REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: SC316236 (Scotland)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: SC 038044

Report of the Trustees and

Cessation Financial Statements for the Period 1 April 2025 to 31 August 2026

for

Home-Start Deeside

A company limited by guarantee

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

5

Independent Examiner's Report

6

Statement of Financial Activities

7

Statement of Financial Position

8

to

9

Notes to the Financial Statements

10

to

16

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 August 2026. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Home-Start Deeside is a voluntary organisation which aims to give local children a better start in life by providing volunteers offering support and friendship to parents and carers; by working with families and local organisations to meet local needs and continually improving the quality of service it gives to children and families.

The objects of Home-Start Deeside as outlined in the Memorandum of Association are:

a) to safeguard, protect and preserve the good health, both mental and physical of children and parents of children;

b) to prevent cruelty to or maltreatment of children;

c) to relieve sickness, poverty and need amongst children and parents of children;

d) to promote the education of the public in better standards of child care.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

Home-Start Deeside, Alford & Strathdon exists to put into practice our belief that early intervention in situations where family circumstances are impacting negatively on young children provides the best chance of good future life prospects for both children and parents.

At the AGM on 20 October 2025, the Chair reported on the year's changes and the financial circumstances that made them necessary, and confirmed the Board's unanimous decision to maintain Home-Start support for local families by transitioning responsibility to HSSA.

The Chair advised that, at a Marr Area Partnership (MAP) meeting held four days earlier on 17 October 2025, attendees had voted unanimously to pursue taking over the Charity's shop in Alford. This had not yet been formalised, but the Charity supplied MAP with its proposed closure timeline as requested.

The Charity confirmed it would proceed with its existing timeline to terminate the shop lease on 2 January 2026, unless MAP concluded an agreement with the landlord beforehand.

The final day of trading for the shop was set as 31 October 2025; the Board arranged an appreciation event for shop staff and volunteers in recognition of their work.

The Treasurer presented the annual financial statement, confirming the Charity's finances were in a healthy position, and the accounts were approved for signature by the Chair and Treasurer.

It was noted that no further annual accounts would be required given the Charity's anticipated closure, provided this was completed before December 2026.

The Treasurer confirmed her resignation from the Board effective end of October 2025.

One Trustee indicated an intention to resign from the Board once the shop closure was complete, while continuing informally as a shop volunteer if MAP took over operations; the Chair asked her to remain on the Board in the interim to preserve the quorum needed for the Board to continue.

Winding-Up Activities, April to August 2026

In the months following the AGM, the Trustees worked through the practical steps needed to close the Charity's affairs. By April 2026, this work included:

Closing the Charity's cloud/telecoms service contract, negotiating the associated cancellation charge down from £412 to £362, a further refund of £154.36 was received from BT, settling all outstanding business.

Pursuing recovery of a balance owed to the Charity by its water supplier.

Closing the Charity's Xero accounting subscription.

Beginning HMRC VAT de registration, and resolving a technical issue with the final online submission via direct correspondence with HMRC.

Settling final accountancy fees and the associated software subscription.

Securely destroying confidential paper records via a certified shredding contractor, with a certificate of destruction retained.

Clearing the Charity's storeroom and office, including all data held on the premises.

Notifying OSCR of the closure and closing the Charity Log, while following the relevant Companies House protocols and Home-Start UK's closure guidance.

By 31 August 2026, the Trustees confirm the following:

Final accounts for the Charity have been prepared for submission.

HMRC has confirmed that the Charity's VAT account is de registered.

The balances held in the Charity's two bank accounts as of 31 August are £71,248.73 and £24,142.07, to be transferred in total to Home-Start South Aberdeenshire, after which the accounts will be closed.

Companies House, OSCR and Home-Start UK are being notified of the completion of the closure process.

One Trustee has taken responsibility for the lawful retention and subsequent deletion of the Charity's data from both office hardware and Charity Log, with necessary data held for the relevant retention periods as per GDPR guidelines, prior to deletion by the responsible Trustee.

We informed the ICO (Information Commissioners Office) that we ceased being data controllers in Sep 2025 and subsequently cancelled our registration with them.

Upon completion of the above, the responsibilities of the remaining Trustees will cease, and Home-Start Deeside, Alford & Strathdon will be formally dissolved.

Sarah Richards

Chair

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The charity's main funding sources are grants from Aberdeenshire Council and the National Lottery Fund. The charity also relies on much appreciated donations and the profit from its charity shop, which closed in October 2025.

These funds enable the charity to fulfil its key objectives, as well as ensure compliance with its reserves policy.

Reserves policy

The Trustees have examined the requirement for free reserves, which are those unrestricted funds not invested in fixed assets, designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed. The Trustees consider that, given the nature of the charity's work, free reserves should be a minimum of six months revenue expenditure.

