**REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02086284 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 801419** 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND 

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 

## FOR 

MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

Brindley Millen Ltd 167 Turners Hill Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9BH 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

## CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

|||**Page**||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Report of the Trustees**|1|to|8|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**||9||
|**Statement of Financial Activities**||10||
|**Balance Sheet**|11|to|12|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|13|to|20|
|**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**||21||





MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. 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). 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

## **Our vision, mission and values** 

Our vision is a society where everyone has a sense of control over their lives and the ability to stay independent, active and  connected to the world around them. 

Our mission is to provide practical help so that people who need support can live safely and well in their homes and communities. 

We achieve this by providing a range of services and projects to support independent living, focusing on minor home adaptations, falls prevention, digital confidence, social isolation, therapeutic decluttering and advice, advocacy and casework. 

## Our values are: 

- 1 **Real world perspective:** People have overlapping physical, mental and emotional needs and assets, and we respond to these as holistically as we c an. 

- 2 **People have assets:** We all bring valuable strengths that can benefit the community. 

- 3 **Collectivity:** Everyone benefits when we come together to support each other and share experiences and learning. 

- 4 **Empathetic and non-judgemental:** We always attempt to understand the different contexts in which people live their lives. 

- 5 **Equity:** Disadvantaged people should have equal access to opportunities and be supported to exercise their rights. 

- 6 **User-led:** People define the approaches that work for them, and we work with those in mind. 7 **Integrity:** We are honest with ourselves and others about our capabilities and what we can deliver. 

## **Our principles of working** 

The following principles set out our priorities and guide the way we work: 

- **Evidence-based:** drawing on existing data and research to inform our work. 

- **Supporting innovation:** by supporting new ideas and piloting projects to help build an evidence base. 

- **Offering flexibility:** adapting what we do to suit individual needs and preferences. 

- **Meeting needs other organisations don't:** identifying gaps and acting on them. 

- **Free or low cost** : supporting people in need to overcome disadvantage. 

- **Capacity-building:** supporting people to gain and improve skills, knowledge and tools to achieve personal and organisational goa ls. 

- **Networks:** identifying, building and capitalising on networks and the assets within them. 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

## **The Year in Review** 

This has at last been a year of significant growth for MRS. The management team have been successful in a series of funding bids which now underpins much of our wide-ranging portfolio of services. Difficulties persist in bringing the stability we would like to see in some areas but it has become possible to address these more systematically. A major transition has been underway with the closure of our office in Woodberry Down with staff achieving a balance between working from home and the use of rented office and meeting spaces. 

A new Board recruitment initiative was agreed in the summer of 2022. A year on from welcoming new committee member Tade Oyebode, we were fortunate to recruit as Treasurer Andrew Tunks, who has brought an informed, experienced and urgent approach to the oversight of our finances. Jane Tilston is thanked for her long-standing contributions in that role. An expanded board has given a solid platform from which to renew our commitment to diversification and community engagement in the year ahead. 

Co-chair Bekka Henderson took part alongside the Director in a diversity training initiative run by Get on Board. During the year Board members have also become more directly engaged with the organisation's work, through Stephen Steppens on the health and safety sub-committee and by Jane, Tade and Andrew participating in community events and consultations. The Trustees have paid close attention to a range of issues during the year from the purchase of an electric vehicle, salary increases for staff, the reconfiguration of reserves and the planning of a new People Committee with staff appointees. 

The year has been noteworthy for broadening the scope of our advice and casework services, expanding the scope of Side by Side and introducing advice support for service users across all services with successful new appointments. A settled team has again been established at Making Room, and a difficult realignment of the service targets agreed for the Staying Steady contract, which required patient work by the management team. 

Our partnership with the Health and Social Care Workforce Research Unit at King's College London has been maintained, and we hope in the year ahead to see further working developments through our user engagement initiatives. At the time of reporting, the number of hours worked by members of the management team has been reconfigured following the Director's return from her second maternity leave and a substantial review of staffing structure, contracts and salary levels is now underway. 

John Miles, Co-Chair Bekka Henderson, Co-Chair 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OUR ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2021/22** 

In 22/23, our services and projects included: 

- Falls prevention services (Staying Steady community-based classes and Otago home-based exercise) - Hackney Dudes 

- 50 Plus Digital 

- Making Room 

- Side by Side and Floating Support 

- Islington Home Adaptations 

## **Falls prevention services** 

We are contracted by London Borough of Hackney to provide Staying Steady: community-based strength and balance exercise classes for people at risk of falls. We also provide the Otago home-based exercise programme for NHS North East London for home-bound people unable to access community classes. 

During 22/23 229 older people accessed Staying Steady, of whom about 60% had completed or were still active on the 24-week programme at year-end. The service was reviewed at the 3-year mark as per schedule. As a result, Home Safety Checks were stopped due to lack of referrals, and budget considerations and key performance indicators were adjusted. 

- Data for the final quarter of 22/23 showed that for people who completed the programme: - Over 90% had fewer falls, or the level of falls did not get worse. 

- 100% improved their strength and balance. 

- At 3 months post-completion, 100% were continuing to exercise and almost 90% reported increased mobility and independence. 

We continue to engage with health and care services at a strategic level on the local falls pathway, and also held several community outreach events during the year, particularly during Falls Prevention Week in September. Developing links with the City and Hackney Proactive Care team has increased the proportion of people accessing the service who have not previously had a fall, furthering the preventative aims of the service. 

The Otago home-based exercise service has continued to run throughout 22/23, with 109 people with frailty being referred and 49 people completing the 6-month programme. Over 80% of participants improved or maintained their balance, a success given the frailty and limited mobility of the cohort. 

Otago was incorporated into the local NHS Anticipatory (now Proactive) Care pilot when that programme started, hoping to support older people with mild frailty and deconditioning from the pandemic to improve their strength and balance at home before joining a community class. We have supported the introduction of Care Coordinators for this project by inviting them to attend Staying Steady classes, informing them about local falls prevention provision, and introducing them to our instructors. Most of the referrals from the Proactive Care team have been more suitable for a community class than a home exercise programme, highlighting the increase in confidence that people have in returning to a normalised life following the pandemic. Accessing recurrent funding remains an issue for sustainability of the service, and we continue to work constructively with NHS North East London to explore potential longer-term funding avenues. 

## **Hackney Dudes** 

The Hackney Dudes project for older men at risk of isolation was supported from reserves during a prolonged funding gap in 22/23, whilst we awaited the outcomes of multi-year funding bids. We still offered a wide range of activities, with the Friday drop-in at Dalston Curve Garden (DCG) remaining at the heart of the project. Attendance at the weekly drop-in averaged 24 older men during the year, with the highest attendance being 34 at the Christmas lunch. Despite the lack of funding, DCG continued to provide a free lunch and refreshments for drop-in participants, and we thank them wholeheartedly for their generosity and continued support of the project during this time. 

We have worked towards creating a 5-day-a-week offering for the Dudes through relationships with other organisations such as Chippy and Chips, and encouraging self-facilitated activities such as the Dudes band, who have continued weekly meet-ups and rehearsals, kindly hosted by Newington Green Meeting House. The weekly Zoom call also continued for Dudes who find it harder to leave the house. Several Dudes shared their skills and interests by leading workshops, e.g. on cooking, and others have taken on informal volunteer roles within the project. 

The Dudes went on outings to destinations including the Sky Garden, Wellcome Collection, Horniman Museum and Kenwood House, as well as more locally to Hackney's Posh Club, Museum of the Home and Dream Machine. Activities are co-produced with the Dudes sharing their ideas and the Project Lead facilitating access, supervising and coordinating logistics. 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

In October 2022 we recruited a floating advice and support worker to work alongside the Project Lead in providing the Dudes with individual support relating to benefits, housing issues, access to food, services and many other things. This practical, holistic and open-ended support from a consistent individual is proving invaluable in helping Dudes address issues and claim entitlements without having to refer them outside of the project. It also demonstrates how the provision of advice, advocacy and casework is becoming increasingly integral within MRS' services. 

For further insight into the Hackney Dudes project, please see their YouTube channel where they share videos of many of their activities 

## **50 Plus Digital** 

The 50 Plus Digital project has continued to grow; average attendance at the weekly digital drop-in increased over the year from about 10 to about 30 older people, with more than 100 beneficiaries engaging with the project. We also consolidated our existing volunteer team and increased core team size from three to six regular volunteers. 

More important than the numbers - the service users have established the weekly drop-in as an innovative social hub for older people in a community centre that was already very busy. Although we don't have a partnership arrangement with Mildmay Community Centre, our activities have become fully integrated with everything else that happens there. The project is now becoming a presence with strong hyper-local connections across two London boroughs (Hackney and Islington). 

Structured group work (e.g. workshops and courses) took place at Whitmore Community Centre and then moved to Mildmay when space became available. Activities have included role-playing interns at a creative social enterprise, learning how to use collaborative workplace software, workshops on using Whatsapp, email, and how to stay safe online. 

