REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: N1040485 (Northern Ireland) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: NIC 101850 ort of the Trustees and Unaudited Finaneial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 for ast Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Acom Limited b Guarantee Lynn Drake & Co Ltd Chartered Accountants I st Floor 34 B-D Main Street Moira Co. Arniagh BT67 OLE
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Page Referenee and Administrative Detsils Report of the Trnstees Independent Examiner's Report 9 to 10 Statement of Financial Activities Statement of Financial Position 12 to 13 Notes to the Financial Statements 14 to 25 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 26 to 27
East Belfas Ind ent Advice Centre Reference and Administrative Details for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 TRUSTEES Ann Martin Amanda Maguire Bernadette Mcconnell Colin Robinson Richard Williamson Gerard Morgan COMPANY SECRETARY Gerard Morgan REGISTERED OFFICE East Belfast Network Centre 55 Templemore Avenue Belfast Co. Antrim BT5 4FP REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER N1040485 (Northern Ireland) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER NIC 101850 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Lynn Drake & Co Ltd Chartered Accountants I st Floor 34 B-D Main Street Moira Co. Arniagh BT67 OLE CHIEF EXEC OFFICER Mr Gerard Morgan BANKERS Ulster Bank Connswater Branch Arches Retail Park Belfast BT5 4AF
East Belfast Inde endent Adviee Centre ort of th Trustee5 for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 The trustees who are also directors of the chartty for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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 l January 2019). East Belfast Independent Advice Centre targets people affected by povety and disadvantage by providing independent and confidential advice within the community in greater East Belfast. EBIAC believes in a community development approach to advice, providing an advice service which promotes community participation. is community based and community led. EBIAC exists to ensure that the community in East Belfast does not suffer from a lack of advi¢¢/infom]ation as to their ri)lS and responsibilities. The aims and objectives of EBIAC are as folloivs: (l ) Maintain and develop an effectiv¢ and high quality service. (2) Ensure the service is accessible especially to the most vulnerable people in the area. (3) Inform and influence policy and service developments in the context of Welfare Reforni. (4) Sustain and develop the organisation and its resources. Activities during the year EBIAC is committed to promoting social justice and equality, our staff work to ensure that the community has access to the inforniation and resources they need to navigate the complex social security systems. Our services are free of charge, to ensure that individuals from all backgrounds can seek help and support. EBIAC has played a crucial role in supporting vulnerable individuals and families struggling with financial hardship. Our advisors work closely with clients, providing advice, fonn filling, Crisis support through referrals, advocacy, representation, and practical solutions to help them overcome obstacles to making infonned decisions. We also continued to increase the awareness of access to advice, accessing justice and infonnation on welfarc refonn issues, benefits, debL housing issue and the social security system. Our services and acc¢ss to OUT services are already tailored to those with significant physical access and health issues because of the nature of our work, but we continue to reach out to groups with information and awareness raising activities, when we have identified underrepresented cornmunities which maybe be facing barriers to accessing services. During 24-25 we organised workshops, training sessions, and awareness raising infom]ation s¢ssions to equip individuals with infom)ation on their entitlements. Participants included those with mental health issues. their carers, support staff and family members. Through these sessions we aim to build upon the knowledge and skills necessary to navigafr various systems effectively. We have also provided inforn]ation sessions on accessing pension credit with older groups. This year the cost of living continued to effect household incom¢ and expenditure. Those with rnental health issues and the elderly on fixed income pensions and pension credits are still among those most vulnerable in our ommunity in these circumstances, and are more likely to experience severe financial difficulties which result in struggling to maintain stable wann homes, enswing they have access to healthy and nutritious food and maintaining their health and wellbeing. During the year advice was delivered through a number of projects including..
East Belfast Inde endent Adviee Centre ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Mental HeaIth and Wellbeing and Advocacy and Tribunal Services The Mental Health and Wellbeing project continues to support individuals with mental health issues to access their entitlements and send referrals to the Mental Health Advocacy and Tribunal project which provides support with appeal applications and representation at Social Security Tribunals. The continuing pattern of Personal Independence Payment making up the majority of the appeals continues with increasing number of refusals and appeals. The Project delivered Infonnation sessions with local community-bLsed organisations working in the fields of mental health support, health and well-being services and those supporting Carers. We continue to refer vulnerable individuals, who previously did not engage with community or other services to support their on-going mental health needs including to counselling services, volunteering opportunities, family support organisations and debt management advice. Welfare Reform Support Project The WRSP project continues to provide advice for people navigating the range of welfare reforni and mitigation schemes. It includes advice and support with benefit application processes, assistance with sanctions, enhancing employability and financial capability where appropriate and supporting people to improve their digital capability. Community Advice and Training Project During 2024-25 delivery of our Generalist Advice Services was again supported by our Community Advice and Training Project. Our volunteer advisers arc recruited from the local community, and we develop the skills and capacity of our volunteers to support the local community, deliver advice services, improve their own employability and access opportunities in the local area. Our programme supports those currently excluded from the workplace for a variety of reasons and encourages some of the most vulnerable locaI people to become involved in volunteering, gain qualifications and gain employment for those seeking to do so. Our volunteers have supported individuals to improve their financial position by conducting benefits cliecks on all clients and assisting people to maximise their income by supporting people with making applications for social security benefits including Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payrnents. By conducting budgeting reviews with clients they have been able to support individuals to address issues of debt directly or through referrals to local debt management servA¢es. Feeding Britain W¢ continue to work with Feeding Britain through their Pathways from Povety programme to work with local food banks providing expert welfare rights advice sessions within existing food proj¢cts to help address the widcr issues that people may be facing. Wiser and Better Off During the year, this project has continued to ensure that pensioners in East Belfast have reduced levels of poverty through promotion of pension Credit and other benefit take-up, and better access to s¢rvices though the provision of direct advice services on a face-to-face basis.
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 We have publicised the project within the local community and public sector to promote the Project. These links have also enabled us to refer pensioners to additional support services which they were unaware of, or unable to access independently We have publicised the project throughout the community particularly in locations where we might be able to target older people not currently engaged in additional support services, including GPS, Post Offices, local shops and cafes. We continue to deliver awareness raising sessions on pensions and pension credit entitlement to organisations working with and supporting older people. PLANS FOR 25-26 Once again for the coming year we again anticipate high demand for services from people struggling with the cost of living. We will continue to work together with partners in the wider voluntary, community and public sector to ensure we support clients to avoid hardship and destitution. In the coming year, we will continue to provide crucial support to clients through, our drop-in services, appointment-based services, phone and on-line support when requested, providing inforniation and referrals services and specialist advice on housing, employment, benefits, debL and mental health advocacy. We will also deliver infomiation and awareness raising sessions, to equip those working with vulnerable individuals with knowledge of the social security system and raise awareness of the services available. We will continue to collaborate with our existing and new partner organisations, to provide a comprehensive support network for clients, drawing upon the expertise and resources of other organisations to address complex issues.
East Belf2St Inde endent Advice Centre Re ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 OKJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Public benefit Purposes (a) and (b) The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include: l. Claiming welfare benefits for those who have a physical or mental disability. 2. Maximising the income of all clients who are in need. 3. Resolving debt related issues. 4. Reducing the levels of stress and anxiety of those in th¢ area of benefit through the provision of advice. 5. Providing quality advice to those in need due to a low income, ill health, disability or age. 6. Providing a signposting service to specialist organisations for those needing them. 7. Providing quality advice to all those in the area of benefit who are impacted negatively by legislation. These benefits will be evidenced by.. l. Amount of yearly benefit maximisation recorded 2. Amount of debt dealt with. 3. The numbers of people from the area of benefit using our service. 4. Feedback from the people in the area of benefit. Pujpose (c) The direct benefits which flow forni this pUoSe include l. Improved mental health and well being for those in the area of benefit. 2. Reduced levels of stress and anxiety for those in the area of benefit. Purpose through th¢ provision of advicc that allows them to resolve practical issues that are impacting negatively on their mental health. 3. Signposting to other specialist mental health services. These benefjts will be evidenced through l. Numbers of clients a¢¢essing services 2. Direct referrals froln Community Voluntary and Statutory health services. 3. Amount of benefit maximisation 4. Amount of debt dealt with, 5. Client and stakeholder feedback. Purpose (d) The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include. Training of Volunteers from th¢ area of benefit -Education of people from the area of benefit as to their rights in relation to those arw of NI -legislation which directly affects them. -People from the area of b¢nefit will not suffer through a lack of knowledge or an inability to express themselves. These benefits will be evidenced through: l. the number of volunteers trained each year 2. feedback from clients who use our services Thes¢ purposes do not give rise to any hann. The beneficiaries of these purposes are those people residing in the Greater Belf&st and C&stlereagh Area.
