Comic Relief’s charity has reported a 16% increase in its expenditure despite a 23% reduction in staff numbers in recently filed documents.
Last year, the charity announced a five-year strategy, after cutting 40 roles as part of a restructure process.
Accounts for the year to July 2023 show the organisation employed 144 people on average, compared to 188 the year before.
As a result, the charity’s staff costs reduced from £10.6m to £8.50m, with wages falling from £7.84m to £6.47m.
However, Comic Relief’s overall expenditure increased by 16% to £51.3m, which the charity said was due to a £7m increase in grantmaking.
Overall, the charity spent £39.1m on charitable activities, compared to £32.0m the year before.
“Grants committed have increased from last year due to emergency winter appeal and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funding being committed and lower commitments in the prior year due to the development of the new strategy,” the accounts read.
Meanwhile, the charity’s income increased by 2% to £50.7m, leading to the charity recording a deficit of £570,000.
“This year has been a stabilising year financially for Comic Relief, with strong management of costs,” the accounts read.
“This was the result of a very successful Night of TV, which saw income surpass even our most optimistic forecast, and a winter campaign which raised money outside of Red Nose Day.”
Comic Relief’s fundraising income has fallen in recent years. The charity’s Red Nose Day appeal raised £32m on-the-night in 2023, compared with £42.8m in 2022 and £59m in 2021.
Related articles