We received a grant from Good Things Foundation which enabled us to double the number of refurbished training laptops and smartphones. This ensures we can always meet demand at Mildmay, allowing more service users to think of the service as a community hub, and attracting more attention from potential volunteers and referrers. 

## **Making Room** 

Making Room works in a therapeutic and practical way with people with mild to severe hoarding behaviour, helping them to declutter and achieve their goals. Much of 22/23 was occupied with the delivery of a pilot on early intervention in hoarding, for which we were commissioned by London Borough of Hackney (LBH). Despite challenging timescales and staffing issues, we were able to complete the objectives of the pilot and support 15 individuals to declutter, providing outcomes data for an evaluation report to inform potential future commissioning. Unfortunately delivering the pilot under these pressures meant other service delivery was delayed temporarily. This included completion of the ELFT Winter Pressures grant which is still ongoing. 

Working with LBH highlighted both the extent of unmet need in the borough (an estimated 30,000 households affected by  hoarding) and the value that Making Room offers services and service users, being both cheaper and more effective than the traditional 'blitz' clean approach. We have been able to use these insights in promotional and outreach activities. 

In January 2023 we welcomed a new Senior Decluttering Practitioner with a background in mental health and homelessness services. This appointment has enhanced the positioning of Making Room as a specialised service and has also prompted a review of operations and financial arrangements, due to report to Trustees in December 2023. 

Referrals to the service were slightly down on the previous year (54 compared with 61 in 21/22), although the Hackney pilot may have impacted this as no outreach was happening during this time. There continues to be a high proportion of referrals (roughly half) that do not progress to funded cases, primarily due to inability to access funding, lack of follow up by the referrer, or lack of engagement from the service user. Transforming this situation and working with partners and stakeholders to create a support system that is joined-up, responsive and properly resourced remains our vision. 

## **Side by Side and Floating Support** 

We have continued to provide a regular advice and outreach service at Gillett Square, funded by Trust for London and Hackney Council's Community Infrastructure Fund and delivered in partnership with Hackney Cooperative Developments. 

Demand for the service remains very high, with an increasing workload of people who are destitute, and increasingly challenging needs of Square users, some of whom fall into crisis and require emergency support which can be ongoing. In 22/23, we worked  with over 90 people who required more than 3 hours of support. 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

The profile of Square users has changed somewhat, and we have seen a slow but steady increase of Eritrean refugees using the Square and referring their friends. Currently we are working with nine people who have refugee status. Square users are increasingly referring their family and friends which means there is an increase in the number of women we are seeing, from eight at the beginning of the year to 20 at the end. 

Issues we support people with on Side by Side are varied, but they include, for example, accessing Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, and homelessness services. Applications for and difficulties with accessing benefits continue to be high and now make up about a fifth of our work. Results of applications are very slow at the moment, taking, in some cases, more than six months. 

We successfully attended two court hearings for tenants in social housing about to be evicted because of rent arrears, and have also been successful in assisting several people who were homeless to be offered short-life housing in Hackney. Support offered as part of Hackney Council's Community Infrastructure Fund means we have benefitted from a relational lead who has facilitated direct contact with the single homeless service, and hence a more open and effective relationship for single homeless people. We have also developed a closer relationship with The Greenhouse and are now better able to assist homeless men, although it remains a challenge. 

In autumn 2022, we recruited a new community advice worker for Side by Side, and expanded further with the addition of a  'floating' advice worker, made possible by funding from Independent Age. The floating advice service enables older people from across MRS services and community projects to benefit from advice and practical support, and helps to meet the growing need which is exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. 

We have also continued our collaboration with King's College London (KCL) on their research project on adult safeguarding and self-neglect. With funding from KCL, we held several service user engagement events in Gillett Square, the focus of our Side by Side project, which brought together researchers, professionals and service users. 

## **Islington Home Adaptations** 

We continued to provide our Trusted Assessor service for London Borough of Islington's Occupational Therapy team. This service is delivered on a spot purchase basis. 

During the year, 235 Trusted Assessor jobs were completed, an average of about 20 per month. Consistent with last year, the trend towards bigger and longer jobs is continuing, but income remains stable. Capacity was again impacted by staff sickness issues 

## **DIVERSITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSION** 

In 2020/21, we committed to reporting publicly on our equality, diversity and inclusion work as recommended in the Charity Governance Code. 

