## ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
## Life City Church Ltd
(A company limited by guarantee) Charity registration number: 1105684 Company registration number: 05137625
Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham, Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **CONTENTS**
|Reference and Administrative Details|1|
|---|---|
|Trustees' Report|2 to 4|
|Independent Examiner's Report|5|
|Statement of Financial Activities|6|
|Balance Sheet|7|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|8 to 16|
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
**Trustees** Stephen Sutherland Philip Buckley Andrew Booth Jay Bhatt (appointed 1 April 2024) Joanna Eyarhono (appointed 1 April 2023) **Secretary** Karlene Williams **Charity Registration** 1105684 **Number Company Registration** 05137625 **Number** The charity is incorporated in England. **Registered Office** 40c Bramley Hall Bramley Hill South Croydon Surrey CR2 6NS **Independent Examiner** G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham, Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF **Bankers** Lloyds Bank plc 7 Market Square Bromley BR1 1NA
Page 1
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT**
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024.
## **Structure, governance and management**
## _**Nature of governing document**_
Life City Church Ltd is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum of Association.
## _**Recruitment and appointment of trustees**_
The management of the company is the responsibility of the trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Memorandum of Association.
## _**Risk management**_
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.
## **Objectives and activities**
## _**Objects and aims**_
The company's objectives and principal activities are:
- The advancement of the Christian Faith
- The instruction and care of Christians
- The evangelism of non Christians
- The advancement of education on the basis of Christian teaching
- The relief of those in need, suffering, hardship or distress, the aged and sick
## _**Public benefit**_
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
## _**Use of volunteers**_
The trustees are very grateful for the generous giving of the church members in terms of both finances and time. Without the free will of time by many members much of the work of the charitable company would not function.
Page 2
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT**
## **Achievements and performance**
## _**Review of activities**_
Over the past year, the church has experienced a period of steady growth, welcoming many new members into our congregation. However, this has been balanced by some members moving on due to new employment opportunities, relocation, or exploring other church communities.
We are delighted to report increased activity in our key ministry areas: women’s, men’s, and youth ministries. This expansion reflects our commitment to supporting all segments of our congregation. The church hired a new part-time youth leader, ensuring dedicated support for the growing needs of our young people. These developments have required additional investment in resources and personnel.
## **Plans for future periods**
Securing a permanent venue remains a key priority for Life City Church. Efforts to identify and acquire a suitable property are ongoing, and we are committed to finding a space that will accommodate our growing congregation and support our vision for the future.
## **Financial review**
The income for the year amounted to £318,813 (2023 - £313,523) and expenditure £208,133 (2023 - £162,561). The surplus was added to fund brought forward, resulting in unrestricted funds of £689,624 to be carried forward.
The church's financial giving has remained consistent over the year, demonstrating the faithfulness and generosity of our congregation. However, our expenditure has increased due to:
1. Increased Ministry Activities: As noted, additional resources were allocated to growing ministries and events.
2. Staffing Costs: Adjustments were made in line with government legislation on salaries, contributing to higher overall staffing expenses.
3. Venue Costs: The weekly rent for our current venue has risen, reflecting broader trends in property and facilities costs.
Despite these challenges, the church remains in a stable financial position. Careful stewardship and strategic planning have allowed us to continue supporting both our ministries and operational needs.
## **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.
Page 3
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT**
## **Statement of trustees' responsibilities**
The trustees (who are also the directors of Life City Church Ltd for the purposes of company law) 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), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
## **Small companies provision statement**
This report has been prepared in accordance with the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 10 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
## Steve Sutherland
......................................... Stephen Sutherland Trustee
Page 4
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Life City Church Ltd for the year ended 31 March 2024.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity’s trustees of Life City Church Ltd (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Life City Church Ltd are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
Since the Company's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
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:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Life City Church Ltd as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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.