Unrestricted reserves are needed to:

1. Provide funds to maintain a level of service delivery in the event of unanticipated shortfalls of income

2. Provide funds which can be designated to projects at short notice in the event of perceived need

3. Cover management, administration, fund-raising and support costs without which the charity could not function

At 31st August 2026, the charity held £95,391 in bank accounts. This was subsequently donated to Home-Start South Aberdeenshire.

The reserves policy is monitored and reviewed at the Trustee's meetings.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

Home-Start Deeside is a Company Limited by Guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. It was Incorporated on 9 February 2007 and registered as a Charity on 3 April 2007. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and it is governed under its Articles of Association.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The Governance of Home-Start Deeside is vested in a Board of Trustees, of at least three and not more than twelve individuals, which meet approximately every ten weeks throughout the year. The Board is responsible for the Charity's Strategic Plan, long term objectives, finances and management. The trustees bring with them a range of skills and expertise from the voluntary, public and private sectors. Each Trustee has a specific role and responsibilities on the Board. Under the terms of the Articles of Association, Trustees may be appointed for an initial term of up to three years, standing down by rotation but may be eligible for re-election.

Organisational structure

The day to day management of Home-Start Deeside was delegated to the scheme senior Co-ordinator, who reported to the Trustees at each Board meeting. One of the trustees provided regular support and supervision to the senior Co-ordinator, who in turn line managed the co-ordinator, office administrator and the shop project co-ordinator.

Under Home-Start South Aberdeenshire, the Co-ordinators work collaboratively with many local professionals who work with children and families on Deeside. These strong links with colleagues, such as Social Workers and Health Visitors, have helped the scheme provide greater protection for local children and vulnerable adults. We are very grateful to the many local professionals who regularly contribute to the Volunteer training programmes.

Induction and training of new trustees

All new Trustees are offered appropriate training via Home-Start UK based on National standards and policies. They are also offered regular support from Home-Start Deeside staff and the Trustee Board chairperson. One board member is the Child Protection Liaison.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

SC316236 (Scotland)

Registered Charity number

SC 038044

Registered office

Banchory Business Centre

Burn O'Bennie Road

Banchory

Kincardineshire

AB31 5ZU

Trustees

Eileen Durno (resigned 28.4.25)

Alexander James Anderson (resigned 3.11.25)

Gillian Mary Cook

Sarah Richards

Kay Helen Smart (resigned 31.10.25)

Sally Irene Milne

Kathryn Louise Masterson

Carole-Ann Duff (resigned 25.4.25)

Independent Examiner

The Grant Considine Partnership

Chartered Accountants

46 High Street

Banchory

Aberdeenshire

AB31 5SR

Solicitors

Christine Attfield

Legal Advisor

Home-Start Central Office,

2 Salisbury Road,

Leicester,

LE2 3RS

CESSATION OF TRADING

The charitable company ceased activities on 31 August 2026.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 1 October 2026 and signed on its behalf by:

Sarah Richards - Trustee

I report on the accounts for the period 1 April 2025 to 31 August 2026 set out on pages seven to sixteen.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under Section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention :

(1)	which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements

-	to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1)(a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and

-	to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations

have not been met; or

(2)	to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Gillian R Nicolson

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland

The Grant Considine Partnership

Chartered Accountants

46 High Street

Banchory

Aberdeenshire

AB31 5SR

1 October 2026

Period

1.4.25

to

Year Ended

31.8.26

31.3.25

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

funds

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

3

29,825

23,367

53,192

81,822

Other trading activities

4

42,927

-

42,927

73,267

Investment income

5

831

-

831

696

Other income

1,311

-

1,311

-

Total

74,894

23,367

98,261

155,785

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

46,359

-

46,359

59,906

Charitable activities

Core & Admin

111,429

-

111,429

24,900

Family Support

13,217

23,367

36,584

58,826

Business Support

8,597

-

8,597

4,500

Other

2,384

-

2,384

3,520

Total

181,986

23,367

205,353

151,652

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

(107,092

)

-

(107,092

)

4,133

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

107,092

-

107,092

102,959

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

-

-

-

107,092

2026

2025

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

funds

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

10

-

-

-

1,828

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

11

-

-

-

8,968

Cash at bank

-

-

-

102,605

-

-

-

111,573

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

12

-

-

-

(6,309

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

-

-

-

105,264

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

-

-

-

107,092

NET ASSETS

-

-

-

107,092

FUNDS

14

Unrestricted funds

-

107,092

TOTAL FUNDS

-

107,092

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the period ended 31 August 2026.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the period ended 31 August 2026 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a)	ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b)

preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 1 October 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:

Sarah Richards - Trustee

1.	STATUTORY INFORMATION

Home-Start Deeside is a private charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. The charity's registered number, company number and and registered office can be found in the Reference and Administration Details section of the Report of the Trustees.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

2.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)'. Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.

The accounts have also been prepared in accordance with the Charities (Scotland) Regulations Act 2006 (as amended) and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.