The Management Committee has agreed a target for itself and our staff group of at least 30% representation from communities reflecting the racial diversity of North East London by the end of 2025. At the end of this period: 

- The diversity of our Management Committee had reduced slightly with the appointment of a new Treasurer, with one out of seven (14%) from a racially diverse background. - The diversity of our staff group also declined with the recruitment of new staff, with one out of 15 (6%) from a racially diverse background. 

Work on diversity was largely paused during the Director's maternity leave, aside from continued participation in Getting on Board's Transform programme and various webinars and events around workforce diversity and anti-racism. Following the Director's return, priorities include implementing the diversity action plan, restarting open trustee recruitment and work on strengthening user voices in management and governance. 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

## **Financial position** 

In 22/23, we saw overall income rise 11% to £335,069. Of this, approximately £24,000 refers to income received for services to be delivered in 23/24. Restricted income remained constant at just over one-third of total income. As expected with the expansion and development of our advice work and the wider economic context of inflationary pressures, costs rose in 22/23. Total expenditure increased by approximately 10% to £313,553. The accounts show an unrestricted surplus of £19,997 at year-end although the pro rata picture is different - once the figures are adjusted to take account of restricted income received in 22/23 for services to be delivered in 23/24, we ended the year with a roughly balanced budget. 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

## **Reserves policy** 

Our reserves policy commits to maintaining 3 to 6 months' expenditure in free reserves, alongside designated funds for innovation, contingency/emergency costs, wind-up costs and environmental sustainability initiatives. 

This equates to a target holding for free reserves of between £101,936 and £203,871 in 23/24 (based on total planned expenditure). At 31 March 2023, the free reserves were £146,636. 

In 23/24 we expect calls on reserves in 23/24 from services currently running at a deficit (Making Room) and to cover likely funding gaps. 

## **Designated Funds** 

Expenditure from designated funds this year included the final payment instalment for a new electric van to meet ULEZ standard. Following this payment, the Environmental Sustainability Fund has delivered its purpose and been spent down, with a slight overspend due to higher than anticipated costs for secondhand electric vehicles. 

We used the Innovation Fund to front the first few months of salary costs for the new Floating Advice and Support Worker post to support service users through the cost of living crisis. 

The Contingency Fund covered additional costs incurred as a result of the Director's maternity leave. 

The Wind-Up Fund has increased to cover increased staff redundancy and notice liabilities in the event of a closure. 

Fund by fund basis and confirmation that MRS can fulfil its obligations 

MRS had reserves to meet current obligations in relation to contracts and to its statutory obligations as an employer. 

## **Thank you** 

Overall we are pleased that MRS has maintained financial stability during the year and has still been able to generate significant external funding towards its services and projects, despite the challenging funding environment. This includes grants generously donated by: 

- Trust for London 

- Mercers Company 

- Stagecoach 

- London Borough of Hackney 

- West Hackney Parochial Charity 

- Independent Age 

- North East London Integrated Care Board 

- Good Things Foundation 

We are extremely grateful to all of our funders, commissioners and partners for their support in 22/23. 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **Structure, governance and management** 

MRS is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. 

- Members can be any person or organisation supporting the aims and objectives of the organisation, but a minimum of two-thirds of members must be people eligible to be users of MRS services in the boroughs in which it is working. 

- Members elect Trustees who form a Management Committee. At least 51% of Trustees are required to be people eligible for MRS services. 

- The Director is responsible for implementation of policy and for day-to-day management of the organisation. The current senior management team comprises the Director and Assistant Director. 

- The Management Committee meets at least quarterly to review work and discuss future plans. 

- The Co-Chairs and Treasurer meet more frequently with each other and with the Director as the need arises. 

**Governing document** : MRS Independent Living Ltd is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, governed by its Memorandum and Art icles of Association dated 30 December 1986 and updated in October 2020. 

**Membership:** At the start of the year MRS had six members who are also members of the Management Committee, each of whom agree to contribute £1 in the event of the charity winding up. 

**Area of benefit:** Primarily London boroughs in North East London, including Islington, Hackney, City of London and other surrounding boro ughs. 

