Charity registration number 1125686 (England and Wales)
Company registration number 06182982
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Ms M J Thurstan
Mr A M Norwood
Ms L Fennell
Ms M S Stubbs
Ms Christine Foley
(Appointed 30 April 2025)
Secretary
Ms M J Thurstan
Senior management
Mrs N Harding
Chief Executive Officer
Charity number (England and Wales)
1125686
Company number
06182982
Registered office
Greenfield Centre
Greenfield Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
England
BN21 1JJ
Auditor
James Todd and Co Limited
Drayton House
Drayton Lane
Chichester
West Sussex
England
PO20 2EW
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
CONTENTS
Page
Trustees' report
1 - 5
Independent auditor's report
6 - 8
Statement of financial activities
9 - 10
Balance sheet
11 - 12
Statement of cash flows
13
Notes to the financial statements
14 - 27
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 1 -

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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

The objectives of Eastbourne & District Mencap Limited as defined in the Memorandum of Association are:

 

It is our aim to put service users at the centre of their own care and with a continued assessment and engagement we strive to provide fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our key aims and activities are:

 

Our key values for all service users are: individuality, equality, freedom and choice.

We provide services that offers compassion, dedication and commitment to deliver the highest standards of individual care and support with practices that are of the highest quality appropriate to the needs of each individual in our care.

We ensure that all care and support is consistently delivered and regularly reviewed to determine the optimum approach and strategy to support each individual's needs All managers and teams receive regular training that is relevant and appropriate to deal with the demand and challenges of their roles in providing exceptional quality care and support.

We review our aims and activities annually looking at our achievements and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. Our review looks at the success of each key activity with the benefits they have brought to those groups of individuals we are established to help. The review also ensures that we remain focussed on our stated objectives at all times and with reference to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance our future activities are planned to enhance the welfare of our service users. We strongly believe in supporting and encouraging our service users to exercise their own beliefs, but we do not feel we can or should advance alternative beliefs.

Public benefit

The Executive Committee continue to focus on the public benefit guidance issued by the Charities Commission in deciding those strategies the charity takes in providing the care and support to our service users.

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 2 -

Services

 

Residential Care Homes

The charity provides three residential care homes in Eastbourne for individuals with learning and physical disabilities each of which are individually registered by the CQC. Individuals moving into one of our homes are assured that they can stay for as long as they wish as our policy continues to be that it is ‘a home for life’ subject to the care and support we are able to provide to them. All of the service users in our care homes are funded by the Adult Social Care sector: our total room space for the 3 homes is currently 30.

 

Day Care Services

The charity provides a day care centre in Eastbourne which provides a programme of workshops and activities for individuals with learning disability; this also provides respite for families and carers. The various activities are chosen by those who attend in order to support their needs to develop their interactions with other individuals and to integrate into society. This service is available for use by any individual within the community with a learning disability and is funded both by Adult Social Care and by the individual/family where funding is not available to them.

Achievements and performance
Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The financial year has provided mixed challenges alongside difficult economic and political outlook.

The company has undergone substantial investments to improve the provision of facilities to both service users and staff:

 

-    completion of the refurbishment to our new day centre and head offices,

-    extension to and refurbishment of our home at Greensleeves, Friday Street,

 

together these projects have cost over £400,000 a substantial figure for our Charity to have invested and the Trustees express thanks to all who have been involved in the successful completion of these two projects.

 

The financial statement and review summarise the financial challenges through the 12 months since the last report. The use of agency workers at a far higher staffing cost has had a significant impact on the finances and profitability in the year, recruiting replacements where staff have moved on to find new experiences and roles continues to be difficult with the time taken to find, employ and train suitable individuals into the role whilst continuing to staff with agency workers.

 

Unfortunately, two of our long-term service users passed away during the year and a third relocated to a new home, as a result 3 beds have been unoccupied for several weeks during the year with a sizeable loss of income impacting our results. Challenges have been had placing suitable individuals from the local authority who satisfy our core structure and funding models.

