REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
Report of the Trustees and |
Unaudited Financial Statements |
for the Year Ended 30 April 2023 |
for |
Civic Voice |
(A Company Limited by Guarantee) |
REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: |
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: |
Report of the Trustees and |
Unaudited Financial Statements |
for the Year Ended 30 April 2023 |
for |
Civic Voice |
(A Company Limited by Guarantee) |
Civic Voice |
Contents of the Financial Statements |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
Page |
Report of the Trustees | 1 | to | 5 |
Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
Balance Sheet | 8 | to | 9 |
Notes to the Financial Statements | 10 | to | 15 |
Civic Voice (Registered number: 07142946) |
Report of the Trustees |
for the year ended 30 April 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 30 April 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 |
Objectives and aims |
Civic Voice is the national charity for the civic movement in England. Our members work to make the places where everyone lives more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive and promote civic pride. We campaign nationally and support civic societies and other community and voluntary groups to be more successful locally. We believe everyone has the right to live somewhere they can be proud of. |
Our charitable objects are to: |
- Promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the environment, in particular the public realm and the historic environment |
- Encourage high standards in the management and development of the built and natural environment |
- Promote sustainable development by the conservation, protection and improvement of the environment and the promotion of the prudent use of resources (sustainable development being development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs) |
- Foster civic pride and stimulate and educate the public, in particular by promoting understanding of the beauty, history, geography and character of different localities |
- Develop the capacity and skills of individuals and communities to understand and take action to conserve, protect and improve the quality, beauty and character or their locality |
- Promote such other charitable purposes as may from time to time be determined by the Trustees, including the assistance of other charities |
Significant activities |
This report highlights the accomplishments of Civic Voice, an organisation devoted to promoting a sense of pride in place' and demonstrates how we are working towards achieving our vision of a society in which each person can say, "I am proud of where I live." |
During the course of this financial year, we experienced considerable turbulence as an organisation as we had to deal with the fall out from the theft of funds from our bank account in 2022 and earlier. We were heartened by the response of the Civic Voice whose donations, and forward payments of membership fees ensured that the organisation was able to continue to operate. |
We are also grateful for the support of our Executive Director Ian Harvey throughout the period covered by this report. During the course of this period, our Policy and Membership Development Officer Sarah James left the organisation for a new role with Warwickshire County Council. Sarah's contribution to the organisation was considerable and we wished her the best in her new role. |
Civic Voice continued to offer a mix of events including APPG meeting (one attended by Civic Voice President Griff Rhys Jones) and webinars. We held an in-person AGM in Birmingham. |
Civic Voice (Registered number: 07142946) |
Report of the Trustees |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES |
Public benefit |
The civic movement is based on a network of hundreds of local voluntary civic and amenity societies in the warp and weft of communities across England. It is one of the largest social movements in the country. The first civic society was set up in the 1840s. |
Civic societies provide a focus for voluntary and community action to improve the places where people live, work and relax. They champion the importance of these places to decision makers and opinion formers in business, politics, government, the media, the voluntary sector and elsewhere. |
They play an essential and voluntary role in helping individuals and communities to understand and take action to improve the quality of their life through the place where they live. Civic societies promote and celebrate the best of what is inherited from the past and what is developed for the future. |
They are a fundamental source of civic pride. This work brings benefits to the whole community and not just to those who are members of civic societies. Civic societies are the country's most numerous participants in the land use planning system and civic society volunteers frequently act as trusted intermediaries between local government and local people in planning, transport and other decision making. Many civic societies campaign for better management of local assets (buildings and open space) and find solutions to their long term management. Civic societies are fiercely independent and grassroots organisations. |
They will celebrate and encourage positive action and be forthright in resisting damaging change. They are also a store of knowledge and expertise about local places which is an essential starting point in recognising and strengthening their identity. This is often reflected in blue plaque schemes run by civic societies or the development of town trails or management of local archives. |
The civic movement is also central to supporting and developing the sense of identity and belonging that comes from positive feelings about the place where people live. |
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives. |
Civic Voice (Registered number: 07142946) |
Report of the Trustees |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
FINANCIAL REVIEW |
Financial position |
In April 2022, the trustees discovered that a significant sum of money had been misappropriated from one of the organisation's bank accounts, which was the culmination of a series of thefts which began in June 2020.This misappropriation of funds of just under £92k was reported to the police and the Charity Commission, and immediate steps were taken to safeguard the organisation's banking accounts against further misappropriation. A rapid review of financial procedures was undertaken by the trustees. The trustees met and discussed what action should be taken to ensure that Civic Voice could continue as a viable organisation. This included the potential for a membership appeal, approaches to funding bodies for emergency funding (including an approach to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities). |
Initial discussions were also held about the potential to recover the money through civil channels given that any criminal investigation may take time and may not result in its recovery but it became obvious that the misappropriation of such a large sum of money from a small charity presented an existential threat. The misappropriated funds were effectively a buffer which Civic Voice intended to use as bridging funding; although Civic Voice is a subscription organisation, it can only function in its current form (with paid staff) by attracting further income from grants and consultancy. |
