Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
Benin Christian Support
Charity registration number: 1111190
Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester West Sussex PO20 7EG
BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
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 13 |
BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Trustees
Miss Penelope Anne Waterman Ms Gill Kendall Mrs Deborah Susan Reeves Mrs Maureen Anne Sanders Ms Susan Mills (appointed 10 May 2025)
Charity Registration 1111190 Number
Principal Office The Annexe The White House High Street Thorpe-le-Soken Essex CO16 0EF Independent Examiner G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester West Sussex PO20 7EG Bankers HSBC Bank plc 63 Connaught Avenue Frinton On Sea Essex CO13 9PP
Page 1
BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The Trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2025.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Benin Christian Support is a registered charity, number 1111190, and is constituted under a Trust deed.
Recruitment and appointment of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
The Trustees look for persons of proven integrity who share the vision and objectives of the Trust and who have relevant wisdom and experience to contribute to the running of the Charity.
Induction and training of trustees
Each new Trustee is provided with the relevant Charity Commission publications a copy of the constitution and at a meeting with the Chairman fully briefed on the operation of the Trust and the responsibilities of Trustees.
Organisational structure
The charity is governed by a board of Trustees.
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 exposure to the major risks.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
The objects of the charity are:
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The relief of sickness and the preservation of health and welfare among people residing permanently or temporarily in Benin, West Africa.
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The relief of financial hardship among those living or working in Benin by providing such persons with education.
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The relief of financial hardship either generally or individually of people living in Benin by providing or paying for goods,services and facilities.
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.
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BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Use of volunteers
The Trustees would like to thank all those who have given their time, energy and resources in making it possible for the charity to function smoothly and in a unified fashion.
Achievements and performance
Review of activities
Despite the many world challenges for charities at the present time, Benin Christian Support managed to send a team on Mission in November 2024, the first since 2017, the pandemic having caused many problems for people being able to travel worldwide.
The House of Hope children are mainly housed in smaller accommodation now, some independently, for those who now have work, a wife and a growing family. Others we are supporting with accommodation while they continue with their studies in college, university or on apprenticeship courses.
We have paid for many, many primary school children to have an education until they are eleven years old. Also supplying all the books and materials needed for every person we have in education.
An ongoing project with the Scouts continues with the group now starting, an added project, to look after thirty orphans in their local community.
BCS have now been going for 20 years. In that time hundreds of Benin children have received an education. Many operations and medical treatments have been paid for by our donors, sponsors and supporters and we are working hard to continue our work, despite many worldwide governmental challenges which have resulted in difficulties in raising funds for NGO's.
We continue to get many requests for humanitarian aid, medical and medicines which we try our best to help accommodate with the funds we receive.
Financial review
The income for the year amounted to £30,324 (2024 - £40,680) and expenditure £46,525 (2024 - £31,291). Fund balances at year end were £6,131 (2024 - £22,332).
Investment policy and objectives
At the present time the income of the charity is fully committed on a month by month basis. The Trustees will apply an investment policy if surplus funds arise in the future.
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.
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BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
Statement of Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for Preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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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 business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that 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, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution. The Trustees 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 irregularities.
