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2024-03-31-accounts

LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL

(LIVING HOPE CHURCH)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

The Trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2024.

Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Mrs Lois Claire Parkes^ (Retired December 2023) Mr Daniel Parkes Mr David Cookson Mr Peter Hopper (From October 2023 onwards) Mrs Nicola Low (From October 2023 onwards)

*Mrs Lois Claire Parkes and Mr Daniel Parkes are unrelated – not connected by birth or family. ^Mrs Lois Claire Parkes retired October 2023

Charity Name and Registration Number

Living Hope International 1106417

Operating Name and Registered Office Address

Living Hope Church Former Church of St Barnabas Middlepark Road Dudley West Midlands DY1 2LD

Lead Pastor

Mrs Lisa Parkes

Charity Finance Manager

Mrs Tracey Tromans FCCA

Organisational structure

The charity was created by Trust Deed on 3[rd] October 2004.

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

Governance and Management

Appointment of trustees

Trustees are appointed or reappointed annually at the annual general meeting.

Risk policy and review

The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks that the charity faces and consider that they are adequately mitigated through insurance, strategic planning, policies, systems and procedures.

During this period the most significant risks to the charity have been those associated with (1) Increasing church and neighbourhood activities to meet increasing need in the communities we serve and (2) managing operational costs of the church building following the surprise closure of the ‘anchor tenant‘ (Silverbells Preschool) in April 2023.

The surprise announcement of the Silverbells closure was hugely disappointing for us and the wider community. We moved into the former St Barnabas church building in September 2022 with new investment into the building and the community – and we were excited to develop our partnership with Silverbells, just as they were with us. We recognise the decision to close the pre-school must have been extremely difficult and upsetting for the Silverbells governing committee.

Ensuring we effectively managed the risk of a further reduction of activities and services (e.g., Little Stars stay and play) while mitigating the impact of the loss of rental income became a top priority for trustees at the start of this reporting period.

It is pleasing to report that despite these challenges this has been a successful year, where significant increases in income, together with tightly controlled expenditure, has resulted in strong financial and operational performance of the charity.

Little Stars stay and play has continued (despite the absence of a joint venture partner) and is now thriving together with several new mid-week groups and activities that have launched and been maintained.

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

Safeguarding

Trustees are assured of the ongoing implementation (and appropriate updates) to our safeguarding processes and procedures during this period. Our Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults Policy is reviewed and updated as required. We continued to engage with our independent safeguarding advisors Thirtyone:eight (formerly Churches Child Protection Advisory Service) in the effective management of safeguarding risk and response to any concerns identified or disclosed during this reporting period.

Networks and Membership Groups

Living Hope Church is a member of the ELIM NETWORK. Elim is a growing movement of Christian congregations in the UK and Ireland committed to making disciples, developing leaders, growing churches, and reaching nations. Our affiliation with ELIM was strengthened during this period with ministry input from several Elim ministers as well as network groups and communities for leaders.

We value our partners from local churches including through the DUDLEY CHURCHES TOGETHER and the LOVE BLACK COUNTRY network (THE BLACK COUNTRY NET) where our Lead Pastor, Lisa Parkes, continues to serve on the leadership core team. Staff and volunteers from partner churches and charitable organisations have supported our work in this period.

Objectives and Activities

The objects of the charity are:

Activities, Achievements and Performance

This period (April 2023 to March 2024) was the first full year in our new building (the former St Barnabas Church building, Middlepark Road, Russells Hall, Dudley).

Following the surprise decision of Silverbells Pre-school to close in April 2023 we set an ‘emergency budget’ to tightly control expenditure in response to the loss of our anticipated income from the use of the building each day in school term time.

Despite this challenging start to the reporting period, we are delighted to report a very successful financial year. Building on the significant increase in tithes and offerings from the church congregation last year we have seen a further increase in this reporting period (+47% compared to last financial year). Securing more regular donors and current donors increasing their regular monthly donations in-year have contributed to this strong financial performance. Because a proportion of the increased donations received are from UK Tax Payers, we also benefitted from a 36% increase in Gift Aid received compared to last year.

Beyond donations from individuals, we received a £10,000 ‘Awards for All’ grant in this period which was used for continued development work and renovation of the building.

Building operating costs in this period were c.20% higher than what was budgeted for, largely due to higher utility costs (Gas and Electric) and higher than expected in-year costs of repairs and maintenance (small

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

works). However, it is important to note that the increased income more than covered the additional expenditure/operating costs.

