2023-04-05-accounts

Charity number: 1054363

BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

UNAUDITED

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

CONTENTS

	Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers	1
Trustees' report	2 - 6
Independent examiner's report	7
Statement of financial activities	8
Balance sheet	9
Notes to the financial statements	10 - 17

BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

Trustees D J Bearfoot B I Ojo A E Nicholls MBE P R Davis C Erswell O Onagoruwa Charity registered number 1054363 Principal office 17 Upland Road Bexleyheath Kent DA7 4NR Accountants Bayar Hughes & Co Chartered Certified Accountants Unit 4, Green Lane Business Park 238 Green Lane New Eltham London SE9 3TL Bankers National Westminster Bank 1 Townley Road Bexleyheath Kent DA6 7JG Kingdom Bank Media House Padge Road Beeston Nottinghamshire NG9 2RS

Page 1

BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the 6 April 2022 to 5 April 2023.

Objectives and activities

a. Policies and objectives

The objects of the Church are:

• The advancement of the Christian religion by the proclamation and furtherance of the Gospel of God concerning His Son Jesus Christ the Lord and teaching the Word of God by the Church, in accordance with the Statement of Fundamental truths of Assemblies of God in Great Britain as approved by the General Council from time to time;

• Such other charitable purposes as shall further the attainment of the above of the Church;

• The furtherance of the other charitable work of the Church consistent with the Statement;

• The furtherance of the work of the Assemblies of God in Great Britain and the promotion of the spiritual teaching and the maintenance of the statement and the promotion of religious observances within the Statement.

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

Objectives and activities (continued)

b. Review of Activities

The premises has been fully utilised throughout the year, for the services and activities of a fully-functioning church

The ministries of the church did not close in the pandemic, and the streaming of Sunday and Wednesday services that started online in that period has since continued, formerly on Facebook and now on YouTube. The new technology continues to provide links not only locally, but further afield and across the world.

Regular Activities throughout the year

• Sunday Celebration, attended by people of all ages from the local area and beyond.

• Mid week meeting – weekly Prayer worship and study meetings for all ages, Wednesday evenings.

• Crèche facilities provided for infants with their parent/carer, concurrent with Sunday Celebration, most

• Sundays.

• Mums and Toddler Group, open to community, every Friday term time on Friday mornings.

• Sunday Lightzone for children ages 3 to 11, concurrent with Sunday Celebration, most Sundays.

• Thursday Lightzone, for Children ages 5 to 11, weekly on Thursday afternoons.

• Youth (11 – 18) most Sundays, concurrent with Sunday Celebration.

• Youth meetings, as advertised: some independent, some in liaison with other churches

• Young Adults Groups (18-30s), occasionally, as advertised.

• Adult Life Groups, most weeks, as advertised.

• Diamond Jubilee Club – musical mornings for Senior Citizens from across the Borough, last Tuesday,

• most months.

• Men’s and ladies events, ad hoc, as advertised.

Other Activities (Covid restrictions permitting)

• Baptismal Services. BCLC believes and practices believers’ baptism by immersion.

• “Freedom in Christ” Group, or similar such as “Alpha”, series of weekly sessions, as organised,

• seasonally.

• BIG, Bexley Intercessory Prayer Group, Monday mornings.

• Monthly Prayer and Fasting days, usually first Friday of each month, with evening meeting in church

• building.

• Community service in association with other organisations across the local area, such as in schools,

• visiting elderly in their homes, Street and School Pastors, Winter Night Shelter, Hot Food programme, relief of the poor.

• Community Youthwork e.g the “Clocktower Project”.

• Inter-church activities: The Church continues to link with other local churches, and local events such

• as “Spark in the Park” and “Lark in the Park”, services in Bexleyheath Town Centre at Christmas and at

• Overseas Mission activity, supporting mission and ministries in many countries around the world.

Achievement and Performance .

The Charity is committed to operating the above activities, and others, successfully through the year.