The reserve fund provided a bridge to smooth out the financial profile of Civic Voice when grants were coming to an end and new grants were yet to begin. This money is no longer available for that purpose, and a significant "part two" lottery bid that Trustees were planning to submit on the back of the successful £50k grant received in September 2021, had to be put on hold. Obtaining significant grant funding in the circumstances where a theft is under active investigation, is evidently also problematic. |
We are pleased to report that we are now very hopeful that the stolen funds will be recovered and other consultancy and grant funding is also assumed. |
The trustees have reviewed the probable incoming and out-going resources over the next 2 years. Having taken legal advice on the recovery of the stolen funds, and reducing the charities outgoings until this recovery is achieved, the trustees are confident that going concern is an appropriate basis. |
Civic Voice recorded total income in the year of £112k (2022: £89k) with increases in donations and membership fees offset by a reduction in grants, as the last of the National Lottery funding was released. |
Total charitable expenditure before taking account of the misappropriation of funds referred to above was £105k (2022: £116k), giving rise to net income in the year of £6k (2022: net expenditure of £30k before misappropriation of funds, and £104k after). |
Civic Voice had net liabilities of £39k at 30 April 2023 (2022: £45k). |
Civic Voice (Registered number: 07142946) |
Report of the Trustees |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
FINANCIAL REVIEW |
Reserves policy |
The trustees have established a policy whereby it is desirable that the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in the fixed assets ("the free reserves") the charity holds should be approximately nine months of the resources expended, At present the free reserves are below the target level. |
The funds in the financial statements are defined as:- |
The trustees have established a policy whereby it is desirable that the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in the fixed assets ("the free reserves") the charity holds should be approximately nine months of the resources expended. At present the free reserves are below the target level. |
The funds in the financial statements are defined as:- |
General Fund |
These funds are unrestricted and are used for all charitable purposes without restriction in accordance with the governing documents. Amounts held in these funds as at 30 April 2023 were (deficit) £39,930 (2022: £28,590). |
Restricted Fund - Lottery Funding |
Civic Voice was awarded a grant in September 2021 to the value of £50,000 by the Community Fund. This grant is for a 12 monthly period starting in September 2021 and is specifically designated for staff funds/time to develop the engagement exercise with Civic Voice membership to inform a new Civic Voice strategy. |
Of the total of £50,000 received, £16,667 has been recognised in the year (2022: £33,333), utilising the full grant. |
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
Governing document |
Civic Voice is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 2nd February 2010 and registered as a charity on 23rd February 2010. There is a range of formal and informal routes to shape the priorities of Civic Voice. Members participate in our work, get involved at a national convention and engage in the key issues through meetings of local clusters of societies and by providing information, examples and experience for Civic Voice to use in our lobbying and influence. |
Charity constitution |
Civic Voice is run by a Board of seven trustees, who are elected by member civic societies. Up to three others can be co-opted. The Board is responsible for the overall strategy and sustainability of the organisation and ensuring effective compliance and risk management. It delegates executive responsibilities to the Executive Director. |
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees |
The Board is recruited openly and all its members are also members of local civic societies. |
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS |
Registered Company number |
Registered Charity number |
Registered office |
Civic Voice (Registered number: 07142946) |
Report of the Trustees |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
Trustees |
Independent Examiner |
McMillan & Co LLP |
Chartered Accountants |
28 Eaton Avenue |
Matrix Office Park |
Buckshaw Village |
Chorley |
Lancashire |
PR7 7NA |
Approved by order of the board of trustees on |
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of |
Civic Voice |
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Civic Voice ('the Company') |
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 30 April 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 |
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. |
Neil McMillan FCA |
McMillan & Co LLP |
Chartered Accountants |
28 Eaton Avenue |
Matrix Office Park |
Buckshaw Village |
Chorley |
Lancashire |
PR7 7NA |
28 February 2024 |
Civic Voice |
Statement of Financial Activities |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
fund | fund | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Donations |
Charitable activities |
Other trading activities | 3 |
Total |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Charitable activities |
Charitable activities |
Other | 4 |
Total |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | ( |
) | ( |
) | (45,257 | ) |
Civic Voice (Registered number: 07142946) |
Balance Sheet |
30 April 2023 |
2023 | 2022 |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total |
fund | fund | funds | funds |
Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ |
CURRENT ASSETS |
Debtors | 8 |
Cash at bank and in hand |
CREDITORS |
Amounts falling due within one year | 9 | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
( |
) |
( |
) |
( |
) |
NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) | ( |
) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
FUNDS | 10 |
Unrestricted funds | ( |
) | (28,590 | ) |
Restricted funds | (16,667 | ) |
TOTAL FUNDS | ( |
) | (45,257 | ) |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 30 April 2023. |
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 30 April 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. |
Civic Voice (Registered number: 07142946) |
Balance Sheet - continued |
30 April 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 |
Civic Voice |
Notes to the Financial Statements |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
1. | LIMITED BY GUARANTEE |
The charity is limited by guarantee. Each member of the charity undertakes that if the charity is wound up while he/she is a member, or within one year after he/she ceases to be a member, he/she will contribute a sum not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity for: |
- | payment of the debts and liabilities of the charity contracted before he/she ceases to be a member, |
- | payment of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up; and |
- | adjustment of the rights of the contributories among themselves. |
2. | 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 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 presentational currency of the charity is pound sterling (£) and the amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest £1. |