**Public benefit:** In managing the work of the organisation and drawing up this report, the Trustees have considered the requirements under section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to both to the public benefit of MRS Independent Living and to ensure that this is re flected in their report. 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number** 02086284 (England and Wales) 

**Registered Charity number** 801419 

## **Registered office** 

The Adiaha Antigha Centre Dalston Lane London E8 3AZ 

## **Trustees** 

J Miles Co-chair S Steppens J Tilston (Resigned as Treasurer on 20/03/2023) R Henderson Co-chair D Hardiman O A Oyebode A Tunks (Appointed as Treasurer on 20.03.23) (appointed 20.3.23) 

## **Company Secretary** 

N J Pink 

## **Independent Examiner** 

Brindley Millen Ltd 167 Turners Hill Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9BH 

Page 7 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** 

**Bankers** Cooperative Bank 1 Islington High Street London N16 8JN Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by: 

.............................................................................. J Miles - Trustee 

Page 8 



INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of MRS Independent Living Ltd ('the Company')** 

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2023. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). 

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. 

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: 

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 

3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act 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 

4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)). 

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. 

Maurice Brindley BSc FCA 

Brindley Millen Ltd 167 Turners Hill Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN8 9BH Date: ............................................. 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 

## (INCORPORATING AN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

|Unrestricted<br>Designated<br>fund<br>funds<br>Notes<br>£<br>£<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**<br>**FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>-<br>-<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Independent Living Services<br>216,437<br>-<br>Other income<br>-<br>-<br>**Total**<br>216,437<br>-<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Independent Living Services<br>168,464<br>25,493<br>**NET**<br>**INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>47,973<br>(25,493)<br>**Transfers between funds**<br>12<br>(22,403)<br>22,403<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>25,570<br>(3,090)<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>149,268<br>98,440<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED**<br>**FORWARD**<br>174,838<br>95,350|Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>-<br>118,630<br>-<br>118,630<br>114,021<br>4,609<br>-<br>4,609<br>40,225<br>44,834|31.3.23<br>31.3.22<br>Total<br>Total<br>funds<br>funds<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>335,067<br>288,029<br>-<br>12,874<br>335,067<br>300,903<br>307,978<br>286,148<br>27,089<br>14,755<br>-<br>-<br>27,089<br>14,755<br>287,933<br>273,178<br>315,022<br>287,933|
|---|---|---|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02086284) 

## BALANCE SHEET 

## 31 March 2023 

|Unrestricted<br>Designated<br>fund<br>funds<br>Notes<br>£<br>£<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible assets<br>6<br>22,629<br>-<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Stocks<br>7<br>5,574<br>-<br>Debtors<br>8<br>39,174<br>-<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>120,568<br>95,350<br>165,316<br>95,350<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>9<br>(13,107)<br>-<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>152,209<br>95,350<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS**<br>**CURRENT LIABILITIES**<br>174,838<br>95,350<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due after more than<br>one year<br>10<br>-<br>-<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>174,838<br>95,350<br>**FUNDS**<br>12<br>Unrestricted funds<br>Restricted funds<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>44,834<br>44,834<br>-<br>44,834<br>44,834<br>-<br>44,834|31.3.23<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>22,629<br>5,574<br>39,174<br>260,752<br>305,500<br>(13,107)<br>292,393<br>315,022<br>-<br>315,022<br>270,188<br>44,834<br>315,022|31.3.22<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>28,664<br>4,018<br>70,579<br>210,619<br>285,216<br>(18,627)<br>266,589<br>295,253<br>(7,320)<br>287,933<br>247,708<br>40,225<br>287,933|
|---|---|---|---|



The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2023. 

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. 

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for 

- (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and 

- (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

continued... 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD (REGISTERED NUMBER: 02086284) 

## BALANCE SHEET - continued 

## 31 March 2023 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: 

............................................. 

J Miles - Trustee 

............................................. 

A Tunks - Trustee 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

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MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of preparing the financial statements and assessment of going concern** 

The financial statements of the charitable company, 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 Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. 

The financial statements are presented in sterling (£). 

## **Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty** 

In preparing financial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimated and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The following judgements and estimates are considered by the trustees to have most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements. 

Useful economic life of tangible fixed assets: 

The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are reassessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets. 

## **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. 

- Plant and machinery 25% on reducing balance - Fixtures and fittings 25% on reducing balance Motor vehicles - 25% on reducing balance 

No depreciation is charged in the year of acquisition and a full years depreciation is charged in the year of disposal. 

## **Stocks** 

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowances for obsolete and slow moving items. 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Debtors** 

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. 

## **Cash at bank and in hand** 

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash, current bank accounts and deposit bank accounts with no withdrawal limitations. 

## **Creditors** 

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are recognised at their settlement amount. 

continued... 

Page 13 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** 

## **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. 

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** 

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. 

## **Going concern** 

These financial statements have been prepared on a "going concern" basis which is subject to continued funding of the charities objectives. 

