LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
31 MARCH 2024
Charity Number 1098345
FINANSURE LIMITED
2 Sheppard Street, Brymbo, Wrexham, LL11 5FF
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| CONTENTS | PAGES |
|---|---|
| Charity information | 1 |
| Trustees’ annual report | 2 to 4 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 to 12 |
Page 1
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
CHARITY INFORMATION
| Charity number | 1098345 |
|---|---|
| Governing instrument | Declaration of Trust |
| dated 7 February 2003 | |
| Trustees | Andy King |
| Michael Selby | |
| Geoffrey Brown | |
| Judy Roebuck | |
| Principal address | Longton Community Church |
| Caroline Street | |
| Longton | |
| Stoke-on-Trent | |
| ST3 1DE | |
| Independent examiner | Finansure Limited |
| 2 Sheppard Street | |
| Brymbo | |
| Wrexham | |
| LL11 5FF | |
| Solicitors | Grindeys llp |
| Glebe Court | |
| Stoke-on-Trent | |
| Staffordshire | |
| ST4 1ET |
Page 2
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective January 2019)” in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the Charity.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Charity is an unincorporated association, governed by a declaration of trust dated 7 February 2003.
Trustees
The trustees who acted during the year were Andy King, Michael Selby, Geoffrey Brown and Judy Roebuck. New trustees are appointed by the board of trustees, on the basis of their personal Christian faith and commitment to the objectives of the Charity.
In accordance with the trust deed there is always to be a minimum of three trustees and the number of trustees receiving paid remuneration from the Charity must always be a minority.
Public benefit
The charity trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit, and the supplementary guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit, published by the Charity Commission in exercising their powers and duties.
OBJECTIVES, ORGANISATION AND ACTIVITIES
The objectives of the Charity, as set out in the trust deed, are as follows:
-
To advance Christianity in Staffordshire and elsewhere, by any means or medium that is or may become available.
-
To relieve poverty and those who are in need because of sickness, age or some other reason.
-
To advance education both general and vocational for children or adults but always within the principles of the Christian faith.
Organisation
The trustees meet regularly, at least 4 times per year. Of the four trustees, Andy King is the treasurer handling day to day finance and bookkeeping.
Page 3
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Related and Co-operating Charities
The Charity does not have any related charities.
The following are other Christian charities with which the Charity has links and which may therefore be regarded as co-operating charities:
-
Lifelink International
-
Northgate Church, Chester
-
Longton Fellowship of Churches.
Reserving Policy
It is the policy of the Charity to maintain unrestricted funds, which are the free reserves of the Charity, at a level which equates to 3 months’ unrestricted expenditure.
Risk Assessment
The trustees have considered the key operational, financial, and strategic risks that have a bearing on the Charity. Suitable management information is available to the trustees on a regular basis to monitor these risks, and allow any mitigating action to be taken to address them.
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
The annexed accounts summarise the Charity’s income and expenditure for the year. The principal source of income is individual donations and gifts together with income tax recovered through the Gift Aid scheme. The total of these comes to £44,304 representing 93% of total income (2023 - £36,320; 89%). Other income is rent received from hiring out the hall.
Total expenditure for the year was £44,091 (2023 – £40,975). The main areas of expenditure were repairs and maintenance and ministry fees.
Page 4
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has donated to the charity and has helped further the objectives and aims of the charity. The Trustees also would like to thank all the volunteers who have worked hard and given their time during this year.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Charity law 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 financial activities for that year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:
-
a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
b) make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
c) state whether the policies adopted are in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, “Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective January 2019)”, and with applicable accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
d) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume the charity will continue operating.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to 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 or other irregularities.
This report was approved by the trustees on ……………………………………….. and is signed 19th January 2025 on their behalf by:
………………………………….. Andy King - Trustee
Page 5
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 12.