 

Our new day centre has gone from strength to strength throughout the year with constant increases in the number of service users on the register, most with funding from the ESCC the local authority. The Trustees are comforted that this constitutes a successful investment decision to relocate, the new environment has provided major benefits to service users and allowed an improvement in the activities provided.

The Charity continues to put significant efforts into fundraising but in a highly competitive environment finding the right support in our fundraising activities provided difficulties, a review of our fundraising strategy is ongoing, and the Trustees will actively engage to support fundraising activities for future projects.

The Trustees do continue to appreciate the support the Company receives from the public who have given donations and supported our fundraising activities and would like to put on record their gratitude for the loyal and dedicated support from all staff throughout the year and appreciate the time spent by employees who work outside their normal hours in support of the Charity.

 

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 3 -
Our future continues to depend on effective leadership and governance with sound financial management and as Trustees we will continue to ensure we get the basics right. 2025/26 will be a year of consolidation with a financial objective to move away from a deficit to a surplus and to improve the level of reserves following a year of investment. Significant financial pressures, along with all businesses in the UK, have been placed upon us with the government increases is National Insurance and the minimum wage. The ESCC uplift of adult social care fees for 2025/26 of 4% has not covered the increased staff costs of over 5%. We will therefore have continual constructive dialogue with ESCC to ensure awareness of the current level of pressures evident in the running of our services and the financial implications of funding below levels required to ensure we continue to satisfy the ‘high care framework' required by our CQC registration. The local authority have confirmed a policy going forwards of placing individuals with higher dependency into services such as ours. This is a concern as it will impact our historic business model of homes that provide a residency for service users who are less dependent. The Trustees will have to prepare for the new challenges that this change in policy by ESCC will bring specifically in ensuring all our staff continue to satisfy service user needs and adequate funding is received.
Financial review

Results for the financial year 31 March 2025 are attached to this report.

 

A comparison to the 2023/24 financial year shows an uplift in turnover (excluding donations, interest and fundraising) of 11.45% to £2,847,624; unoccupied rooms cost approximately £85,000 in lost income for the year. ESCC uplifted adult social care fees for 2024/5 by 7% (well below the Government increase in the minimum wage of 10%) but successful efforts to obtain additional funding for specific service users has positively impacted turnover. Our staffing costs have risen during the year by £429,624, an uplift of 19.75% from 2023/24; the factors causing this rise are a 10% pay uplift to all staff, a reliance on agency staff for a sizeable part of the year and redundancy costs. Donations, interest and fundraising has contributed £20,495 additional income for the year.

 

After accounting for overheads the company reports a deficit of £129,928 before depreciation for the financial year.

 

Reserves policy

The purpose of the Company’s reserves is to secure the future of our services and to fund projects that will improve the quality of life of our service users. The level of reserves is monitored and reviewed by the Executive Committee on an ongoing basis in considering the risks to our operations to:

Those funds held as functional fixed assets are designated and excluded from the calculation of reserves which recognises these assets are used operationally and their disposal would adversely impact on our ability to deliver care to our beneficiaries.

The level of free reserves required to achieve this amount had been approved by the Trustees at £300,000 which is the sum the Trustees consider necessary to cover ongoing costs if there is a delay in receiving funding from East Sussex County Council.

Total funds at the end of the year amounted to £2,426,965 of which £2,041,255 was designated. Of these designated funds £2,039,759 relate to assets which are required for the Company to carry out its operations and hence, are not available for distribution. The designated funds were established by the Company to designate funds for ongoing activities in these areas.

There were no restricted funds at the end of the year. Cash and Cash Equivalents have decreased from £767,726 to £324,633. Over the years, building maintenance has not sufficiently been carried out and therefore the Board have decided to look at using free reserves and/or borrowing, to improve the condition of our buildings.

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 4 -

Asset Cover for Funds

 

Note 25 sets out an analysis of the assets attributable to the various funds and a description of the trusts.