The charity has, as noted in the Report of the Trustees, reviewed reserves policies, ongoing projects and income and expenditure. It is heavily reliant on national and local government funding and other charitable foundations. A new fundraising strategy and new fundraising committee has been implemented. The trustees have reviewed the probable incoming and out-going resources over the period to April 2025. Having taken legal advice on the recovery of the stolen funds, and reducing the charities outgoings until this recovery is achieved, the trustees are confident that going concern is an appropriate basis and consequently the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. |
Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions |
The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland': |
• | the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows. |
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty |
The preparation of the financial statements requires management ti make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. |
Income |
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: |
- | Income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably, |
- | Legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitlement is established, |
Civic Voice |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Income |
- | Income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impractical to measure reliably, in which case the value is derived from the cost to the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and services are recognised in the accounts when received if the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution of general volunteers, |
- | Income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted. |
Expenditure |
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is classified under headings of the Statement of Financial Activities to which it relates: |
- | Expenditure on raising funds includes the costs of all fundraising activities, events, non-charitable trading activities and the sale of donated goods, |
- | Expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities, |
- | Other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities. |
All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justified and consistent basis. |
Financial instruments |
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for according to the substance of the contractual arrangement as financial assets, financial liabilities or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities. |
Taxation |
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. |
Fund accounting |
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. |
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. |
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits |
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 future payments or 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. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises. |
Civic Voice |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
2. | ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued |
Government grants |
Government grants are accounted for under the accruals model. Where the grant is classed as revenue, it is recognised in income on a systematic basis over the periods in which the company recognises the related costs. |
3. | OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Events | 15 | 1,586 |
4. | OTHER |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Exceptional item - misappropriation of funds | - | 74,750 |
Support costs | 6,220 | 2,615 |
In April 2022, the trustees identified a misappropriation of the charity's funds. This was treated as an exceptional expense in 2022, and further detail is provided in the Report of the Trustees and note 1 to these financial statements. All efforts are being made by the trustees to recover the sums involved. It is hopeful that the funds will be recovered but no debtor has been recognised in these accounts at 30 April 2023 for this due to an element of uncertainty. Legal costs of £6,220 have been incurred in the year in relation to the recovery. |
5. | TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS |
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 April 2023 nor for the year ended 30 April 2022. |
Trustees' expenses |
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 30 April 2023 nor for the year ended 30 April 2022. |
6. | STAFF COSTS |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: |
2023 | 2022 |
Number of staff - Admin |
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 in the current or previous year. |
Civic Voice |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
7. | COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES |
Unrestricted | Restricted | Total |
fund | fund | funds |
£ | £ | £ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
Donations |
Charitable activities |
Other trading activities |
Total |
EXPENDITURE ON |
Charitable activities |
Other |
Total |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) | ( |
) | ( |
) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
Total funds brought forward | 75,741 | (16,667 | ) |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | (28,590 | ) | (16,667 | ) | (45,257 | ) |
8. | DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Prepayments and accrued income |
Civic Voice |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
9. | CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
2023 | 2022 |
£ | £ |
Trade creditors |
Social security and other taxes |
Other creditors |
Deferred income |
Accrued expenses |
10. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
Net |
movement |
At 1/5/22 | in funds | At 30/4/23 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | (28,590 | ) | (10,340 | ) | (38,930 | ) |
Restricted funds |
The National Lottery Community Fund | (16,667 | ) | 16,667 | - |
TOTAL FUNDS | ( |
) | 6,327 | (38,930 | ) |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 95,134 | (105,474 | ) | (10,340 | ) |
Restricted funds |
The National Lottery Community Fund | 16,667 | - | 16,667 |
TOTAL FUNDS | ( |
) | 6,327 |
Comparatives for movement in funds |
Net |
movement |
At 1/5/21 | in funds | At 30/4/22 |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 75,741 | (104,331 | ) | (28,590 | ) |
Restricted funds |
The National Lottery Community Fund | (16,667 | ) | - | (16,667 | ) |
TOTAL FUNDS | 59,074 | (104,331 | ) | (45,257 | ) |
Civic Voice |
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued |
for the year ended 30 April 2023 |
10. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued |
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Incoming | Resources | Movement |
resources | expended | in funds |
£ | £ | £ |
Unrestricted funds |
General fund | 56,070 | (160,401 | ) | (104,331 | ) |
Restricted funds |
The National Lottery Community Fund | 33,333 | (33,333 | ) | - |
TOTAL FUNDS | 89,403 | (193,734 | ) | (104,331 | ) |
11. | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS |
The amount recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £7,551 (2022: £1,031). |
12. | RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES |
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 April 2023 or 30 April 2022. |