Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton continues to be needed in these days of austerity and cost of living crisis. Our Mission values and principles remain our priority as the needs of our older population continue to be pressing ever closer. The organisation is working with agility and focus to counteract these difficulties. The Social Value Quality Mark Award presented to us in February 2024 recognises our commitment to driving forward our social value and understanding our impact on the communities and societies in which we work. Evidencing Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton can design and deliver services which enhance our positive impact, benefiting clients more holistically and the impact we have in our community.
Following the election in Jul 2024 there are significant changes taking place with the NHS structure and Confusion with the restructuring of the NHS and the knock-on effect to Social Services continue to place restrictions on finance availability for services and potential new projects. Uplifts have taken place for placements in the Hamlets Nursing Home, but there are difficulties ensuring that money owed for these placements are paid in a timely manner, and money owed for the uplifts is not automatically taking place. This has required finance staff to ensure the income is received effectively.
No uplifts have been provided for Sefton Re-enablement and Befriending Service or Combat Isolation services, despite increases in the minimum wage and national insurance contributions required.
Being the voice of the older person is an important part of our mission, appearances on several local radio stations have allowed us to raise the profile of the older person locally. Our popular Together in Verse Poetry Competition had entries from people aged from 4 years old to 111 years old. reaching out to people in our community, who may struggle to get out of their home or may feel cut off from society. Through reflection and writing it brought about a sense of belonging to our clients and vulnerable older adults across Liverpool and Sefton. We are delighted that it brought the old and young together.
Our financial position remains in deficit, but I note how essential the services we provide for our older community are, as we persevere in these difficult times.
I would like to thank my fellow Trustees, staff, and volunteers for the way they have delivered the services and supported older people in 2024- 2025.
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 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 objects of the Charity are: -
i) To promote and assist the general good of all old people in any geographical area but with a particular focus on North Merseyside meaning Liverpool, Sefton and all areas north of the River Mersey making gifts of sums of money and goods to such old people, providing facilities and goods to such old people, providing facilities for physical and mental recreation, developing physical improvement, furthering health, relieving poverty, distress or sickness or pursuing any objects which now or hereafter may be deemed by law to be charitable and to assist the work of statutory authorities and voluntary Organisations engaged in pursuing the objects of the Association.
ii) To promote and organise co-operation in the achievement of the objects of the Association and to that end, to bring together representatives of the authorities and Organisations engaged in the furtherance of the objects of the Association wherever they may operate but with particular focus on North Merseyside.
Our Mission is to:
Improve the quality of life of older people in Liverpool and Sefton.
(Our definition of an older person is anyone aged 50 and over).
We aim to achieve our mission by:
• Providing direct services for older people.
• Listening to what older people say they want rather than providing what society thinks they need.
• Campaigning with and advocating on behalf of older people.
• Supporting the development of older people’s Organisations.
We aim in everything we do to:
• Ensure that older people have real choices.
• Enable older people to remain active and healthy and to enjoy life Involve older people in the running of all our activities.
• Ensure that older people's contribution to the community is widely recognised and fully realized.
• Combat ageism and the marginalisation of older people Innovate and promote good practice.
• Develop effective partnerships with other bodies.
Our values:
• Trustworthy: we do what we say and always act with honesty and integrity.
• Enabling: enabling older people to exercise independent choice.
• Dynamic: we are innovative and driven by needs, aspirations and results and constantly deliver for older people.
• Influential: we draw strength from the voices of older people, and ensure that those voices are heard.
• Caring: we are passionate about what we do and care about each individual.
• Expert: we are authoritative, skilled, trusted and quality-orientated.
Our principles:
• Ageism unacceptable: we are against all forms of unfair discrimination, and challenge unfair treatment on grounds of age.
• All people should have the right and resources to make decisions about their lives: we help older people to discover and exercise these rights.
• People less able to help themselves should be offered support: we seek to support older people to live their lives with dignity.
• Diversity is valued in all that we do: we recognise the individuality and diversity of people and their different needs, choices, cultures and values.
• Partnership - it is by working together that we can use our local, regional and national presence to the greatest effect.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Public Benefit
Trustees of Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton have read and discussed the Charity Commission public benefit guidance. The environment in which a medium sized, local, social welfare Charity such as Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton operates is increasingly austere and so the Trustees have given a great deal of thought into maintaining compliance with the requirement for public benefit whilst simultaneously ensuring the continuation of the Charity and its greatly valued services for local, older people.
Each year, in our annual report, we provide an explanation of how we have provided public benefit and the achievements of our various charitable activities.