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 A private benefit to Trustees may arise as a result of ongoing training in Good Governance, Finance, HR. Through this training Trustees gain skills and experience which are transferable to other settings. These benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to our beneficiaries. A private benefit to individual volunteers may arise as a result of Iheir basic training. Volunteers gain skills and experience which are transferable to other settings. These benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to our beneficiaries. The trustees has complied with the duty to have regard to the guidance issued by th¢ Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 40)) of thc Charities Act. FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial position The company had net outgoing resources for the year of £18,280 (2024.. net outgoing resources of £1.485), which reflected the completion of a number of projects during the year. Unrestricted funds in¢re&8ed by £7,744, while restricted funds decreased by £26,024. Reserves policy The charity's policy is to retain a level of res¢rves, which matches the needs of the organisation both at the current time and in the foreseeable future. The charity has developed a plan to establish and maintain this agreed level of reserves. The charity will continue to monitor compliance with this policy on a regular basls and the Board will review the appropriateness of the policy annually. STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The charity is controlled by its goveining docurnenL a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees During the period under review the directors met monthly. Trusteesldirectors are appointed by nominations made in writing by any existing director. At the General Meeting nominated directors are appointed by election.
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre ort of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 STRUCTURE, GOVERNAIYCE AND IVAANAGEMENT Risk management The principles of good governance are embedded within all aspects of East Belfast Independent Advice Centre's operations with management and staff being keenly aware of the Boards responsibility of ensuring that the organisation protects itself from financial exposure and reputational damage, A close working relationship is maintained beiween the Board and management to ensure that operalionally staff are aware of the standards required of them by the Board and the Board are always in a position to provide guidance and support to management in the discharge of their duties. This two way relationship is the key feature of East Belfast Independent Advice Centre governance arrangements and is a key strength in the company. A conscientious approach to ensuring that contractual project requirements are achieved has been maintained at all times both in the accounting period being reported on and since East Belfast Independent Advice Centre establishment. Very tight financial controls on expenditure and all financial commitments are maintained at all times and project staff have been trained and have become experienced in budgetary controls. In both these areas ie Project delivery and financial controls management all staff have established close working relationships with funding organisations to ensure all mandatory standards are consistently achieved. Board representatives also actively engage with funding bodies. The Board, management and staff are fully aware that the nature of the work in which East Belf&st Independent Advice Centre is involved can bring with it a high level of scrutiny to ensure that all activities are fully compliant with funding requirements and, therefore, beyond r¢proach. The Board of East Belf&st Independent Advice Centre is, therefore, greatly reassured of the company's cornpliance with the highest of standards of governance on the basis that all monitoring and evaluation of project delivery demonstrates achievement of all funders objectives and that funders, audits and vouching of financial expenditure and the Independent Examiners Report confirni compliance with both probity and regularity in the use of monies received. EVEIYTS SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR Infonnation relating to ¢vents since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements. TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILrrY STATEMENT The trustees (who are also the directors of East Belf&st Independent Advice Centre for the purposes of company law) 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 A¢c¢pted Accounting Practice) including Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ir¢land Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements foT ¢ach financial year. Under that law, the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (Unitcd Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under cornpany law the trustees must not approve the fjnancial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resourc¢s. including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to sel¢ct suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the haritable company will continue in business.
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Cen re ort of th Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT - continued The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking re&sonable st¢ps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial infonnation included on thc charitable company's website. This report has been prepared in accordance with the spectal provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Approved by order of the board of trustees on 4 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by: Ann Martin - Trustee
Inde elldent Examiner, ort to the Trustees of East Belfast Inde endent Advice C.entre I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages eleven to twenty five. Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees (and also the 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. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under Section 65 of the Charities Act follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under Section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of the independent examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under Section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under Section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includ¢d consideration of any unusual iterns or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking ¢xplanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me Cause to believe: That accounting records were not kept in accordance with Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Rcpublic of Ireland That there is further infonnation needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examiner's statement Sinc¢ your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your cxaminer must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters ( l ) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Mr Bill The Instit ke FCA of Chartered Accountants in Ireland Lynn Drake & Co Ltd Chartered Accountants I st Floor 34 B-D Main Street Moira
Inde endent Examiner's Re ort to the Trustees of East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Co. Arniagh B T67 OLE 4 December 2025 io
East Ifast Inde elldent Advice C ntre Statement of Financial Activities Incor oratin an Income and Ex for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 enditure Account 31.3.25 Total funds 31.3.24 Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Notes INCOME AIYD ENDOWMENTS FROM Charitable activities Grants Recetvable 287,066 287,066 324,822 Other trading activities 8,070 8,070 Total 8,070 287,066 295,136 324,822 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Direct Charitable Expenditure Governance 326 309,748 310,074 323,229 3,342 3,342 3,078 Total 326 313,090 313,416 326.307 NET tNCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 7,744 (26,024) (18.280) (1,485) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 118,226 39,714 157,940 159,425 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 125,970 13,690 139,660 157.940 The notcs fonn part of these financial statements
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre ststement of Finaneial Position 31 March 2025 31.3.25 31.3.24 Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank 1,198 141,539 23,631 137,301 142,737 160,932 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year io (3,077) (2,992) NET CURRENT ASSETS 139.660 157,940 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 139,660 157,940 NET ASSETS 139,660 157,940 FUNDS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 12 125,970 13,690 118,226 39,714 TOTAL FUNDS 139,660 157,940 The Charitable company is entitled to exernption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 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 th¢ charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial y¢ar in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which othenvise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable cornpany. The notes fortn part of these financial staterncnts 12 continued...
East Belfast Inde end nt Advice Centre Statement of Financial Position - continued 31 March 2025 These financial statements have been prepared in accordanc¢ 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 4 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by: Ann Martin - Trustee Colin Robinson - Trustee The notes fonn part of these financial statements 13
t Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Note to the Financial Ststements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements 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 l 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 cosl convention. Summary of slgnificant accounting policies (a) General information and basis of preparation E&st B¢lfast Independent Advice Centre Limited is constited as a company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland (N1040485). In the event of the charity being would up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the charity. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Ststement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in 2019 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2013, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless othenvise stated. (b) Funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprisc unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statemcnts. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. {c) Income recognition 14 continued...
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Notes to the Financial Statements - Continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Basis of preparing the financial statements All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any perfom]ance conditions have been meL the amount can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the income will be received. For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlernent can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within Ihe control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled. Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when receivable. Income received from collections is recognised when received. Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be me&8ured reliably, and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity. For example, the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure. No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP (FRS 102). Further detail 15 given in the Trustees, Annual Report. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. At this point income is recognised. On occasion legacies will be notified to the charity however it is not possible to measure the amount expected to be distributed. On these occ&sions, the legacy is treated &s a contingent asset and disclosed. Income from trading activities includes income earned from fundraising events and trading activities to raise funds for the charity. Income is received in exchange for supplying goods and services ftn order to raise funds and is recogniscd when entitlement has occurred. The charity receives government grants which are detailed within the notes to these financial statements. Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured rcliably. If ¢ntitlement is not met, then these amounts are deferred. (d) Expenditure recognition All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis inclusive of VAT which cannot be recovered and has been cl&ssifi¢d under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be requir¢d, and the amount of the obligation can be me&sured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings: Costs of raising funds includes the costs associated with attracting voluntary incomes. Expenditure on charitable activities includes those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and s¢rvices for its b¢neficiari¢s. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them; and Other expenditure represents those items not falling into the categories above. 15 continued...
