388 | 105,734 |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | (66,983) | (30,864) | (97,847) |
| Total | (66,983) | (30,864) | (97,847) |
| Net income/expenditure | (3,637) | 11,524 | 7,887 |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 299,190 | - | 299,190 |
| Total funds carried forward | 295,553 | 11,524 | 307,077 |
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
10. Tangible fixed assets
| Land and | Fixtures and | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost or valuation | buildings | fittings | Total |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| At 01 April 2023 | 276,559 | 45,327 | 321,886 |
| Additions | - | 1,586 | 1,586 |
| At 31 March 2024 | 276,559 | 46,913 | 323,472 |
| Depreciation | |||
| At 01 April 2023 | 85,553 | 45,327 | 130,880 |
| Charge for year | 2,793 | 317 | 3,110 |
| At 31 March 2024 | 88,346 | 45,644 | 133,990 |
| Net book values | |||
| At 31 March 2024 | 188,213 | 1,269 | 189,482 |
| At 31 March 2023 | 191,006 | - | 191,006 |
The depreciation charge for the year is £(2,794) in respect of assets leased under finance leases or hire purchase contracts.
11. Debtors
| Amounts due within one year: Prepayments and accrued income |
2024 2023 £ £ - 2,496 - 2,496 |
|---|---|
12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ 547 1,656 2,203 |
2023 £ 198 1,440 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,638 |
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
13. Movement in funds
Unrestricted Funds
| Balance at | Incoming | Outgoing | Balance at | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04/2023 | resources | resources | 31/03/2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Designated | ||||
| Building fund | 191,006 | 1 | (2,794) | 188,213 |
| Building maintenance | 15,000 | - | - | 15,000 |
| fund | ||||
| Redundancy Fund | 12,000 | - | - | 12,000 |
| General | ||||
| General | 77,547 | 79,337 | (74,582) | 82,302 |
| 295,553 | 79,338 | (77,376) | 297,515 | |
| Unrestricted Funds - Previous year | ||||
| Balance at | Incoming | Outgoing | Balance at | |
| 01/04/2022 | resources | resources | 31/03/2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Designated | ||||
| Building fund | 193,800 | - | (2,794) | 191,006 |
| Building maintenance | 15,000 | - | - | 15,000 |
| fund | ||||
| Redundancy Fund | 12,000 | - | - | 12,000 |
| General | ||||
| General | 78,390 | 63,346 | (64,189) | 77,547 |
| 299,190 | 63,346 | (66,983) | 295,553 |
Purpose of unrestricted Funds
Building fund
The Designated Building Fund consists of the value of the lease on the 151 Whiston Road property which expires in March 2086.
Redundancy Fund
Given ongoing funding uncertainties, we have established this fund to ensure we can meet our financial obligations should we have to make any posts redundant.
Building maintenance fund
This has been established to ensure funds are available for essential maintenance at 151 Whiston Road.
General
These are to be used in running a community centre.
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
Restricted Funds
| Restricted fund Restricted Funds - Previous year Restricted fund |
Balance at 01/04/2023 £ 11,524 11,524 Balance at 01/04/2022 £ - - |
Incoming resources £ 50,897 50,897 Incoming resources £ 42,388 42,388 |
Outgoing resources £ (59,053) (59,053) Outgoing resources £ (30,864) (30,864) |
Balance at 31/03/2024 £ 3,368 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,368 | ||||
| Balance at 31/03/2023 £ 11,524 |
||||
| 11,524 |
Purpose of restricted funds
Restricted fund
Delivering activities for the general community attending Centre 151 as well as providing a vital service for members of the communities from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
14. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Analysis of net assets between funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible | Net current | Net Assets | |
| fixed assets | assets / | ||
| (liabilities) | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General | |||
| General | 1,269 | 81,033 | 82,302 |
| Designated | |||
| Building fund | 188,213 | - | 188,213 |
| Building maintenance | - | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| fund | |||
| Redundancy Fund | - | 12,000 | 12,000 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Restricted fund | - | 3,368 | 3,368 |
| 189,482 | 111,401 | 300,883 |
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Community Centre for Refugees from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2024
Previous year
| Previous year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible | Net current | Net Assets | |
| fixed assets | assets / | ||
| (liabilities) | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General | |||
| General | - | 77,547 | 77,547 |
| Designated | |||
| Building fund | 191,006 | - | 191,006 |
| Building maintenance | - | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| fund | |||
| Redundancy Fund | - | 12,000 | 12,000 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Restricted fund | - | 11,524 | 11,524 |
| 191,006 | 116,071 | 307,077 |
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