...................................... G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd
10 December 2024
Page 5
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
|**Note**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
**Income and Endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
3
305,401
Charitable activities
4
2,323
Investment income
5
10,339
Other income
6
750
Total income
318,813
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
7
208,133
Total expenditure
208,133
Net income
110,680
Net movement in funds
110,680
**Reconciliation of funds**
Total funds brought forward
578,944
Total funds carried forward
14
689,624|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
305,401
2,323
10,339
750
318,813
208,133
208,133
110,680
110,680
578,944
689,624|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
312,296
525
702
-|
|---|---|---|
|||313,523|
|||162,561|
|||162,561|
|||150,962|
|||150,962
427,982|
|||578,944|
The notes on pages 8 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **(REGISTRATION NUMBER: 05137625) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024**
|**Note**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
10
**Current assets**
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
12
**Net current assets**
**Net assets**
**Funds of the charity:**
**Unrestricted income funds**
Unrestricted funds
**Total funds**
14|**2024**
**£**
82,684
82,684
14,667
613,997
628,664
(21,724)
606,940
689,624
689,624
689,624|**2023**
**£**
86,111|
|---|---|---|
|||86,111|
|||23,014
487,699|
|||510,713
(17,880)|
|||492,833|
|||578,944|
|||578,944|
|||578,944|
For the financial year ending 31 March 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
- The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
- The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements on pages 6 to 16 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 10 December 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
## Steve Sutherland
......................................... Stephen Sutherland Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 16 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## **1 Charity status**
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
## **2 Accounting policies**
## **Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates**
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
## **Statement of compliance**
The financial statements have been prepared 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)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). They also comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Charities Act 2011.
## **Basis of preparation**
Life City Church Ltd 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 notes.
## **Going concern**
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.
## **Income and endowments**
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 the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Page 8
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## _**Donations and legacies**_
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
## _**Gift aid**_
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
## _**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.
## **Expenditure**
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category.
## _**Charitable activities**_
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
## **Taxation**
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
## **Tangible fixed assets**
Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Page 9
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## **Depreciation and amortisation**
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
**Asset class Depreciation method and rate** Land and buildings 2% on cost Furniture and equipment 25% on reducing balance Motor vehicles 25% on reducing balance
## **Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
## **Cash and cash equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
## **Liabilities**
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 company 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.
## **Fund structure**
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
## **Pensions and other post retirement obligations**
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.
Page 10
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## **Financial instruments**
The company 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.
## **3 Income from donations and legacies**
|Donations and legacies;
Donations
Gift aid reclaimed|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
252,743
52,658
305,401|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
252,743
52,658
305,401|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
264,652
47,594|
|---|---|---|---|
||||312,246|
## **4 Income from charitable activities**
|Events
Activities|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
964
1,359
2,323|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
964
1,359
2,323|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
525
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||||525|
## **5 Investment income**
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
Interest receivable and similar income;
Interest receivable on bank deposits
10,339|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
10,339|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
702|
|---|---|---|
Page 11
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## **6 Other income**
|Insurance claim
Gains on sale of intangible fixed assets for
charity's own use|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
500
250
750|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
500
250
750|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
-
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||||-|
## **7 Expenditure on charitable activities**
|**Note**
Camp, courses, conferences and
ministry costs
Children and Youth
Gifts and donations
Speakers costs
Premises costs and hall hire
Computers and media
Publicity
Travelling expenses
Postage, stationery and
telephone
Subscriptions and licenses
Bank and charge cards
Legal and professional fees
Other costs
Independent examination
Depreciation
Staff costs
9|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
41,984
4,384
2,035
2,979
38,080
8,344
282
283
1,932
7,757
1,931
193
-
1,044
13,125
83,780
208,133|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
41,984
4,384
2,035
2,979
38,080
8,344
282
283
1,932
7,757
1,931
193
-
1,044
13,125
83,780
208,133|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
30,169
1,485
6,123
929
21,051
4,139
327
228
2,660
5,288
1,478
193
58
990
13,762
73,681|
|---|---|---|---|
||||162,561|
Page 12
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## **8 Trustees remuneration and expenses**
One trustee, Mr Stephen Sutherland, received remuneration as pastor of the church amounting to £44,520 (2023: £44,965) in the current year.