Activities provided during 2024/2025 include:
Sefton Befriending & Reablement Service
This addresses our charitable objective of improving health and physical welfare, relieving distress, and sickness.
The service addresses social isolation, loneliness and enables Reablement of older people following a change in their circumstances. The service is offered throughout the borough of Sefton. It is funded by NHS Sefton Partnership, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside (previously known as South Sefton and Southport & Formby Clinical Commissioning Groups) and is free to service users that qualify.
Referrals have steadily increased, throughout all quarters of the contract year 2024/25. During this period, the number of referrals received consistently surpassed the number of individuals supported. A total of 246 referrals were received, while 177 people were supported, against a KPI of 174, and has resulted in a waiting list of 69 people. The funders have been notified about the waiting list.
Performance against the Outcome Star has been highly positive. Evaluations from the last quarter, of the 2024/25 contract year, show an overall client improvement of 24%, across all 8 domains. The most notable improvements were in the domains of Social Life (57%), How You Feel (45%), and Meaningful Activity (38.6%).
Unfortunately, due to the level of funding staff remain on a 3-day week, this could be increased if further funding becomes available. Funding is continuing for the year 2025/26.
Support Through Crisis
This one-year project was funded by Mersey Care NHS Trust Life Rooms Micro Commissioning. The aim of the project is to provide help for older adults to combat the effects of the cost-of-living crisis. Specifically, to support community members facing food and fuel poverty, delivered through a dedicated information and advice service that focuses on helping older adults access welfare benefits, government funding, energy supplier trust funds and any other packages of support e.g. benefit form filling. The initial programme ran from 15 May 2023 to 14 May 2024; this was then extended until 31 December 2024, due to an in-year underspend. A total of 341 clients supported with advice and support against a KPI of 100 with a total financial outcome of £240,803 received by clients has been achieved between the months May 2023 and December 2024.
Combat Isolation
Combat Isolation is a three-year project, which has been commissioned by Mersey Care NHS Trust as part of their mental health service transformation (NHS England » Community mental health services).
The service delivers targeted support to anyone over 50 who has a severe functional mental illness (SMI) diagnosis and is experiencing loneliness and social isolation. The service supports individuals on a one-to-one basis for 12 sessions of personalised support work, empowering them to move forward independently in accessing their local community, improving confidence and motivation, and working towards personalised goals. Referrals can only be made by Healthcare Professionals. Following the12 sessions clients with the Inclusion Support Worker, clients are offered a volunteer befriender to continue with their journey.
Now in year three of the project, it consistently exceeds the KPI of 68 engaged clients with 81 clients engaged, with a referral rate of 137. Approximately only 65% of referrals engage with the project this is due to a combination of inappropriate referrals, non-engagement by the clients, or client's ill health. The referral rate and staff turnover has created a waiting list for this service; this has been discussed with Merseycare to implement additional measures to support clients who are waiting. Including a Welcome call within 5 working days and arranging an assessment within 10 working days. The funding for this project has been extended by a further two years.
The Combat Isolation Team have full access to the Rio system, (the patient digital record used by Merseycare) giving the Combat Isolation Team full access to clients' secondary care records. The team have undergone extensive training and are now regularly updating Rio with the team's client contacts, ensuring the Combat Isolation Team are contributing to the mental health data set and therefore supporting the future of the service.
The Hamlets Nursing Home
The Hamlets is a 30-bed nursing home facility which cares for older people with a severe functional mental health diagnosis using a mixture of mental health nurses, general nurses, carers and ancillary staff.
The residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible although it is recognised that many of the residents who cannot live in an unsupported environment due to their mental and sometimes physical illness.
Home Occupancy continues to average approximately 96.6%+ based upon a maximum occupancy of 30 beds. Our landlord, HC-One has completed a redecoration and refurbishment programme providing the home with a welcoming environment.
Following a CQC inspection on the 27 July 2023, the service rating was upgraded from ‘Inadequate’ to ‘Requires Improvement’. The inspection report was positive; no requirements or recommendations were identified. NB: this was not a full inspection under the regulations and focused upon previously inadequate domains. (It is noted that the absence of requirements or recommendations indicates no breaches of regulation and would normally indicate a ‘Good’ rating. The Hamlets has also been inspected by Liverpool City Council Quality Team, with no recommendations given. NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Care Home Medicines Management team also inspected the Hamlets, and an Action Plan has been implemented following their recommendations.
Residents are funded generally from a mixture of local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups. However, there have been significant difficulties in accessing payment.
Significant work is taking place to recoup money owed to ACL&S by these authorities and the reduction in agency costs, with the employment of permanent members of staff, this is supporting the overall financial situation for the Charity.
