Charity registration number:1046401 Scottish Charity Number: SC045694
The Life and Light Missions
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 30 June 2024
The Life and Light Missions
Contents (continued)
| Contents (continued) | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 2 |
| Trustees' Report | 3 to 10 |
| Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities | 11 |
| Independent Auditors' Report | 12 to 15 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 16 |
| Balance Sheet | 17 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 18 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 19 to 30 |
Page 1
The Life and Light Missions
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
Mr J Boyd - Chairman Mr J Mitchell – Vice Chairman Mr S Smyth Mr G Smith
Secretary and Treasurer Mr J Mitchell Spiritual executive committee Mr J Boyd Mr S Smith Mr S Lee Mr G Smith Mr R Price Mr N Price Mr A Stephenson Mr J Friend Mr L Mulvanny Charity Registration Number - 1046401 Scottish Charity Number - SC045694
Principal Office The Chimes Green Road Egham TW20 8QP Auditors Hardipsinh Chudasama (Senior Statutory Auditor) HC & Co Limited Chartered Certified Accountants & Statutory Auditors 168 Cranford Drive Hayes UB3 4LG Solicitors E A Neary Ltd 119A Guildford Street Chertsey Surrey KT16 9AL
Bankers Barclays Bank Plc 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP Bank of Scotland Plc The Mound Edinburgh, EH1 1YZ
Royal Bank of Scotland Plc 36 St Andrew Square Edinburgh, EH2 2YB
Page 2
The Life and Light Missions
Trustees' Report
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2024.
Objectives and activities
A summary of the objects of the charity as set out in its governing document
The principal object of the charity is to advance education and the Christian Religion, primarily, but not exclusively to Romany gypsies and traveller in the United Kingdom and Overseas.
The charity aims to increase the number of ministers, provide equipment and counselling, and purchase and maintain functional property in furtherance of the charitable objectives.
The churches of the charity are operated by ministers and elders on a volunteer basis and the Trustees would like to acknowledge and thank them for their crucial role in the success of the charity.
The charity's aims including the changes or differences it seeks to make through its activities and the public benefit that is provided
1) To inspire and encourage members in the Christian faith and bring them closer to God.
2) Through teaching and by example, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, to bring others into a loving relationship with God, so that they can be the persons God intended them to be.
Each year the trustees review our activities to ensure they continue to reflect our aims and objectives. In carrying out this review the trustees have considered the Charity Commissions public guidance on public benefit.
Personnel
Missionaries serving with the mission in UK and internationally at 30 June 2024 were:-
| National UK Europe US |
Home Ministers 97 10 2 109 |
Fellows 300 20 10 |
|---|---|---|
| 330 |
Page 3
The Life and Light Missions
Trustees' Report (continued)
Home members missionaries include all those involved in a home ministry or office role within a national section of the Mission. The Life and Light Missions are based in countries such as Ireland and UK. A significant number of other volunteers have also been involved with practical projects or helping out in National Offices. Recruitment and raising support by missionaries continue to be major challenges in the present economic climate.
The work across the globe is supported by all members of the Spiritual Executive Committee and they encourage and aid members who act to recruit people, encourage prayers and develop financial resources. Churches across UK have continued to strengthen their activities during 2023/24 and it has been encouraging to see new candidates and recruits. Efforts continue towards developing and sending sections in Moldova and Ireland.
Statement of public benefit
The board believe that the charity's planting and associated activities advance religion by expressing God's concern for the spiritual and physical needs of all people. Our activities provide a means by which people of any faith, or none, can gain an awareness of Christian belief and lifestyle and can gain support and assistance to deal with difficulties or pressures they may be facing in everyday life whether that be spiritual needs, health issues, educational requirements, family issues or personal problems. Our church related activities bring us into contact with all the people in and around the communities where we are located and we provide guidance, assistance and comfort to all people irrespective of their social, economic, ethnic or religious background.
The objective and activities and achievement section of this report has set out the activities which the Charity undertakes for the public benefit. The Executive Committee confirms that it has complied with the duty in respect of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the commission in determining the activities undertaken by the charity.
Environmental Policy
The Charity believes that protection of the environment is an integral part of good Missions' practice. The Charity is committed to its responsibility for minimising the environmental impacts of its operations and will continuously aim to improve its environmental performance.
Achievements and performance
The main areas of The Life and Light Missions' activities are church planting, foreign missions, home missions, bible school, bible seminars and humanitarian work.
Financial review
Financial review of income activities
As a religious voluntary organisation the charity's main source of funding are through its members' offerings and fund raising events such as Gospel Concerts, Special programmes, Conventions and personal gifts and donations. Mass collections of offerings and donations continued to be an important way for the benefactors to give support to The Life & Light Missions.
| Unit | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collections | £ | 907,180 | 763,549 |
| Value of charitable expenditures | £ | 650,984 | 730,111 |
| Collections/charitable costs | % | 139 | 105 |
| Value of publicity and outreach | £ | 25,377 | 15,634 |
| Value of churches upkeep | £ | 44,961 | 112,435 |
Page 4
The Life and Light Missions
Trustees' Report (continued)
Financial review of key expenses
Conferences, ministry support and educational training and teaching activities
The increase in incoming resources in the year has enabled us to grow our programme in organising regular conferences along with the ministry support, seminars, holding educational training and teaching. During 2023/24 we managed to spend £146,145 on conferences & £53,513 on ministry resources and £5,827 on our education, training and teaching and £2,787 on books and bibles. As hoped, we continued to offer a number of opportunities for members to be active in the community. Where The Mission was able and considered appropriate, various activities were organised and support groups were aided to cater for the needs of the community. Various events were held during the year to which members were invited. The Mission also played an active part within the life of Churches and interesting programme of events was held. The Church continues to engage with others as part of our witness by offering periodical programmes and continues to be involved in Mission's activities locally, nationally and internationally.
Mission/Outreach
The Gospel message was preached and taught by various guest speaker and other delegates from UK and abroad by way of holding Sunday Gatherings, Gospel music, Programmes and Debates. Through these events at the Charity's conventions and missions, many people have come to knowledge of the Christian faith and experienced positive changes to their lives. We believe everyone has a role to play in mission and outreach by:
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Encouraging people to make the most of mission opportunities in the community and in their daily lives.
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Supporting those who are called to undertake local, national or international missions.
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Providing training opportunities.
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Providing opportunities to share relevant testimonies to encourage others.
There is an effective Youth Ministry with a strong focus on the engagement of young people in church activities.
Buildings
One of the key expenditure consists of the general maintenance and operational costs associated with its church buildings in UK to accommodate public worship. Our aim is for the buildings to be an asset valued by both church and community and to develop an attractive building to cater for a wide range of activities and to accommodate growth.
Other - support activities
Historically another key expenditure for the church is the transportation service it provides. Most branches operate a minibus for feeding homeless street people through various mission events in UK. It is also used to enable vulnerable members and non-members to be transported to services and events, in particular children, young people and the elderly. The promotion of good relations between diverse communities underpins the Christian values of the church and is effected through the activities it organises and delivers. It has undertaken a range of promotional activities to increase public awareness of its mission and services. A website is constantly under development. Through its various activities, the church endeavours to make a spiritual, social, and moral difference to the lives of individuals, and the community it serves.
The specific cost of generating other fund was £nil.
The trustees would like to express their sincere thanks to all supports and volunteers for their commitment to the work of The Life and Light Missions.
Page 5
The Life and Light Missions
Trustees' Report (continued)
Policies on reserves
The trustees have established a general reserve policy and regularly review the charity's activities to continue and maximise its activities and the value of income.
The trustees review the charity's reserves policy every year, ensuring a balance between spending on the immediate needs of its operations and setting aside a reserve to protect the charity. (See note 13 and note 14)
The designated funds of £500,000 (2023: £500,000) represent unrestricted monies that the trustees have designated for specific purposes. The level of the unrestricted general reserves has provided some protection and would allow time to adjust to changing financial circumstances. This has limited the risk to service provision from operating deficits or an unexpected expenditure.
The investment policy and objectives, including the extent (if any) to which social, environmental or ethical considerations are taken into account
The current Rules and Constitution are silent on the investment powers of the committee, but it has long been the practice of the committee to place surplus funds not needed for immediate expenditure, as short term cash deposits with its bankers.
Availability and adequacy of assets of each of the funds
The board of trustees is satisfied that the charity's assets in each fund are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations in respect of each fund.
Transactions and Financial position
The financial statements are set out on pages 16 to 18 and notes to the financial statements on page 19 to 30. The financial statements 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), Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The year under review was encouraging given the difficult economic conditions. The figures reflect both the strength of support from the community of Great Britain and success in our strategy of raising increasing amounts of funding. The Statement of Financial Activities show total incoming resources for the year of a revenue nature of £907,415 (2023: £763,900) and total outgoing resources of £650,984 (2023: £730,111) resulting in a net surplus of £ 256,431 (2023: 33,789). The breakdown of the total expenditure is analysed in notes 4 and 5 of the financial statements.
The total retained reserves at the year end stand at £4,075,394 (2023: £3,818,963).
Specific changes in fixed assets
Changes in fixed assets are shown in detail in the notes to the accounts.
Page 6
The Life and Light Missions
Trustees' Report (continued)
Future plans
The trustees encourage Missions' growth and ministers will continue to be circulated in order to identify those that would benefit from its help.
The trustees hope to increase fund raising in the future by increasing the number of outdoor missions. They also hope to continue expansion into Moldova, Australia, Central Asia and Eastern Europe over the coming years. The trustees have continued to extend the charity's activities in Ireland as was drawn out in the detailed implementation strategy for the ensuing years:
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The development of visionary leadership and networks and programmes to support the development of educational leaders.
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Continued discussion with ministers including over arrangements for academy conversions and other collaborative arrangements.
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Improved and new relationships with ministers, ensuring input into a wide range of policy areas.
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Support for individual dioceses in strategic development.
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Support for pastors to develop their structures and services.
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Supporting training school to provide training and professional development.
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustees:
Mr J Boyd
Mr S Smyth
Mr G Smith
Mr J Mitchell
Chairman:
Mr J Boyd
Vice Chairman:
Mr J Mitchell
Secretary and Treasurer:
==> picture [296 x 101] intentionally omitted <==
Mr J Mitchell
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
The Life and Light Missions is a registered Charity and formed under Deed of Trust dated 3 May 1995.
Page 7
The Life and Light Missions
Trustees' Report (continued)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Trustees are appointed by the Executive Committee on an as and when required basis and the maximum numbers of members of the Executive Council shall be 10.
At each Annual General Meeting one third of the members of the Executive Committee, or the number nearest to one third shall retire but shall retain office until the end of the meeting. The retiring members shall be those who have been longest in office since their last election but as between members who have been in office the same length of time those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree amongst themselves) be decided by lot. Retiring members shall be eligible for re-election. The Mission may at an Annual General Meeting fill vacancies in the Executive Committee by electing persons thereto.
Nominations for Honorary Officers and other members of the Executive Committee signed by a member of the Mission and by the person nominated to indicate willingness to serve must be received by the Honorary Secretary at least 21 days before the Annual General Meeting provided that if no nomination is so received for any vacancy a nomination made at the Annual General Meeting for that vacancy shall be valid.
The Executive Committee may from time to time appoint a member or person willing to become a member of the Mission as a member of the Executive Committee to fill a casual vacancy or by way of addition to the Executive Committee provided that the prescribed maximum be not thereby exceeded. Any member so appointed shall retain his office only until the end of the next Annual General Meeting.
The Executive Committee may from time to time co-opt additional members onto the Executive Committee notwithstanding that the prescribed maximum is exceeded provided that the number of co-opted members shall not exceed one third of the total number of members of the Executive Committee in accordance with the maximum limit of members as stated earlier.
Co-opted members shall be entitled to vote at meetings of the Executive Committee. They shall hold office only until the end of the next Annual General Meeting when they shall cease to be members of the Executive Committee but may at the discretion of the Executive Committee and subject to the provisions of this clause be co-opted for a further period of service.
Induction and training of trustees
Newly appointed Trustees are routinely inducted; this includes meeting with the existing Trustees.
Page 8
The Life and Light Missions
Trustees' Report (continued)
The organisational structure of the charity and how decisions are made
The Life and Light Missions and its trustees are premiered and administered by a Spiritual Executive Committee comprising of community elders. Trustees are appointed by the Spiritual Executive Committee members and are responsible for overseeing the accounts and financial resources of the charity. Trustees are entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions for the charity based upon consultation and majority consent of the members of the Spiritual Executive Committee.
The trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no private benefits from the Charity. However, no member of the Executive Committee shall supply or be directly interested in the supply of goods or services to the Mission except by way of free gift or on a basis which shows no profit or gain directly or indirectly to the member concerned provided that this clause shall not apply to:
(a) The repayment to members of the Executive Committee of reasonable out of pocket expenses.
(b) A member who holds not more than one hundredth part of the capital of a company supplying goods or services to the Mission.
(c) A member who is an official of a Bank at which funds of the Mission are deposited.
(d) A member who prior to his election or appointment was already carrying on the business of supplying goods or services to the organisation at a price not exceeding the fair market price and on normal trade terms; but the member shall absent himself from any meeting during the discussion of such business and shall refrain from voting on the matter.
Major risks and management of those risks
The major risks to which the charity is exposed, reviews and systems to mitigate
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The trustees are of the opinion that the charity is not exposed to any major uninsured risks as it has a strong cash reserve position and are dependent for funding only on its churches' members which is growing.
The trustees regularly review the operations of the charity including any changes to the service delivery to identify key risks against the cover provided by the current insurance policies which are then re-negotiated if required to ensure adequacy of cover.
The Charity is reliant upon our community's regular donations. An economic downturn could have a direct impact on our donors' ability to continue its support. The economic and political landscape is uncertain and could have a significant impact on cash use of the Charity. Trustees therefore aim to keep abreast of economic conditions both in the UK and abroad. Overheads are carefully monitored to ensure that resources are used effectively.
Disclosure of information to auditor
Each trustee has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. The trustees confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditor is unaware.
Page 9
The Life and Light Missions
Trustees' Report (continued)
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 6[th] August 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Mr J Boyd Chairman and trustee
Page 10
The Life and Light Missions
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities 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 of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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 Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees 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.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 6[th] August 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Mr J Boyd Chairman and trustee
Page 11
The Life and Light Missions
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Life and Light Missions
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The Life and Light Missions (the 'charity') for the year ended 30 June 2024, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, and Notes to the Financial Statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising Charities SORP - FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 30 June 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
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 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.
Conclusions relating to going concern
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 original financial statements were 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 trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.
Page 12
The Life and Light Missions
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Life and Light Missions (continued)
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Report) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of trustees remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities (set out on page 10), the trustees 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 charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
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.
Page 13
The Life and Light Missions
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Life and Light Missions (continued)
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK) we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism through the audit and we also;
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Identify and assess the risks of material misstatements of the financial statements , whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error. As fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of the internal control.
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Obtain an understanding of the internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control.
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Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.
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Conclude on the appropriateness of director's use of going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern and report appropriate disclosures in the accounts or in our audit report.
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Evaluate the appropriate presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieve fair presentation.
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Evaluated the conduct of operations in relation to laws and other regulations including but not limited to, intellectual property, commercial trading, data protection, money laundering, and employment. Our evaluation took account of whether any non-compliance would have a material effect on the financial statements.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Page 14
The Life and Light Missions
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of The Life and Light Missions (continued)
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the trustees those matters we are required to state to trustees in an auditors' 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 its trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Hardipsinh Chudasama (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of HC & Co Limited 168 Cranford Drive Hayes UB3 4LG
Date: 6[th] August 2025
Page 15
The Life and Light Missions
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 30 June 2024
| Unrestricted Total |
|
|---|---|
| funds Restricted funds 2024 |
|
| Note | £ £ £ |
| Income and Endowments from: | |
| Donations and legacies | 907,180 - 907,180 |
| Investment income 3 |
235 - 235 |
| Total income | |
| 907,415 - 907,415 |
|
| Expenditure on: | |
| Charitable activities | (650,984) - (650,984) |
| Total expenditure | |
| (650,984) - (650,984) |
|
| Net income | |
| 256,431 - 256,431 |
|
| Net movement in funds | |
| 256,431 - 256,431 |
|
| Reconciliation of funds | |
| Total funds brought forward | |
| 3,809,216 9,747 3,818,963 |
|
| Total funds carried forward 13 |
|
| 4,065,647 9,747 4,075,394 |
|
| Unrestricted Total |
|
| funds Restricted funds 2023 |
|
| Note | £ £ £ |
| Income and Endowments from: | |
| Donations and legacies | 763,549 - 763,549 |
| Investment income 3 |
351 - 351 |
| Total income | |
| 763,900 - 763,900 |
|
| Expenditure on: | |
| Charitable activities | (730,111) - (730,111) |
| Total expenditure | |
| (730,111) - (730,111) |
|
| Net income | |
| 33,789 - 33,789 |
|
| Net movement in funds | |
| 33,789 - 33,789 |
|
| Reconciliation of funds | |
| Total funds brought forward | |
| 3,775,427 9,747 3,785,174 |
|
| Total funds carried forward 13 |
|
| 3,809,216 9,747 3,818,963 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods.
The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 13.
The notes on pages 19 to 30 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 16
The Life and Light Missions
(Registration number: 1046401) Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | ||||
| Tangible assets | 9 | 2,571,599 | 2,271,871 | |
| Current assets | ||||
| Debtors | 10 | 38,384 | 22,318 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 11 | 1,513,336 | 1,536,699 | |
| 1,551,720 | 1,559,017 | |||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within oneyear | 12 | (47,925) | (11,925) | |
| Net current assets | 1,503,795 | 1,547,092 | ||
| Net assets | 4,075,394 | 3,818,963 | ||
| Funds of the charity: | ||||
| Restricted income funds | ||||
| Restricted funds | 9,747 | 9,747 | ||
| Unrestricted income funds | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | 3,565,647 | 3,309,216 | ||
| Designated funds | 500,000 | 500,000 | 500,000 | |
| Total funds | 13 | 4,075,394 | 3,818,963 |
The financial statements on pages 16 to 30 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 6[th] August 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Mr J Boyd Chairman and trustee
Mr J Mitchell Secretary
The notes on pages 19 to 30 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 17
The Life and Light Missions
Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 30 June 2024
| 2024 2023 |
|
|---|---|
| Note | £ £ |
| Cash flows from operating activities | |
| Net cash income | |
| 273,729 33,789 |
|
| Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items | |
| Depreciation | 79,633 79,521 |
| Investment income 3 |
(235) (351) |
| 353,127 112,959 |
|
| Working capital adjustments | |
| (Increase)/decrease in debtors 10 |
(16,066) 1,871 |
| Increase in creditors 12 |
36,000 - |
| Net cash flows from operatingactivities | |
| 373,061 114,830 |
|
| Cash flows from investing activities | |
| Interest receivable and similar income 3 |
235 351 |
| Purchase of tangible fixed assets 9 |
(396,659) (118,291) |
| Net cash flows from investingactivities | |
| (396,424) (117,940) |
|
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | |
| (23,363) (3,110) |
|
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July | |
| 1,536,699 1,539,809 |
|
| Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June | |
| 1,513,336 1,536,699 |
All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods.
The notes on pages 19 to 30 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 18
The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024
1 Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements of the charity, 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 Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The particular accounting policies adopted are set out below.
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.
Unrestricted income is available for expenditure approved by the Trustees. Restricted income is available for expenditure in accordance with the purpose specified by the donor.
Income is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when entitlement is certain, receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured. In respect of grant income from individual and other institutional donors, entitlement is obtained when only administrative requirements exist and all disbursement and other entitlement conditions are satisfied. Legacies are included in the Statement of Financial Activities at the earlier of receipt and the date the estate accounts are approved or a distribution authorised by the executors. Donations from supporters are accounted for when received.
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Going concern basis
Having reviewed the financial position and future expectations for the charity, the Trustees have identified no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt a going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include deposits repayable on demand without penalty. Short term money market deposits, and fixed term cash deposits which do not meet this criterion are held under current assets as short term deposits. Cash and bank deposits are stated at the cash amount.
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The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Taxation
The Life and Light Missions is a registered charity and therefore is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities as its income falls within the exemptions available to registered charities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
The designated funds represent unrestricted monies that the trustees have designated for specific purposes
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.
Tangible fixed assets
Church properties are held for the use of the church benefactors and included the direct expenditure on the management of the church.
Where the trustees consider that the expected useful life of freehold land and buildings is in excess of 50 years and the carrying value in the financial statements is not more than the estimated recoverable amount, no depreciation is charged.
Any expense for fixed assets below £250 have been expended during the year.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
| value, over their expected useful economic life as follows: | |
|---|---|
| Asset class | Depreciation method and rate |
| Freehold Land and Building and Improvements | 2% straight line on buildings only |
| Leasehold Building - Long | 2% on cost |
| Church Equipment | 20% on cost and 5% on Cost |
| Motor Vehicles | 20% on cost |
Depreciation is computed based on the best estimate of the useful economic lives of the relevant assets and their ultimate residual value
Stock
The cost of publications and other promotional and educational material is written off in the period in which it is incurred.
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The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
Foreign currency translation
Monetary assets and liability denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange prevailing at the accounting date. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the date of the transactions. All differences are taken to the statement of financial activities.
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying 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 on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period or, in the period of the revision and future periods, if the revision affects the current and future periods. In the view of the Trustees, no assumptions concerning the future or estimation uncertainty affecting assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date are likely to result in a material adjustment to their carrying amounts in the next financial year.
Grants
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. When donors specify that donations and grants given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods, the income is deferred until those periods.
Operating lease
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
The designated funds represent unrestricted monies that the trustees have designated for specific purposes.
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.
Financial instruments
The charity has financial assets and financial liabilities of that qualify as basic financial instruments. Financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at the present value of future cash flows (amortised cost). Financial assets held comprise cash at bank and in hand, short term cash deposits and the Charity's debtors excluding prepayments. Financial liabilities held comprise the short and long term creditors excluding deferred income.
Donated services
At times Ministers and Members undertake activities of repairs and maintenance work at various churches. They pay for such activities out of their own pockets and are free of charge for the church.
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The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
2 Income from donations and legacies
| 2 Income from donations and legacies |
||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | ||
| funds | Total | |
| General | funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Offerings,donations andgifts - individuals | 907,180 | 907,180 |
| Total for 2024 | 907,180 | 907,180 |
| Total for 2023 | 763,549 | 763,549 |
3 Investment income
| 3 Investment income |
|
|---|---|
| Unrestricted | |
| funds Total |
|
| General funds |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Interest receivable and similar income; | |
| Interest receivable on bank deposits | 235 235 |
| Total for 2024 | 235 235 |
| Total for 2023 | 351 351 |
| 4 Expenditure on charitable activities |
|
| Unrestricted | |
| funds Total Total |
|
| General 2024 2023 |
|
| £ £ £ |
|
| Direct costs | 249,269 249,269 266,853 |
| Allocated support costs | 332,105 332,105 427,113 |
| Governance costs | 69,610 69,610 36,145 |
| 650,984 650,984 730,111 |
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The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
5 Analysis of governance and support costs
Support costs allocated to charitable activities
| Support costs allocated to charitable activities | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | |||||
| Governance | Management | support | |||
| costs | Finance costs | costs | costs | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Charitable activity | 69,610 | 739 | 48,432 | 282,934 | |
| Total | |||||
| 2024 | |||||
| £ | |||||
| Charitable activity | 401,715 | ||||
| Other | |||||
| Governance | Management | support | |||
| costs | Finance costs | costs | costs | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Charitable activity | 36,145 | 944 | 98,630 | 327,539 | |
| Total | |||||
| 2023 | |||||
| £ | |||||
| Charitable activity | 463,258 | ||||
| Geographical analysis of support costs | |||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| United Kingdom | 401,715 | 400,987 | |||
| Europe | - | 62,271 | |||
| 401,715 | 463,258 |
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The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
Support costs included
| Fellowship for communities - Catering Fellowship for communities - Transport Fellowship for communities - Functions Overseas missions Postage Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Bank charges and interest paid Donations for the needy Rent and storage for the tent Light & heat Churches repair and maintenance Insurance & water Telephone and fax Audit fees Auditors' remuneration for non-audit work Legal and professional Foreign exchange (gain)/loss Profit on disposal of motor vehicle Loss on disposal of long leasehold property Total for 2024 |
2024 Charitable activities £ 18,023 22,584 6,374 - 1,451 79,633 739 - 5,590 90,907 44,961 43,379 2,596 6,000 24,000 39,610 (79) (858) 16,805 401,715 |
2023 Charitable activities £ 8,986 19,397 7,705 62,271 271 79,521 944 700 8,571 69,785 112,435 53,296 2,510 6,000 24,000 6,145 721 - - 463,258 |
|---|---|---|
6 Trustees remuneration and benefits
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 30 June 2024 nor for the year ended 30 June 2023.
Trustees' expenses
During the year ended 30 June 2024, trustees were reimbursed expenses of £nil (2023: £nil) incurred on behalf of the charity.
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
7 Staff costs
No salaries or wages have been paid to employees, including the member of the committee, during the year. No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.
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The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
8 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
9 Tangible fixed assets
| 9 Tangible fixed assets |
9 Tangible fixed assets |
|---|---|
| Land and buildings Furniture and equipment Motor vehicles Leasehold Building - Long Total |
|
£ £ £ £ £ |
|
| Cost | |
| At 1 July 2023 2,391,054 426,385 174,641 18,005 3,010,085 |
|
| Additions 369,051 24,908 2,700 - 396,659 |
|
| Eliminated on | |
| Disposals - - (23,260) (18,005) (41,265) |
|
| At 30 June 2024 2,760,105 451,293 154,081 - 3,365,479 |
|
| Depreciation | |
| At 1 July 2023 319,763 277,753 139,498 1,200 738,214 |
|
| Charge for the year 46,928 19,261 13,444 - 79,633 |
|
| Eliminated on | |
| disposals | - - (22,767) (1,200) (23,967) |
| At 30 June 2024 | |
| 366,691 297,014 130,175 - 793,880 |
|
| Net book value | |
| At 30 June 2024 | |
| 2,393,414 154,279 23,906 - 2,571,599 |
|
| At 30 June 2023 | |
| 2,071,291 148,632 35,143 16,805 2,271,871 |
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The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
In 2013, the charity acquired a heritage property, Union Street, Willenhall for a consideration of £11,875. The property is depreciated in line with the charity's accounting policy.
The freehold land, buildings and improvements comprises of various church premises situated in United Kingdom. Church equipment comprises the amplification system, church chairs and other hall assets.
The charity had vested the following title deeds of its buildings to the trustees:
-
The building at Instone Terrace, Askern, Doncaster in the name of its trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell, H Ward (resigned on 11.11.10) and H Clee (resigned on 15.2.12), as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
Halliwell Chapel at Bolton in the name of its trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell and S Smyth, as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
The Seion Methodist at Chapel High Street, Connahs Quay in the name of its trustees J Boyd, H Ward (resigned on 11.11.10) and H Clee (resigned on 15.2.12) and ex spiritual executive committee members D A Jones and F Scarrett as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
The 59 Parkgate, St Hildas Church, Darlington in the name of its trustees J Boyd, H Ward (resigned on 11.11.10) and H Clee (resigned on 15.2.12) and ex spiritual executive committee members D A Jones, F Scarrett and T Wilson as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
The Lanes End Evangelical Church, Langlands Drive, Dartford in the name of its trustees J Boyd, H Ward (resigned on 11.11.10) and H Clee (resigned on 15.2.12) and ex spiritual executive committee members D A Jones and F Scarrett as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
140 Haydock Street Newton le Willows in the name of its trustee H Clee (resigned on 15.2.12), as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
The Rampton Free Church at Mission Hall, High Street, Rampton in the name of its trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell and S Smyth, as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
The property at Bradwell, Sandbach in the name of its trustees H Ward (resigned on 11.11.10) and H Clee (resigned on 15.2.12) , as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
The property at the Weslyan Chapel, High Street in the name of its trustees J Boyd, H Ward (resigned on 11.11.10) and H Clee (resigned on 15.2.12) and ex spiritual executive committee members D A Jones and F Scarrett, as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
The Church of St Stephen, Iver, Slough in the name of its trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell, H Ward (resigned on 11.11.10) and H Clee (resigned on 15.2.12), as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
New Union Street, Willenhall in the name of its trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell and S Smyth as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
Rugeley Community Church, Frank Rogers Walk, Rugeley in the name of its trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell and S Smyth as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
Guyhirn Village Hall, High Road, Guyhirn, Wisbech in the name of its trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell and G A Smith as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
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The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
-
Land at Union Street, Willenhall in the name of Trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell, G A Smith and S Smyth as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
Bethesda Evangelical Church, Malvern Road, Swindon in the name of Trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell, G A Smith and S Smyth as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
The property at 7 Natal Place, Cowdenbeath in the name of Trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell, G A Smith and S Smyth as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
Bathafarn Methodist Church, Talwrn Road, Coedpoeth, Wrexham in the name of its trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell, G A Smith and S Smyth as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
Bethany Church, Meadowsweet Avenue, Bristol in the name of Trustees J Boyd, J Mitchell, G A Smith and S Smyth as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
-
Church of Christ, Earlestown, Newton-le-Willows in the name of Trustees J Boyd and J Mitchell as a custodian of the property on behalf of The Life & Light Missions.
