THE BEDFORD AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU
Our service is open to anyone: it is free, independent, confidential and impartial. Citizens Advice Bedford (CAB) primarily exists to help those who live or work in the Borough of Bedford - 175,000 people. In addition CAB delivers services in Central Bedfordshire and throughout England. This service is available to all citizens, regardless of situation, background or social status.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a financial deficit of £49,018 for the year ended 31 March 2025, primarily due to increased staff costs. The trustees maintain that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next twelve months, citing reserves and expenditure controls.
What the accounts disclose
“General Advice 181,500” — page 11
“The Trustees have determined that a designated unrestricted reserve should be maintained equal to 3 months’ budgeted operating expenditure which currently equates to £179,588”
“During the 2024/25 financial year, payments were made to Citizens Advice to the value of £12,559 (2023/24: £6,924) in respect of subscriptions and sundries.” — page 8
“Receipts from Citizens Advice for contracts and grant funding totalled £212,071 (2023/24: £149,207).”
“During the 2024/25 financial year, payments were made to Citizens Advice to the value of £12,559 (2023/24: £6,924) in respect of subscriptions and sundries.” — page 8
“Receipts from Citizens Advice for contracts and grant funding totalled £212,071 (2023/24: £149,207).”
“During the 2024/25 financial year, payments were made to Citizens Advice to the value of £12,559 (2023/24: £6,924) in respect of subscriptions and sundries.” — page 8
“Receipts from Citizens Advice for contracts and grant funding totalled £212,071 (2023/24: £149,207).”
Funders the charity credits
- The Harpur Trust
- The Money & Pension service (MaPS)
- The House of Industry
Property (HM Land Registry)
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2025)
Trustees
- Neil Edward Paul McGowanchair
- Clifford Mark Carter
- David Hodgson
- Dr Thomas Greville Inskip
- Elizabeth Borland
- Iain Clark
- Mark Andrew Smith
- Mark Smith
- Roger Henry Sanbrook
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £656k | £705k |
| 31/03/2024 | £610k | £706k |
| 31/03/2023 | £642k | £518k |
| 31/03/2022 | £525k | £515k |
| 31/03/2021 | £595k | £513k |
Common questions
Is THE BEDFORD AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a financial deficit of £49,018 for the year ended 31 March 2025, primarily due to increased staff costs. The trustees maintain that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next twelve months, citing reserves and expenditure controls. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Who funds THE BEDFORD AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU?
Funders whose own accounts filings name THE BEDFORD AND DISTRICT CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU as a grant recipient include THE HARPUR TRUST, HOUSE OF INDUSTRY ESTATE.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE HARPUR TRUST | FY2024 | £146k | Welfare Benefits Specialist Caseworker/Adviser |
| HOUSE OF INDUSTRY ESTATE | FY2024 | £66k | Grant made in 2023/24 (Related party transaction) |
| THE HARPUR TRUST | FY2024 | £21k | Young Citizens Advice Pilot Project |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 18/01/2005 | £4k | Weekly advice session |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 07/01/2005 | £119 | "This Registered Charity Will Use An Award To Celebrate 60 Years Of The End Of Ww2 And 65 Years Of The Foundation Of The Group. The Citizens" |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 30/12/2004 | £810 | 60th anniversary WW2 and CAB foundation |