The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.
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 governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" 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)".
The principal objectives of the charity as defined in the Memorandum of Association are to aid vulnerable young people; to provide accommodation for homeless persons; to provide for those in financial need; and to provide care, support and resettlement advice to those in need or at risk.
In order to achieve the objectives, the charity has set out a series of statements:
Our Vision:
Our vision is of a caring, supportive and inclusive society.
Our Purpose:
Our purpose is to prevent the causes and reduce the effects of homelessness, family breakdown and exclusion.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to support:
- safe and stable homes;
- strong families and communities;
- health and wellbeing;
- independence and resilience;
- social and financial inclusion.
Our Beliefs:
We believe:
- everyone should have a place they can call home;
- everyone has the power to change their lives for the better, but some may need help to do so;
- prevention is better than cure;
- volunteering enriches lives.
Our Values:
We place communities and people at the heart of everything we do. Our services are:
- based on working in partnership;
- available to all who need them;
- delivered to the highest standards;
- compassionate, personalised and empowering;
- based on making things happen.
In planning the charity's activities for the year the trustees kept in mind the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The focus of the charity's activities during the year, which explains the delivery by the charity of public benefit, is set out above under 'objectives and aims' and below under 'achievements and performance'.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Pay and Remuneration of Key Management Personnel
The charity regards its Key Management Personnel as being the Senior Leadership Team listed on page 1 of the financial statements. The arrangements for setting the pay and remuneration of Key Management Personnel are in line with key market guidelines to enable the charity to remain competitive. Key Management Personnel salary setting is the responsibility of the CEO, with the support of the trustees. The CEO is appointed by the Trustees, who are responsible for setting his remuneration.
Alignment to the Real Living Wage, as set out by the Real Living Wage Foundation, is the benchmark against which all other pay scales are set.
How Trustees engage with employees
An Annual Service Review is undertaken to include key developments, together with the role and visibility of the board within the charity.
The Senior Leadership Team attend a Board of Trustees meeting at least quarterly, where all aspects of the charities operation and development are discussed and agreed. Actions arising from these meetings are then communicated through a series of internal meetings to all staff.
Monthly, throughout the year, an all-staff meeting is held, to which trustees are invited.
Trustees routinely attend a range of meetings, where their specific roles, for example safeguarding lead, or subject matter expertise, for example marketing, contribute to the development of the charity.
Risk Management - Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Trustees have considered the principal risks and uncertainties facing the charity and maintain a risk register which is reviewed regularly. The register identifies strategic, governance, operational, financial, environmental and compliance risks together with the controls in place to mitigate them. The Trustees are satisfied that appropriate systems, policies and procedures are in place to manage these risks and to reduce their potential impact on beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, funders and other stakeholders. The risk register considers the following factors:
Governance and Leadership
Key governance risks include ineffective governance arrangements, gaps in trustee skills or commitment, conflicts of interest and the loss of key personnel. Potential impacts include poor strategic decision-making, regulatory concerns, weakened organisational oversight, loss of corporate knowledge and reduced organisational effectiveness. Controls include structured trustee recruitment and induction processes, trustee training, declarations of interests, formal governance procedures, succession planning, documented policies and procedures, and active engagement between the Board and senior leadership team.
Service Delivery and Safeguarding
The charity recognises risks associated with service quality, safeguarding, health and safety, workforce capacity and operational resilience. Failure in these areas could result in harm to service users, complaints, loss of contracts or funding, reputational damage and legal liabilities. Controls include safeguarding and health and safety policies, staff training, supervision arrangements, complaints and feedback mechanisms, service reviews, quality assurance processes, client action planning, contingency arrangements and regular performance monitoring.
Financial Sustainability
Principal financial risks relate to maintaining sufficient income, managing cash flow, protecting assets and ensuring continued financial viability. Potential consequences include reduced service provision, inability to meet contractual commitments and pressure on organisational sustainability. Mitigating actions include regular financial reporting and oversight, budgeting and forecasting, independent audit, diversified income generation, monitoring of funding opportunities and prudent financial management arrangements.
Reputation and External Environment
The charity operates within a changing policy, commissioning and funding environment and recognises the risk of reputational damage arising from service failures, complaints or external factors. Potential impacts include reduced stakeholder confidence, loss of funding opportunities, diminished influence and adverse effects on staff and beneficiary confidence. Controls include transparent complaints procedures, stakeholder engagement, commissioner and funder reporting, performance monitoring against agreed outcomes, communications management and the maintenance of key external partnerships and accreditations.
