2023-12-31-accounts

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN GREAT CROSBY CHARITABLE TRUST

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS – 1 JANUARY 2023 to 31 DECEMBER 2023

2022 INCOME Refreshments 81748 Books / Cards 564 Donations 5664 Rents 1238 Events – Teas 1102 Interest 9 Amazon 12 Gift Aid 753 Grant for heaters TOTAL EXPENDITURE Food & Drink 19114 Wages 49058 Electricity & Water 6461 Telephone 847 Rent 3000 Cleaning 1600 Maintenance 1127 Insurance 1110 Equipment 3327 New Heaters St Lukes patio Sundries 490 Petrol /Transport 65 Gifts & flowers 500 PRS Licence / ICO 139 Stationery 200 Card Fees 539 TOTAL Net Surplus/Deficit Less Depreciation Charge Surplus (deficit) for Year	2023 88637 795 3478 875 1899 248 30 895 5000 91090 101857 20957 53302 6066 913 1000 1403 2515 1222 1898 5200 250 305 55 600 65 360 671 87577 3513 2000 1513	96782 5075 2000 3075

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

FIXED ASSETS	2022	2023
Leasehold Land & Property	62000	60000
CURRENT ASSETS
Bank Accounts	26189	31188
Petty Cash	145	151
Banking in transit	394	464
Stock	1412	1412
TOTAL ASSETS	90140	93215
ACCUMULATION FUND
Balance as at 1 Jan 2023	90140
Plus surplus for Year	3075
Balance as at 31 Dec 2023	93215

Accounts to 31/12/23 were presented by MS to the meeting having been examined by Graham Murphy of Crosby Lions.

• The year was our second full year of trade following the impact of Covid over the past years and it is very pleasing to see sales turnover at a record level of £88,637 (£81,748) with total income at £101,857 (£91,090).

• Donations stood at £3,478 (£5,664) but it should be remembered that in 2022, we had 3 years of the annual £1,000 donation from St Lukes to help cover our rent. Tithing contributions stood at just over £1,100 emphasising the importance of this valuable source of income.

• Our Christmas evening raised £798 an excellent contribution once again.

• Net effect of the above was a surplus of £5,075 (£3,513) and with the depreciation charge of £2,000 our reserves improved by £3,075 which is one of our best years of trade.

• Cash balances increased from £26,728 to £31,803

• We continue to invest in the premises and with the help of a grant of £5,000 raised by our Finance Manager, Richard Norris, we were able to upgrade to more efficient heaters which not only cut down on our energy bills but also maintain a warm and safe environment for all our customers.

• Once again, it is pertinent to acknowledge the contribution from some of our key staff.

• The Finance Manager / Company Secretary has overseen the Health & Safety issues as well as managing the claims under Gift Aid which have ensured we have been able to meet our Health & Safety guidelines as well as managing our cash flow.

• Our managers have continued with their excellent service to the local community. Without their unstinting support which extends well beyond the contracted hours, Crossroads would not have been able to enjoy the financial results as portrayed in these accounts.

• We are grateful to Geoff & Pam Stubbs who have continued the initiative established by Harry and Nora Harwood which effectively sees the bookstall and cards stocked free of charge to Crossroads so that every pound of sales filters through as surplus income.

• Rent receipts were down slightly from £1,238 to £875 and we continue to look for suitable new tenants to gain additional income outside of café hours.

• Charity Commission guidelines suggest cash reserves should be 50% of running costs and we strive to build cash to a level of £40,000 to meet this commitment.

• Whilst a number of fund raising initiatives have been held over the last few years, the longer term security of Crossroads from a financial perspective will be achieved if we can raise further awareness of this valuable ecumenical initiative and increase the number of people tithing each month.

• Since we launched this initiative, the annual tithes are running at £1,100 which is reduced slightly from a peak of £1,200 so we do need to continue to push for more support to secure the long term future of Crossroads.

• Whilst this is an encouraging year, we are conscious that with turnover at the levels quoted, we need to register for VAT which will have a knock on effect on our prices

as will the minimum wage increases and ongoing energy costs. This will be tracked by the Trustees in 2024.

Independent exominerfs rewrt to the CHURCHES TOGEfHER IN GREA TCROSB YCHARITABLE TRUST Accounts for the year ending 31. De¢ember 2023 Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner The Trustees are responsiblefor the preparotion of the accounts. They consider that an audit Is not requiredfor this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (The Chfjrities Att) ond tht7t an independent exomination is needed. It is my responsibility to L7) Examine the occounts undersection 145 of The Charities Act b) Tofvllow the prO￿dureS laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under sertion 145{5)(b) of the Charities Act) c) Stote whether porticular motter5 have come to my attention. Basls of the IndeperKlent Examlnerfs statement My examinotion wos corried out in (7ccordance with general directions given by the Charity Commissioner. An exominotion include5 a review of the accounting records kept by the Trustees and o comporison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of (Jny unusual items or disclosures in the occounts ond seeking explonations from the Trustees concerning ony such matters. The procedures undertoken do not provide oll the evidence that would be required in an t7udit. and consequently no opinion is given t7S to whether the accounts present a "true andfairf view, and the report Is limited to those motter5 Set out in the statement below. Independent Examiners Statement In Connection with my examination of the account, no matter ha5 come to my attention 11 Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in. any material respec( the requirements have not been met= a) To keep accounting records in accordance with section130 of the Charities Act bl To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act,. 21 To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the a￿oUnts to be reached. Signed dote 11 Independent Exominer Name e41) ilit/4 frl r?￿12 Pil Address 30 Q L9SL-nLwk o R i (/6- rt&si3./