Rew#er*l thwity nwntr¢r.. 1089850 LUTON COUNCIL OF FAITHS FOR THE PEIUOD ENDED 31- MARCH 2026
Lulon Council of Faiths Perlod Ended 3111 March 2026 Colltents Charity Inforniation Trusttts, Repon Ststement of Financial A¢livities Balance Sh¢et 11-14. Notes to the Financial Statements 10. 15. Independeni Examiner's Reporl
Luton Council of Faiths Charity Inforniation as 2131" Marcb 2026 Charity name Luton Council of Faiths Charity Dumber 1089850 Principal address 47 High Town Road Luton Bedfordshire LU2 OBW Trustees Mr Zafar Khan - Chairperson Mrs Gulie Butcher- Vice Chair Mr Thakor Morarii- Incoming Treasurer Mrs Ulrike Hunl Mr Yogesh Misty Bankers The Co-operalive Bank PO Box 250. Delf Howe Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6WT Lloyds TBS Bank PIC 60 George Street Luton Bedfordshire LUI 2BB Independent ex4miner I. Hussain & Co Limited Chartered Accountants and Business advisors I l George Street West Luton Bedfordshire LUI 2BJ
Luton Couneil of Faiths Trustees Annugl Re Histo ob'ectives and activities of the Chari On constitution it was believed the multiculiural cohesion of the religious and culiurd communities in Luton required addressing. The charity began with an initial granl. Both the initial grant and subsequent grants since have been under the ternis which allow the trusiees to either relain the amounts as capithl or to spend them. The objectives of the charity include: a) To bring together members of the different faith communities in Luton for deeper dialogue and co-operation b) To increase understanding and trust between different faiths, building on common ground between them yei respecting the unique contribution which each brings c) To work towards greater social cohesion and community integration in Luton d) To see inter faiih co-operation linking into global co-operation between faiths and cultures for the creation of a beller world Mana ement overnan ements The constitution provides for a minimum of five trustees. Where there is a requirement for new trustees. these would be identified and appoini¢d by the remaining ttees, subject to the approval by AGM. The ¢hair of the trustees is responsible for the induction of any new trustee which involves awareness of a trustee's responsibility. the governin8 documenL administrative procedures, the history and philosophical approach of the chariiy. The trusttts hav¢ taken steps to identify major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. A hievements and Perf rniance of he Over the past year. events around the world and here in the United Kingdom have reminded u5 how e&sily communities can become polarised. International conflicts, mi5infomiation. social pressures and competing narraiives can all place strain on relationships. At the same time, towns such as Luton continue to face significant challenges, including poverty. inequality and the everyday pressures experienced by many families. In such circumstances, it is worth asking a simple question.. what helps a divers¢ town remain connected? It is certainly not btcause everyone thinks alike, believes alike or agrees on every issue. The reality is quite the opposite. Lulon is home to people of different faith& cultures, experiences and perspectives. Differences are real. Disagreements Are inevitable. At times, local events, national debaies and international conflicts can test relationships between communities. The true strength of a community is not mured by the absence of disagreement. It is measured by its ability to navigate disagreement without falling apart. Can people continue talking when tensions rise? Can relationships survive ditTicult conversations? Can communities work together for the common good even when they do noi see every issue in the same way. These questions lie at the heart of the work of the Luton Council of Faiths. This year's report tells some of those stories. It reflects a year in which faith communities. partners and residents have continued to work together for the good of our towi). Challenges remain. and there is still much work to do. Yei there remains a deep commitment across Luton to building a community where differences are respected, relationships are valued and everyone can play theAr parL
Re rt Summa A ri12025- March 2026 During a year marked by global uncertainty. la] polarisation and grow'ing challenges lo community cohesion. the Luton Council of Faiths continued io bring people together across faiths, cultures and communities through education. dialogue. Service. remembrance. celebration and Civic enga8emenL in order io build a more respethl and ffsilient Lulon. BY THE NUMBERS m.lrcn g(12) Apr I12U2fj 15+ tc.• 80+ 50+ 4,000+ 100+ 30 K Aebie%' ment8 Educ*tiDg for Re8peet: Carried our school engagemcnt programme expk)ring: 'Whal Will Make Our Town Respectful?" Young people engaged dirtctly with faith leader& exploring cilizcnship, belon8in& diversity and respectful disagreem¢nL Str¢ngtkn¢nlng Commuiity Cobesion: Suppffied local rcsFK)nscs 10 rising misinfomiatio hate. communiry tensions whik ¢reatin8 safe spaces for dialogue and lationshipbuildin C¢l¢brating Diverylty: sup1d faith & cultural celebrntions Eid Easter. NaWn Vcsakh. Diwali, Chanukkah, Guru Ravidass Ji's Birth Anniversary, Peace Light from Bethlehem. Sri Lankan New Year. Windrush. Dcsi FesL Black History & South Asian Herilage Months. Stxllding Togcthcr in RcmcmbrnDce." Brought communities together for HolocausL Srebreni¢4 Covid Memorial & VE 80 even Remembrance Sunday. and Refugee Week Serving the Commllnlty: Supp)rted initiatives wkltng loneliness f(KMI p)verty, mentsl health ¢hall¢ng¢s 58feguardin8 ¢0Crn$ and community wellbeing Promoting Peace: Successfully delivered the annual Peace Wall bringing together people of all faiths and none in a visible demonstration of unity. friendship and ho
Commttnity ¢ohlon ADd civic leadership Strengthening the Relatiollships That Hold a Town Together By maintaining strong relationships and open channels of communication, the LCOF helps ensure that concerns can be rnisel misunderstandings addffssed and tensions reduced befo they become more significanl problems. In an increasingly complex and intrr¢onnecied world, this role remains as imFK)rtant as ever. Partnership highlights in¢lude Regular engagement with sthtutoTr' partners sup)rt for Community cohesion inili&ives Participation in Safeguarding discussions Contribuiions io civic and community consultstions Strengthening relationships between faiih communities RcspK)ndin8 constructively lo emergin8 ¢ommunity concerns Buildlng reslllence through relationsbl Working Together DMrlDg Cballellging Times Every community experiences moments ihai te51 relalion5hips. Local concerns. intemalional conflicts misinformaiion, prejudice and social pressures can all affeci how people see one another and how communities inieract. The Lulon Council of Faiihs believes Ihat resilience is built long before il 15 needed. It is ¢ffated through sustained relationship5, regular engagement and opportunities for people to learn from one anothcr. Throughout the year. a number of events provided opportunities lo refleci up)n the consequences of division and ihe importance of maintaining positive relaiionships across communities. These events include Holcuust Memorial Day | Rememi%ring STebr¢nica | Refugee Week | Inter Faith Week. Building respect through education InTr'e5ting in the Next GeDeration Education remain5 one of the most importanl W'ays of building undetstsnding and preparing young people to live positively in an increasingly diverse society. Throughout 2025-2026. the Luton Council of Faiths conttnued to work with hoolS across the town. providin8 opportunilie5 for pupils lo engage direcily with faith leaders and explore questions of identity, belongin& citizenship and respect. Our schools programme fc¢used on the iheme: "Whal Will Make Our Town Respectful?" This sirnple question en¢oura8ed young people to think critically aboul the kind of community they wish lo live in and ihe role ihev can play in shaping it. Faith leader5 Visited sch(x)Is together. demonstraling through their presence ihal people can hold different beliets while working cooperatively and respectfully for the benefit of society. Th¢ programme provided pupi15 Wlth opwrtunittes to ask questions challenge assumplions and gain a deCr understanding of different faiths cultures and perspective5. Importantly, it also encouraged young people to reflect on values that are essential to community life. including kindne55. fairness, empath).. resp)nsibility and respecl. For many pupils. meeting faith leaders from different tradition5 was a powerful experience. Rather than learning from Stereoty or media narrative& voung people engaged directly with people of beliefs which helped to build confidence, curiosity and understanding while encouraging respectful dlscussion about topics thal are Somlm¢S r¢e1Ved as diificult or sensitive. LCOF engagement cornplernents the work aladY taking place within schools to prornole citizenship. inclusion. British Values while supporting RE. Bj. providing real-life examples of cooperation across differences, laith leaders help bring these principles to life in a meaningful and practical way. Teachers consistently report high levels of pupil engagement and thoughtful participation throughout the progrdmme.
Peace Walk 2025 The annual Peace Walk MaInS one of the mosl Visible expressions of unity, frtendship and community spiril within Luton. In 2025. people from differenl faith& culiures and backgrounds once a1n carne together to walk side by side through the town. demonstrdting a shared commitment to peace, resw and understandlng. For many participants, the Peace Walk is more ihan an evenl. It is an OprtUnIty to meet new people. visit places of worship. learn about different tradiiions and eX&rienCe the hospitality thai ex1$ across Lulon's diverse communities. li provides a visible rerninder thal while people may differ in belief culiures and backgrounds there remains a strong commitsnent to living iogether positively and Conslructively. As Imrticipants irnvelled b¢een different venues, the), were welcomed by faith communities who opened their dcA)rs and shared something of iheir tradition& history and values. These enc(mJnrS helped ¢reate opFK)rtunities for conversation. learning and friendship. For many resident& the walk offered a chance io visii places they had never entered before and to gain a greaier appreciatiim of the diversity that exists within their town. The involvemeni of s¢h¢x)1s and young people remained an imwyrtani feature of this year's Peace Walk. Their participaiion helped ensure that the values underpinning the Peace Walk coniinue 10 be Pas io future Benerntions. Why the Peaee Walk Matters The Peace Walk conlinues to demonstrnte that meaningful lationShipS are built through encounter. When people walk logher, talk together and learn from one another, barriers can be broken down and understanding grow. In a world where differences are often emphasised, the Peace Walk provides a wsiiive example of what can be achicvcd when ommunilies choose ¢ooperaiion over division. Servlce And soelAI x¢th)n - Faltb In Acdon Throughout the year. faith communities across Luton conlinued io demonstrate that faith is not only expressed through worship and belief, but also ihrough service to others. Across the town. people of faith gave their lime. skills resources and compassion to support individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges. Whether addressing f(M)d poverty. lonelines& mental health concerns. safeguardin8 issues or responding to emergencies faith cornmunities remained committed to servin8 the wider Community. This work often takes place quietly and without recognitio yet it makes a significant contribution to the well1n8 of our iown. LCOF continues to ¢elebratr and supw)rt these efforts recoBnising that service is one of the most wiwerful ways of building stronger, more connected o)mmunities. Throughout the year, faith communities tsckled the continuing cosl-of-living pressures by supporting foodbanks. community kitchen& breakfast clubs and l(xal iniliatives providing assistance to those in need. The Luton Fo(Klbank Colour Run once again demonstraied ihe generosity of I&1 residen1& attracting record participation while rdising awareness and support for those experiencing hardship. A range of initiaiives explored mental health. emotional wellbein8 and the role that faith Communiti can play in SUPfM)rting individuals through difficult limes. Many faith leaders provide pastoral Ca, friendship to vulnerable individuals & families. fegll*rdfing and Protecting the Vulnerabk The Council of Faiths continued to work with partners lo pmmote safeguarding awane$S and best practice. Particular attention was given io initiatives such as Faiths Against Child Sexual Exploiiation (FACES), helping faith communiiies engage constructively with safeguarding issues and ensuring thai concerns are addressed fairly, effectively and without prejudice. Protc¢ting vulnernble people remains a shared responsibility of all in society.
Responding to e21 aDd Global Need Faith communities also demonstrated solidarity beyond the i)oundaries of Lulon. Support was given to relief effort& fundraising campaigns and humanilarian iniliatives responding io disasfrrs and crises affecting communities around the world. These efforts reflected that compassion knows no iKJrders and it must exiend beyond our immediate communilies. Su¢h ouniless acts of kindness carried out every day across our town rarely make headline& yet they Ma1ft the most powerful expressions of faith and communiry in action. Worklng ID Partnership The Council of Faiths continued to M'ork closelv w iih a w ide r8ng¢ of p21kners including: Lulon Borough Council B¢dfordshire Police • Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner . NHS partners • Schools and educational insiitulions University of Bedfordshire . Volunlary and Communiiy Sector organisations • Near Neighbours . GRASSROOTS . Communily and faith-ba5ed organisations These partnerships help ensure that the voices of faith communities ¢ontributC FKlSitively to discussions aboui the future of the Wn. Communlty eobesloD and clvl¢ leadershlp Strengthening tbe Rtition$hips Th1 Hold a Town Together Community cohesion is often de5¢ribed in ierms of poli¢ie& strategies and programmes. In reality. il is something much more human. It is the irusi betw'een neighbours. It IS thc willingness to listen to those with whom we disagree. li is the confidence that when challenge5 aris¢. Iherr are relalionships strong enough to withstand them. These relationships do not emerge by accideni. The>. are built patienil). over time through dialogue, cooperaiion and shared eX&rienCeS. For three decade& the Luton Council of Faiths has play¢d a unique role in nurturing those re1lon$hIps across our towTr. and it remained a 'Trn*d Forum, throughout 2025-2026 tcKI. IAMJking Forward with Hope As we celebrate thirty y'ears of walking iogeiher, we do so with gratitude for all those who have contributed to ihis journey. We honour the founders who had the vision to create Luton Council of Faiths. We thank the voluntttr& schools faith communities partners and participants who have sustained li over three dKade5. M05¢ importanily, we recognise thal the work is not finished. The challenges facing Klety are evolvin& and the need for trusL understanding and cooperaiion remain5 conslanL As we look ahea(I we do so with confidence thai the relationships built over the past thirty years will continue to inspire future generntions that they can build a better future together.
Financial review and res¢r4es The net incoming resources for the year was a d¢fi¢ii of £947 (2025 - deficit of £447). At th¢ end of the financial year the reserve5 were £43,785 (2025 £40,510) of unrestricted funds and a deficit of £19.565 12025 - deficit of £15,343) of r¢stricl¢d funds. The adequacy of the reserves rM)li¢y' is reviewed annually. The trustees are satisfied that reserves are presently more than adequate to meet fumre expenditure. The Trustees have a tM)li¢y of aiming to retain reserves equivalent lo six months, 8verag¢ expendiwre. This is due io the uncertain nalure of funding received. The total reserve funds ai the y¢ar-end 'Cre £24.220 (2025 £25,167). Future lans The trustees iniend to wntinue PTovide relief in a similar mann¢r before. Charity law requires the trusiees to pr¢pAre the financial statements for each fin8ntio1 year which show a Irue and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its financial activities for that year. In preparing Ihose financtal stat¢m¢nts. the tsustees are Tequired to: Select suitablc accouniing li¢l¢S and ihen appty thcm consistentty. Make jud8ements and ¢slimates are re&sonable and pnklent. Slate whether appli¢able accounting standards and staiements of r¢wmmended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial stalemenls. and Prepare the financial statements on th¢ going concern btsis unless il is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operational extstence. The trustees are ttspnsible for keepin8 proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lim¢ the financial w)sition of the charity Ind io enable them io ensure that the financia] statements comply with the Charities A¢t. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the chariry and henc¢ for tsking reasonabl¢ sleps for the prevention and deleciion of fraud and other irregulariti¢$. Inde ndent The trustees inlend to &sk the ¢xisting accountants to undertake the tndep¢nd¢nl cxamination of the tTUSt in the following year. Signed on behalf of th¢ trustees .. Mr Zafar Khan- Chairp¢r50n "Iii,£ . Mr Thakor Morarii- Tre&surer Dale..
Lutoll Coullcil of F•iihs Ststemenl ofFiDan¢il A¢¢ivities For tbe Period Ended 31° Marcb 2026 Totsl 2026 Tothl fillhd5 2025 tknd$ 2026 2026 FuThd$ 2026 IncomlTri resowrtt Incornt and endowmellts frow: . ikTrn&iions 8.753 8.753 4.145 . Invc5tmeiits . Chvt'tabie 11¢5 20,C 43.427 61427 50.991 3.4BV . (Xh¢r In¢om¢ Rtyourrts tipended 4.10 kuisins funds Costs of8¢n¢rnim8 volunw Tr'un(traisin8 trading Wsts Inve5tsnenE rnlln4¢rn¢nl ¥i)sty 2.449 23,(Q) 679 J.128 69J79 hwiible activilX incl1¥ Cwrn 4Dd su n ¢oAs otherexpei1DIT¢ 46.870 51.148 20 J.1 5.120 23 Toiil expelldlturt TiTr1211 fund5 tr(ou8hi foN8rd Tot•1 tsndl e•rrled fornrd The notes oft pages l O to 13 forni PArt of these accounts.
Luton Council of Faiths Balanc¢ Sheet A8 at 31" Mareh 2026 Totsl this year 2026 Tothl this fwids 2026 runds 2026 FuJds 2026 2025 Tangible Assets TotAI Flxed Asvts Current Assets DLbiors Ch al bAnk WMI in 2A039 26,039 76.987 Total ¢urrent iwts 21039 2A039 ?{1.987 Creditors.. 4mounts fllllin8 due within one 12 11,8191 11.819) Nrt ¢urrent iiets Total fynds Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by: Mr Zafar Khan . Chairperson Da: .. Mr Thakor Morarii . Treasurer Date.. 1612 02 io
Lnton Council of Fgiths Y¢Ar EDded 31Jt March 2026 l. Ac¢ounlin olicies a) The accounts have been prepared in ardance with the Statement of Recommended Prnctice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Finjncial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011. b) Recognition of Income- there are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes enlitled to the resources and monetary value CaD be measured with sufficient reliability. c) Investment income is recorded when receivable d) All expendiluff is included in the accounts on an accTual b&sis. Irrecoverable VAT is charged to the SOFA incurred. e) The restricted funds of the Charity arc cxpendable funds which 15 regularly increased or retsined as capital at th¢ Inistces. diretiOn. O All capital related expenditure costing more than £750 is capitsliscd. Depreciation on fixtures and fittings is charged on a sirai8ht line basis over 5 years. 2. Taxation Luton Council of Faiths is 8 regislered charity and ac¢ordin8ly is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they apply to charitable purposes. The restricted donations in the curreni year and the previous year represenl in¢ome mainly from Grants but also from donations to the Luton Council of Faiths restricted funds only. nal co 2026 2025 Salaries and PA YE crs NIC Total The number of full-tim¢ employees during the year was one and there were no average part time members of staff. 5. Rel ted P None of the trustees were paid any remuneration or expenses by the charity during the year (2025 £Nil)
- Anal is of Income from Charitable activities 2026 Unrestricted 2026 Restricted Total 2026 Total 2025 Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation and the Luton Rising- Community Investment Fund Luton Borough council contributions Other donations 43,427 43.427 45.714 20.000 20.1)00 5.277 8,753 8,753 4,145 Total
- Anal isof er inc me 2026 Unrestricted 2026 Restricied Total 2026 Total 2025 Church Urban Fund Near Nei 3,480 Total 480 nal sis of Charita leex ndilu The charity has undertaken direct acttvity to meet its charitable Purposes. The following is the analysis of the charity's direct expenditure.. 2026 Unrestricted 2026 Restricted 2026 Total 2025 Totsl Books Resources Other Events, mes and items 679 679 2,449 7,890 Total 5,100 5,779 7,549 ,228 6.470 6,470 12
12 9. The resources ex nded b the chari incl 2026 600 2025 600 Inde ndent examiner's fee Total 6(Kl io. nclude- 2026 Unrestricted 2026 Restriued 2026 Total 2025 Total Near Nei hbours Charitable giving and donaiions Total 20 20 20 25 Support costs. consisling of the renl and rates and staff salaries are split belwttn charitable activity and 8overnance on an actual or equal estirnaied basis. This is because it is diL¢U11 io estimate ihe expense attribuble to each activity. sUprt cosls apportioned to the different aims of the charity are shown in the note below. Basis of rtionment 2026 2026 2026 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Total Total OITice costs Subseri lions Travelling and general ex ndilure Equipment Salaries and staff costs Pensions Grass roots Insurance Tele hone Professional Advertising and ublicit Volunteerin Actual Aciual Actual 33 688 218 218 Actu81 Actual Actual Aclual Aciual Actual Actual Actual 1,630 .630 42 12,000 774 774 495 772 1,661 730 900 772 220 495 772 1.280 382 Actual 137 138 Total 70 13
ible Fixed Assets There W¢Te no movements or any tangible fixed ¢urrenily held by the Charity during the year. 12. An 2026 2025 Restriued fiu)ds Totsl 13. An 2026 2025 Inde PAYE Total ndenl examiner's fee 19 19 14
Inde lldent esaminer's Re rt to the Trnslees of LutoD Council of Faiths I rew>rt on th¢ CoUnts of the Chwiry for the yw ended 31 March 2026 which set out on pages 8 to 15. iner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparaiion of the accounts. The charity's tntee5 consider Ih&i an audit in not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independeni examination is needed. It is my reswnsibility to- Examine the ¥counts under section 145 of the Charities ACL To follow the procedures laid down in the Gcnml Directions given by ihe Charity Commission (under section 145(5Xb) of the Act and To stsle whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basi in My examinaiion was carri¢d out in accordance with th¢ G¢n¢ral Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of ihe accounting rewrds kept by ihe charity and comparison of the accounts pr¢s¢nt¢d with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the a¢wunts, and seeking explanations from you as Irustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do nol provide all evidence thal would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion 15 given to wh¢ther the accounts present a 'tru¢ or fair. view and ihe repotl IS limiied to those ma¢lers set out in ihe ststem¢nl below. nde ndeni in In the course of my ex8mination, no matter has come io my attention: (l ) which gives m¢ rcasonable cause io believe that in. any malerial respe¢L the requirements: to keep proper accounting record5 in accordance with section 130 of the Chorilies Act; and lo prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting Tequiremcnts of ihe Charities A¢t have not en met or (2) to which. in my opinion. attenlion $IUld be drawn in ord¢r lo enable a proper understanding of the account to be rea¢h¢d. have no concerns and have come across no oth¢r matters in conne¢tion with the examination to which attention should b¢ drawn in ihis report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached l Huss&in and Co Limited Chartered Accouniants and Business vISOrS I l George Street West Luton Bedfordshire LUI 2BJ 15