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
The charity is subject to a range of legal, regulatory and contractual obligations. Non-compliance could result in regulatory action, fines, restrictions on service delivery, reputational damage and adverse impacts on funding. Controls include compliance policies and procedures, designated leads for safeguarding, health and safety and data protection, external specialist advice, statutory registrations, independent audit arrangements and ongoing monitoring against regulatory requirements.
Risk Management Assurance
Trustees recognise that no system of internal control can eliminate risk entirely. The risk management framework is designed to identify, assess and manage risk to an acceptable level while supporting the achievement of the charity’s objectives. The Trustees review the principal risks facing the charity and are satisfied that appropriate mitigation measures and controls are in place.
The description under the headings "Achievements and performance" and "Financial review" meet the company law requirements for the trustees to present a strategic report.
Charitable activities
Why do we do what we do?
Caring for Communities and People (CCP) exists to transform the lives of children, young people, families and vulnerable adults by reducing the impact and consequences of homelessness, family breakdown, poverty and wider social exclusion. We seek first to prevent, then to mitigate the influence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which otherwise contribute to a recurring cycle of social deprivation. The 2025/26 financial year has been defined by a combination of riding demand, increasing complexity and continued pressure on public services. Against this backdrop, CCP has remained focused on what matters most: delivering meaningful outcomes for individuals and families, while building a model that is sustainable, evidence led and aligned to long term system change.
In the last year we have supported 11,326 individuals and families. Across all our services, of those who reported a health condition, mental health was identified as being the single most prevalent issue, with 52% of our people reporting varying levels of mental health issues ranging from mild to severe. Anxiety and depression accounts for 31% of reported mental health issues.
How do we do it?
Rather than pursuing growth for its own sake, the organisation has taken a disciplined approach, choosing to grow where it strengthens delivery, innovate where it improves outcomes, and maintain a clear focus on quality, safeguarding and impact. This has resulted in a year of purposeful progress across all service areas, underpinned by a consistent belief that prevention delivers better outcomes than crisis intervention, both for individuals and for the wider system.
Within Accommodation Based Support, a significant milestone was reached with the completion of the Social and Sustainable Housing 2 (SASH2) property programme. Six homes are now fully operational across Swindon, Hereford, Bristol and South Gloucestershire, representing a total investment of £2.78 million. These homes provide stability, dignity, and the opportunity for individuals to rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.
The successful launch of the Wiltshire Supported Accommodation service has further strengthened this provision. Designed to support care-experienced and asylum-seeking young people, the service has already demonstrated encouraging outcomes, with all residents engaging in education and beginning to develop a sense of belonging within their communities. This early engagement is a critical factor in supporting long term independence and improved life chances.
During the winter months, CCP continued to deliver the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) across multiple counties, providing immediate, lifesaving shelter to those at risk of rough sleeping. This work remains a vital component of the organisation’s response to acute need, ensuring that individuals are protected during the most challenging periods of the year.
Alongside these developments, CCP has taken a significant step into the children’s residential care sector. Progress has been made towards the registration of the organisation’s first Children’s Home, marking the beginning of a strategic expansion into a system currently dominated by private providers. In a national context where a large proportion of provision is delivered on a for profit basis, CCP’s approach is grounded in a commitment to ethical, not for profit care, which prioritises outcomes for children and young people above financial return.
Across Family and Community Support services, demand has continued to increase at pace. In Dorset, referrals rose by over 100%, reflecting both growing need and increasing recognition of the value of early help services. Despite this pressure, teams have maintained a strong focus on outcomes, particularly in relation to parenting confidence, family stability, and child wellbeing.
In Gloucestershire, a redesign of Community Based Support services has led to a significant improvement in access, with most individuals now expected to receive support within three months. This shift represents an important step towards a more responsive and preventative system, reducing waiting times and enabling earlier intervention.
Community engagement has also reached record levels during the year. Hamper Scamper 2025 delivered substantial social value, supporting thousands of households with essential food provision and ensuring that children experienced a positive and dignified festive period. The Summer Activity Bag appeal expanded its reach, including provision for younger children, while the Big Sleep Out continued to demonstrate strong community support despite a challenging fundraising environment. These initiatives play a crucial role in addressing immediate need while also contributing to wider preventative outcomes, including reduced isolation and improved wellbeing.
The strength of CCP’s delivery continues to be underpinned by its people. The organisation marked more than 25 years of continuous accreditation with Investors in People, reflecting a long-standing commitment to leadership, development and organisational culture. This is further evidenced by a staff satisfaction rate of 94%, a notable achievement within a sector experiencing significant workforce pressures.
