Leicestershire MS Therapy Centre Limited - Charities report - 22.2

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 02374648 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 701925

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

FOR

LEICESTERSHIRE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

THERAPY CENTRE LIMITED

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

6

Independent Examiner's Report

7

Statement of Financial Activities

8

Balance Sheet

9

to

10

Notes to the Financial Statements

11

to

18

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022. 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).

The Trustees' report also incorporates the Directors' report.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

Our vision: empowering and enabling people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other health conditions to actively manage their lives.

Our mission: to deliver coordinated, holistic, and person-centred support services and therapies to people living with MS and other health conditions assisting them in managing their daily lives.

The Centre's objectives and principal activities are:

To aid and improve, for the public benefit, the condition of those living with MS and other health conditions by any lawful means including any of the following: -

By bringing together persons living with MS, persons interested in MS and any other health conditions.

By providing advice, guidance and moral and practical support for persons living with MS and any other health conditions.

By providing therapy, including oxygen therapy, for persons living with MS or other symptoms or conditions in accordance with the protocols and guidelines of the principal company and with the prior written consent of the principal company.

To improve the physical, mental, emotional, and social health and wellbeing of people living with MS, other health conditions, and their families/carers, to achieve their potential and ensure that they have the confidence and capacity to be active members and contributors in their local communities and civil society.

Significant activities

The main activities employed to assist the Centre in meeting its objectives in 2022 included the following:

Provision of a facility where self-management support, information and advice is available that will enable people living with MS and other long-term conditions, and their family/carers, to manage their lives.

Individual physiotherapy sessions and group physiotherapy classes are offered to people living with MS and other health conditions.

Holistic therapies including acupuncture, reflexology, massage, Hopi ear candles, and aromatherapy.

Oxygen therapy for people living with MS and a wide range of other health conditions.

Changes to the board of trustees.

Following the AGM June 2022, Graham Bee and Chris Emmet stepped down as trustees. The trustees would like to thank them both for all the hard work and support they have given to the Centre in their role as a trustee. We welcomed Anne Skevington and Joseph Adams who joined the trustees.

Public benefit

While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many difficulties and uncertainties, it has also provided the Centre with an opportunity to step back and re-assess. With the need to adapt to a "new normal", the Centre has taken into consideration what is needed to continue and ensures it acts with care and diligence in the best interest of its members, consistent with the Centre's purposes.

In 2022, we had new members join who were affected in different ways from the effects of Long COVID. They were advised by the Long Covid Clinic to attend the centre for oxygen therapy to help with their symptoms, this has proved to be very successful.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

Maintained our values, and our purpose, and services.

Minimised the financial risk to the Centre.

Retained our core staff team.

Worked collaboratively in responding to contingency planning, client needs, assessing operational risks and in developing policies and practices.

Successfully raised funds to sustain the Centre and maintained and developed services.

Maintained our relationship with members and volunteers.

Fundraising activities

The Centre is working with Leicester Tigers offering match day parking for supporters to park their vehicles. We are grateful to the volunteers who offer their services to provide this fundraising opportunity. The Centre would also like to thank Ryan Archer, the Young Farmers, and supporters for the third year of Tractor Run held in December 2022 and all the supporters and friends who assisted in this fundraising event.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Reserves policy

The charity requires General Reserves, that is, funds that are freely available for the Trustees to spend in furtherance of the objects, in order to bridge the funding gap between spending on the operational activities and receiving resources through grants that provide funding.

The Trustees believe that an ideal level of General Reserves, excluding those designated for fixed assets, would be equivalent to approximately twelve months fixed expenditure which, based on existing budgets, will be approximately £140,000, but this figure is kept under review annually.

At 31 December 2022, the General Reserves were £289,531 which is sufficiently higher than the agreed reserves figure. The Trustees will continue to monitor the level of reserves to ensure that they remain adequate for the charity's needs.

FUTURE PLANS

The trustees welcome fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and commitment being shown by new trustees, and the invaluable support provided by every trustee.

The Centre is actively developing strategies to plan for the future. The key to moving forward and growing the Centre is building on its learning and achievements, diversifying its income streams, creating a shared vision, mission, values, and principles. The work continues with the strategic groups:

Financial Stability - meeting on a regular basis with treasurer, accountant, Company secretary and chairman.

Forward Thinking and Planning - focusing on what we need to do and how to get there.

Marketing and Branding.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

The Centre is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 21 April 1989. Registered as a charity 26th August 1985. The company was established under a memorandum of association, which established the objects and powers of the Centre, and is governed under its articles of association. In the event of the Centre being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.00. The Centre (Leicestershire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited) was formally known as A.R.M.S. Leicestershire Limited but changed its name on 18th February 2000.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The original members of the company consisted of the founder member and ordinary members. The founder member was ARMS (Action and Research for Multiple Sclerosis Limited), but this no longer operates. The Centre now consists of members, who are persons with MS or those with an interest in promoting the objects of the Centre. The trustees are selected from the members of the Centre, excluding employees.