The general environment for funding services of the kind provided by MRS Independent Living continues to be positive. 

## **Financial instruments** 

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially settled at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

## **2. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)** 

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting): 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||
|---|---|---|
|31.3.23|31.3.22|
|£|£|
|Depreciation - owned assets|7,544|9,555|
|-|
|Surplus on disposal of fixed assets|(6,928)|
|Independent examiners fees|2,995|2,995|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **3. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** 

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022. 

The charity considers its key personnel to comprise the trustees, the director and assistant director. Total key personnel remuneration in the year was £51,741 (2022: £51,854). This figure comprises gross pay £45,348, employer's NI £4,311 and employer's pension £2,082. 

## **Trustees' expenses** 

There were no  trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022. 

## **4. STAFF COSTS** 

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||
|---|---|---|
|31.3.23|31.3.22|
|All staff|6|6|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 

continued... 

Page 14 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

|Unrestricted<br>Designated<br>Restricted<br>fund<br>funds<br>funds<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Independent Living Services<br>183,540<br>-<br>104,489<br>Other income<br>12,874<br>-<br>-<br>**Total**<br>196,414<br>-<br>104,489<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Independent Living Services<br>198,716<br>-<br>87,432<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>(2,302)<br>-<br>17,057<br>**Transfers between funds**<br>7,560<br>(7,560)<br>-<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>5,258<br>(7,560)<br>17,057<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>144,010<br>106,000<br>23,168<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>149,268<br>98,440<br>40,225<br>**6.**<br>**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**<br>Fixtures<br>Plant and<br>and<br>Motor<br>machinery<br>fittings<br>vehicles<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>**COST**<br>At 1 April 2022<br>18,395<br>8,948<br>35,716<br>Additions<br>-<br>1,509<br>-<br>At 31 March 2023<br>18,395<br>10,457<br>35,716<br>**DEPRECIATION**<br>At 1 April 2022<br>18,384<br>7,082<br>8,929<br>Charge for year<br>3<br>844<br>6,697<br>At 31 March 2023<br>18,387<br>7,926<br>15,626<br>**NET BOOK VALUE**<br>At 31 March 2023<br>8<br>2,531<br>20,090<br>At 31 March 2022<br>11<br>1,866<br>26,787|Total<br>funds<br>£<br>-<br>288,029<br>12,874<br>300,903<br>286,148<br>14,755<br>-<br>14,755<br>273,178<br>287,933<br>Totals<br>£<br>63,059<br>1,509<br>64,568<br>34,395<br>7,544<br>41,939<br>22,629<br>28,664|
|---|---|



continued... 

Page 15 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

|**7.**|**STOCKS**||
|---|---|---|
|||31.3.23<br>31.3.22|
|||£<br>£|
||Stocks|5,574<br>4,018|
|**8.**|**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**||
||Accounts receivable|31.3.23<br>31.3.22<br>£<br>£<br>29,091<br>46,453|
||VAT|7,961<br>21,863|
||Prepayments and accrued income|2,122<br>2,263|
|||39,174<br>70,579|
|**9.**|**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**||
||Hire purchase (see note 11)|31.3.23<br>31.3.22<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>2,299|
||Trade creditors|2,258<br>6,798|
||Social security and other taxes|7,854<br>6,536|
||Accrued expenses|2,995<br>2,994|
|||13,107<br>18,627|
|**10.**|**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR**||
||Hire purchase (see note 11)|31.3.23<br>31.3.22<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>7,320|
|**11.**|**LEASING AGREEMENTS**||
||Minimum lease payments under hire purchase fall due as follows:||
||Net obligations repayable:|31.3.23<br>31.3.22<br>£<br>£|
||Within one year|-<br>2,299|
||Between one and five years|-<br>7,320|
|||-<br>9,619|



continued... 