During the year, CCP also achieved the Working with Trauma Quality Mark at Bronze level, reinforcing its commitment to trauma informed practice. In parallel, the organisation established its first carbon baseline and developed a structured plan to reduce its environmental impact, recognising the importance of sustainability as part of its wider social responsibility.
Innovation has been a defining feature of the year. The launch of the Lived Experience Academy represents a significant step forward in recognising and harnessing the value of lived experience within the workforce. Following a 15-week pilot programme, the Academy has already demonstrated positive outcomes, with participants progressing into further opportunities, including employment within CCP. This initiative reflects a broader ambition to create meaningful pathways into work while addressing sector wide recruitment challenges. We are grateful to Gloucestershire Enterprise Innovations for the seed funding of this initiative.
At the same time, CCP has begun to lay the foundations for digital transformation. Following trustee approval, the organisation has progressed its partnership with Wysa Ltd, with a phased rollout planned to enhance access to mental health support. This work has been approached with a clear emphasis on safeguarding, ethical use of technology, and ensuring that digital tools complement, rather than replace human relationships.
Safeguarding has remained central throughout all areas of activity. The appointment of a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead, alongside the development of a three-year Strategic Safeguarding Plan, has strengthened oversight and accountability. Additional work has been undertaken to ensure compliance with evolving fire safety requirements, further reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to safety and quality.
Overall, the year has been characterised by clarity of purpose. CCP has continued to demonstrate that prevention is not only more effective for individuals, but also more sustainable for the system as a whole. This clarity provides a strong foundation for future growth and development.
The charity's total funds at 31 March 2026 stood at £2,529,689 (2025: £1,976,481), comprising £2,232,758 in unrestricted funds and £296,931 in restricted funds. Trustees have been prudent in reserving four months' core running costs not associated with contract provision, should income streams covering these costs come to an unforeseen halt or reduce to a level where costs are not covered in full. These figures are shown in notes 20 and 21. Given these considerations, the Trustees consider that the level of unrestricted reserves in relation to its running costs is adequate for the Charity's continued operation.
The Charity continues to own 340 High Street, valued in these financial statements at £710,000. The client accommodation portfolio, funded by the Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC) loans is valued at £5,680,800, an increase in value of £89k from 2025.
Risk management
Trustees continue to maintain close assessment and management of risk. In current conditions emphasis has been placed on margins, staff welfare, recruitment, and salary levels. Budgeting and financial forecasting are inbuilt and financial spending authorisation set at appropriate levels.
Income and expenditure
Details of financial performance are set out in the Statement of Financial Position on page 12. Our activities have been reported under two headings – Accommodation Based Support and Community Based Support. These activities are defined in Note 21, in which the purposes of the restricted funds are explained.
Total income for the year was £12.98 million (2025: £12.14 million) representing a 7% increase. This growth was driven by new and renewed contracts, particularly within Accommodation-Based Support. Total expenditure was £12.43 million, reflecting continued investment in staffing, property-related costs and client-facing services. Although staff costs increased in response to service demand and inflationary pressures, operational efficiencies and careful cost control enabled the charity to maintain service levels without compromising financial resilience.
Assets and reserves
During the year, the charity continued to strengthen its asset base, with fixed assets increasing from £5.85m to £6.73m, primarily due to further property acquisitions in support of the Independent Living Service. While cash balances remained stable, the charity maintained a balanced portfolio of current and long-term assets to support both operational liquidity and future service delivery.
Looking ahead, CCP has set out a focused and ambitious programme of work that builds on the progress made during the year, while positioning the organisation to respond effectively to future challenges.
A key priority will be the continued development and rollout of digital services. The introduction of the Wysa platform from May 2026 will expand access to early help, providing an additional layer of support that is accessible, flexible and scalable. Alongside this, the implementation of a new case management system will strengthen data capability, enabling improved reporting, better integration across services, and a more robust understanding of outcomes.
The organisation will also continue to develop its approach to measuring impact, with a particular focus on Social Return on Investment. By strengthening its ability to demonstrate both social and economic value, CCP aims to support commissioners in making informed decisions about investment in prevention led services.
The launch of CCP’s first Children’s Home will mark an important milestone in the organisation’s growth. This will be supported by ongoing engagement with SASC and other partners to secure the investment required to expand provision over time. In parallel, CCP is progressing its ambition to become a Registered Social Landlord, strengthening its long-term position within the housing sector.
The first of the children’s homes to open will proudly carry the name Ramona House, in memory of our much-loved colleague Ramona Ray, who sadly passed away in August 2025. Naming the home after Ramona feels entirely fitting, not simply because of the role she held, but because of the values she lived by every single day.
Ramona believed deeply in people. She championed Early Help long before it became fashionable language, holding firmly to the belief that if we support families early enough, we can prevent hardship, trauma and crisis later. She saw potential where others sometimes saw problems, and she understood that real change often begins with something very simple, someone taking the time to stand alongside another human being and refusing to give up on them.
Over the 25 years with CCP, Ramona supported thousands of families facing difficult circumstances, helping parents rediscover confidence, helping children thrive, and helping people believe that a different future was possible. Her legacy will now live on through Ramona House, a place intended to offer safety, care, stability and hope to children who need it most.
Service expansion will continue across several areas, including provision for separated migrant children, temporary accommodation, and family support services. This growth will be carefully managed to ensure that quality and outcomes remain at the forefront.
The development of community infrastructure also remains a priority. Plans to establish a new community hub in Tewkesbury will build on existing models, creating spaces that bring people together, reduce isolation and support wellbeing through integrated services and community led activity.
The Lived Experience Academy will move into its next phase of development, with a focus on refining the model, strengthening pathways into employment, and exploring opportunities for wider rollout. This work has the potential to play a significant role in shaping the future workforce, both within CCP and across the wider sector.
While the external environment is likely to remain challenging, CCP is well positioned to navigate the period ahead. By continuing to combine ambition with discipline, and innovation with strong governance, the organisation will build on its progress and continue to deliver meaningful impact.
CCP will continue to focus on prevention, investing in people and communities, and developing approaches that improve outcomes while reducing long-term demand on public services.
In doing so, the organisation remains committed to its vision of creating better tomorrows for individuals, communities and the wider systems around them.
The charity is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and therefore it has no share capital. In the event of the company being wound up and the liabilities and winding up expenses being in excess of assets, the liability of each member is limited to £1. It is governed by its Memorandum & Articles of Association dated 19 December 1994, as amended by special resolution on 22 January 1996.
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:
The power to appoint new trustees is vested in surviving and continuing trustees. Appropriate procedures for the recruitment and training of new trustees are implemented when required.
The charity is controlled by a board of trustees, which meets on a regular basis. Names of the trustees are detailed above. No new trustees were appointed during the year. Day-to-day operations are supervised by a Senior Leadership Team, details of which are given on the Legal and Administrative Information page.
The company is the sole trustee of the Ratcliffe Trust ("The Trust"), itself a registered charity, using the same registration number as CCP. The Ratcliffe Trust is therefore regarded as a subsidiary undertaking of CCP. Since October 2022 the Trust has been inactive. The charity has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, CCP Innovations Limited and CCP Homes Limited, which have always been and remain dormant.
The trustees, who are also the directors of Caring for Communities and People 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).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that BK Plus Audit Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
The trustees report, including the strategic report, was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Caring for Communities and People (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2026 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the statement of financial position, 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:
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.
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, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, 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.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the trustees report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors' report and the strategic report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report included within the trustees report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report included within the trustees report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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.
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.
In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, our procedures included the following:
enquiries of management including a pre audit meeting;
obtaining and reviewing supporting documentation of policies concerning the laws and regulations applicable to the business;
understanding how the company complies with its regulatory framework by making enquiries of management;
considering the culture inherent in the company and whether this represents a culture of honesty and
ethical behaviour with a strong emphasis of detection and prevention of fraud.
We assessed the susceptibility of the company's financial statements to material misstatement and considered how fraud might occur. The audit procedures performed included, but were not limited to:
challenging management assumptions and estimates;
identifying and testing unusual journal entries;
assessing how the relevant laws and regulations have been complied with and noting any instances of non compliance;
reviewing the financial statements for compliance with relevant Accounting Standards and accounting
legislation applicable to a small company;
considering how those charged with governance have addressed the possibility of an override of
essential controls or other influence over the financial reporting processes.
In addition, we also considered other non financial laws relevant to the company. These do not necessarily have a direct influence on the financial statements but might affect the company's ability to operate.
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 charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members 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 charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
The notes on pages 15 to 28 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 15 to 28 form part of these financial statements.
The notes on pages 15 to 28 form part of these financial statements.
Caring for Communities and People is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Wolseley House, Oriel Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TH, United Kingdom.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" 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)". 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, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties to fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
Preparation of consolidated financial statements
The financial statements contain information about Caring for Communities and People as an individual company and do not contain financial information as the parent of a group. The charity is exempt under Section 402 of the Companies Act 2006 from the requirements to prepare consolidated financial statements.
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.
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Designated funds are unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for specific purposes and are not available towards the core running costs of the Charity.
Restricted funds can only be used for restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for restricted purposes.