In respect of our charitable objects and church priorities, more was achieved this year because of the increased income received (that was better than what was budgeted for). We also recorded a 20% end of year operating surplus meaning nearly £20,000 was added to the charity’s reserves to be used for future major capital projects – which are a requirement of our lease agreement with the Church of England.

A new roof for the main church hall was installed in March 2024 which was part-funded by a grant from Enovert Community Trust (an environmental body which supports community and environmental projects). As the grant income received, and the building capital expenditure incurred for this project were both in April 2024 they will be included next year in our 2024-2025 financial statements.

Easter 2023 events and activities were a highlight for us at the start of this reporting period with services in our building in Middlepark road for the first time. Sunday gatherings were maintained in person throughout the period with increasing use of the building midweek by church groups and other community groups as the year progressed. Highlights included the dedication of children and our first adult baptisms in our new building which coincided with our 21[st] anniversary in September 2023. Church youth activities also resumed for the first time since the COVID pandemic during this period.

Regular building usage this period included the following:

The building was also used several times during this period as a polling station for local, regional and national elections.

We hosted community celebrations and events of national significance during this period including for The King’s coronation and a community summer fun day and BBQ party. Our work to provide fun, engaging and faith-filled input into children in the communities we serve continued throughout the period on Sundays and with a community ‘light party’ (alternative to Halloween) in the October half term school holiday.

We reviewed our work to further our charitable objectives overseas using this period with update reports and visits from overseas missionaries. Our long-established support for the Albania Mission continued this period with a visit to Albania (from our Lead Pastor) to review the work on the ground and the impact of the charity’s support for the mission.

The build into Christmas 2023 included our first ‘Christmas Fest’ community event in partnership with Friends of Russells Hall Park – which included a Santa’s grotto, live music, Christmas stalls and free face painting for children. In preparing for Christmas, we hosted a series of Midweek Advent groups where each of the Advent themes (hope, peace, joy, love) were explored together through creative worship together with guidance for practical implementation in day-to-day life.

Our Christmas programme, the second in our new building, included Christmas carol services and a community service called ‘The Story’ which featured children telling the Christmas nativity story. Each year we support a local charity at Christmas, this year we furthered our support for and partnership with CHADD

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

(Churches Housing Association of Dudley and District) which included hosting a midweek carol service for the organisation in our building led jointly by our Lead Pastor and the Bishop of Dudley who is Chair of CHADD.

Future Developments

2024/25 will be a year of further growth in our new building in respect of church attendance, community group activities/building use, and deeper partnerships with our local schools and other charitable organisations.

We plan for 2024/25 to be a year where large capital projects are completed, and capital funding required for the next phase of building developed is secured.

We plan to further increase the number of church-led activities building on the successful growth of Sunday and midweek groups in this reporting period.

Financial Review

The net incoming unrestricted resources including designated funds before transfers for the year amounted to £31,698 (2023 outgoing unrestricted and designated resources £13,150). The net outgoing restricted resources before transfers for the year amounted to (£11,728) (2023 net outgoing restricted resources totalled £16,443). Transfers between funds are detailed in note 4 of the accounts. At 31st March 2024 unrestricted funds amounted to £47,574 (2023 £14,261) designated funds amounted to £1,753 (2023 £3,758) and restricted funds amounted to £425 (2023 £11,763)

Reserves and reserves policy

Our reserves policy is to maintain a minimum of two months minimum operating costs as a contingency fund.

Approved by the trustees on 8th January 2025 and signed on their behalf by

Mr Daniel Parkes

Trustee

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report.

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent Examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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 proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

S A Reeves

S A Reeves FCCA

S A R Accountants Broadway

Worcs

12th November 2024

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
Notes Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds Total Funds
2024 2024 2024 2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £
RECEIPTS
Tithes and offerings 5a 70,903 - - 70,903 55,760
Donations 5b 1,275 115 6,050 7,440 2,600
Gift Aid tax recovered 5c 14,184 - - 14,184 10,435
Grants 5d - - 1,140 1,140 10,000
Receipts from charitable activities 5e 7,528 30 - 7,558 3,823
Interest and dividends 5f - - - - -
TOTAL RECEIPTS 93,890 145 7,190 101,225 82,618
PAYMENTS
Direct charitable activity 6a 60,187 2,150 18,918 81,255 112,211
TOTAL PAYMENTS 60,187 2,150 18,918 81,255 112,211
NET OF RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS 33,703 (2,005) (11,728) 19,970 (29,593)
Transfers between funds (390) - 390 - -
CASH FUNDS AS AT 31/03/23 14,261 3,758 11,763 29,782 59,375
CASH FUNDS AS AT 31/03/24 4 47,574 1,753 425 49,752 29,782