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 my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
-
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
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 you as 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 my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
……………………………………. Dated …………………………………… 21st January 2025 - L M Howson MAAT Independent Examiner
Finansure Limited, 2 Sheppard Street, Brymbo, Wrexham, LL11 5FF
Page 6
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Totals | Totals | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||||
| Incoming resources from | |||||
| generated funds | |||||
| Donations received | 2 | 38,273 | 6,031 | 44,304 | 36,320 |
| Other incoming resources | 3 | 3,542 | - | 3,542 | 4,718 |
| ─── | ─── | ─── | ─── | ||
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 41,815 | 6,031 | 47,846 | 41,038 | |
| ─── | ─── | ─── | ─── | ||
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||||
| Charitable activities | 4 | 39,353 | 4,738 | 44,091 | 40,975 |
| ─── | ─── | ─── | ─── | ||
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 39,353 | 4,738 | 44,091 | 40,975 | |
| ─── | ─── | ─── | ─── | ||
| NET INCOMING / (OUTGOING) | |||||
| RESOURCES FOR THE PERIOD | 2,462 | 1,293 | 3,755 | 63 | |
| Balances brought forward | 82,290 | - | 82,290 | 82,227 | |
| ─── | ─── | ─── | ─── | ||
| Balances carried forward | 84,752 | 1,293 | 86,045 | 82,290 | |
| ─── | ─── | ─── | ─── |
The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the period as set out above.
All of the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
BALANCE SHEET
31 MARCH 2024
| Note | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| FIXED ASSETS | |||
| Tangible assets | 9 | 81,500 | 79,572 |
| ──── | ──── | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Debtors | 10 | 2,420 | 1,584 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 5,111 | 4,580 | |
| ──── | ──── | ||
| 7,531 | 6,164 | ||
| CREDITORS:amounts falling | |||
| due within one year | 11 | (2,986) | (3,446) |
| ──── | ──── | ||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) | 4,545 | 2,719 | |
| ──── | ──── | ||
| NET ASSETS | 86,045 | 82,290 | |
| ──── | ──── | ||
| FUNDS | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 12/13 | 84,752 | 82,290 |
| Restricted funds | 1,293 | - | |
| ──── | ──── | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 86,045 | 82,290 | |
| ──── | ──── |
19th January 2025 These financial statements were approved by the trustees on ……………………………………….. and are signed on their behalf by:
…………………………………….
Andy King
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), “Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective January 2019)”, the Charities Act and applicable accounting standards.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are general 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. Investment income and gains are allocated to the appropriate fund.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers.
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.
Costs of generating funds are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.
Costs of charitable activities are those incurred in achieving the objectives and activities of the charity.
Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Assets are capitalised if their value is greater than £100 and they have a life of more than one year.
Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of fixed assets over their expected useful lives at the following rates:
-
Property improvements 2% straight line
-
- Other fixed assets 25% straight line
Page 9
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
2. DONATIONS RECEIVED
| 2. | DONATIONS RECEIVED | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Tithes & offerings | 34,435 | 30,100 | |
| Income tax recoverable | 6,569 | 6,220 | |
| Grants receivable | 3,300 | - | |
| ─── | ─── | ||
| 44,304 | 36,320 | ||
| ─── | ─── | ||
| 3. | OTHER INCOMING RESOURCES | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Rent receivable | 3,532 | 4,718 | |
| Resource sales | 10 | - | |
| ─── | ─── | ||
| 3,542 | 4,718 | ||
| ─── | ─── |
4. COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Activity or project | Activities undertaken directly (note 6) |
Grants payable (note 7) |
Support costs (note 8) |
Total 2024 |
Total 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Church & ministry | 10,186 | - | 8,527 | 18,713 | 17,661 |
| Missions & outreach | 3,655 | 2,757 | - | 6,412 | 2,178 |
| Property running costs | - | - | 18,966 | 18,966 | 21,136 |
| 13,841 | 2,757 | 27,493 | 44,091 | 40,975 |
5. TRANSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES
One trustee, Mr A King, was engaged in remunerated ministry during the year, receiving ministry fees of £8,750 (2023 - £7,500).
Mr King uses a personal credit card to purchase items for the charity. At the year-end the balance on this card was £1,362 – this is included under ‘Other creditors’ in note 11.
Page 10
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
6. ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DIRECTLY
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Ministry fees | 8,750 | 7,500 | |
| Pastoral & meeting expenses | 1,436 | 1,921 | |
| Hospitality & outreach | 3,655 | 2,459 | |
| ─── | ─── | ||
| 13,841 | 11,880 | ||
| ─── | ─── | ||
| 7. | GRANTS PAYABLE | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Gifts to other charities (UK) | 300 | - | |
| Gifts to individuals (UK) | 2,457 | 1,219 | |
| ─── | ─── | ||
| 2,757 | 1,219 | ||
| ─── | ─── | ||
| 8. | SUPPORT COSTS | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Insurance | 3,503 | 2,699 | |
| Advertising & promotion | 1,418 | 1,334 | |
| Subscriptions & licences | 494 | 365 | |
| Motoring & travel | 603 | 622 | |
| Printing, postage, stationery | 706 | 768 | |
| Website & IT | 1,325 | 1,255 | |
| Heat, light & water | 5,817 | 3,742 | |
| Telephone & internet | 915 | 682 | |
| Repairs & maintenance | 8,232 | 13,281 | |
| P.A. & worship equipment | 729 | 526 | |
| Bank charges | 60 | 38 | |
| Independent Examiner’s fee | 720 | 720 | |
| Depreciation | 2,971 | 1,847 | |
| ─── | ─── | ||
| 27,493 | 27,876 | ||
| ─── | ─── |
Page 11
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
9. FIXED ASSETS
| Land & buildings Equipment, fixtures & fittings TOTAL £ £ £ Cost or valuation As at 1 April 2023 95,839 5,974 101,813 Additions - 4,899 4,899 Disposals - - - |
|
|---|---|
| As at 31 March 2024 95,839 10,873 106,712 |
|
| Depreciation As at 1 April 2023 17,642 4,599 22,241 Charge for the year 1,414 1,557 2,971 Disposals - - - |
|
| As at 31 March 2024 19,056 6,156 25,212 |
|
| Net book values As at 31 March 2024 76,783 4,717 81,500 |
|
| As at 31 March 2023 78,197 1,375 79,572 |
10. DEBTORS
| DEBTORS | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Gift aid debtor | 2,122 | 1,065 |
| Prepayments | 268 | 380 |
| Other debtors | 30 | 139 |
| ─── | ─── | |
| 2,420 | 1,584 | |
| ─── | ─── |
11. CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals | 948 | 1,533 |
| Other creditors | 2,038 | 1,913 |
| ─── | ─── | |
| 2,986 | 3,446 | |
| ─── | ─── |
Page 12
LONGTON COMMUNITY CHURCH – STOKE-ON-TRENT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Restricted | General | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | TOTAL | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Fund balances at | |||
| 31 March 2024 represented by: | |||
| Fixed assets | - | 81,500 | 81,500 |
| Current assets | 1,293 | 6,238 | 7,531 |
| Current liabilities | - | (2,986) | (2,986) |
| ──── | ──── | ──── | |
| 1,293 | 84,752 | 86,045 | |
| ──── | ──── | ──── |
13. STATEMENT OF FUNDS
| At 1 April 2023 |
Income | Expenditure | Transfers | At 31 March 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds: | |||||
| General reserve | 82,290 | 41,815 | 39,353 | - | 84,752 |
| Restricted funds: | |||||
| Bless 2 Bless fund | - | 2,731 | 2,187 | - | 544 |
| Winter Food & Essentials grant | - | 3,300 | 2,551 | - | 749 |
| Total restricted funds | - | 6,031 | 4,738 | - | 1,293 |
| Total funds | 82,290 | 47,846 | 44,091 | - | 86,045 |
The General reserve represents the free funds of the Charity which are not designated for particular purposes.
The Bless 2 Bless fund represents donations given to bless the needy in the local community.
The Winter Food & Essentials grant represents a grant received to help the needy in the local community.