The trustees, including directors of the Centre, are charity trustees for the purpose of the charity law. Under the requirements of the Memorandum of Articles of Association, the trustees are elected to serve for three years. It is advisable Trustees take a break after three terms.

The trustees seek to ensure that the needs of the members are appropriately reflected throughout the diversity of the trustee body. There is a mix of members who use the facilities offered by the Centre, and others who have an interest in the aims of the Centre and can offer appropriate business, clinical, or relevant skills. All members, apart from employees, are eligible to become trustees. The Centre has members with large variety of race, colour, and creeds.

Risk management

The trustees regularly undertake a review of the risks to which the Centre is exposed, particularly business, operational, and financial risks. The Centre has introduced procedures and reporting regimes to mitigate and manage risks. Internal control systems are designed to meet the Centre's operating needs, the risks to which it is exposed, and to provide reasonable assurance against misstatement or loss. The Centre ensures the Health and Safety policy outline procedures to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, members, and visitors to the Centre. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transaction and projects. Other policies are in place covering the protection of vulnerable adults, GDPR-data protection, complaints, confidentiality, volunteering, and equal opportunities. The Centre operates regular procedures to monitor the receipt of income, and capital expenditure.

Organisational structure

The Centre has up to 11 trustees who meet every three months, on a formal basis. Trustees will be invited to contribute their skills and expertise in agreed sub-groups for certain projects. In addition, the Centre manager communicates regularly for the purpose of taking forward specific work areas. The trustees are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the Centre.

A scheme of delegation is in place. Day to day responsibility for the provision of the services rests with the Centre manager, who oversees operational management of the Centre and individual supervision of the staff team. The manager also carries out fundraising activities and ensures that the team contributes to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice.

The trustees would like to acknowledge the continued and valued contribution to the smooth running of the Centre from its dedicated group of volunteers. Volunteers contribute to all aspects of service delivery including the operation of the oxygen chamber, essential maintenance and repair, and cleaning and hygiene input. The trustees also act in a voluntary role and make considerable input to the direction of the Centre.

Decision making

The trustees are responsible for preparing an annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Centre's trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Centre and of the income and expenditure, of the Centre for that period. In preparing the 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.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Centre and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Centre and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Centre's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Induction and training of new trustees

Trustees are already familiar with the practical work of the Centre, having either used the facilities or volunteered to help in the operation of the Centre prior to taking up the role of trustee.

New trustees are invited and encouraged to attend short briefing sessions to familiarise themselves with the Centre and the context within which it operates. These are led by the chair of trustees and the Centre manager and will cover:-

The obligations of the trustees.

The main documents which set out the operational framework for the Centre, including the memorandum of articles.

Resourcing and the current financial position as set out in the latest published accounts.

Future plans and objectives.

Information is provided drawing from the various regulator publications, and this will be distributed to all new trustees along with the Memorandum of Articles and the latest financial statement.

Trustees are encouraged to attend any appropriate training events and any notes from these are circulated to other trustees to ensure the key learning points are shared.

Wider network

Assessing risks and resilience

The centre has more work experience students visiting the centre, some are here for a week, some longer. In October 2022 the trustees decided to relook at safeguarding policies and introduced a policy 'Work placement students, young adults and children'. This was distributed to all trustees, staff, volunteers and members.

A strong governance framework

One of the key outcomes over the last two years has been the trustees have had to continue to think about how they govern and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. However, it is imperative that governance changes are managed effectively and continue to be in the best interests of the Centre. The trustees have been dedicated and worked hard to provide good strong leadership and a clear strategic direction.

Additionally, the Centre has:

Actively engaged and updated with its members and supporters through social media platforms and regular newsletters.

Actively engaged the trustees, staff, and volunteers in developing contingency plans and assessing and minimising risks.

Improved our awareness within the area by having a new design of our logo, and rebranding to make the Centre more noticeable. A new website was created and launched in November to encourage a wider audience of people requiring our services.

There have been members who have joined who suffer from various conditions such as Dementia and Alzheimers who were advised by medical professionals.

Service Developments

From December 2021 the Centre has:

Refurbished the oxygen chamber facilities, improving service to members.

New platform lift installed to assist wheelchair users access to the chamber.

New flooring throughout the ground floor.

The Centre has updated its logo to a more modern design, the new logo has been used to advertise the Centre to the community on the outside of the building.

A new website that was constructed by Miss Laura Towse, with the help of the marketing group.

Related parties

In so far as it is complementary to the charity's objects, the Centre is guided by both local and national policy. The Centre is a member of the MS National Centres (MSNTC), an umbrella charity registered in England, Wales, and Scotland. As a member of the MSNTC, the Centre benefits from reduced oxygen prices, training, and the provision of national standards for the delivery of oxygen therapy. MSNTC holds open meetings around the UK to enable Centres to communicate and share ideas and best practice. The representation of other Centres within this group has proved invaluable to the Centre in establishing improved links within the MS community and identifying relevant policy developments and prospective treatments and how they may be funded.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

02374648 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

701925

Registered office

31 Freemans Common Road

Leicester

LE2 7SQ

Trustees

G Bee (resigned 28.6.2022)

C Emmet (resigned 28.6.2022)

A Skevington Trustee (appointed 22.6.2022)

J Adams (appointed 22.6.2022)

S Wilson

L Butcher

E Woods

R Griebel

H Proudman

L Wells

R Archer

R Hughes

Independent Examiner

Mark J Rees LLP Chartered Accountants

Granville Hall

Granville Road

Leicester

Leicestershire

LE1 7RU

Bankers

Barclays Bank Plc

Leicester

LE87 2BB

Centre Manager

The MS Therapy Centre was managed by Josephine Hill during the period.