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT 31ST MARCH 2024
Notes Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
Total
Funds
2024 2024 2024 2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Cash funds
Current account 47,574 1,753 425 49,752 29,782
Deposit accounts - - - - -
4 47,574 1,753 425 49,752 29,782
Other monetary assets
Gift aid recoverable 1,273 - - 1,273 1,003
Assets for charitable use
Fixtures & Fittings - 104 - 104 139
Equipment - 326 - 326 487
NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
1 Trustees' Remuneration and benefits
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for theyear ended 31st March 2024
nor for theyear ended 31st March 2023.
**2 ** Staff Costs
The average monthlynumber of employees duringtheyear was 1(2023: 1)
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000
**3 ** Relatedparty transactions
There were no relatedpartytransactions for theyear ended 31st March 2024 or duringthe
previousyear.

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
4 Movement in funds
The movements in designated and restricted funds duringtheyear were:
Balance b/fwd Receipts Payments Transfers Balance c/fwd
01/04/2023 31/03/2024
£ £ £ £ £
General(unrestricted) 14,261 93,890 60,187 (390) 47,574
Designated
Evangelical & Discipleship 2,859 - 1,249 - 1,610
Little Stars 899 115 901 - 113
Roof fundraising - 30 - - 30
3,758 145 2,150 - 1,753
Restricted
Albania General 125 1,410 1,365 - 170
Albanian Bequest Fund 4,086 - 4,086 - -
Awards 4 All 7,420 - 7,656 236 -
Elona School 132 640 517 - 255
Roof fund - 4,000 4,000 - -
DudleyMBC - Sip& Social - 1,140 1,294 154 -
11,763 7,190 18,918 390 425
Total funds 29,782 101,225 81,255 - 49,752
Movement in funds for theyear ended 30th November 2019
Comparatives foryear ended 31st March 2023:
Balance b/fwd Receipts Payments Transfers Balance c/fwd
01/04/2022 31/03/2023
£ £ £ £ £
General(unrestricted) 16,110 58,981 69,478 8,648 14,261
Designated
Evangelical & Discipleship 3,750 582 1,473 - 2,859
Vision Fund 2,999 9,648 12,217 (430) -
Little Stars 100 807 - (8) 899
6,849 11,037 13,690 (438) 3,758
Restricted
Albania General 405 1,880 2,160 - 125
Albanian Bequest Fund 17,747 - 13,661 - 4,086
Allchurches 46 - - (46) -
Awards 4 All - 10,000 2,580 - 7,420
Elona School 542 720 1,130 - 132
HolidayActivity 429 - 613 184 -
Innovation Fund - Little stars 10,729 - 4,138 (6,591) -
Innovation Fund - Revive 2,517 - 4,195 1,678 -
Lottery- Revive 4,001 - 566 (3,435) -
36,416 12,600 29,043 (8,210) 11,763
Total funds 59,375 82,618 112,211 - 29,782
NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
4 Movement in funds
The movements in designated and restricted funds duringtheyear were:
Balance b/fwd Receipts Payments Transfers Balance c/fwd
01/04/2023 31/03/2024
£ £ £ £ £
General(unrestricted) 14,261 93,890 60,187 (390) 47,574
Designated
Evangelical & Discipleship 2,859 - 1,249 - 1,610
Little Stars 899 115 901 - 113
Roof fundraising - 30 - - 30
3,758 145 2,150 - 1,753
Restricted
Albania General 125 1,410 1,365 - 170
Albanian Bequest Fund 4,086 - 4,086 - -
Awards 4 All 7,420 - 7,656 236 -
Elona School 132 640 517 - 255
Roof fund - 4,000 4,000 - -
DudleyMBC - Sip& Social - 1,140 1,294 154 -
11,763 7,190 18,918 390 425
Total funds 29,782 101,225 81,255 - 49,752
Movement in funds for theyear ended 30th November 2019
Comparatives foryear ended 31st March 2023:
Balance b/fwd Receipts Payments Transfers Balance c/fwd
01/04/2022 31/03/2023
£ £ £ £ £
General(unrestricted) 16,110 58,981 69,478 8,648 14,261
Designated
Evangelical & Discipleship 3,750 582 1,473 - 2,859
Vision Fund 2,999 9,648 12,217 (430) -
Little Stars 100 807 - (8) 899
6,849 11,037 13,690 (438) 3,758
Restricted
Albania General 405 1,880 2,160 - 125
Albanian Bequest Fund 17,747 - 13,661 - 4,086
Allchurches 46 - - (46) -
Awards 4 All - 10,000 2,580 - 7,420
Elona School 542 720 1,130 - 132
HolidayActivity 429 - 613 184 -
Innovation Fund - Little stars 10,729 - 4,138 (6,591) -
Innovation Fund - Revive 2,517 - 4,195 1,678 -
Lottery- Revive 4,001 - 566 (3,435) -
36,416 12,600 29,043 (8,210) 11,763
Total funds 59,375 82,618 112,211 - 29,782

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
5 Further analysis of Receipts
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Total
2024 2024 2024 2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Receipts
a) Tithes and offerings
Tithes&gifts 55,581 - - 55,581 45,987
Church offering 15,322 - - 15,322 9,773
70,903 - - 70,903 55,760
b) Donations
Specific donation - Albania - - 1,410 1,410 1,880
Specific donation - Elona - - 640 640 720
Othergifts and donations 1,275 115 4,000 5,390 -
1,275 115 6,050 7,440 2,600
c) Gift Aid
Gift Aid tax recovered 14,184 - - 14,184 10,435
d) Grants
Grants from institutions - - 1,140 1,140 10,000
e) Receipts from charitable activities
Room hire andrent 5,978 - - 5,978 3,823
Other income 1,550 - - 1,550 -
Fundraising - 30 - 30 -
7,528 30 - 7,558 3,823
f) Interest and dividends
Bank interest - - - -
TOTAL RECEIPTS 93,890 145 7,190 101,225 82,618
-

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LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL Registered Charity Number 1106417

LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY LIVING HOPE INTERNATIONAL CHARITY
NOTES TO THE RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024
6 Further analysis of Payments
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Total
2024 2024 2024 2024 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Payments
a) Direct charitable activity
Ministrysalaries 19,006 - - 19,006 18,112
Ministry pension costs 570 - - 570 543
Ministrytravelling& motor expenses 238 53 - 291 91
Training& CPDL 617 133 - 750 654
Benevolence Gifts 899 694 4,062 5,655 14,907
Visitingspeakers 474 - - 474 217
Special Sundayservice costs 192 - - 192 -
Mission - outgoingsupport 9,540 9,540 9,540
Mission - one off and directedgifts 901 - 1,881 2,782 3,969
Evangelism and Alpha 37 142 - 179 307
Hospitality 1,019 218 - 1,237 1,834
Children & Youth 65 - - 65 1,545
Revive HolidayClub - - - - 2,160
Revive craft & activities - - - - 781
Revive consumables &packaging - - - - 23
Revive food & refreshments - - - - 993
Revive communications - - - - 82
Revive - licenses & subscriptions - - - - 15
Outreach - Professional fees 156 - - 156 1,235
Outreach - Hospitality 270 - - 270 1,262
Outreach - Resources 508 - 60 568 1,235
Little Stars - 901 - 901 2,068
Little Stars craft - - - - 32
Rent - Sunday& Lock up 164 - - 164 1,611
Rent - office - - - - 4,883
Insurance 1,000 - - 1,000 1,100
Equipment 933 - 4,097 5,030 2,806
Repairs & renewals 727 - 297 1,024 287
Books, publications & media 161 9 - 170 10
Licenses & subscriptions 2,670 - - 2,670 2,578
Professional fees 3,931 - - 3,931 6,359
Office sundries 426 - - 426 1,021
St Barnabas Renovation Costs - - 4,420 4,420 27,955
St Barnabas Utilities 9,627 - - 9,627 842
St Barnabas Repair & Maintenance 2,366 - 4,076 6,442 303
St Barnabas Cleaning& Hygiene 1,967 - - 1,967 1,429
St Barnabas Toiletries & Consumables 22 - - 22 142
St Barnabas Buildingand Contents insurance 1,029 - - 1,029 142
Telephone,broadband & mobiles 566 - - 566 370
Bank charges 106 - 25 131 145
TOTAL PAYMENTS 60,187 2,150 18,918 81,255 113,588

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