 

The Trustees are confident the Company has sufficient assets to meet the Company's obligations on a fund-by-fund basis.

Investment policy

Aside from retaining a prudent amount in reserves each year, most of the Company's funds are held on short term deposit.

Major risks

The Executive Committee has assessed the major risks to which the Company is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The process of identifying, evaluating and managing the major risks to which the Company is exposed has continued throughout the year. Where any such weaknesses have been identified, appropriate systems or procedures have been established to mitigate risks the Company faces.

 

Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including health and safety, equal opportunities, service users' welfare, moving and handling, fire awareness, medication, food hygiene amongst others. An Internal Audit system is in place whereby the Chief Operating Officer carries out monthly checks to ensure policies, procedures and safeguarding issues are being correctly carried out and recorded.

 

The financial pressures from staffing costs will continue to have impact during the coming year as the Company continues to maintain the level of staffing which provide the high levels of care to safeguard our service users.

 

Our current focus moving forwards to manage risks are:

Structure, governance and management

The Company is a charitable Company limited by guarantee incorporated on 26 March 2007 to take over the assets and liabilities of the unincorporated Eastbourne & District Mencap formed in 1949. The Memorandum and Articles of Association (revised in 2022) define the objects and powers of the Company.

 

The Company is governed by the Trustees who are non-executive directors for the purposes of Company law and under the Company's Articles are known as the Executive Committee.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr C Mizen
(Resigned 27 November 2025)
Ms N E Trimmer
(Resigned 7 November 2024)
Ms M J Thurstan
Mr A M Norwood
Ms L Fennell
Ms M S Stubbs
Mr A P Taylor
(Resigned 18 June 2025)
Ms Christine Foley
(Appointed 30 April 2025)
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 5 -
Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association the Executive Committee are appointed each year at the AGM by the membership in accordance with the Articles to hold office until the end of the next AGM. The membership is invited to nominate members for election.

 

The Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the Company, any expenses reclaimed from the Company are set out in the notes to the accounts.

 

The Executive Committee meet a minimum of 4 times a year to administers the Charities operations with the day to day management is the function of the Chief Executive Officer and the senior management team.

In the event of the Company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

Funds held as custodian trustee

The Company holds some monies on behalf of service users as custodian Trustees, these monies are not assets of the Company and therefore the cash balances and creditors have been eliminated from the accounts.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees, who are also the directors of Eastbourne & District Mencap Limited for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Auditor

In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that James Todd and Co Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr A M Norwood
Ms L Fennell
Trustee
Trustee
10 December 2025
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
- 6 -

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Eastbourne & District Mencap Limited (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

-

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;

-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-

have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

 

We have nothing to report in this regard.

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
- 7 -
Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

-

the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees' report; or

-

sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or

-

the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or

-

we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

 

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
TO THE TRUSTEES OF EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
- 8 -

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Oliver Read FCCA ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of James Todd and Co Limited, Statutory Auditor
Chartered Accountants
Drayton House
Drayton Lane
Chichester
West Sussex
PO20 2EW
England
15 December 2025

James Todd and Co Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 9 -
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Total
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
general
designated fund
general
designated fund
2025
2025
2025
2024
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
4
14,709
-
14,709
12,387
-
-
12,387
Charitable activities
5
2,847,624
-
2,847,624
2,551,821
-
-
2,551,821
Other trading activities
6
-
-
-
-
-
785
785
Investments
7
5,786
-
5,786
6,818
-
-
6,818
Other income
8
-
-
-
-
619,961
-
619,961
Total income
2,868,119
-
2,868,119
2,571,026
619,961
785
3,191,772
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
9
3,414
-
3,414
1,091
-
-
1,091
Charitable activities
10
2,994,633
57,098
3,051,731
2,522,122
24,721
3,620
2,550,463
Total expenditure
2,998,047
57,098
3,055,145
2,523,213
24,721
3,620
2,551,554
Net income/(expenditure)
(129,928)
(57,098)
(187,026)
47,813
595,240
(2,835)
640,218
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Total
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
funds
funds
general
designated fund
general
designated fund
2025
2025
2025
2024
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
- 10 -
Transfers between funds
-
-
-
37,612
(31,902)
(5,710)
-
Net movement in funds
12
(129,928)
(57,098)
(187,026)
85,425
563,338
(8,545)
640,218
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024
515,637
2,098,353
2,613,990
430,212
1,535,015
8,545
1,973,772
Fund balances at 31 March 2025
385,709
2,041,255
2,426,964
515,637
2,098,353
-
2,613,990

