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← Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

2023-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1105859

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Trustees' report and financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Contents

Page
Legal and administrative information 1
Trustees report 2 - 6
Independent examiners' report 7
Statement of financial activities 8
Balance sheet 9
Notes to the financial statements 10 - 14

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Legal and administrative information

Charity number 1105859
Business address 6 Crantock Road
Catford
London
SE6 2QS
Trustees I Jacobs (Chair)
I Schlazer
J Franks
C Abrahams
Accountants Kleinman Graham
2nd Floor, Unicorn House
Station Close
Potters Bar
Hertfordshire EN6 1TL
Bankers Metro Bank
76/77 High Street
Bromley
Kent BR1 1EG

Page 1

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Report of the trustees for the year ended 31st December 2023

The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1.

Structure, governance and management

The Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust was established by Trust Deed dated 23th June 2004 by Messrs Maurice Springer, Samuel Hindin, John Wayne and Joseph Burchell acting on behalf of the members of Catford & Bromley Synagogue and is a registered charity No. 1105859.

The persons who are trustees of the charity at any particular time have the power at that time to appoint new or additional trustees.

A Board of Management administers the charity. The members of the Synagogue elect the members of the Board every two years.

In their report for the year ended December 31, 2019 the trustees explained how it had come about that there were (and still are) two charitable trusts affecting the Catford Synagogue namely (1) the Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust, the registered charity and (2) the Catford Synagogue Trust, the unregistered charity. Readers are invited to refer to the previous report if they wish to be reminded of the position.

The Catford Synagogue Trust "the unregistered charitable trust"

As stated in last year's report, it was hoped that when life was back to normal a conveyance would be prepared, there would be a registration of the trustees of the registered charity as proprietors of the land and the unregistered charitable trust would be wound up.

However there have been difficulties and delays in obtaining the consent of the United Synagogue to the transfer of the land from the unregistered to the registered charity (even though the individual trustees are the same). The trustees are in urgent communication with the United Synagogue and it is hoped to resolve matters so that there a registration of the trustees of the registered charity as proprietors of the land and the unregistered charitable trust can be wound up. The unregistered charitable trust has been dormant since 2004. In what follows (and for convenience) its assets are treated as being part of the assets of the registered charitable trust and it will not be necessary any further to refer to the unregistered charitable trust.

No 1 Crantock Road was purchased for the sum of about £2500 in 1955, the money being raised entirely by the membership of the Synagogue. The purpose of the purchase was the provision of accommodation for the Minister. In accordance with the Affiliate Synagogues Scheme (to which the Synagogue has been and is a party) the legal interest in the property was transferred to United Synagogue Trusts Ltd, a trust company, on the basis that this company would in the first instance grant a 25 year lease at a nominal rent and then successive leases to the Synagogue trustees. The membership of the synagogue retained a beneficial interest under a resulting trust. In the past, neither the trustees of the unregistered charity nor the trustees of the registered charity have sought to enforce this obligation by the US to grant a lease, relying upon understandings and goodwill of the United Synagogue and the said beneficial interest. They have occupied on the basis of a licence and have paid all outgoings at all times since the purchase of the property. The trustees have decided for a number of reasons that this informal arrangement can lead to difficulties and for that reason has required the grant of a lease from the United Synagogue in accordance with its obligations under the Affiliated Synagogues scheme.

Since the Trustees Report for the year ending 31 December 2021, considerable progress has been made towards resolving the problem of the two trusts. The United Synagogue has appointed solicitors, Messers Kidd Rapinet, and the Chairman of the Trustees has been in communication and is in the process of agreeing draft documents to resolve the legal problems above referred to. The Chairman is also in contact and has a good relationship with Michael Goldstein, the President of the United Synagogue and this helps to resolve difficulties of principle.

Page 2

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Report of the trustees for the year ended 31st December 2023

The Former Minister, Rev David Rome

As previously stated, in the year 2021, Rev Rome commenced proceedings alleging constructive dismissal against the trustees as his employers. The trustees were covered by litigation insurance. A hearing of the claim was scheduled for March 2024. However, the trustees are happy to state that in January 2024 the former minister, Rev David Rome together with the trustees of the Catford & Bromley Synagogue trust reached an amicable and confidential reconciliation regarding the claim, and the matter has now been fully resolved.

Objectives and activities

The object of the charity is to promote the Jewish religion by all or any of the following:

Achievements and performance

In July 2022 Rabbi Weisz, his wife and family moved into number one Crantock Road. Although work had been carried out on the property prior to July 2022, there were numerous problems with the premises. The Rabbi suffered from asthma and the carpets in the property were disintegrating to dust which severely aggravated his asthma. As reported for the year ending December 31, 2022, the trustees removed all the carpets in the property, had the downstairs parquet sanded and polished and the upstairs covered with a beautiful wood laminate. This terminated all problems and the family were very happy. However the cost was substantial but the trustees felt as they have a wonderful Rabbi and Rebbetzin with six beautiful children the cost was well worth it. In addition a large number of small jobs had to be done costing in the region of £1000. This was covered by a donation of such sum by one member and the synagogue is able also to claim gift aid on that sum.

In the year beginning January 2023, substantial expenditure (although not to the same extent as the previous year) has continued to be necessary in relation to the fixtures and fittings at 1 Crantock Road. A substantial part of this has been borne by one member who wishes to remain anonymous.

Page 3

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Report of the trustees for the year ended 31st December 2023

From the 1st August 2023 the Trustees, the Board (through the chairman, the Rabbi's line manager) and Rabbi Weisz agreed that the Rabbi should work full-time instead of half time as previously. A new contract dated August 1, 2023 was agreed and signed by the Rabbi and Chairman of the Trustees on behalf of the Trustees. It was hoped that the rebbetzin could also be employed part-time to carry out the teaching and other duties of a rebbetzin particularly with the ladies of the community at a salary which was below the tax threshold. However it then became apparent that the rebbetzin did not have a visa and in the circumstances could not be employed and was in danger of being removed from Britain. In September 2023 legal advice was taken from Jonathan Chaimovic, the head of immigration at a very large firm of London solicitors Messieurs Clyde and co., recommended to the trustees by the United Synagogue. Unfortunately the advice was to the effect that application for a visa could only be made by the rebbetzin in the United States. Thereafter it was intended that she would be on the continent with the children, near to her husband. However, for about three months thereafter nothing was done by reason of the incidence of the High Holy days, the terrible events of October 7 and the rebbetzin's pregnancy which resulted in a beautiful daughter, Faiga Rivka, born in December 2023. The costs of the legal advice (which is extremely reasonable) the visa costs payable to the government amount to over £8,000 which is a loan to the rebbetzin guaranteed by the Rabbi payable over time. These costs will fall in the year ending December 31, 2024. Stop press: By reason of the quality of the advice and assistance from Clyde and Co, the Rebbetzin's visa and work permit were granted within a couple of days and she is expected back on March 8, 2024. It will be possible to employ the Rebbetzin and discussions are in train. She will be able to pay back loans from her salary.

In addition, a substantial sum has also been spent on the youth club (originally a squash court) which needed to have the floor renewed. It is also necessary to repair or replace the gas boiler and this is being addressed by the trustees and the Board. The Youth Club has not functioned as a youth club for some time. Until and unless there is a need for youth club facilities, the Trustees intend to license it for activities which are compatible with a building in the grounds of the synagogue. The Trustees have two bookings for its use by Lewisham Council as a polling station. The Trustees and the Board would be very grateful if members could come up with some revenue producing uses, which of course are compatible with a building in the grounds of the synagogue.

The Trustees, with the support of the Board of Management, have in the past year continued to improve the facilities of the Synagogue. The gas air heater of the synagogue was between 25 and 30 years of age with asbestos surrounding the flue. It worked intermittently, noisily and very inefficiently, frequently breaking down. The Trustees and the Board took the decision to replace it and a new gas air heater which is quieter, efficient and much cheaper to run was installed in about August 2023 at a cost in excess of £7,000. It is hoped this will keep the synagogue warm and comfortable for many years to come.

The cheder goes from strength to strength with both the classes and nursery being a great success. The close relationship remains with the London Borough of Lewisham with various interfaith meetings. There have been no major changes to the Education Fund and it is our intention to maintain the high standards we seek to teach our children in the community. Our links with the local police are, of course, especially important and ongoing. The local Borough Commander encourages his officers to visit us to become familiar with the Jewish faith.

Furthermore, we receive support from the Police with regard to our own security, which, in these particularly difficult and dangerous times, is very much appreciated. We do have our own independent security team headed by a trained specialist, to ensure that the Synagogue is always well protected.

We are also strongly represented with inter faith activities by members of the shul.

From the 1st of January 2019 the United Synagogue Burial Society have been collecting the fees direct from our members.

Page 4

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Report of the trustees for the year ended 31st December 2023

By a lease dated February 27, 1963 the land on which the electricity substation is sited was leased to the London Electricity Board for 60 years from December 25, 1958. That lease has now expired and Mr Joseph Burchell on behalf of the trustees has been in negotiation with the successors of the London Electricity Board, London Power Networks Plc for the grant of a new lease. Terms for a new lease have now been agreed at an annual rent of £500, reviewable every 10 years. The consent of the Charity Commissioners for the granting of such lease has been received and a new sub lease agreed and will be executed following resolution of the legal problems set out above. The United Synagogue was asked for its consent as long ago as the year 2020. That consent has still not been received but it is hoped that it will be forthcoming in the next few weeks, which will allow the trustees to grant the lease to London Power Networks Plc. The Trustees are very well aware that substantial expenditure has been needed to ensure that number 1 Crantock Rd is suitable for occupation by the Rabbi and his family and in respect of the visa application. The object of the trust is the maintenance of the synagogue and its services, the employment of the Rabbi and the furtherance of the Jewish religion. The Trustees believe that we have an excellent Rabbi, demonstrated by the satisfaction expressed at his sermons at services and the increasing numbers at services, as opposed to the situation before the Rabbi's appointment when the synagogue struggled to achieve a minyan, even on Shabbat. The Trustees look to the Rabbi to seek to increase numbers particularly of people under 60 and children who regularly attend.

Financial review

The Charity's income and expenditure for the year and the financial position at the end of the year are as disclosed in the attached financial statements.

Reserves policy

The trustees are mindful that they need to reserve sufficient funds to ensure the charity's principle assets, the Synagogue and the Minister's residence, are kept in good order.

Investment policy

The trust deed contains no restrictions on the powers of the trustees to invest. However, as a charity, the Trust may only invest in what are in law "qualifying investments".

Section 558 Income Tax Act 2007 lists the 12 types of investments that are accepted as qualifying investments. These can be summarised under 8 bullet points as follows:

Risk management

The major risk to which the charity is exposed, as identified by the trustees, have been reviewed and systems established to mitigate those risks.

Health and safety

The charity is also aware that laws and regulations relating to health and safety are subject to constant change and it is necessary to keep a reserve to be able to meet any new rules as and when they are introduced.

Page 5

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Report of the trustees for the year ended 31st December 2023

Review of activities and future developments

Until her pregnancy and the birth of Faiga, the Rebbetzin has provided cholent lunches on Shabbat and a US themed party on Independence Day. When she receives her visa it is hoped that the Rebbetzin will play a larger part in the community and be employed part time. The Friendship club has recommenced its activities.

There have been no major changes to the Education Fund and it is our intention to maintain the high standards we seek to teach our children in the community. Furthermore we receive support from the Police with regard to our own security, which is very much appreciated. We do have our own independent security team headed by a trained specialist, to ensure that the Synagogue is always well protected.

We are also strongly represented with inter faith activities by members of the shul.

From the 1st January 2019 the United Synagogue Burial Society have been collecting the fees direct from our members. As stated above, by a lease dated February 27, 1963 the land on which the electricity substation sits was leased to the London Electricity Board for 60 years from December 25, 1958. That lease has now expired and a new lease should shortly be granted to their statutory successors London Power Networks Plc.

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

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 charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year. In preparing these financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which 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 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2016. 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

On behalf of the board

............................................

Page 6

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Independent examiner's report to the trustees on the unaudited financial statements of Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust.

I report on the accounts of Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust for the year ended 31st December 2023 set out on pages 2 to 14.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner

As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity trustees consider that an audit is not required this year under section 145 of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts, to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's statement

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:

(i) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

have not been met; or

...........................................................

Paul Kleinman

FCA

Independent examiner

For and on behalf of Kleinman Graham Chartered Accountants

Page 7

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31st December 2023

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
Notes
£
£
Incoming resources
Incoming resources from generating funds:
Voluntary income
2
99,517
10,990
Investment income
3
1,054
-
Total incoming resources
100,571
10,990
Resources expended
Costs of generating funds:
Cost of generating voluntary income
4
128,141
-
Governance costs
5
17,069
-
Total resources expended
145,210
-
Total funds brought forward
259,306
-
Total funds carried forward
214,667
10,990		 2023
Total
£
110,507
1,054
111,561
128,141
17,069
145,210
259,306
225,657		 2022
Total
£
110,734
80
110,814
70,916
14,938
85,854
230,981
255,941

The notes on pages 10 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 8

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Balance sheet

as at 31st December 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
9
Current assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
11
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds
Restricted income funds
Unrestricted income funds
Total funds		 2023
£
£
55,264
24,542
162,315
186,857
)
(16,464
170,393
225,657
10,989
214,668
225,657		 2022
£
£
57,788
35,217
176,803
212,020
)
(13,866
198,154
255,942
-
255,938
255,938		 2022
£
£
57,788
35,217
176,803
212,020
)
(13,866
198,154
255,942
-
255,938
255,938
255,942
-
255,938
255,938

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on and signed on its behalf by

................................................

Trustee

The notes on pages 10 to 14 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 9

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

1. Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding year.

1.1. Basis of accounting

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' effective January 2015 (SORP 2015)

1.2. Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.

Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.

Gifts donated for resale are included as incoming resources within activities for generating funds when they are sold.

Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are receivable.

Income from investments is included in the year in which it is receivable.

1.3. Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes including the charity's shop.

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.

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management.

1.4. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Page 10

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Notes to financial statements

for the year ended 31st December 2023

1.5. Defined contribution pension schemes

The pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contribution payable by the charity during the year.

2. Voluntary income

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
£
£
Contributions
64,603
-
Gift aid claims
16,058
-
Offerings
4,422
-
Kol Nidre Appeal
4,145
-
Miscellaneous income
5,501
10,990
Grants receivable
4,788
-
99,517
10,990		 2023
Total
£
64,603
16,058
4,422
4,145
16,491
4,788
110,507		 2022
Total
£
74,303
17,121
3,522
4,460
7,001
4,327
110,734
3.
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
£
Bank interest receivable
1,047
Other interest receivable
7
1,054
4.
Cost of generating voluntary income
Unrestricted
funds
£
Donations
2,118
Administration and general expenses
126,023
128,141		 2023
Total
£
1,047
7
1,054
2023
Total
£
2,118
126,023
128,141		 2022
Total
£
80
-
80
2022
Total
£
3,820
67,096
70,916

Page 11

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Notes to financial statements

for the year ended 31st December 2023

5. Governance costs

Unrestricted
funds
£
Office expenses - Other
-
Administrator's costs
1,789
Accountancy and independent examiner's fees
3,319
Bookkeeping
6,164
Printing, postage and stationery
3,735
Telephone
766
I T expenses
85
Sundry expenses
1,211
17,069		 2023
Total
£
-
1,789
3,319
6,164
3,735
766
85
1,211
17,069		 2022
Total
£
)
(2
1,775
2,944
6,101
1,803
294
1,031
992
14,938

6. Analysis of support costs

Governance
costs
£
Staff costs
1,789
Accountancy charges
9,483
Communication and information technology
3,735
Other office expenses
851
Other expenses
1,211
17,069		 2023
Total
£
1,789
9,483
3,735
851
1,211
17,069		 2022
Total
£
1,775
9,045
1,803
1,325
992
14,940

Page 12

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

7.
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Pension costs
Other costs		 2023
£
31,316
1,432
3,025
35,773		 2022
£
12,544
660
2,457
15,661

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2022 : None). In addition to his salary, the minister is provided with full time accommodation.

Number of employees

The average monthly numbers of employees (including the trustees) during the year, calculated on the basis of full time equivalents, was as follows:


Full time
Part time		 2023
Number

1
3
4		 2022
Number
-
4
4

8. Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of the minister. The scheme and its assets are held by independent managers. The pension charge represents contributions due from the charity and was as follows:

follows:
2023 2022
£ £
Pension charge 1,432 660

Page 13

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Notes to financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2023

Land and
Long
Fixtures,
9.
Tangible fixed assets
buildings
leasehold fittings and
freehold
property
equipment
£
£
£
Cost
At 1st January 2023
46,057
55,746
49,420
Additions
-
-
1,072
At 31st December 2023
46,057
55,746
50,492
Depreciation
At 1st January 2023
-
49,185
44,250
Charge for the year
-
2,036
1,560
At 31st December 2023
-
51,221
45,810
Net book values
At 31st December 2023
46,057
4,525
4,682
At 31st December 2022
46,057
6,561
5,170
10.
Debtors
2023
£
Trade debtors
16,627
Other debtors
7,915
24,542
11.
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
2023
£
Other creditors
11,387
Accruals and deferred income
5,077
16,464		 Total
£
151,223
1,072
152,295
93,435
3,596
97,031
55,264
57,788
2022
£
17,108
18,109
35,217
2022
£
8,814
5,052
13,866

Page 14

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

The following pages do not form part of the statutory accounts.

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Detailed statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31st December 2023

Incoming resources
Incoming resources from generating funds:
Voluntary income
Contributions
Gift aid claims
Offerings
Kol Nidre Appeal
Miscellaneous income
Grants receivable
Investment income
Bank interest receivable
Other interest receivable
Total incoming resources from generating funds
Total incoming resources
Resources expended
Costs of generating funds:
Cost of generating voluntary income
Donations
Donations		 2023
£
£
64,603
16,058
4,422
4,145
16,491
4,788
110,507
1,047
7
1,054
111,561
111,561
2,118
2,118		 2022
£
£
74,303
17,121
3,522
4,460
7,001
4,327
110,734
80
-
80
110,814
110,814
3,820
3,820		 2022
£
£
74,303
17,121
3,522
4,460
7,001
4,327
110,734
80
-
80
110,814
110,814
3,820
3,820
110,734
80
-
80
110,814
110,814
3,820

Page 16

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Detailed statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31st December 2023

Administration and general expenses
Minister's remuneration and NI
Pension costs
Officiant expenses
Council tax and water rates
Light and heat
Repairs and maintenance
Caretaker's salary
Insurance
Depreciation
Advertising
United Synagogue payover
Cost of religious education
Other religious related costs
Kiddushim and food
Security
Total cost of generating voluntary income
Fundraising trading:
cost of goods sold and other costs
Total costs of generating funds		 29,527
1,432
3,025
2,663
8,066
34,464
16,145
5,358
3,596
200
5,750
5,626
300
3,318
6,553		 126,023
128,141
128,141		 10,769
660
2,457
2,535
2,772
6,349
12,459
5,329
3,759
949
5,650
5,268
406
3,402
4,332		 67,096
70,916
70,916

Page 17

Catford & Bromley Synagogue Trust

Detailed statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31st December 2023

Charitable activities
Governance costs
Activities undertaken directly
Office expenses - Other
Support costs
Administrator's costs
Accountancy and independent examiner's fees
Bookkeeping
Printing, postage and stationery
Telephone
I T expenses
Sundry expenses
Total governance costs
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources for the year		 2023
£
)
(2
)
(2
1,789
3,319
6,164
3,735
766
85
1,211
17,069
17,067
)
(33,647		 2022
£
)
(2
)
(2
1,775
2,944
6,101
1,803
294
1,031
992
14,940
14,938
24,960

Page 18