Page 16 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** 

|At 1.4.22<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>Free Reserves<br>149,268<br>Innovation Fund (formally Access to<br>technology)<br>40,000<br>Environment Sustainability Fund<br>8,440<br>Contingency Fund<br>10,000<br>Wind-up Fund (formally Designated fund)<br>40,000<br>247,708<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Side by Side<br>711<br>Digital Inclusion<br>19,724<br>Otago (Staying Steady)<br>18,230<br>Coronavirus Fund<br>1,472<br>Hackney Dudes Fund<br>88<br>Floating Advice and Support<br>-<br>Grants for individuals<br>-<br>40,225<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>287,933<br>Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>Free Reserves<br>Innovation Fund (formally Access to<br>technology)<br>Environment Sustainability Fund<br>Contingency Fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Side by Side<br>Digital Inclusion<br>Otago (Staying Steady)<br>Hackney Dudes Fund<br>Floating Advice and Support<br>Grants for individuals<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>47,973<br>(1,650)<br>(10,449)<br>(13,394)<br>-<br>22,480<br>9,912<br>1,447<br>(15,447)<br>-<br>-<br>8,550<br>147<br>4,609<br>27,089<br>Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>216,437<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>216,437<br>58,250<br>22,000<br>10,930<br>5,500<br>20,000<br>1,950<br>118,630<br>335,067|Transfers<br>between<br>At<br>funds<br>31.3.23<br>£<br>£<br>(22,403)<br>174,838<br>-<br>38,350<br>2,009<br>-<br>13,394<br>10,000<br>7,000<br>47,000<br>-<br>270,188<br>-<br>10,623<br>-<br>21,171<br>-<br>2,783<br>-<br>1,472<br>-<br>88<br>-<br>8,550<br>-<br>147<br>-<br>44,834<br>-<br>315,022<br>Resources<br>Movement<br>expended<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>(168,464)<br>47,973<br>(1,650)<br>(1,650)<br>(10,449)<br>(10,449)<br>(13,394)<br>(13,394)<br>(193,957)<br>22,480<br>(48,338)<br>9,912<br>(20,553)<br>1,447<br>(26,377)<br>(15,447)<br>(5,500)<br>-<br>(11,450)<br>8,550<br>(1,803)<br>147<br>(114,021)<br>4,609<br>(307,978)<br>27,089|
|---|---|---|



continued... 

Page 17 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

## **Comparatives for movement in funds** 

|At 1.4.21<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>Free Reserves<br>144,010<br>Innovation Fund (formally Access to<br>technology)<br>50,000<br>Environment Sustainability Fund<br>25,000<br>Contingency Fund<br>10,000<br>Wind-up Fund (formally Designated fund)<br>21,000<br>250,010<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Side by Side<br>711<br>Digital Inclusion<br>3,408<br>Otago (Staying Steady)<br>12,580<br>Coronavirus Fund<br>6,381<br>Hackney Dudes Fund<br>88<br>23,168<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>273,178<br>Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>Free Reserves<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Side by Side<br>Digital Inclusion<br>Otago (Staying Steady)<br>Coronavirus Fund<br>Hackney Dudes Fund<br>Albert Hunt Trust<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>(2,302)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(2,302)<br>-<br>16,316<br>5,650<br>(4,909)<br>-<br>17,057<br>14,755<br>Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>196,414<br>9,996<br>38,284<br>28,001<br>1,980<br>24,228<br>2,000<br>104,489<br>300,903|Transfers<br>between<br>At<br>funds<br>31.3.22<br>£<br>£<br>7,560<br>149,268<br>(10,000)<br>40,000<br>(16,560)<br>8,440<br>-<br>10,000<br>19,000<br>40,000<br>-<br>247,708<br>-<br>711<br>-<br>19,724<br>-<br>18,230<br>-<br>1,472<br>-<br>88<br>-<br>40,225<br>-<br>287,933<br>Resources<br>Movement<br>expended<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>(198,716)<br>(2,302)<br>(9,996)<br>-<br>(21,968)<br>16,316<br>(22,351)<br>5,650<br>(6,889)<br>(4,909)<br>(24,228)<br>-<br>(2,000)<br>-<br>(87,432)<br>17,057<br>(286,148)<br>14,755|
|---|---|---|



continued... 

Page 18 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>Free Reserves<br>Innovation Fund (formally Access to<br>technology)<br>Environment Sustainability Fund<br>Contingency Fund<br>Wind-up Fund (formally Designated fund)<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Side by Side<br>Digital Inclusion<br>Otago (Staying Steady)<br>Coronavirus Fund<br>Hackney Dudes Fund<br>Floating Advice and Support<br>Grants for individuals<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1.4.21<br>£<br>144,010<br>50,000<br>25,000<br>10,000<br>21,000<br>250,010<br>711<br>3,408<br>12,580<br>6,381<br>88<br>-<br>-<br>23,168<br>273,178|Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>45,671<br>(1,650)<br>(10,449)<br>(13,394)<br>-<br>20,178<br>9,912<br>17,763<br>(9,797)<br>(4,909)<br>-<br>8,550<br>147<br>21,666<br>41,844|Transfers<br>between<br>funds<br>£<br>(14,843)<br>(10,000)<br>(14,551)<br>13,394<br>26,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|At<br>31.3.23<br>£<br>174,838<br>38,350<br>-<br>10,000<br>47,000<br>270,188<br>10,623<br>21,171<br>2,783<br>1,472<br>88<br>8,550<br>147<br>44,834<br>315,022|
|---|---|---|---|---|