Activities
A Walking Group has been commenced in and around the Liverpool area.
The Frances Suite is providing space for many activities with a total of 1124 attendances for the activities which have included:
Movement and health activities such as Tai Chi, Holistic Harmonies, Relaxation and Mindfulness.
Craft sessions such as field of flowers art, origami, writing workshops, candle making and pompom making.
Multi-cultural events such as Saudi Arabian coffee & culture, South American weaving and Japanese jigsaws.
The Digital Awareness sessions have been very popular including the Fraud and Scams awareness.
Financial Planning and Advice workshop was well attended.
Health awareness sessions have included Dementia awareness and bowel cancer awareness. Sessions have included working with Hope University on the health of the older person participating in the Know your numbers (blood pressure) and cholesterol awareness campaigns and healthy eating.
Coffee and chat sessions, Board games and shared reading have also been enjoyed by the local population.
Volunteers
There are currently 150 volunteers providing 930 client contacts per month.
The main achievements this year were:
Contractual targets were exceeded in Sefton Befriending Service; Combat Isolation and Support Through Crisis.
Confirmation of 2 more years of Combat Isolation Project
Combat Isolation team now working on Merseycare patient digital record, RIO
Combat Isolation and Sefton Befriending working together to ensure client contact while clients are waiting for the full service.
Social Media – there has been a significant increase in the numbers of followers on social media this year, this allows us to support the voice of the older person within our community, interestingly the largest increase has been with Tik Tok.
Facebook increased by 19.5%
Instagram increased by 21%
Linked In increased by 22%
Tik Tok has increased by 47%
X/Twitter has decreased by 2.5%
Social Value Report 2024/2025
• Awarded The Social Value Quality Mark which recognises our commitment to driving forward our social value and understanding our impact on the communities and societies in which we work. Evidencing we can design and deliver services which enhance our positive impact, benefiting clients more holistically. This Award helps ACL&S to evidence the impact we have on both a local and national level.
• Provided employment on average throughout the year for 47 people 95% of whom live in the Liverpool City region.
• We created 10 new jobs.
• At the end of March 2025, we averaged 145 volunteers working a total of 11,024 hours, the equivalent to 7 FTE employees. ·
• The Charity managed 4 direct services for older people helping over 1,234 older people.
• We participated in meetings in Liverpool and Sefton with similar Organisations, becoming a member of the Liverpool Voluntary Services Strategic Board, attending ICB meetings for Liverpool Place both virtually and face to face giving older people a voice, particularly in the Long-Term Conditions and Frailty and Dementia streams of work taking place in the city.
Financial review during 2025 total income amounted to £2,156,423 (2024: £1,935,704) with a deficit of £121,497 (2024: deficit of 227,727). The care home received £1,726,951 (2024: £1,540,780) related to fees. Donations and gifts received £20,658 (2024: £60,290). Legacies received £78,803 (2024: £1,000). Grants received £13,000 (2024: nil) Investment income and interest receivable totalled £21,839 (2024: £20,394). Income from trading activities totalled £205 (2024: £140). Investments totalled £429,269 (2024: £407,118).
Expenditure totalled £2,287,672 (2024: £2,161,647). All cost centres are in a deficit except for Combat Isolation. The total expenditure of the Residential Nursing Home amounted to £1,763,432 (2024: £1,843,523). Expenditure on governance costs, including the fees paid to the Charity’s investment managers amounted, in total to £41,128 (2024: £21,972).
Going concern
The year saw the continued restructuring of the Charity and staffing.
Sefton Befriending has a waiting list, the Charity is unable to increase staffing to minimise waiting times, due to the lack of funding.
The Hamlets is funded generally from a mixture of local authorities and Clinical Commissioning Groups. Ensuring the money owed by these Organisations has been difficult due to the number of changes in their invoicing system and change of the NHS structure.
Recruitment of staff has been positive which has increased the wage costs, however in comparison the costs of agency has been reduced, but it is unlikely to be eliminated.
Combat Isolation, now in year 3 of a 3-year project is commissioned by the Community Mental Health Transformation Team, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust with SLA agreed of £117,510.00 for the first year, the previously agreed increase in funding for years 2 and 3 has now been withdrawn and the funding remains at year 1 level for the 3 years. This service remains in budget.
Support Through Crisis has now come to an end, the member of staff employed in this project is now working with the Combat Isolation team.
Looking to the future we aim to use our development fund to bring forward new services for the benefit of older people in our community which can be self-sustaining. Further applications have been made to a variety of funders. We have sufficient resources to invest time in developing our future strategy and new services.
