CLYDEBANK ASBESTOS GROUP
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
TO 31 MARCH 2023
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856
Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the period from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023
Legal and Administration Information
Management Committee
==> picture [235 x 148] intentionally omitted <==
Independent Examiners
ABR Accounting Ltd.
Bankers
Bank of Scotland 42/44 Sylvania Way, Clydebank G81 2TL
Principal Office
==> picture [116 x 57] intentionally omitted <==
[1]
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856
Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the period from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees .
The Association’s Trustees are appointed or reappointed by the members at our Annual General Meeting, which is held in October.
Governing Document
The Association is a charitable unincorporated association and the purposes and administration arrangements are set out in our constitution.
Charitable Purposes
Our purposes are recorded in our constitution. Our primary function is to assist those who have been affected by asbestos related disease to rightfully obtain; due compensation, welfare benefits, and civil damages.
We are committed to adopting a holistic approach to each client whereby we will ensure that all clients receive the best possible service. This includes home visits, provision of a full benefit check, assistance to complete welfare benefit applications, access to income maximisation and onward referral to other appropriate statutory agencies and charitable organisations.
We always have and will continue to help individuals to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and provide assistance and advice on how to obtain legal advice, damages and compensation.
To generally promote Clydebank Asbestos Group for the benefit of the residents of our community and beyond.
Activities and Achievements
Financial Recovery on Behalf of Our Clients to 31 March 2023
Civil Damages £2,303,030.00
Workers’ Compensation & Benefits Claims £270,235.00 Total Financial Recovery on behalf of Our Clients: £2,573,265.00
This underlines our commitment to our clients who have been subject to industrial asbestos related disease and injury.
We are committed to a holistic approach to the services which we provide on behalf of our clients and will continue to review our standards of service.
[2]
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856
Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the period from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023
Activities and Achievements (Cont’d)
Engagement with Partnership Agencies and Organisations
Clydebank Asbestos Group engages with multiple agencies in pursuit of its aims and objectives which are to improve the health and well-being and quality of life of individuals and their families who have been affected by asbestos related products in industry, commerce, and governmental organisations etc.
Clydebank Asbestos Group will assist clients affected by asbestos to pursue the financial compensation and remediation which they and their family are due.
Among our partnership agencies and organisations with whom we engage are:
West Dunbartonshire Council Digby Brown Solicitors - Glasgow Thomson Solicitors - Glasgow Leigh Day Solicitors - UK Action Asbestos Tayside Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum UK Energy Action Scotland Macmillan Cancer Support St Margaret’s Hospice WDC – Welfare Rights Dept of Works and Pensions Scottish Mesothelioma Network UK Mesothelioma Association Meso UK Research Centre, Sheffield Macmillan / WDC WDC Advice Partnership All Party Parliamentary Group on Asbestos Clydesider Community Response Network West Dunbartonshire Community Volunteer Service Unite the Union GMB Union
[3]
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856
Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the period from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023
Report by the Chairperson
We thought last year was a busy year, with the re-opening of the office, our 30[th] Anniversary celebrations, and the publishing of our book, just to mention a few of our activities. It turns out that this year has been equally busy.
I am delighted and very proud to report that in the year to 31[st] March 2023 the financial recovery on behalf of our clients was in excess of £2.5 million – an increase of almost £1 million, on the previous year. A truly remarkable achievement. This is a tremendous testament to our 6 office volunteers without whom we would not be able to function. Money cannot restore good health but it goes some way to help sufferers live a better life.
I would also like to point out that based on known outcomes of benefit claims to the Department for Work and Pensions so far for this year we have maintained our 100% success rate when assisting clients to claim Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance and Constant Attendance Allowance. Our success rate with regard to Industrial Injuries Benefit claims remains the same at 98%. These remarkable achievements reflect the level of commitment and dedication of Rachel, Adele and our amazing group of volunteers.