Financial Reporting Standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

•

the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows;

•

the requirement of paragraph 3.17(d);

•

the requirements of paragraphs 11.42, 11.44, 11.45, 11.47, 11.48(a)(iii), 11.48(a)(iv), 11.48(b) and 11.48(c).

Revenue recognition

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. It is disclosed net of VAT.

Income from Government and other grants is recognised when the charity is entitled to the funds, and any conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amounts can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

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, then the income is deferred and not recognised until either the conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of the conditions are wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be met within the reporting period.

Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator/executor of the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title of the asset having been transferred to the charity.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity, this is normally upon notification by the bank.

Donated Goods

Due to the volume of low value donated goods to the charity shop, the donated goods are not recognised upon receipt. The value to the charity of donated goods sold is recognised as income when sold.

Expenditure

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 cost related to the 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

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £250 are capitalised and carried at cost. Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost, less estimated residual value, of all tangible fixed assets over their expected useful lives. The rates applied are:

Fixtures and fittings

25% on reducing balance

Office equipment

33% on cost

Motor vehicles

25% on reducing balance

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements where necessary.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Going concern

Home-Start Deeside charitable activities ceased on 31 August 2026. The assets (bank accounts) will be transferred in full to Home-Start South Aberdeenshire upon submission of the final accounts and Home-Start Deeside will be dissolved.

3.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Period

1.4.25

to

Year Ended

31.8.26

31.3.25

£

£

Donations

2,202

6,875

Gift aid

1,769

2,642

Grants

49,221

72,305

53,192

81,822

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

Period

1.4.25

to

Year Ended

31.8.26

31.3.25

£

£

Aberdeenshire Council

18,065

41,405

National Lottery

31,156

30,900

49,221

72,305

4.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Period

1.4.25

to

Year Ended

31.8.26

31.3.25

£

£

Shop income

42,151

69,916

eBay Income

776

3,351

42,927

73,267

5.	INVESTMENT INCOME

Period

1.4.25

to

Year Ended

31.8.26

31.3.25

£

£

Deposit account interest

831

696

6.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2026

2025

£

£

Independent Examiner's Fee

1,324

1,979

Depreciation - owned assets

929

1,318

Other operating leases

13,835

20,300

7.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31 August 2026 nor for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Trustees' expenses

There were £158 of expenses paid out to Sarah Richards, Chair in the period.

8.	STAFF COSTS

Period

1.4.25

to

Year Ended

31.8.26

31.3.25

£

£

Wages and salaries

71,649

92,565

Social security costs

-

1,488

Other pension costs

2,533

3,014

74,182

97,067

The average monthly number of employees during the period was as follows:

Period

1.4.25

to

Year Ended

31.8.26

31.3.25

Senior Co-Ordinator

-

1

Co-Ordinator

-

1

Administrator

1

1

Shop Manager

1

1

Shop Co-Ordinators

1

2

3

6

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

9.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

funds

funds

funds

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

81,822

-

81,822

Other trading activities

73,267

-

73,267

Investment income

696

-

696

Total

155,785

-

155,785

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

59,906

-

59,906

Charitable activities

Core & Admin

24,900

-

24,900

Family Support

58,826

-

58,826

Business Support

4,500

-

4,500

Other

3,520

-

3,520

Total

151,652

-

151,652

NET INCOME

4,133

-

4,133

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

102,959

-

102,959

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

107,092

-

107,092

10.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Fixtures

and

Motor

Office

fittings

vehicles

Equipment

Totals

£

£

£

£

COST

At 1 April 2025

1,217

10,075

7,250

18,542

Disposals

(1,217

)

(10,075

)

(7,250

)

(18,542

)

At 31 August 2026

-

-

-

-

DEPRECIATION

At 1 April 2025

1,073

9,429

6,212

16,714

Charge for year

36

-

892

928

Eliminated on disposal

(1,109

)

(9,429

)

(7,104

)

(17,642

)

At 31 August 2026

-

-

-

-

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 August 2026

-

-

-

-

At 31 March 2025

144

646

1,038

1,828

11.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2026

2025

£

£

Trade debtors

-

67

VAT

-

938

Prepayments and accrued income

-

7,963

-

8,968

12.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2026

2025

£

£

Trade creditors

-

2,694

Accrued expenses

-

3,615

-

6,309

13.	LEASING AGREEMENTS

Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:

2026

2025

£

£

Within one year

-

12,399

14.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

Transfers

movement

between

At

At 1.4.25

in funds

funds

31.8.26

£

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

39,092

(107,092

)

68,000

-

Contingency Reserve

68,000

-

(68,000

)

-

107,092

(107,092

)

-

-

TOTAL FUNDS

107,092

(107,092

)

-

-

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

74,894

(181,986

)

(107,092

)

Restricted funds

Home-Start UK Grants

23,367

(23,367

)

-

TOTAL FUNDS

98,261

(205,353

)

(107,092

)