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Basis of preparing the financial statements I¢coverable VAT is charged as an expense against the activity for which expenditure arose. Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon &$ the r¢cipient is notified of the grant, &8 this gives rise to a reasonable expectalion that the recipient will receive the grants. Where grants are conditional relating to perfonnance then the grant is only accrued when any unfulfilled conditions are outside of the control of the charity. (e) Support costs allocation Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, administrative payroll costs. They are incued directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project rnanagem¢nt carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitablc activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. Premises overheads have been allocated on an insert detail basis and other overheads have been allocated on a b&8is consistent with the use of resources. Fund-raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. (D Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairrnent losses. Cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets, at rat¢s calculated to writ¢ off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset on a systematic basis over its expected useful life as follows Improvements to property - 250/0 Straight Line Fixtures and fittings 250/0 Straight Line (g) Financial Instruments A financial asset OT a financial liability is recognised only when thc charity bccomcs a party to the contractual provision of the instrument. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amounts receivable or payable including any related transaction costs. Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other conslderation expected to be paid or relived and not discounted. Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost. 16 continued...
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre N tes to the Finaneial Statements- continu for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - eontinued Basis of preparing the financial statements Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can othenvise be measured reliably, the investment is subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investments are subsequently mwured at cost less impairnient. Other financial instruments, including derivatives, are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond norn]al business terms or financed at a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured ai the present value of the future payments discounted at a market Tate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Other financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value with any changes recognised in the statement of financial activities, with the exception of hedging instrurnents in a desIed hedging relationship. Financial assets that are me&8ured at cost or amortised cost are r¢view¢d for objective evtdence of impairn]ent at the end of each reporting date. if there is objective evidence of impainnent an impairnient loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain is recognised. For all equity instruments regardless of significance, and other financial &ssets that are individually significant, these are assessed individually for impaimient. Other financial assets are ¢ither assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics. Any reversals of impaim)ent are recognised immediately. to the extent that the reversal does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carrying amount would have been had the impainnent not previously been recognised. (h) Impairn]ent Assets not rneasured at fair value are reviewed for any indication that the asset rnay be impaired at each balance sheet date. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, or the asset's cash gencrating unit, is estimated and compared to the canying amount. Wh¢r¢ the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss unless the asset is carried at a r¢valued amount where the impainnent loss is a revaluation decre&8e. (i) Provisions Provisions are recognised when the charity has an obligation at the balance sh¢¢t date as a result of a past event. it is probable that an oufflow of economic benefits will be required in settl¢Tn¢nt and the amount can be reliably estimated. (i) Leases Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised and depreciated over the shorter of the l¢&s¢ terni and the expected useful life of the asset. Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding le&8e liability using the effective interest method. The related obligations. net of future finance charges, are included in creditors. 17 continued...
East Belf st Inde eDdent Advice Centre Notes to the Financial tstements- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - eontinued Basis of preparing the financial ststements Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the SOFA on a straight line b&8iS over the period of the lease. (k) Tax No provision is required for taxation as the company is defined as a charity for taxation PUTposes. The charity is a registered charity and so such is entitled to certain t&x exemptions on incorne and profits from investments and surpluses on any trading activities carried on in furtherance of the charity's primary objectives, if these profits and surpluses are applied solely for charitable purposes. (l) Going coneern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern. (m) Judgements estimates The following judgements including those involving estimates that have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies that have had the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the fjnancial statements and that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year: (i) depreciation method and asset useful lives (li) principal assumptions used to measure multi-employer defined benefit pension schemes, liabilities, sensitivities to changes in assumptions and future funding obligations The estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis considering the current and future market conditions. Fund accounting Th¢ Company has various types of funds for which it is responsible, and which require separate disclosure. 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 ar¢ raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the not¢s to the financial statements. 18 continued...
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued Pension eosts 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 p¢riod to which they relate. Defthed contributions plans Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in the future payments of a cash refund. When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. Th¢ unwinding of the discount is recognised in finance costs in profit or loss in the period in which it arises. Contingent liability A contingent liability exists to repay any grants received should certain conditions not be fulfilled by the Company. OTHER TRADING ACTIvrrIES 31.3.25 31.3.24 Fundraising and Donations Ascert Advice NI Feeding Britian 110 460 7,500 8,070 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 31.3.25 31.3.24 Activity Grants Receivable Grants 287,066 324.822 Grants receive included in the above, are as follows: 31.3.25 31.3.24 Halifax Foundation (Nl) Public Health Agency The National Lottery Community Fund Henry Smith Charity Belf&st Health and Social Care Trust- Mental Health Belfast City Council - Generalist Advice Funding Belfast City Council - Advice Space Belfast City Council - Welfare Reforn] Support Project Advice NI - Debt Project 10,000 34,381 38,014 19,974 60.000 98,958 73,221 115,181 76,571 1,500 32.826 3,000 31,262 2,000 Carried forward 287,066 309,822 19 continued...
East Belfast Inde en eDt Advice Centre Not to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 INCOME FROM CHARrrABLE ACTIVITIES- continued 31.3.25 31.3.24 Brought fonvard Advice Nl Feeding Britian 287,066 309,822 15,000 287,066 324,822 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charginW(crediting): 31.3.25 31.3.24 Bank Fees Independent ExaTniner Fee 162 3,180 188 2,890 TRUSTEES, REMUNEIL4TION AND BENEFrrs There were no trustees, remuneration or other benefits for the year cnded 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. Trustees, expenses There were no trustees, expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024. STAFF COSTS 31.3.25 31.3.24 Wages and salaries SociaI security costs Other pension costs 221,794 13.286 18,852 231,590 14,407 19,685 253.932 265,682 The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 31.3.25 io 31.3.24 10 Management & Administration No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 20 continued...
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcTIvlEs Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Total funds INCOME AND EIYDOWMENTS FROM Charitable activities Grants Receivable 324,822 324.822 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Direct Charilable Expenditure Governance 323,229 323,229 3,078 3,078 Total 326.307 326,307 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) (1,485) (1,485) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 118,226 41.199 159,425 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 118.226 39.714 157,940 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Improvements to property Fixtures fittings Totals COST At I April 2024 and 31 March 2025 4,066 34,526 38.592 DEPRECIATION At l April 2024 and 31 MaTch 2025 4,066 34,526 38,592 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2025 At 3 l March 2024 21 ontinued...
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHtN ONE YEAR 31.3.25 31.3.24 Belfast City Council Public Health Agency - Service Pressure Advice NI 15,631 1,198 8,000 1,198 23,631 10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE wrrHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.25 31.3.24 Accruals and deferred income 3,077 2,992 11. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS 31.3.25 Total funds 31.3.24 Total funds Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Current assets Current liabilities 125,970 16.767 (3,077) 142,737 (3,077) 160,932 (2,992) 125,970 13,690 139,660 157.940 12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 3113125 At 114124 Unrestricted funds General fund 118,226 7,744 125,970 Restricted funds The National Lottery Community Fund Henry Smith Charity Belfast Health and Social Care Trust- Mental Health Belfast City Council- Gen¢ralist Advice Funding Belfast City Council - Advic¢ Space Advice Nl Feeding Britian 11,210 (28,660) 11,210 28,660 6,955 (6,955) 980 980 ,500 1,500 (3,119) 3,119 39,714 (26,024) 13.690 TOTAL FUNDS 157.940 (18,280) 139.660 22 continued...