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 21 June 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

S Wilson - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Leicestershire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Limited ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

1.	accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2.	the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.	the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4.

the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's members. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's members as a body, for our work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed'

Mr P Bott FCA

Mark J Rees LLP Chartered Accountants

Granville Hall

Granville Road

Leicester

Leicestershire

LE1 7RU

8 September 2023

2022

2021

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

fund

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

2

160,966

-

160,966

233,276

Other trading activities

3

6,946

-

6,946

10,013

Investment income

4

223

-

223

-

Total

168,135

-

168,135

243,289

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

-

-

-

885

Charitable activities

Charitable activities

136,403

-

136,403

146,911

Total

136,403

-

136,403

147,796

NET INCOME

31,732

-

31,732

95,493

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

305,780

20,000

325,780

230,287

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

337,512

20,000

357,512

325,780

2022

2021

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

fund

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

9

47,981

-

47,981

49,019

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

10

14,359

-

14,359

26,602

Cash at bank and in hand

284,032

20,000

304,032

252,159

298,391

20,000

318,391

278,761

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

11

(8,860

)

-

(8,860

)

(2,000

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

289,531

20,000

309,531

276,761

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

337,512

20,000

357,512

325,780

NET ASSETS

337,512

20,000

357,512

325,780

FUNDS

13

Unrestricted funds

337,512

305,780

Restricted funds

20,000

20,000

TOTAL FUNDS

357,512

325,780

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2022.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 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 21 June 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:

S Wilson - Trustee

1.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

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

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.

Income

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.

Voluntary income is received by way of donations and legacies and is included in full in the Statements of Financial Activities when receivable.

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

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Leasehold improvements

-

10% on cost

Plant and machinery

-

20% on cost

Computer equipment

-

33% on cost

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.

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.

Pension costs and other post-retirement 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.

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured

initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

Creditors

Short term trade creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Going concern

The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is reasonable assurance that the company will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.

Government grants are recognised using the accrual model.

2.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

2022

2021

£

£

Donations

145,566

186,869

Gift aid

15,400

21,695

Legacies

-

24,712

160,966

233,276

3.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

2022

2021

£

£

Fundraising events

6,946

1,065

Shop income

-

653

Government grants

-

8,295

6,946

10,013

4.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2022

2021

£

£

Interest received

223

-

5.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

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

2022

2021

£

£

Independent exam

3,000

885

Depreciation - owned assets

16,808

14,390

Other operating leases

7,750

7,750

6.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2022 nor for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2022 nor for the year ended 31 December 2021.

7.	STAFF COSTS

2022

2021

£

£

Wages and salaries

59,241

60,217

Other pension costs

3,200

2,586

62,441

62,803

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

2022

2021

Average number of employees

3

3

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

8.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - 31 DECEMBER 2021

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

fund

fund

funds

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

213,276

20,000

233,276

Other trading activities

10,013

-

10,013

Total

223,289

20,000

243,289

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

885

-

885

Charitable activities

Charitable activities

146,911

-

146,911

Total

147,796

-

147,796

NET INCOME

75,493

20,000

95,493

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

230,287

-

230,287

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

305,780

20,000

325,780

9.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Leasehold

Plant and

Computer

improvements

machinery

equipment

Totals

£

£

£

£

COST

At 1 January 2022

34,646

42,697

1,964

79,307

Additions

7,367

8,403

-

15,770

At 31 December 2022

42,013

51,100

1,964

95,077

DEPRECIATION

At 1 January 2022

10,392

19,241

655

30,288

Charge for year

5,933

10,220

655

16,808

At 31 December 2022

16,325

29,461

1,310

47,096

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 December 2022

25,688

21,639

654

47,981

At 31 December 2021

24,254

23,456

1,309

49,019

10.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2022

2021

£

£

Other debtors

13,882

26,193

Prepayments

477

409

14,359

26,602

11.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2022

2021

£

£

Trade creditors

4,660

-

Accruals and deferred income

4,200

2,000

8,860

2,000

12.	LEASING AGREEMENTS

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

2022

2021

£

£

Within one year

7,750

7,750

Between one and five years

23,250

31,000

31,000

38,750

13.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

movement

At

At 1.1.22

in funds

31.12.22

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

305,780

31,732

337,512

Restricted funds

M.S Equipment fund

20,000

-

20,000

TOTAL FUNDS

325,780

31,732

357,512

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

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

£

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

168,135

(136,403

)

31,732

TOTAL FUNDS

168,135

(136,403

)

31,732