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

Financial review

a. Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

b. Reserves policy

The Church Council consider the reserve position on a regular basis to ensure surplus is available to maintain the ministry. As a guide we seek to maintain a balance equivalent to around 4 months’ cash flow, which equates to about £30,000. On 5th April 2023 this reserve stood at £30,036.37.

c. Financial Review

The statement of financial activities shows total incoming resources of £155,589 (2022:£167,231) and total resources used of £141,794 (2022:£138,629). This resulted in a net surplus for the year of £13,795 (2022:£28,602). The Charity had taken out a mortgage in 2017 of £190,000, which at the close of the present year in April 2023 stood at £96,294 (2022:£115,272).

d. Principal funding

Almost all of our funding comes from the congregation and from the associated Gift Aid reclaimed on this giving, where possible.

Structure, governance and management

a. Constitution

Bexley Christian Life Centre is a registered charity, number 1054363, and is constituted under a Trust deed.

b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

Structure, governance and management (continued)

c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies

The Church Council operates under the Constitution and Trust Deed adopted 30 May 2006 (which replaced the earlier version of 1997). The Trustees have overall charge of the charity and are responsible for making sure it is doing what it was set up to do including the ongoing spiritual vision and strategy.

The Church is managed by the Church Council (known as “The Oversight”) comprising the Pastors and duly appointed Elders and Deacons of the Church. The Church Council appoints Holding Trustees for the purpose of holding the land and buildings of the Church who act on the directions of the Church Council, and who will be responsible for proper account to the Charity Commission.

The Church Council who served during the year were: D.J. Bearfoot (Pastor and Holding Trustee)) M.T. McCann (Elder, then Associate Pastor wef July 2021) and Trustee (up till May 2021) B.I. Ojo (Elder and Holding Trustee) A.E.Nicholls MBE (Elder and Holding Trustee) P.R. Davis (Deacon and Trustee) C. Erswell (Deacon and Trustee)

O. Onagoruwa (Deacon and Trustee) C. Walford (Deacon).

The Church Council meets frequently through the year to conduct the administrative business of BCLC. The Church Council is responsible for the legal and financial guardianship of the Church and oversees the general financial dimension of the work of the Church by monitoring expenditure, budgeting and handling of finances. The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Commission on public benefit. The change in the Pastorate occurred on 1st January 2023.

In May 2017 owing to the impending change of premises, it was necessary to appoint local Holding Trustees in place of the Assembly of God Property Trust, and the Council appointed D.J. Bearfoot, B.I.Ojo and A.E.Nicholls into this role, being satisfied that these persons met the criteria as laid down by the Charity Commission.

Bexley Christian Life Centre is affiliated to the Assemblies of God in Great Britain, a company limited by guarantee (No 2873415), and a registered charity (No 1032245).

Plans for future periods

Our BCLC vision is expressed as follows: Bringing the love and miraculous power of Jesus to a broken world.

Safeguarding

BCLC have adopted and implement a safeguarding policy under the guidance of the guidance of Thirtyone.eight, formerly known as the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS). We are pleased to report that there have been no issues arising to cause concern.

Risk

The Church Council keep under review the risks to which a small charity operating with few employees is exposed. Appropriate procedures are in place to review these risks on a regular basis and to review and set in place all necessary policies.

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

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

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales 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 its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);

• make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• 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 adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and 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 Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They 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 order of the members of the board of Trustees on 30 September 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

A E NICHOLLS MBE Trustee

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Bexley Christian Life Centre ('the Charity')

I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 5 April 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

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 that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or

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

3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.

Signed: Dated: 30 September 2023 Umesh Patel FCCA Bayar Hughes & Co Chartered Certified Accountants

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

Note Income from: Charitable activities 3 Investments 4 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward	Restricted funds 2023 £ - - - 3,936 3,936 (3,936) 723,988 (3,936) 720,052	Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 155,555 34 155,589 137,858 137,858 17,731 140,879 17,731 158,610	Total funds 2023 £ 155,555 34 155,589 141,794 141,794 13,795 864,867 13,795 878,662	Total funds 2022 £ 167,229 2
				167,231
				138,629
				138,629
				28,602
				836,265 28,602
				864,867

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 5 APRIL 2023

Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 9 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 11 Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 13 Unrestricted funds 13 Total funds	45,301 45,301 (3,815)	2023 £ 929,655 929,655 41,486 971,141 (92,479) 878,662 878,662 720,052 158,610 878,662	46,548 46,548 (4,092)	2022 £ 933,591 933,591 42,456 976,047 (111,180) 864,867 864,867 723,988 140,879 864,867

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 30 September 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

A E Nicholls MBE

Trustee

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

1. General information

Bexley Christian Life Centre is a Christian charity operating within the London Borough of Bexley.

Bexley Christian Life Centre is affiliated to the Assemblies of God in Great Britain, a company limited by guarantee (No 2873415), and is a registered charity (No 1032245).

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

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) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Bexley Christian Life Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

2.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £NIL or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

Freehold property	- Nil
Freehold improvements	- Nil
Fixtures and fittings	- 20% on reducing balance method

2.6 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.7 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

2.8 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.9 Fund accounting

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted funds 2023 £ Income from charitable activities 155,555 Total 2022 167,229	Total funds 2023 £ 155,555 167,229	Total funds 2022 £ 167,229

4. Investment income

	Unrestricted	Total	Total
	funds	funds	funds
	2023	2023	2022
	£	£	£
Investment income - local cash	34	34	2

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

5. Analysis of expenditure by activities

	Activities
	undertaken	Total	Total
	directly	funds	funds
	2023	2023	2022
	£	£	£
Direct costs	141,794	141,794	138,629

Analysis of direct costs

Activities 2023 £ Staff costs 80,024 Depreciation 3,936 Mission gifts 19,472 Ministry gifts 1,600 'The Rock' Youth Project 361 Utilities & services 6,828 Subscriptions 5,748 Gifts and donations 6,915 General expenses 2,095 Outreach costs 5,952 Repairs 2,657 Loan interest 6,086 Bank charges 120 141,794 Independent examiner's remuneration Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Charity's annual accounts	Total funds 2023 £ 80,024 3,936 19,472 1,600 361 6,828 5,748 6,915 2,095 5,952 2,657 6,086 120 141,794 2023 £ 840	Total funds 2022 £ 68,644 4,920 31,183 700 908 8,014 6,163 5,174 2,685 799 4,176 5,263 -
		138,629
		2022 £ 840

6. Independent examiner's remuneration

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

7. Staff costs

Wages and salaries	2023 £ 80,024 80,024	2022 £ 68,644
		68,644

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Trustee Staff	2023 No. 2 2 4	2022 No. 1 2
		3

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

8. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL) . During the year ended 5 April 2023, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £NIL) .

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

9. Tangible fixed assets

Freehold property £ Cost or valuation At 6 April 2022 729,982 At 5 April 2023 729,982 Depreciation At 6 April 2022 - Charge for the year - At 5 April 2023 - Net book value At 5 April 2023 729,982 At 5 April 2022 729,982 10. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Bank loans 11. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year Bank loans	Long-term leasehold property £ 183,926 183,926 - - - 183,926 183,926	Fixtures and fittings £ 35,720 35,720 16,037 3,936 19,973 15,747 19,683 2023 £ 3,815 2023 £ 92,479	Total £ 949,628
			949,628
			16,037 3,936
			19,973
			929,655
			933,591
			2022 £ 4,092 2022 £ 111,180

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

12. Financial instruments

	2023	2022
	£	£
Financial assets
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure	45,301	46,548

13. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Restricted Funds Total of funds Statement of funds - prior year Unrestricted funds Designated Funds - all funds Restricted funds Restricted Funds - all funds Total of funds	Balance at 6 April 2022 £ 140,879 723,988 864,867 Balance at 6 April 2021 £ 107,357 728,908 836,265	Income £ 155,589 - 155,589 Income £ 167,231 - 167,231	Expenditure £ (137,858) (3,936) (141,794) Expenditure £ (133,709) (4,920) (138,629)	Balance at 5 April 2023 £ 158,610
				720,052
				878,662
				Balance at 5 April 2022 £ 140,879
				723,988
				864,867

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BEXLEY CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2023

14. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Creditors due in more than one year Total	Restricted funds 2023 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ £ 720,052 209,603 - 45,301 - (3,815) - (92,479) 720,052 158,610	Total funds 2023 £ 929,655 45,301 (3,815) (92,479) 878,662

15. Related party transactions

The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 5 April 2023.

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