Eg t Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 12. MOVEMENT FUNDS- continued Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Unrestricted funds General fund 8,070 (326) 7,744 Restricted funds Public Health Agency The National Lottery Community Fund Henry Smith Charity Belf&8t Health and Social Care Trust - Mental Health Belfast City Council - Generalist Advice Funding Belfast City Council - Advice Space Belfast City Council - Welfare Refonn Support Project Advice Nl - Debt Project Advice Nl Feeding Britian 38,014 19,974 (38,014) (8.764) (28,660) 11,210 (28,660) 115,181 (122,136) (6,955) 76,571 1,500 (76,571) 1,500 32,826 3,000 (32.826) (3,000) (3,119) (3,119) 287,066 (313,090) (26,024) TOTAL FUNDS 295.136 (313,416) (18,280) Comparatives for movement in funds Net rnovement in funds At 3113124 At 114123 Unrestricted funds Gen¢ral fund 118,226 118,226 Restricted funds Henry Smith Charity Belfast Health and Social Care Trust - Mental Heallh Belfast City Council - Generalist Advice Funding Department for Communities Advice Nl Feeding Britian 22,133 6,527 28,660 8.661 (1,706) 6,955 980 (2,905) (4,381) 980 2,905 7,500 3,119 41,199 (1.485) 39,714 TOTAL FUNDS 159,425 (1,485) 157.940 23 continued...
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Notes to the Financial tatements- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 12. MOVEMENT IN FUIYDS- Continued Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resources expended Movement in funds Restricted funds Halifax Foundation (NI) Public Health Agency Henry Smith Charity Belfast Health and Social Care Trust - Mental Health Belfast City Council - Generalist Advice Funding Belfast City Council - Welfare Reforn] Support Project Advice Nl - Debt Project Department for Communities Advice NI Feeding Britian 10.000 34,381 60,000 (10,000) (34,381) (53,473) 6,527 98,958 (100,664) (1,706) 73,221 (72,241) 980 31,262 2,000 (31,262) (2,000) (2,905) (19,381) (2,905) (4,381) 15,000 324.822 (326,307) (1,485) TOTAL FUNDS 324,822 (326,307) (1,485) 13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There were nu related paty transactions for the year ended 31 March 2025. 14. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS Thcre were no events after the reporting period therefore no material issues need disclosed. 15. WINDING UP Every member of the Company undertakes to Contribute to the assets of the Company, in the event of the same being wound up while it is a member, or within one y¢ar after it ceases to be a member, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the Company contracted before it ceases to be a member, and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up. and for the adjustment of the rights of th¢ contributor's among themselves, such amount as may be required not exceeding one pound. 24 continued...
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centr es to the Finanei21 tstements- continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 16. SHARE CAPITAL The Company is Limited by Guarantee and has no Share Capital 25
East Belfast Inde endent Advice Centre Detailed Statement of Financ l Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 31.3.25 31.3.24 INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Other trading activities Fundraising and Donations As¢ert Advice Nl Feeding Britian iio 460 7,500 8,070 Charitable activities Grants 287,066 324.822 Total incoming resources 295,136 324,822 EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Wages Social security Pensions Insurance Telephone and Internet Postage Sundries Publicity Volunteers Expenses & Training Repairs and Maintenance Affiliation Fees &Publications Office Consumables Cleaning & Consumables Rent and Room Hire IT Support & Equipment Staff Travel & Training Consultancy Health & Safety Service level agreement Catering and Hospitality 221,794 13,286 18,852 3,340 350 426 231,590 14,407 19,685 3,058 362 1,595 1,326 515 3,030 1,603 8,935 1,733 5,578 8,880 21,932 ,359 3,520 6,930 483 1,600 386 20,640 2,081 2,428 8,680 643 1,600 674 310,074 323,229 Support costs Governance costs Bank Fees Carried forward 162 162 188 188 This pagc doe5 not foTm part of the statutory financial statcments 26
East Belfast Inde endent Advic Centre Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 31.3.25 31.3.24 Governance costs Brought forward Independent Examiner Fee 162 3,180 188 2,890 3,342 3,078 Total resources expended 313,416 326,307 Iyet expenditure (18,280) (1,485) This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 27