Charity registration number: 1075011
AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
http://www.ainsdaleevangelical.org
AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 5 |
| Independent examiner's report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 13 |
AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Trustees: Raymond Cousins Beverley Gordon Kelly Dr Alec Raeburn Passmore James Jacob Prasch Charity Number: 1075011 Charity Address: 4 Barkfield Lane Formby Liverpool L37 3JN Charity Website: http://www.ainsdaleevangelical.org Independent Examiners: J A Fell & Co 40 Hoghton Street Southport PR9 0PQ Bankers: The Co-operative Bank 49a Fishergate Preston Lancashire PR1 8BH
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees submit their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements follow the requirements of the revised Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) (second edition - October 2019) – 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).
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The organisation is a Charitable Trust which was registered on 7 April 1999 with the Charity Commission and is governed by its Declaration of Trust dated 14 December 1998.
Recruitment and appointment of the trustees
The board seeks to achieve a balance of skills and experience amongst the trustees. In order to maintain this, the board reviews its skill and experience mix each year and seeks to recruit new trustees when necessary.
In appointing trustees due consideration is given to ensuring that the trustees have, between them, the skills and experience necessary to manage the charity effectively and in accordance with charity law.
Trustee induction and training
The current board of trustees will provide any new trustee with an overview of the timetable of board meetings, copies of the recent minutes of meetings, the recent reports and accounts and explains their general and specific responsibilities.
Ongoing training is provided by the board of trustees as and when the need arises.
Risk management
The trustees are aware of the major risks to which the charity is exposed to and have plans in place to mitigate these as far as possible. A full risk review is planned by the trustees to ensure that all known risks are mitigated as effectively as possible.
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objects of the charity
The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
The purpose of the charity is to:
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= advance the Christian faith;
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= relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship or who are aged or sick and to relieve the distress caused thereby; and
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= promote and fulfil other charitable purpose.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
During the previous year we have continued Sunday Worship in the new premises at the Scout Hall, Pinfold Lane, Ainsdale. Midweek meetings have continued in different premises and there continues to be no current need for on-line meetings. Sunday sermons are posted on YouTube and also recorded for the Ainsdale Evangelical Church website as well as providing discs for some people.
We have a mixture of visiting speakers and home speakers giving a rounded biblical viewpoint. Door to door distribution of literature and some open air evangelism has been carried out. We are constantly looking for ways to communicate with people more effectively. The new leadership is younger and hopefully will be able to attract more young people whilst maintaining the truth of the gospel. Some Discipling work has continued.
We continue to support home and foreign missions both with funds for evangelism and discipleship and for charitable work. The percentage of income received devoted to missions now exceeds 55% in view of the world needs that have come to our notice. In particular support for food, medicines and social needs as well as church growth is being sent to Burkina Faso where many have fled persecution and are at starvation level.
We hope to continue to serve the Lord in Ainsdale in any way that we can.
RISK REVIEW
The trustees have 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.
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves
The financial results for the year are shown on pages 7 to 8. The trustees aim to ensure that the level of reserves held at any time would be sufficient to enable the charity to continue for the short term in the event of any significant fall in income.
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months expenditure. The trustees consider that the reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.
In the year to 31 December 2024 three to six months expenditure would be between £11,567 and £23,134. Since reserves as at 31 December 2024 were £34,070 then there is still considered to be sufficient financial headroom.
Financial review of the year
In the year to 31 December 2024 income of £25,647 was received (2023 - £28,833). Costs during the year totalled £46,269 (2023 - £41,104) which generated a deficit throughout the year of £20,621 (2023 - £12,271). The deficit being intentional as reserves are being used to further the charitable objectives of the charity.
Remuneration of Trustees
All trustees act in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration or other material benefits from their services to the Charity.
Out-of-pocket expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred by trustees in promoting the purposes of the Charity are reimbursed at cost.
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
General plans
The charity will continue its operations throughout the coming year, with a view to further its objectives being mindful of the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:
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a. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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b. observe the methods and principals in the Charities SORP;
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c. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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d. state whether applicable UK accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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e. prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate 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. 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.
This report was approved by the board of trustees on 23 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
……………………………… B G Kelly - Trustee
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
We report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 13.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is our responsibility to:
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(i) examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
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(ii) to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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(iii) to state whether particular matters have come to our attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention:
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a) which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
b) to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
O J Grills FCA (Independent examiner)
Dated: …...................
for and on behalf of J A Fell & Co Chartered Accountants, 40 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0PQ
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 Notes £ £ £ INCOME FROM: Donations and legacies 2 23,847 1,800 25,647 Investments 3 - - - TOTAL INCOME 23,847 1,800 25,647 EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities 4 44,469 1,800 46,269 Governance 5 - - - TOTAL EXPENDITURE 44,469 1,800 46,269 (20,621) - (20,621) Fund balances at 1 January 2024 54,691 - 54,691 Fund balances at 31 December 2024 34,070 - 34,070 NET (EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR |
Total funds 2023 £ 28,833 - 28,833 40,294 810 41,104 (12,271) 66,962 54,691 |
|---|---|
The notes on pages 9 - 13 form part of these financial statements.
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 6 CURRENT ASSETS Gift aid tax debtor Cash at bank and in hand CURRENT LIABILITIES Accrued costs NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL NET ASSETS FUNDS Restricted funds Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS 7 & 8 Approved and signed on behalf of the board on …................. 2026 |
Total funds 2024 £ - - 2,070 32,780 34,850 780 780 34,070 34,070 - 34,070 34,070 by: |
Total funds 2023 £ - - 5,037 50,434 55,471 780 780 54,691 54,691 - 54,691 54,691 |
|---|---|---|
……………………………… B G Kelly - Trustee
The notes on pages 9 - 13 form part of these financial statements.
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a Basis of preparation
The financial statements follow the requirements of the revised Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) (second edition - October 2019) – 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 Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for Charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
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 whole £.
b Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
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 cost 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 where relevant.
c Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.
d Resources expended
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs 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 the resources.
Fund raising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities. Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management costs. Management and administration costs are those incurred in connection with the administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
e Fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost, net of depreciation.
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 basis:
Fixtures and fittings - 25% straight line
2 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Donations and gifts Gift aid tax reclaim Bank interest received VESTMENT INCOME |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 21,777 1,800 23,577 2,070 - 2,070 23,847 1,800 25,647 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ - - - - - - |
Total funds 2023 £ 23,796 5,037 28,833 Total funds 2023 £ - - |
|---|---|---|
3 INVESTMENT INCOME
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
4 COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Ministry costs: Gifts given Grants paid Ministry costs Rental of halls Repairs and equipment Social events and refreshments Teaching and study support Tithes and donations Youth ministry Support costs: Administration and emergency Computer and website costs Depreciation Insurance Legal fees and subscriptions Independent examination GOVERNANCE COSTS |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 915 - 915 16,801 1,027 17,828 5,056 773 5,829 4,743 - 4,743 1,378 - 1,378 104 - 104 35 - 35 14,648 - 14,648 196 - 196 43,876 1,800 45,676 45 - 45 34 - 34 - - - 291 - 291 223 - 223 593 - 593 44,469 1,800 46,269 Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ - - - - - - |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,206 18,500 3,730 4,389 226 - - 10,050 314 38,415 - - 1,374 291 214 1,879 40,294 Total funds 2023 £ 810 810 |
|---|---|---|
5 GOVERNANCE COSTS
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AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
6 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 1 January 2024 & 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Depreciation charged in the year At 31 December 2024 Carrying amount At 1 January 2024 At 31 December 2024 7 Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ Tangible fixed assets - - Current assets 34,850 - Current liabilities (780) - 34,070 - ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS |
Fixtures and fittings £ 21,609 21,609 - 21,609 - - Total funds 2024 £ - 34,850 (780) 34,070 |
Total funds 2023 £ - 55,471 (780) 54,691 |
|---|---|---|
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
AINSDALE EVANGELICAL CHURCH TRUST
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8 RESTRICTED FUNDS
| Burkina Faso | Balance at Incoming Resources 1 Jan 24 Resources Expended £ £ £ - 1,800 (1,800) - 1,800 (1,800) |
Balance at 31 Dec 24 £ - - |
|---|---|---|
The restricted grant above represents a restricted donation for Burkina Faso that was subsequently passed on by the charity in line with the restriction.
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