During the year, Mr Stephen Sutherland, also received benefits by way of pension contributions amounting to £2,680 (2023: £2,567).
The only other payments made to the trustees, or any person connected with them, consisted of reimbursements of expenditure incurred on behalf of the charity in furthering the charity's objects.
## **9 Staff costs**
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
|**9 Staff costs**
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:|||
|---|---|---|
|**Staff costs during the year were:**
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs|**2024**
**£**
79,612
1,132
3,036
83,780|**2023**
**£**
68,852
1,306
3,523|
|||73,681|
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:
|Full-time
Part-time|**2024**
**No**
1
3
4|**2023**
**No**
1
2|
|---|---|---|
|||3|
Page 13
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## **10 Tangible fixed assets**
|**Land and**
**buildings**
**£**
**Cost**
At 1 April 2023
52,127
Additions
-
Disposals
-
At 31 March 2024
52,127
**Depreciation**
At 1 April 2023
4,172
Charge for the year
1,043
Eliminated on disposals
-
At 31 March 2024
5,215
**Net book value**
At 31 March 2024
46,912
At 31 March 2023
47,955
**11 Debtors**
Accrued income
Other debtors
**12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals|**Land and**
**buildings**
**£**
52,127
-
-||**Furniture**
**and**
**equipment**
**£**
112,254
9,697
(47,746)
74,205
74,098
12,082
(47,747)
38,433
35,772
38,156
**2024**
**£**
14,667
-
14,667
**2024**
**£**
3,520
1,614
15,726
864
21,724|**Furniture**
**and**
**equipment**
**£**
112,254
9,697
(47,746)
74,205
74,098
12,082
(47,747)
38,433
35,772
38,156
**2024**
**£**
14,667
-
14,667
**2024**
**£**
3,520
1,614
15,726
864
21,724|**Total**
**£**
164,381
9,697
(47,746)
126,332
78,270
13,125
(47,747)
43,648
82,684
86,111
**2023**
**£**
21,796
1,218|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||52,127|||||
||4,172
1,043
-|||||
||5,215||38,433|||
||46,912||35,772|||
||47,955||38,156|||
||||**2024**
**£**
14,667
-
14,667
**2024**
**£**
3,520
1,614
15,726
864
21,724|||
||||||23,014|
||||||**2023**
**£**
1,267
-
15,803
810|
||||||17,880|
Page 14
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## **13 Pension and other schemes**
## **Defined contribution pension scheme**
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to - £3,036 (2023 £3,523).
Contributions totalling £15,727 (2023 - £15,802) were payable to the scheme at the end of the year and are included in creditors.
## **14 Funds**
|**14 Funds**|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Unrestricted funds**
**_General_**
General Funds
**Unrestricted funds**
**_General_**
General Funds|**Balance at**
**1 April**
**2023**
**£**
578,944
**Balance at**
**1 April**
**2022**
**£**
427,982|**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
318,813
**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
313,523|**Resources**
**expended**
**£**
(208,133)
**Resources**
**expended**
**£**
(162,561)|**Balance at**
**31 March**
**2024**
**£**
689,624|
|||||**Balance at**
**31 March**
**2023**
**£**
578,944|
Page 15
## **LIFE CITY CHURCH LTD**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
## **15 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total net assets|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
82,684
628,664
(21,724)
689,624
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**General**
**£**
86,111
510,713
(17,880)
578,944|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-|**Total funds**
**at 31**
**March**
**2024**
**£**
82,684
628,664
(21,724)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||689,624|
||||**Total funds**
**at 31**
**March**
**2023**
**£**
86,111
510,713
(17,880)|
||||578,944|
Page 16