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← Life Church Sheringham

2025-07-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1069354 (England and Wales)

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

R Allen D Fisher W Burley S Issitt C Howard M Fox

(Appointed 10 June 2025) (Appointed 10 June 2025)

Charity number (England and Wales) 1069354

Independent examiner

Scrutton Bland Limited 15 Palace Street NORWICH Norfolk United Kingdom NR3 1RT

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 13

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are to advance the Christian Faith in accordance with its Statement of Beliefs.

It also aims to relieve persons who are in hardship or who are aged or sick, and to promote and fulfil such other charitable purposes beneficial to the community.

The charity operates primarily, but not exclusively in Sheringham, Cromer and Holt. It has three Elders, each with their own expertise and experience. Each Elder regularly teaches and preaches at the Life Church, and each has his own area of responsibility. The Elders are supported by a number of volunteer staff who take on administration duties.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

Life Church is a community based Church that serves the North Norfolk towns of Sheringham, Cromer and Holt. We are part of a family of churches called "Relational Mission" and are members of the Evangelical Alliance. Our congregation is made up of people of varying ages, from all walks of life, with a heart to see the church actively engage with local people and their needs. Our church reflects the area in which we live and we welcome anyone and everyone.

We run a number of activities and oversee the work of Yesu, our sister charity, which provides a series of projects for young people, families, single parents, the unemployed, the elderly, people with disabilities, people with mental health issues and anyone facing crisis. As more resources are withdrawn from our rural communities our work is becoming increasingly important and we are always looking at new ways we can support people. Sheringham and the surrounding hinterlands are very much affected by youth unemployment with limited work available outside of seasonal opportunities. It is an isolated coastal town with a significant elderly population who are often socially excluded due to poor transport links and declining community services.

Life Church is financially dependent on the voluntary support of its members.

During the year the Life Church Sheringham Trust has held regular meetings for worship, prayer, teaching and evangelism. In addition, the Church has:

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Life Church owns a Community Centre in Sheringham that it lets to the YESU project rent-free. In addition, we own a building (Life Centre) in Sheringham that provides a meeting place for the Church, as well as providing a building for community use. These premises have allowed us to expand the work of both the church and YESU, and since opening we have seen a growth in regular attendance.

As a church we employ a full-time pastor, and a part time administrator.

Financial review

As at 31 July 2025, the Trust had an accumulated surplus of £1,238,106. These funds are to be used for furthering the aims of Life Church.

Reserves policy

The reserves fund represents the unrestricted funds arising from past operating results. The Trustees have considered the ongoing financial commitments and running costs of the charity and are of the opinion that the current level of reserves is adequate.

Principal funding sources

The Trust receives the majority of its income through donations made by members.

Major risks

The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a an unincorporated charity and is controlled by its governing document, a Deed of Trust.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: R Allen

D Fisher W Burley S Issitt C Howard (Appointed 10 June 2025) M Fox (Appointed 10 June 2025)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The Trust Deed governs the appointment of trustees. Existing trustees are authorised to appoint new trustees to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death of one of their number.

Relationship with wider network

Although the charity is totally autonomous, self-supporting, and is not part of a denomination, it forms part of an over two hundred strong affiliation of evangelical churches across the UK called newfrontiers. As well as friendships with other leaders, affiliation with newfrontiers enables Life Church to undertake projects that would be impossible alone, for example, missions abroad and summer conferences. These links help Life Church from being insular and parochial and provides contacts with churches overseas.

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

S Issitt Trustee

22 February 2026

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Life Church Sheringham (the charity) for the year ended 31 July 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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 now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

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:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Mek. Nb

Mark Johnstone FCA

Scrutton Bland Limited 15 Palace Street NORWICH Norfolk NR3 1RT United Kingdom

Dated: 26 February 2026

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 184,974 139,810
Charitable activities 4 13,800 14,100
Investments 5 557 408
Total income 199,331 154,318
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 6 133,655 136,978
Other expenditure 11 2,917 11,112
Total expenditure 136,572 148,090
Net income and movement in funds 62,759 6,228
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 August 2024 1,175,347 1,169,119
Fund balances at 31 July 2025 1,238,106 1,175,347

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 JULY 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due after
more than one year
17
Net assets
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
18		 2025
£
£
1,211,962
7,999
20,124
28,123
(1,979)
26,144
1,238,106
-
1,238,106
1,238,106
1,238,106		 2024
£
£
1,216,967
9,377
41,309
50,686
(9,624)
41,062
1,258,029
(82,682)
1,175,347
1,175,347
1,175,347

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 22 February 2026

S Issitt Trustee

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Life Church Sheringham is a unincorporated charity.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements 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 Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings 0% Fixtures and fittings 20% reducing balance

Freehold land is not depreciated. No depreciation is provided on the freehold property owned by the Charity as in the opinion of the Trustees any such charge would be immaterial due to the current market value being in excess of original costs of the property.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated 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 ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts 184,974 139,810

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Charitiable activities
Charitable rental income 13,800 14,100
5 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 557 408
6 Expenditure on charitable activities
Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Postage and stationary 474 599
Teaching materials 415 723
Outreach 2,561 2,798
Gifts 18,892 56,644
Retreats, conferences and training 1,135 1,794
Travel 295 449
Yesu projects 55,613 20,151
79,385 83,158
Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)
Support 53,520 53,100
Governance 750 720
133,655 136,978
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 133,655 136,978

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

7
Support costs allocated to activities
Staff costs
Depreciation
Building costs
Insurance
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Charitable activities
8
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 2025
£
33,205
5,615
9,440
5,260
750
54,270
54,270
2025
£
-
5,615		 2024
£
32,200
6,867
9,057
4,976
720
53,820
53,820
2024
£
-
6,867

9 Trustees

During the year Richard Allen (trustee) was reimbursed for expenses incurred on behalf of the charity.

R Allen, Church Leader, Project Manager and Trustee, received salary for his employed role in line with the Trust Deed and as commonly occurs for such charities as the Charity Commission is aware. This totalled £35,200 in the year.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
2 2
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 33,205 32,200

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

11 Other

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Financing costs 2,917 11,112
2,917 11,112

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

13 Tangible fixed assets

Freehold land
and buildings
£
Cost
At 1 August 2024
1,189,501
Additions
-
At 31 July 2025
1,189,501
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 August 2024
-
Depreciation charged in the year
-
At 31 July 2025
-
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2025
1,189,501
At 31 July 2024
1,189,501
14
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
83,456
610
84,066
55,990
5,615
61,605
22,461
27,466
2025
£
5,210
2,789
7,999		 Total
£
1,272,957
610
1,273,567
55,990
5,615
61,605
1,211,962
1,216,967
2024
£
6,641
2,736
9,377

LIFE CHURCH SHERINGHAM

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

15 Loans and overdrafts

Bank loans
Payable within one year
Payable after one year		 2025
£
-
-
-		 2024
£
85,419
2,737
82,682

16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Notes
Bank loans
15
Trade creditors
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Notes
Bank loans
15		 2025
£
-
1,979
1,979
2025
£
-		 2024
£
2,737
6,887
9,624
2024
£
82,682

17 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

18 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
General funds 1,175,347 199,331 (136,572) 1,238,106
Previous year: At 1 August Incoming Resources At 31 July
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 1,169,119 154,318 (148,090) 1,175,347

19 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).