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
31 March 2025
- 11 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
16
20,120
30,180
Tangible assets
17
2,253,953
1,965,849
2,274,073
1,996,029
Current assets
Debtors
18
57,478
62,576
Cash at bank and in hand
324,633
767,726
382,111
830,302
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
20
(227,214)
(200,110)
Net current assets
154,897
630,192
Total assets less current liabilities
2,428,970
2,626,221
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
21
(2,005)
(12,231)
Net assets excluding pension liability
2,426,965
2,613,990
Net assets
2,426,965
2,613,990
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds - general
385,710
515,637
Unrestricted funds - designated fund
23
2,041,255
2,098,353
2,426,965
2,613,990

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

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

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
31 March 2025
- 12 -
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 10 December 2025
Mr A M Norwood
Ms L Fennell
Trustee
Trustee
Company registration number 06182982 (England and Wales)
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 13 -
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
29
(93,452)
34,400
Investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
-
(18,780)
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(345,202)
(657,843)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
791,269
Investment income received
5,786
6,818
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities
(339,416)
121,464
Financing activities
Repayment of bank loans
(10,226)
(9,915)
Net cash used in financing activities
(10,226)
(9,915)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(443,094)
145,949
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
767,726
621,778
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
324,633
767,726
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 14 -
1
Accounting policies
Charity information

Eastbourne & District Mencap Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Greenfield Centre, Greenfield Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 1JJ, England.

1.1
Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2
Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3
Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4
Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 15 -

The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

 

1.5
Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

 

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6
Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

 

Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Branding
10% straight line
1.7
Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings
50 years straight line
Fixtures and fittings
10% reducing balance
Motor vehicles
20% reducing balance
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 16 -

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.8
Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9
Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10
Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

 

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

 

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

 

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1
Accounting policies
(Continued)
- 17 -
1.11
Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

 

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12
Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2
Change in accounting policy

In the current year the accounting policies regarding depreciation were reviewed, and it was deemed appropriate to change these policies to bring the depreciation of the assets in line with the estimated useful life of the assets. The prior periods have not been adjusted.

3
Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

4
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
14,389
11,912
Membership fees
320
475
14,709
12,387
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 18 -
5
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Residential Care Services
Services provided under contract
2,608,747
2,294,648
Other income
14,436
19,813
Day Care Services
Services provided under contract
224,441
237,360
2,847,624
2,551,821
6
Income from other trading activities
Restricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Other income
-
785
7
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Interest receivable
5,786
6,818
8
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
designated fund
designated fund
2025
2024
£
£
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
619,961
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 19 -
9
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
3,414
1,091
10
Expenditure on charitable activities
Residential Care Services
Day Care Services
Total
Residential Care Services
Day Care Services
Total
2025
2025
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
2,127,364
170,554
2,297,918
1,768,486
189,787
1,958,273
Depreciation and impairment
67,158
-
67,158
20,921
-
20,921

Direct costs

93,424
24,344
117,768
105,962
37,818
143,780

Rent and rates

15,819
-
15,819
13,016
2,182
15,198

Light and heat

42,934
9,851
52,785
23,784
4,891
28,675

Repairs and renewals

25,898
2,593
28,491
29,056
2,224
31,280

Telephone costs

2,724
751
3,475
2,257
644
2,901

Printing, postage, stationery and computer

15,875
836
16,711
13,647
778
14,425

Motor expenses

7,579
1,185
8,764
7,079
10,269
17,348

Travel costs

5,653
1,434
7,087
6,426
899
7,325

Sundry and other expenditure

12,589
2,675
15,264
11,747
1,672
13,419
2,417,017
214,223
2,631,240
2,002,381
251,164
2,253,545
Share of support and governance costs (see note 11)
Support
332,879
58,743
391,622
238,147
42,026
280,173
Governance
24,539
4,330
28,869
14,233
2,512
16,745
2,774,435
277,296
3,051,731
2,254,761
295,702
2,550,463
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
2,717,337
277,296
2,994,633
2,230,040
292,082
2,522,122
Unrestricted funds - designated fund
57,098
-
57,098
24,721
-
24,721
Restricted funds
-
-
-
-
3,620
3,620
2,774,435
277,296
3,051,731
2,254,761
295,702
2,550,463
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 20 -
11
Support costs allocated to activities
2025
2024
£
£
Staff costs
274,627
175,642
Direct Costs
23,529
17,457
Rent and rates
5,500
6,750
Insurance costs
31,134
25,653
Repairs and renewals
2,720
19
Telephone costs
4,994
4,176
Printing, postage, stationery and computer
24,337
32,493
Travel costs
8,081
10,408
Sundry expenses and other costs
16,700
7,575
Governance costs
28,870
16,745
420,491
296,918
Analysed between:
Residential Care Services
357,418
252,380
Day Care Services
63,073
44,538
420,491
296,918
12
Net movement in funds
2025
2024
£
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
9,144
9,144
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets
57,097
24,721
Loss/(profit) on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
(619,961)
Amortisation of intangible assets
10,060
-
13
Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 21 -
14
Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025
2024
Number
Number
Administration staff
8
5
Direct and support staff
84
81
Total
92
86
Employment costs
2025
2024
£
£
Wages and salaries
2,050,030
1,762,479
Social security costs
168,713
139,676
Other pension costs
38,330
33,185
2,257,073
1,935,340
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:
2025
2024
Number
Number
£60,001 to £70,000
1
1
15
Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 22 -
16
Intangible fixed assets
Branding
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025
30,180
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
-
Amortisation charged for the year
10,060
At 31 March 2025
10,060
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
20,120
At 31 March 2024
30,180

The intangible assets relate to a name change and rebranding of the Charity. These were not fully complete until 31 March 2024, and as such the amortisation started at the beginning of the current year.

17
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings
Fixtures and fittings
Motor vehicles
Total
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 April 2024
2,210,726
52,168
45,735
2,308,629
Additions
281,233
48,375
15,594
345,202
At 31 March 2025
2,491,959
100,543
61,329
2,653,831
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2024
289,102
33,240
20,439
342,781
Depreciation charged in the year
42,189
6,730
8,178
57,097
At 31 March 2025
331,291
39,970
28,617
399,878
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025
2,160,668
60,573
32,712
2,253,953
At 31 March 2024
1,921,624
18,929
25,296
1,965,849
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 23 -
18
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
34,961
26,000
Other debtors
20,474
21,191
Prepayments and accrued income
2,043
15,385
57,478
62,576
19
Loans and overdrafts
2025
2024
£
£
Bank loans
12,209
22,435
Payable within one year
10,204
10,204
Payable after one year
2,005
12,231
20
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
19
10,204
10,204
Other taxation and social security
46,274
35,784
Trade creditors
31,985
31,025
Other creditors
32,663
22,749
Accruals and deferred income
106,088
100,348
227,214
200,110

The Charity currently holds monies on behalf of some residents as custodian trustees. These amounts are separately identified in the Charity's accounting records. These monies total £14,726 (2024: £8,941).

21
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Bank loans
19
2,005
12,231
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 24 -
22
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
2024
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
38,330
33,185

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

23
Unrestricted funds - designated fund

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities.