In conclusion, the Trustees believe the Charity to be a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date of signing the accounts.
Reserves policy
The Trustees reviewed the aim to maintain free reserves in unrestricted funds at a level which equates to three to six months’ worth of unrestricted expenditure, equating to a target level of £500,000 to £1,000,000 funds required (based on 2024/25 expenditure) against an actual general fund of £528,006. This is compared against the previous year end of £649,250. The Board will endeavour to increase free funds to the target level required.
Investment policy and strategy
Following on from Blankstone Sington and the Special Administrators of Leonard Curtis, the Trustees appointed Redmayne Bentley as investment managers and advisors for the Charity's investments. The two portfolios have now been combined and is managed on a discretionary basis. The primary objective was to produce investment returns primarily in the form of income, with the potential for some capital growth. Risk in this portfolio is maintained at low to moderate levels.
At the end of March 2025 listed investments stood at £429,269 (2024: 407,118). The value of our investments increased by £22,151 in the year.
Principal risks and uncertanties
The Trustees annually undertake a comprehensive assessment of the risks to which the Charity is exposed. Risks are evaluated and prioritised, and processes put in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The outcome of this process is documented in the Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton Risk Assessment 2024-25.
The major risks and uncertainties for the Organisation are perceived to be:
• Retaining and attracting nurses and care staff in a competitive environment.
• Contracts coming to an end and having to competitively retender.
• Significant competition for commercial products and changes to our free wills service.
• Ensuring reserves are maintained at a sufficient level.
• Further reductions in income derived from the public purse and changes in funded opportunities from grant funders.
• The effect of rising service costs resulting from the increases in national minimum wage and wage rises generally.
• Limited management resources to bring forward new opportunities.
The Board and management will produce a variety of business plans.
Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton is a Registered Charity No. 517902 and a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 02002499 not having a share capital. The members undertake to contribute the sum of £1 in the event of the winding up of the Company.
The governing instrument of Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton is the Memorandum and Articles of Association adopted on 18 February 1986, amended July 2008 and February 2012. Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton's charitable objective, as defined by its Memorandum of Association, is "to promote and assist the general good of older people in any geographical area but with a particular focus on North Merseyside meaning, Liverpool, Sefton and all areas north of the River Mersey”.
The Executive Committee had 5 Trustees (listed below). Trustees are also the directors of the Company, Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton Limited. Two Committees assist the Executive Committee, these being: Finance Committee. Two Trustees are also Directors on the Board of Age Concern Liverpool (Services) Limited. Each Committee has its own Terms of Reference and their reports are a standing agenda item for the full Board meetings. Other committees and working groups are set up as required.
The Trustees have due regard to the Charity Commission's published guidance on public benefit and have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006. Trustees have taken the guidance into consideration upon planning new services and on reviewing existing activities. Evidenced throughout this Trustees Report is how Age Concern Liverpool has met the Commission's public benefit requirements.
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 Chair, Vice Chair and representatives to the sub committees are appointed by the Trustees from among their number. The Board convenes at a minimum of four times each year. Trustees are recruited through an open recruitment process. The Board seeks new members who have the skills and expertise to complement those already possessed by the Board, and who understand the issues affecting the people the Charity supports. On appointment, each Trustee completes a register of interests. They are given a Trustee appointment pack which includes the Memorandum and Articles of Association, risk register, selected policies and procedures and the Charity Commission leaflet CC3. New Trustees meet with both the Chair and Chief Executive Officer and are invited to an induction of Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton's activities. Training needs are assessed and undertaken as required. Trustees are also required to have their identity verified by the Charity Commission and Companies House.
The Company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to follow the CBI's Prompt Payers Code (copies are available from the CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU).
The Company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to:
• settle the terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing the terms of each transaction;
• ensure that suppliers are made aware of the terms of payment by inclusion of the relevant terms in contracts; and
• pay in accordance with the Company's contractual and other legal obligations.
The Trustees have delegated operational management of Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton to the Chief Executive Officer who reports on the performance against the Strategic and Operational Plans approved by the Trustees. The financial position is reported quarterly to the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees. Age Concern Liverpool (Services) Limited is a wholly owned trading Company, whose primary business is trading in goods and services which are not compatible with charitable status.
All executive pay is determined by the full Board. The Trustees are responsible for ensuring a fair pay structure across the executive team that recognises the level of knowledge, skills and experience required as well as the importance of recruiting and retaining the 'right' people.
As an Organisation we have a robust Equality and Diversity policy. This ensures we have a full and fair consideration of applicants with disabilities with regards to their application. We actively welcome people with disabilities into our employment and as an Organisation we promote equal rights and opportunities for people whatever their background, beliefs or needs.
The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for the management of risk across Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton. We have a cross-Organisational risk assessment that is reviewed by the Board on a regular basis. Any changes in the potential impact and or interventions around these risks are discussed at these meetings.
Effective Governance
We continue to follow the governance code for larger charities that was published by the Charity Governance Code Steering Group which consists of the Charity Commission, National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), and Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) etc. It contains 7 principles of good governance, namely:
Organisational purpose - The board is clear about the charity's aims and ensures that these are being delivered effectively and sustainably.
Leadership - Every charity is led by an effective board that provides strategic leadership in line with the charity's aims and values.
Integrity - The board acts with integrity, adopting values and creating a culture which help achieve the organisation's charitable purposes. The board is aware of the importance of the public's confidence and trust in charities, and trustees undertake their duties accordingly.
Decision-making, risk and control - The board makes sure that its decision making processes are informed, rigorous and timely and that effective delegation, control and risk assessment and management systems are set up and monitored.
Board effectiveness - The board works as an effective team, using the appropriate balance of skills, experience, backgrounds and knowledge to make informed decisions.
Diversity - The board's approach to diversity supports its effectiveness, leadership and decision-making
Openness and accountability - The board leads the organisation in being transparent and accountable. The charity is open in its work, unless there is good reason for it not to be.
We are satisfied that our governance structures and implementation are robust and appropriate for the organisation.
VAT
The company has been de-registered for VAT. The need for re-registration will be monitored and reviewed regularly as required.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Champion Accountants LLP be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
The trustees, who are also the directors of Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton 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.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton (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:
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Champion Accountants LLP 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.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Age Concern Liverpool & Sefton is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Frances Suite, 1st Floor, 151 Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2JH.
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” (“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, modified to include investments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
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 are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Such funds may be held in order to finance both working capital and capital investment.
Designated funds relate to the part of the charity's general funds which have been put aside at the discretion of the trustees. Such funds may be held in order to finance both working capital and capital investment.
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.
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.
Grants received as a contribution towards revenue and capital expenditure are credited to incoming resources in the Statement of Financial Activities as soon as the conditions attaching to the grants have been complied with. Funds not utilised during the year are categorised as deferred income.
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.
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.
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible 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).
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.
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, 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, 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.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
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.
Sefton Befriending
Residential Care Home
Combat Isolation
Care home fees
Sefton Befriending
Residential Care Home
Combat Isolation
Charitable income 7
Care home fees
Sefton Befriending
Residential Care Home
Prevention Through Communities
Combat Isolation
Rent and rates
Agency costs
Repairs and maintenance
Other staffing costs
Legal and professional fees
Insurances
Heat and light
Printing, postage and stationery
Equipment costs
Advertising and events
Telephone
Sundry expenses
Sefton Befriending
Residential Care Home
Prevention Through Communities
Combat Isolation
Charitable expenditure 7
Rent and rates
Agency costs
Repairs and maintenance
Other staffing costs
Legal and professional fees
Insurances
Heat and light
Printing, postage and stationery
Equipment costs
Advertising and events
Telephone
Sundry expenses
Rent and rates
Repairs and maintenance
Other staffing costs
Telephone
Computer and website costs
Printing, postage and stationery
Insurances
Equipment costs
Sundry expenses
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
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.
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 National Lotteries Charities Board grants received, totalling £592,580 represent restricted funds financing the majority of the cost of the Poppy Centre property. The building was being depreciated over 35 years and the relevant proportion of the depreciation provided was charged against the restricted fund balance.
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 general development fund consists of monies which the trustees have set aside in order to support the charitable company going forward. Over the coming years, it is anticipated that the charity will undertake reorganisation plans to grow the charity.
The tangible fixed assets fund represents the net book value of the tangible fixed assets. The decision was made to separate this fund from the other funds in recognition of the fact that the tangible fixed assets are essential to the day to day work of the charitable company and as such their value should not be regarded as funds that would be realisable with ease.
The Hamlets furniture fund represents funds that have been set aside by the trustees, in addition to the tangible fixed asset funds, to enable the charity to replace and update the furniture within the residential care home.
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:
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
These financial statements are separate charity financial statements and are not consolidated with the results of the trading subsidiary which is immaterial.
Details of the charity's subsidiaries at 31 March 2025 are as follows:
The investment in subsidiaries are all stated at cost.
The turnover of the trading subsidiary for the year ended 31 March 2025 was £nil (2024: £nil) the £nil profits are after contributions to the parent charity.
The charity had no material debt during the year.