DISABLED LIVING
A leading voluntary organisation primarily operating in the North West, providing advice and information about assistive technology (equipment and products) to help disabled adults, children and older people make a more informed choice which enables easier, safer and more independent living. Through BBUK and Kidz events, Disabled Living deliver services which make an impact nationally.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a deficit of £373,267 for the year ended 31 March 2025, resulting in a decrease in total net assets from £1,761,957 to £1,388,690. Per the trustees' report, free reserves are calculated at £352,963, which is above the stated policy target of three months' expenditure (£350,873). The auditor confirmed that the use of the going concern basis is appropriate with no material uncertainties identified.
What the accounts disclose
“There was one employee during the year who received remuneration within the £70,000 to £79,999 band (2024: NIL), no employees received remuneration within the £60,000 to £69,999 band (2024: 1).” — page 27
“There was one employee during the year who received remuneration within the £70,000 to £79,999 band (2024: NIL), no employees received remuneration within the £60,000 to £69,999 band (2024: 1). No other employees received remuneration of more than £60,000 (2024: NIL).” — page 27
“Income can be analysed as follows: Kidz Events 49%”
“The board have agreed that a minimum level of reserves should be three months expenditure.” — page 5
“Fees amounting to £16,988 (2024: £23,700) were paid to Champion Accountants during the year for professional services. Ged Cosgrove is a director of Champion Accountants.” — page 31
“The consolidated statement of financial activities includes the results of the charity's wholly owned subsidiary, Disabled Living (Training and Exhibitions) Limited.” — page 23
Year-over-year changes
- Top pay band moved from £60,001 - £70,000 (FY2024) to £70,001 - £80,000 (FY2025).
Property (HM Land Registry)
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/03/2025)
Trustees
- PAULA JANE BROWNchair
- ALAN NORTON
- GERRY YEUNG
- Gary Alfred Owen
- Gerard Cosgrove
- Jaime Elizabeth Gee
- Jamaine Anthony Campbell
- Joshua Wintersgill
- PHILIP JOHN DOWNS MBE
- Sarah Louise Jones
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/03/2025 | £1.2m | £1.5m |
| 31/03/2024 | £1.8m | £1.7m |
| 31/03/2023 | £1.4m | £1.4m |
| 31/03/2022 | £1.3m | £1.0m |
| 31/03/2021 | £586k | £816k |
Common questions
Is DISABLED LIVING financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a deficit of £373,267 for the year ended 31 March 2025, resulting in a decrease in total net assets from £1,761,957 to £1,388,690. Per the trustees' report, free reserves are calculated at £352,963, which is above the stated policy target of three months' expenditure (£350,873). The auditor confirmed that the use of the going concern basis is appropriate with no material uncertainties identified. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Harold Sharp Limited.
What does the highest-paid employee of DISABLED LIVING earn?
Per its FY2025 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £70,001 - £80,000 band, and 1 employees earned over £60,000.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK government | 06/12/2022 | £376k | Real Time Assessment Tool for Assistive Technology |
| UK government | 21/10/2021 | £39k | BBconnect - a people-centred, system aware design feasibility investigation that aims to define innovation opportunities, generate and evaluate viable ideas for more accessible, effective and integrated bladder and bowel healthcare services. |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 27/04/2017 | £58k | "From Donkeys to Innovators: 120 Years of Disabled Living" |
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 30/03/2009 | £7k | Outreach in the Community |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| SKIPTON BUILDING SOCIETY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION | 2 | £4k |
| THE THALES CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | — |
| MOTABILITY | 1 | £219k |
| TARPORLEY WAR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL TRUST | 1 | £116k |
| THE STEVEN BLOCH IMAGE OF DISABILITY CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £91k |
| THE HALEY FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £79k |
| THE EDWARD GOSTLING FOUNDATION | 1 | £50k |
| THE A M FENTON TRUST | 1 | £41k |
Charities like this
- Disability Assist for Independent Living
- DISABILITY ACTION YORKSHIRE
- DISABILITY SHEFFIELD CENTRE FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LIMITED
- EQUALITY TOGETHER
- THE WILLIAM MERRITT DISABLED LIVING CENTRE
- DISABILITY POSITIVE
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DISABLED LIVING | £1.2m | £70,001 - £80,000 | 1 | above | — | no doubt |
| Disability Assist for Independent Living | £278k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| DISABILITY ACTION YORKSHIRE | £1.4m | £60,001 - £70,000 | 1 | unclear | 41.2% | no doubt |
| DISABILITY SHEFFIELD CENTRE FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING LIMITED | £994k | — | 0 | unclear | — | noted |
| EQUALITY TOGETHER | £1.2m | — | 0 | below | — | no doubt |
| THE WILLIAM MERRITT DISABLED LIVING CENTRE | £1.3m | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |