THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Charity Registered Number 1110648 Company Registered Number 05471349
THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative Information | 2 |
| Trustees’ report | 3 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 16 |
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees: Iain McKay Richard George Stephen Moore Company registered number: 05471349 Charity registered number: 1110648 Registered Office: Laundry Corner The Street Framingham Pigot Norwich NR14 7QJ Accountant: G Schulz & Company Ltd Chartered Management Accountants G Schulz FCMA CGMA 3 Lane Close Broadbridge Heath Horsham RH12 3UF Bankers: Barclays Bank School Road Drayton Norwich NR8 6DN
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
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 August 2025.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
The company is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee (registered charity number 1110648) and was set up under a Memorandum of Association on 3 June 2005.
Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association.
Organisational structure
The management of the company is the responsibility of the Trustees who are appointed in accordance with the Articles of Association. The day to day operation is managed by Richard George, one of the Trustees.
Risk management
The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The object is the advancement of the Christian faith by means of:
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Providing inspirational teaching through study groups and conferences
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Advancing education and providing training in the study of the Bible
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Providing Christian resources by way of printed and digital media
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Promoting the outworking of the Christian ministry through worship, prayer and fellowship.
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.
Financial review
Reserves policy
The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments. The Trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
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. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
Achievements and performance
Review of activities
During the period, the ministry flourished in the UK and abroad, including in East Africa. The Senior Leadership Team and the Pioneering Team continued to lead the development of the ministry alongside the central Norfolk team. The work in Scotland strengthened, and its leadership accelerated the unity and activity of the national prayer team, which is becoming crucial in undergirding the whole ministry in the UK and abroad. Finances were sufficient to cover all planned activities and projects.
Training and equipping of supporters over recent years has continued to bring greater participation in the national effort and greater unity among teams across the UK. Many are now leading teams, which has brought new teachers and team members. These, in turn, have been fed into training programmes.
In the UK, national conferences, teaching schools and training centre days were held both online and in person. New podcasts are in development.
The work in East Africa continued, with additional online teaching schools being run for delegates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other French speaking African countries.
Development of the Bible College site in Uganda continued during the year, funded through donations. The planned first phase of development progressed, including further work on the teaching hall, kitchen and dormitory.
In parallel, the application to the Ugandan National Council for Higher Education to secure accreditation for the Bible College continued to progress, albeit slowly.
The long term aim is to develop the Ugandan Bible College with predominantly African Bible teachers, to train local Bible teachers, provide teaching support to local and regional churches, and send African teaching teams on mission throughout East Africa.
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
Trustees’ responsibilities statement
The Trustees (who are directors of The Way Of The Spirit for the purposes of company law) 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) and applicable law and regulations.
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 the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and 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.
In preparing this report, the Trustees have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 12 May 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
…………………………………………………………… Richard George Trustee
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of The Way of the Spirit
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year 31 August 2025.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the Trustees of the company (and 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 the company 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 the company's accounts 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
I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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
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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 CGMA
G Schulz & Company Ltd Chartered Management Accountants 3 Lane Close Broadbridge Heath Horsham RH12 3UF
12 May 2026
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | funds | ||
| Note | 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 116,656 | 34,129 | 150,785 | 163,535 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | 38,098 | - | 38,098 | 44,476 |
| Other trading activities | 4 | 9,262 | - | 9,262 | 11,707 |
| Investments | 5 | 67 | - | 67 | 62 |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 164,083 | 34,129 | 198,212 | 219,780 | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||||
| Raising funds | 4 | 4,221 | - | 4,221 | 4,522 |
| Charitable activities | 6 | 152,034 | 41,782 | 193,816 | 215,288 |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 156,255 | 41,782 | 198,037 | 219,810 | |
| NET INCOMING RESOURCES/(RESOURCES EXPENDED) BEFORE TRANSFERS |
7,828 | (7,653) | 175 | (30) | |
| Transfers between funds | (7,653) | 7,653 | - | ||
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR | 175 | - | 175 | (30) | |
| Total funds brought forward | 9,340 | - | 9,340 | 9,370 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 12 | 9,515 | - | 9,515 | 9,340 |
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form part of these financial statements
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
Registered number: 05471349 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
| Note FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 9 CURRENT ASSETS Stock Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand 11 NET ASSETS CHARITY FUNDS Restricted funds Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS 12 NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) CREDITORS:amounts falling due within one year |
2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 714 1,188 13,180 14,870 2,576 2,639 881 342 16,637 17,851 7,836 9,699 8,801 8,152 9,515 9,340 - - 9,515 9,340 9,515 9,340 |
|---|---|
| 16,637 7,836 |
|
The company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
The Trustees consider that the company is entitled to exemption from the requirement to have an audit under the provisions of section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 ("the Act") and members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Act.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 12 May 2026 and signed on their behalf, by:
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……………………………………………………………
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…………………………………………………………… Richard George Trustee
The notes on pages 9 to 16 form part of these financial statements
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Company status
The company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 2. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company.