The annual report was approved by the Trustees of the charity on 12 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
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Miss Penelope Anne Waterman Trustee
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BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Benin Christian Support for the year ended 31 May 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity Trustees of Benin Christian Support 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 Benin Christian Support'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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of Benin Christian Support as required by section 130 of the 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 concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
...................................... ft G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester West Sussex PO20 7EG
12 December 2025
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BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
| Note Unrestricted funds £ Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 17,285 Investment income 3 214 Total income 17,499 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 33,700 Total expenditure 33,700 Net (expenditure)/income (16,201) Net movement in funds (16,201) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 22,332 Total funds carried forward 8 6,131 |
Restricted funds £ 12,825 - 12,825 12,825 12,825 - - - - |
Total 2025 £ 30,110 214 30,324 46,525 46,525 (16,201) (16,201) 22,332 6,131 |
Total 2024 £ 40,523 157 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40,680 | |||
| 31,291 | |||
| 31,291 | |||
| 9,389 | |||
| 9,389 12,943 |
|||
| 22,332 |
The notes on pages 8 to 13 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6
BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MAY 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | |||
| Debtors | 6 | 623 | 3,870 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 5,984 | 18,902 | |
| 6,607 | 22,772 | ||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year | 7 | (476) | (440) |
| Net assets | 6,131 | 22,332 | |
| Funds of the charity: | |||
| Unrestricted income funds | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 6,131 | 22,332 | |
| Totalfunds | g | 6,131 | 22,332 |
The financial statements on pages 6 to 13 were approved by the Trustees, and authorised for issue on 12 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Miss Penelope Anne Waterman Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 13 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7
BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025
1 Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Benin Christian Support meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
Going concern
The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income and endowments
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
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.
Investment income
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.
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BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 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.
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.
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 charity 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.
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BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025 (CONTINUED)
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.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The 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.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies; Donations Gift aid reclaimed 3 Investment income Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits |
Unrestricted funds General £ 13,950 3,335 17,285 Unrestricted funds General £ 214 |
Restricted funds £ 12,825 - 12,825 Restricted funds £ - |
Total 2025 £ 26,775 3,335 30,110 Total 2025 £ 214 |
Total 2024 £ 35,150 5,373 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40,523 | ||||
| Total 2024 £ 157 |
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BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025 (CONTINUED)
4 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Africa mission Medical Child sponsorship Orphans Humanitarian/food Charitable Motor and travel Office costs Bank charges Other costs Independent examination |
Unrestricted funds General £ - 457 - 5,351 7,749 2,253 12,406 2,323 201 2,444 516 33,700 |
Restricted funds £ 3,187 1,084 8,554 - - - - - - - - 12,825 |
Total 2025 £ 3,187 1,541 8,554 5,351 7,749 2,253 12,406 2,323 201 2,444 516 46,525 |
Total 2024 £ 680 2,508 9,450 5,799 5,258 2,245 1,054 2,675 167 975 480 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31,291 |
5 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No Trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
No Trustees have received any reimbursed expenses or any other benefits from the charity during the year.
6 Debtors
| 6 Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Accrued income Other debtors |
2025 £ 378 245 623 |
2024 £ 2,891 979 |
| 3,870 |
Debtors includes £Nil (2024: £245) receivable after more than one year.
| Other debtors | 2025 £ - |
2024 £ 245 |
|---|---|---|
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BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025 (CONTINUED)
| 7 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals 8 Funds Balance at 1 June 2024 £ Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General General Funds 22,332 17,499 Restricted funds Africa mission - 3,187 Child sponsorship - 8,554 Medical - 1,084 - 12,825 Total funds 22,332 30,324 Balance at 1 June 2023 £ Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds General General Funds 12,943 28,584 Restricted funds Africa mission - 680 Child sponsorship - 9,450 Medical - 1,966 - 12,096 Total funds 12,943 40,680 |
2025 £ 476 Resources expended £ (33,700) (3,187) (8,554) (1,084) (12,825) (46,525) Resources expended £ (19,195) (680) (9,450) (1,966) (12,096) (31,291) |
2024 £ 440 |
|---|---|---|
| Balance at 31 May 2025 £ 6,131 - - - |
||
| - | ||
| 6,131 | ||
| Balance at 31 May 2024 £ 22,332 - - - |
||
| - | ||
| 22,332 |
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BENIN CHRISTIAN SUPPORT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2025 (CONTINUED)
9 Analysis of net assets between funds
| 9 Analysis of net assets between funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ 6,607 (476) 6,131 Unrestricted funds General £ 22,772 (440) 22,332 |
Total funds at 31 May 2025 £ 6,607 (476) |
| 6,131 | ||
| Total funds at 31 May 2024 £ 22,772 (440) |
||
| 22,332 |
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