At 1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
£
Functional fixed asset fund
2,095,707
-
(55,948)
-
2,039,759
Drama
2,646
-
(1,150)
-
1,496
2,098,353
-
(57,098)
-
2,041,255
Previous year:
At 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
£
Sedgemoor and Framley residents
14,672
-
-
(14,672)
-
Hive of Activity
14,054
-
-
(14,054)
-
Functional fixed asset fund
1,500,467
619,961
(24,721)
-
2,095,707
Drama
3,726
-
-
(1,080)
2,646
Greensleeves residents
420
-
-
(420)
-
Arundel Road residents
1,676
-
-
(1,676)
-
1,535,015
619,961
(24,721)
(31,902)
2,098,353
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
23
Unrestricted funds - designated fund
(Continued)
- 25 -

Sedgemoor and Framley, Greensleeves and Arundel Road residents funds were established to hold funds to be used for residents' welfare. These funds were initially set up when money started being donated to the Home rather than Society. This has always been considered a designated fund rather than a restricted one, as the resident may move on after a donation is received, and before it is spent.

 

The Hive of Activity fund was established to hold donations, gifts and funds towards the costs of the day services. This fund was initially set up when the Society received a grant from the National Lottery towards the running costs of the day service for the first three years after it was set up.

 

The Functional fixed asset fund was established to exclude funds held as functional fixed assets from general reserves. This is to recognise that these assets are used operationally and their disposal would adversely impact on the charity's ability to deliver it's aims. The expense from this fund represents the depreciation charged during the year. The transfers to this fund represents fixed assets purchased or sold during the year.

 

The Drama fund has been designated by the Trustees for the drama performances and shows put on by The Hive.

24
Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April 2024
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
515,637
2,868,119
(2,998,047)
-
385,709
Previous year:
At 1 April 2023
Incoming resources
Resources expended
Transfers
At 31 March 2024
£
£
£
£
£
General funds
430,212
2,571,026
(2,523,213)
37,612
515,637
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 26 -
25
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Total
funds
funds
general
designated
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
-
20,120
20,120
Tangible assets
232,818
2,021,135
2,253,953
Current assets/(liabilities)
154,897
-
154,897
Long term liabilities
(2,005)
-
(2,005)
385,710
2,041,255
2,426,965
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Total
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
-
30,180
30,180
Tangible assets
-
1,965,849
1,965,849
Current assets/(liabilities)
527,868
102,324
630,192
Long term liabilities
(12,231)
-
(12,231)
515,637
2,098,353
2,613,990
26
Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

The Society sees its overall commitment in terms of providing a 'Home for Life' for those with learning disabilities. Due to its long term and uncertain nature, it is not possible to quantify this commitment.

27
Operating lease commitments
Lessee

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2025
2024
£
£
Within one year
5,674
4,522
Between two and five years
7,007
10,081
12,681
14,603
EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT MENCAP LIMITED
T/A INSPIRE SUSSEX
NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
- 27 -
28
Related party transactions

During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with related parties:

During the year, training was provided by On Target Training Network ltd. Trustee M Stubbs is the company director and provided the training. Total invoices raised in the year totalled £11,055 (2024: £13,600)

29
Cash generated from operations
2025
2024
£
£
(Deficit)/surpus for the year
(187,026)
640,219
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(5,786)
(6,818)
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
-
(619,961)
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
(7,600)
3,800
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
60,898
24,721
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
5,098
4,543
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
27,104
(4,504)
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
(107,312)
42,000
Difference
13,860
(7,600)
Per cash flow statement page
(93,452)
34,400
30
Analysis of changes in net funds
At 1 April 2024
Cash flows
At 31 March 2025
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
767,726
(443,093)
324,633
Loans falling due within one year
(10,204)
-
(10,204)
Loans falling due after more than one year
(12,231)
10,226
(2,005)
745,291
(432,867)
312,424
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