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
The Way Of The Spirit 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.
Income
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.
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 company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
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.
Grant provisions
Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
Plant & Equipment, Furniture & Fittings 20% on cost
Stock
Stocks held for sale as part of non-charitable trade are measured at the lower of cost or net realisable value.
Goods or services provided as part of a charitable activity are measured at net realisable value based on the service potential provided by items of stock.
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.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the company has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
Pensions
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.
Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the company 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 company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
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.
2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Offerings and Other gifts Gift aid Legacies |
Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 100,761 34,129 134,890 143,372 15,895 - 15,895 20,163 - - - - 116,656 34,129 150,785 163,535 |
|---|---|
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| 4. TRADING ACTIVITIES Part-time school Conferences Other income Charity trading income Sales of books and CDs Charity trading expenses Cost of sales Net income from trading activities |
Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 2,663 - 2,663 4,295 33,666 - 33,666 39,829 1,769 - 1,769 352 38,098 - 38,098 44,476 Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 9,262 - 9,262 11,707 4,221 - 4,221 4,522 5,041 - 5,041 7,185 |
|---|---|
5. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Bank interest | Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 67 - 67 62 67 - 67 62 |
|---|---|
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
6. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Note Conference Expenses Travel and accommodation Grants to individuals Grants to organisations Ministry Staff 7 Property Costs Licences & insurance Legal & Professional Fees Other Administration Bank Charges Depreciation Independent examination |
Unrestricted Restricted 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ 36,430 - 36,430 42,706 8,787 - 8,787 13,620 - 1,046 1,046 18,192 - 40,736 40,736 27,403 84,708 - 84,708 88,018 9,351 - 9,351 12,223 2,110 - 2,110 2,106 359 - 359 468 6,560 - 6,560 7,258 2,655 - 2,655 2,320 474 - 474 474 600 - 600 500 152,034 41,782 193,816 215,288 |
|---|---|
7. STAFF COSTS
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 80,233 | - | 80,233 | 83,464 |
| Social security costs | 1,305 | - | 1,305 | 800 |
| Pension | 3,170 | - | 3,170 | 3,134 |
| Redundancy | - | - | - | 620 |
| 84,708 | - | 84,708 | 88,018 | |
| The average monthly number of employees during the year was as | follows: | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| Ministry | 4 | 4 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
8. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
During the year, one Trustee received remuneration amounting to £22,004 (2024 - £22,868).
During the year, one Trustee received pension contributions amounting to £880 (2024 - £880).
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.
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
9. FIXED ASSETS
| 10. DEBTORS 11. CREDITORS Cost At 1 September 2024 Additions Disposals At 31 August 2025 Accumulated Depreciation At 1 September 2024 Charged in the period Disposals At 31 August 2025 Net Book Value: At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024 Trade debtors Gift aid receivable Accruals and deferred income Other taxation and social security Other creditors |
Office Equipment Furniture & Fittings Total £ £ £ 3,346 214 3,560 - - - - - - |
|---|---|
| 3,346 214 3,560 |
|
| 2,158 214 2,372 474 - 474 - - - |
|
| 2,632 214 2,846 |
|
| 714 - 714 1,188 - 1,188 2025 2024 £ £ 1,711 1,839 865 800 2,576 2,639 2025 2024 £ £ 600 3,500 908 1,384 6,328 4,815 7,836 9,699 |
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
12. STATEMENT OF FUNDS
| Current year General funds Restricted funds: Mission Fund Prior year General funds Restricted funds: Mission Fund |
Brought Incoming Resources Transfers Carried forward resources expended in/out forward 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ £ £ 9,340 164,083 (156,255) (7,653) 9,515 - 34,129 (41,782) 7,653 - |
|---|---|
| - 34,129 (41,782) 7,653 - |
|
| 9,340 198,212 (198,037) - 9,515 |
|
| Brought Incoming Resources Transfers Carried forward resources expended in/out forward 2024 2024 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 9,370 190,346 (174,215) (16,161) 9,340 - 29,434 (45,595) 16,161 - |
|
| - 29,434 (45,595) 16,161 - |
|
| 9,370 219,780 (219,810) - 9,340 |
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THE WAY OF THE SPIRIT
(A company limited by guarantee)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 (continued)
13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Current year Fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Prior year Fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ 714 - 714 16,637 - 16,637 (7,836) - (7,836) |
|---|---|
| 9,515 - 9,515 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total funds funds funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 1,188 - 1,188 17,851 - 17,851 (9,699) - (9,699) |
|
| 9,340 - 9,340 |
14. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS
At 31 August 2025 the charity had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
| Expiry date: Within 1 year Between 2 to 5 years |
2025 2024 £ £ 10,750 5,375 17,917 - |
|---|---|
15. PENSION COMMITMENTS
The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £3,170 (2024 - £3,134). Contributions totalling £393 were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors (2024 - £476).
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