Donations are recognised when the Charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the Charity before the Charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either these conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the Control of the Charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Income from legacies is recognised where evidence of entitlement exists, the value is measurable with sufficient reliability, and on the earlier of the date of finalised estate accounts or the date of payment.
Grants including government grants are recognised when the Charity is entitled to receipt. Where entitlement occurs before the income is received, the income is accrued.
Operational rents are recorded as income in respect of the period to which they relate.
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
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:
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.
Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more or, at the discretion of the trustees, costing a lower amount are capitalised at cost. Leasehold refurbishments are only capitalised when there is deemed by the trustees to be any lasting value to the work. Freehold property is carried at annual valuation and is not depreciated.
Fixed asset investments are stated at cost.
As a recognised charity, the Charity is exempt from Corporation tax so far as it relates to its charitable objects. it is not, however, exempt from VAT, and irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
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.
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
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.
Depreciation was calculated based on the estimated useful lives of tangible assets. During the year ended 31 March 2026 depreciation totalled £132,516 (2025: £112,884).
Properties are held at market value and the valuations are assessed each year to ensure they remain appropriate.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees, the Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Finance Director, Business Development Director, Director of Environment and Safety, Director of Communications and Director of People Services. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were £638,440 (2025: £671,641).
The property that is used by the charity for its core operations was valued by ETP Property Consultants in February 2020 and that valuation was adopted as fair value in the financial statements to 31 March 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. In the prior year the trustees considered the carrying value and determined that, in their view, the fair value of the property had increased by £25,000. This increase in value was recognised in the financial statements and remains appropriate for the current year.
Three properties were purchased in the year to 31 March 2021, eight in the year to 31 March 2022, two in the year to 31 March 2023, one property was purchased and one sold in the year to 31 March 2024, four in the year to 31 March 2025 and two were purchased in the current year, as part of the charity's Independent Living Service provision. The trustees consider that the fair value of these properties has increased above the previous valuation and have therefore determined to carry these properties in the financial statements at 31 March 2026 at a revalued amount that they have established by reference to market research into residential property values in the areas that the properties are located, save for the two properties purchased in the year, which are included at cost in accordance with the charity's approach to properties acquired during a year under report.
A charge dated 4 January 2020 has been granted to The Community Investment Fund LP. over one of the company's bank accounts. Subsequent charges have been granted individually to The Community Investment Fund L.P. and Social and Sustainable Housing II Holdco Limited over the charity's nineteen Independent Living Service properties purchased during the years 31 March 2021 to 31 March 2026 inclusive.
The loans are funding from The Community Investment Fund L.P., a fund of Social and Sustainable Capital LLP, and Social and Sustainable Housing II Holdco Limited as part of the programme for acquisition of properties for use in the charity's Independent Living Service. The loans are repayable in 2030 and 2034 and bear interest at a commercial rate.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
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.
The designated funds are in respect of:
Property Maintenance
Fund for maintenance and refurbishment of the charity's properties.
Depreciation
Allowance for deprecation on fixed assets.
Running Costs
To cover four months' core running costs not associated with contract provision in the event that income streams covering these costs come to an unforeseen halt or reduce to a level where costs are not covered in full.
System Development
Investment in managed cloud software to meet business needs relating to client record management.
The restricted funds are in respect of:
Community-Based Support
Community-Based Support aims to improve the quality of people's lives by assisting them to maintain their accommodation, promoting independent living and encouraging people to build on their existing strengths and staying well. Incorporated in this is our preventative family support team, providing assistance to children, young people and families facing crises or on-going struggles that may lead to youth homelessness.
Accommodation-Based Support
Accommodation-Based Support provides integrated housing, training, education, employment, advice and support services for vulnerable and homeless people, promoting independent living and encouraging people to build on their existing strengths and staying well.
Transfers between funds
Transfers are made between restricted and unrestricted funds at the end of every accounting period in cases where:
i) the activity of the restricted fund has come to an end and there is an unspent balance that is not repayable to the funder(s), when the surplus is transferred to unrestricted funds: and
ii) the restricted fund is in deficit and has either cone to an end or there is no prospect of a surplus in a later period, when the deficit is eliminated by transfer from unrestricted funds.
Various funders retain the right to claw back grants should the use of the funds not be in accordance with the terms of the grant. In the opinion of the trustees, no such liability exists at the year end.
During the year, the charity paid motor insurance to an insurance broking company owned and managed by one of the trustees. The premium paid in the year to 31 March 2026 was £8,976 (2025: £10,161), on which the related party earned commission of £382 (2025: £432).
During the year, the charity paid £417 (2025: £1,382) for room hire on commercial terms offered to other charities to a charity of which one of the trustees is also a trustee.