A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>Free Reserves<br>Innovation Fund (formally Access to<br>technology)<br>Environment Sustainability Fund<br>Contingency Fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Side by Side<br>Digital Inclusion<br>Otago (Staying Steady)<br>Coronavirus Fund<br>Hackney Dudes Fund<br>Albert Hunt Trust<br>Floating Advice and Support<br>Grants for individuals<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>412,851<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>412,851<br>68,246<br>60,284<br>38,931<br>1,980<br>29,728<br>2,000<br>20,000<br>1,950<br>223,119<br>635,970|Resources<br>Movement<br>expended<br>in funds<br>£<br>£<br>(367,180)<br>45,671<br>(1,650)<br>(1,650)<br>(10,449)<br>(10,449)<br>(13,394)<br>(13,394)<br>(392,673)<br>20,178<br>(58,334)<br>9,912<br>(42,521)<br>17,763<br>(48,728)<br>(9,797)<br>(6,889)<br>(4,909)<br>(29,728)<br>-<br>(2,000)<br>-<br>(11,450)<br>8,550<br>(1,803)<br>147<br>(201,453)<br>21,666<br>(594,126)<br>41,844|
|---|---|---|



## **Innovation Fund (formerly Access to Technology)** 

During the year ended 2016 the charity received a legacy from the estate of the former Vice Chair, Ken Bodden. The trustees have decided to set this money aside with the aim of promoting access to technology for people with disabilities.In the year ended 31 March 2020 this fund was redesignated as the Innovation Fund for investment in new projects and services that meet strategic priorities. 

continued... 

Page 19 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

## **Environmental Sustainability Fund** 

Monies set aside for environmentally responsible purchase, presently and primarily to fund the purchase of a more environmentally friendly van. 

## **Contingency Fund** 

Monies set aside for emergency costs 

## **Wind-up Fund (formerly Designated fund )** 

Monies set aside by the trustees for contingencies for the provision of redundancy payments and to cover staff notice periods and for other costs should the organisation find it necessary to close operations in the future. 

## **13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** 

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2023. 

## **14. GUARANTEE STATUS** 

The company is limited by guarantee whereby every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company, in the event of a winding up, while they are a member or within one year after the cease to be a member, such as may be required, not exceeding one pound. 

Page 20 



MRS INDEPENDENT LIVING LTD 

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Year Ended 31 March 2023 

|DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES<br>for the Year Ended 31 March 2023|||
|---|---|---|
||31.3.23|31.3.22|
||£|£|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**|||
|**Charitable activities**|||
|Grants|107,700|74,508|
|Contracts|122,205|94,036|
|Fee income|105,162|119,485|
|**Other income**|335,067|288,029|
|Gain on sale of intangible fixed assets|-|6,928|
|Job Retention Scheme|-|5,946|
||-|12,874|
|**Total incoming resources**|335,067|300,903|
|**EXPENDITURE**|||
|**Charitable activities**|||
|Wages|181,777|169,497|
|Social security|6,130|5,648|
|Pensions|4,621|3,474|
|Rent and rates|6,903|25,707|
|Insurance|2,246|2,221|
|Telephone|1,210|2,095|
|Postage and stationery|925|2,581|
|Publicity|2,308|1,331|
|Sundries|1,906|1,770|
|Motor and travel|6,281|6,508|
|Training|90|1,019|
|Repairs and renewals|1,534|3,473|
|Protective clothing|53|-|
|Subscriptions|336|-|
|Sub-contracted services|41,381|33,211|
|Materials for minor adaptations|16,492|14,722|
|Partnership Expenses|4,430|-|
|Venue Hire|16,216|-|
|Plant & machinery depreciation|3|4|
|Fixtures & fittings depreciation|844|622|
|Motor vehicles depreciation|6,697|8,929|
|Bank interest|65|329|
|Hire purchase|832|50|
|Grants to individuals|1,803|-|
|**Support costs**|305,083|283,191|
|**Governance costs**|||
|Accountancy and legal fees|2,895|2,957|
|Total resources expended|307,978|286,148|
|**Net income**|27,089|14,755|
||||



This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 

Page 21