Sadly, we have been unusually busy working with bereaved families who have submitted posthumous claims. We continue to campaign strongly on the matter of equalisation, the goal being to seek a change in legislation to ensure that Pneumoconiosis Workers’ Compensation paid by the Government is paid at an equal rate whether claimed in life or after death. Currently a claim made by a spouse after death is of less monetary value and we consider this to be grossly unfair. The fight for justice goes on.
We are very fortunate that our local MP who is a major supporter of CAG, supports this campaign. Martin is also at the forefront of another campaign, calling for change to Asbestos Law by introducing legislation that is similar to what is in place at present for suffers of mesothelioma. This would see people who have asbestos related lung cancer securing full and fair compensation. tabled an Early Day Motion on the 8[th] June this year on this issue and it has so far gained the support of 24 cross party MPs.
We have also been very busy anticipating the devolvement of IIDB from the UK Government to the Scottish Government. has been very supportive in keeping us in the loop regarding the consultation for the new Employment Injury Assistance benefit. We look forward to the consultation in the near future. We are also taking the opportunity with the outstanding help of to highlight the injustice of the current legislation which imposes a 3 year time bar on civil damages claims. This has the effect of excluding a huge swathe of asbestos victims from obtaining financial security for themselves and their families. We have been party to discussions in the Scottish Parliament on this subject. This work continues.
[4]
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856
Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the period from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023
Report by the Chairperson (Cont’d)
We recognise too that it has been a very difficult year for everyone. The cost-of-living crisis is biting hard and is felt keenly by everyone, none, more so than those who are sick, and disabled pensioners.
Due to CAG’s long-standing connection with trade unions and their members we have been working in conjunction with them to help alleviate the effects of poverty and austerity being experienced by their retired members. We are on the cusp of embarking upon a pilot project, the aim of which is to assist people claim hitherto unclaimed benefits, in particular, Attendance Allowance, to which they are entitled thereby maximising income for the most vulnerable and improving living standards. Special thanks go to Gorman for his foresight, dedication and drive in assisting with this project. has been a supporter, campaigner and activist for CAG over the decades.
We have continued to utilise the use of technology, in particular to ‘meet’ with our international clients across time zones. This has been very much appreciated by clients and their families in other parts of the world who have been affected by asbestos related disease.
As a consequence of the receipt of a number of enquiries/requests from bereaved families wishing to add their loved ones’ names to our Memorial Pillars, we are continuing our work with the online Memorial, where victims of asbestos can be remembered. The terms of the Agreement in commissioning the Memorial are such that no more names would be added until there is a global ban on the production of asbestos. Sadly, that has not yet been achieved.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend the work of our Board of Trustees. I feel privileged to work with such a dedicated and committed group of individuals who bring a plethora of skills and experience to enhance our work.
In the last year there have been some changes to the Board. In particular we accepted with a heavy heart the resignation of our stalwart Treasurer has been a steadfast supporter of CAG serving as Treasurer for the last 10 years. I extend on behalf of the Board and our membership our sincere thanks and appreciation for her dedication and commitment.
We are delighted to announce that our Board member , has agreed to take on the role of Treasurer.
We are also delighted to have join the Board. brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from his background working with Macmillan and in his previous role as Director of Social Work with West Dunbartonshire Council.
[5]
I extend my thanks on behalf of the Board to and our outstanding volunteers for all their commitment, hard work and dedication to continuing the work of CAG as we strive to obtain truth and justice for asbestos victims.
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856
Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the period from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023
Report by the Chairperson (Cont’d)
Funding
The funding received during the year to 31 March 2023 amounted to £92,004 of which £78,870 was restricted and £13,134 was unrestricted.
The main funding contributions during the year were received from:
£ West Dunbartonshire Council 21,560 Digby Brown 57,310 Donations and Membership 13,109
The Donations and Membership amount of £13,109 includes £7,584 received into the Donations Account during the year to 31 March 2023. The Donations Account was prudently set up following the period of uncertainty during Covid.
The Clydebank Asbestos Group actively identifies funding opportunities from appropriate funding agencies which will facilitate the provision of support services and advice to our clients who have been affected by asbestos related diseases and injuries.
Fundraising
The Clydebank Asbestos Group will actively pursue appropriate opportunities for fund raising with a view to raising the profile of our group and of our service provision.
This will also provide an ideal platform to build our relationships and networking forum with other agencies.
The Clydebank Asbestos Group recognises the greater need and greater challenges of fund raising in the midst of a cost of living crisis. However, we are committed to pursuing any entitlement to grants from statutory and non-statutory bodies.
It is also our intention to connect enthusiastically with corporate/commercial organisations to tap into philanthropic activity.
[6]
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856
Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the period from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.
Report by the Chairperson (Cont’d)
Responsibilities of the Management Committee
The management committee are responsible for preparing the management committee report and for the financial statements in accordance with relevant law and statute.
In accordance with the laws and statute which applies to charitable trusts in Scotland the management committee are required to demonstrate that a true and fair view of the statement of accounts have been applied to the income and expenditure and management of reserves have been applied consistently during the relevant period.
In the preparation of these financial statements the management committee are required to:
(i) Apply appropriate accounting policies consistently and fairly.
(ii) Ensure that accounting estimates and attributable decision processes are reasonable and prudent.
(iii) Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis as appropriate.
The management committee are responsible for keeping adequate records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and to disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities and Trustees Investments (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charity Accounts (Scotland) Regulations, 2006, and the Provisions of the Trust Deed.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking
Trustee Remuneration and Expenses
The Trustees did not receive any remuneration during the year for their work in this capacity. Reasonable, but prudent expenses are paid to volunteers on a periodic basis on completion and authorisation of time sheets.
[7]
Clydebank Asbestos Group Scottish Charty No- SC022856 Trustees, Report and Accounts for the perlod from 01 Aprll 2022 to 31 March 2023. Report by the Chalrperson {Cont'd) Accounts The Clydebank Asbestos Group organisation is an unincorporated charitable trust registered with OSCR and the accounts have been prepared on this basis. However, we are in the process of working towards becoming an incorporated charitable trust in the very near future. Reserves There was a surplus of £980 for the period with a consolidation of £3,527 relating to the Memorial Garden Fund, and a further consolidation of £2,500 from the Donations Account, leaving a balance of Restricted and Unrestricted Funds of £60,243 as at 31 March 2023. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf-. Date: 9th October 2023 Chairperson 18]
CLYDEBANK ASBESTOS GROUP
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE STATEMENT
YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2023
| £ £ | |
|---|---|
| 2022/232021/22 | |
| INCOME | |
| West Dunbartonshire Council | 21,560 23,393 |
| Digby Brown | 57,310 51,210 |
| Donations | 4,960 1,762 |
| Membership Fees | 565 1,810 |
| Remembrance Garden Account | 3,527- |
| Donations Account | 2,500 - |
| Miscellaneous | 1,582 1,610 |
| Total Income | 92,004 79,785 |
| £ £ | |
| 2022/23 2021/22 | |
| EXPENDITURE | |
| Salaries | 46,290 42,484 |
| HMRC | 10,674 3,998 |
| Volunteer Expenses | 1,240 440 |
| 30thAnniversary | 4,342 - |
| Rent & Rates | 11,046 11,924 |
| Heating and Light | 5,786 1,969 |
| IT and Computer Equipment | 1,163 668 |
| Repairs and Maintenance | 2,620 2,156 |
| Health and Safety | 42 236 |
| Printing & Stationery & Postages | 576 1,469 |
| Telephone | 1,820 694 |
| Insurance | 622 1,058 |
| Travel & Conferences | 3,102 103 |
| Accountancy | 500 500 |
| Charitable Donations | 25 1,200 |
| Training | - 895 |
| Miscellaneous | 1,176 1,307 |
| Total Expenditure | 91,024 70,471 |
| Surplus / (Deficit) to 31 March 2023 | 980 9,314 |
[9]
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856
Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the period from 01 April 2021 to 31 March 2023.