Page 27
The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
| 10 | Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Prepayments | 38,384 | 22,318 | |
| 11 | Cash and cash equivalents | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Cash at bank | 1,513,336 | 1,536,699 | |
| 12 | Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Trade creditors | 11,925 | 11,925 | |
| Accruals | 36,000 | - | |
| 47,925 | 11,925 |
==> picture [51 x 38] intentionally omitted <==
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The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
| 13 Funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 July | Incoming | Resources | Balance at 30 | |
| 2023 | resources | expended | June 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General | 3,309,216 | 907,415 | (650,984) | 3,565,647 |
| Designated | 500,000 | - | - | 500,000 |
| Total unrestricted funds | 3,809,216 | 907,415 | (650,984) | 4,065,647 |
| Restricted funds | 9,747 | - | - | 9,747 |
| Total funds | 3,818,963 | 907,415 | (650,984) | 4,075,394 |
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| Balance at 1 July | Incoming | Resources | Balance at 30 | |
| 2022 | resources | expended | June 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||||
| General | 3,275,427 | 763,900 | (730,111) | 3,309,216 |
| Designated | 500,000 | - | - | 500,000 |
| Total unrestricted funds | 3,775,427 | 763,900 | (730,111) | 3,809,216 |
| Restricted funds | 9,747 | - | - | 9,747 |
| Total funds | 3,785,174 | 763,900 | (730,111) | 3,818,963 |
| Unrestricted funds |
14 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted Total funds at 30 |
|
|---|---|
| funds Restricted June |
|
| General funds 2023 |
|
| £ £ £ |
|
| Tangible fixed assets | 2,571,599 - 2,571,599 |
| Current assets | 1,541,973 9,747 1,551,720 |
| Current liabilities | (47,925) - (47,925) |
| Total net assets | |
| 4,065,647 9,747 4,075,394 |
Page 29
The Life and Light Missions
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2024 (continued)
| Unrestricted funds Restricted Total funds at 30 June General £ funds £ 2023 £ 2,271,871 - 2,271,871 1,549,270 9,747 1,559,017 (11,925) - (11,925) 3,809,216 9,747 3,818,963 |
|
|---|---|
| Tangible fixed assets | |
| Current assets | |
| Current liabilities | |
| Total net assets |
Purpose of funds
Restricted funds:
Restricted funds of £7,363 represents grants for missions carried out in Russia and of £2,384 represents grant for roofing work to be carried out in future.
Designated funds:
This represents level of funds which the Trustees have designated out of unrestricted fund.
The trustees had decided to retain £500,000 as designated fund (2023: £500,000) in order to acquire suitable freehold church premises in selected areas in the near future. Properties under consideration are church buildings in UK.
15 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 30 June 2024.
16 Ultimate controlling party
Throughout the year the charity was under the control of the trustees and was governed as per the guidelines and parameters set by the Objects of the constitution of The Life and Light Missions.
17 Post balance sheet events
There were no post balance sheet events which require disclosure in the financial statements for the year under review.
Page 30