Summary of Accounts by Restricted and Unrestricted Funds
2023 2022 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds £ £ £ £ Income Funding, Donations and Legacies 13,134 78,870 92,004 79,785 Total Income 13,134 78,870 92,004 79,785 Expenditure Expenditure on Charitable Activities 12,903 78,121 91,024 70,471 Total Expenditure 12,903 78,121 91,024 70,471 Net Income/ (Expenditure) and net Movement in Funds 231 749 980 9,314 Reconciliation of Funds Total Funds brought forward 2,961 56,302 59,263 15,380 Total Funds Carried Forward 3,192 57,051 60,243 59,263
[10]
Clydebank Asbestos Group Scottish Charty No- SC022856 Trustees, Report and Accounts for the period from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023. Summary of Recelpts and Payments for the perlod from 01 Aprll 2022 to 31 March 2023. Notes Total Funds Income Unrestricted Restricted 13,134 78,870 Total 92,004 Notes Total Funds Expenditure Payments relating directly to charitable activities 91,024 Surplusl (Deficit for the year) 980 statement of Balances as at 31 March 2023 Bank and Cash in Hand Opening BalanS Surplusl (Deficit for the year) Donations Account Closing Balances 59,263 980 8,189 68,432 Contlngent Llablllty Reserve ReseNes for the Clydebank Asbestos Group have been prudently set aside an amount of £37,500 to provide for any contingent liability which may arise. This provision is included in the 'Statement of Balances, closing balance. The Clydebank Asbestos Group has no other investments, significant assets or material liabilities. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf. Date.. 0911012023 111]
Chairperson
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856.
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, which are set out on pages 2 to 15.
This being the relevant accounting period within the financial year from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, during which Clydebank Asbestos Group was both an unincorporated charitable organisation registered with OSCR until 08 June 2022, and an incorporated charitable organisation registered with OSCR from 09 June 2022.
On 09 June, 2022, Clydebank Asbestos Group was successfully registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, (SCIO), under the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.
Accordingly, having met the criteria and regulations of OSCR, the Clydebank Asbestos Group reports on its financial accounts from 01 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, as an unincorporated and as an incorporated entity in merged format.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiners
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10 (1) d of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44 (1) (c) of the Act and to sate whether any particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiners Statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanation from the trustees concerning any such matter. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
[12]
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856.
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees (Cont’d)
Independent Examiner Statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention, which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 accounts Regulation have not been met.
==> picture [195 x 65] intentionally omitted <==
Date: 11/10/2023
Independent Examiner ABR Accounting Ltd
[13]
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856.
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Unrestricted Funds.
The unrestricted funds received during the financial year to 31 March 2023 were as follows:
£ £ 2023 2022 Donations 4,960 1,762 Membership Fees 565 1,810 Remembrance Garden Account 3,527 - Donations Account 2,500 - Miscellaneous 1,582 1,610 Total Unrestricted Funds 13,134 5,182
2. Restricted Funds.
The restricted funds received during the financial year to 31 March 2023 were as follows:
£ £ 2023 2022 West Dunbartonshire Council 21,560 23,393 Digby Brown 57,310 51,210 Total Restricted Funds 78,870 74,603 Summary of Funding £ £ Unrestricted 13,134 5,182 Restricted 78,870 74,603 Total Funding Received to 31 March 2023 92,004 79,785
[14]
Clydebank Asbestos Group
Scottish Charity No – SCO22856.
Notes to the Financial Statements (Cont’d)
3. Analysis of Charitable Funds
Unrestricted funds
At 01/04/22 Income Expenditure At 31/03/23 £ £ £ £ General Funds 2,961 13,134 12,903 3,192 Total Unrestricted Funds 2,961 13,134 12,903 3,192 Restricted Funds At 01/04/22 Income Expenditure At 31/03/23 £ £ £ £ Restricted Funds West Dunbartonshire Council 18,171 21,560 25,237 14,494 Digby Brown 38,131 57,310 52,884 42,557 Total Restricted Funds 56,302 78,870 78,121 57,051
4. Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. They have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2005), the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, and applicable Accounting Standards.
[15]