2024-12-31-accounts

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN GREAT CROSBY CHARITABLE TRUST

ANNUAL ACCOUNTS – 1 JANUARY 2024 to 31 DECEMBER 2024

	2024		2023
INCOME
Refreshments	92254		88637
Books / Cards	796		795
Donations	3699		3478
Rents	265		875
Events – Teas	2583		1899
Interest	428		248
Amazon			30
Gift Aid	1232		895
Grant for heaters			5000
TOTAL		101257	101857
EXPENDITURE
Food & Drink	21168		20957
Wages	56538		53302
Electricity & Water	8158		6066
Telephone	1084		913
Rent	1000		1000
Cleaning	1515		1403
Maintenance	1523		2515
Insurance	1366		1222
Equipment	3243		1898
New Heaters & patio (250)			5450
Sundries	67		360
Gifts & flowers	500		600
PRS Licence / ICO			65
Stationery	292		360
Card Fees	757		671
VAT	14080
TOTAL		111291	96782
Net Surplus/Deficit		(10034)	5075
Less Depreciation Charge		2000	2000
Surplus (deficit) for Year		(12034)	3075

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

FIXED ASSETS	2024	2023
Leasehold Land & Property	58000	60000
CURRENT ASSETS
Bank Accounts	21447	31188
Petty Cash	208	151
Banking in transit	114	464
Stock	1412	1412
TOTAL ASSETS	81181	93215
ACCUMULATION FUND
Balance as at 1 Jan 2024	93215
Less deficit for Year	12034
Balance as at 31 Dec 2024	81181

Independent examiner's report to the CHURCHES TOGETHER IN GREA T CROSBY CHARITABLE TRUST Accounts for the year end ing 31 sl December 2024 Respeetive responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner The Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that on audit is not requiredfor this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (The Charities Act) ond that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to o) Examine the accounts under section 145 of The Charities Act b) fo follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145{5)(bJ of the Choritie5 Act) c) State whether particular matters hove come to my attention. Basls of the Independent Examlnerf5 Statement My examination was carried out in accordGnce with generol directions given by the Charity Commissioner. An examination includes o review of the Gccounting records kept by the Trustees and a comparison of the occounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning ony such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit ond consequently no opinion is given as to whether the occounts present a "true andfair- view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examiners Staternent In Connection with rny examination of the account, no matter has come to my attention 11 Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any materbal respect, the requirements have not been met: a) To keep accounting records in accordance with section130of the Charities Art b) 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 accounts to be reached. Signed yl date Independent Examiner Name Ci Il Ikiii4 M Mts kl)14 1/ Address ? L) fi &J-6-rt&vA 011 i L/l-- C ijog13 11

Accounts to 31/12/24 were presented by MS to the meeting having been examined by Graham Murphy of Crosby Lions.

• The year was our first year of trade subject to VAT as turnover has risen above the VAT threshold of £90K. Sales of refreshments were again at a record level of £92,254 (£88,637) with total income fairly static at £101,257 (£101,857).

• Donations stood at £3,699 (£3,478) with tithing contributions standing at just over £1,300, some £200 higher than last year and again emphasising the importance of this valuable source of income.

• Our Christmas evening raised £920 an excellent contribution once again.

• Despite the ongoing good performance of the charity, we are a victim of our own success and the VAT charge of £14,080 saw a Net Deficit of £10,034, our worst year on record. This is particularly disappointing as the surplus of £5,075 last year had helped boost our cash reserves for the third consecutive year. With the depreciation charge of £2,000 our total reserves decreased by £12,034.

• Cash balances decreased from £31,803 to £21,769

• 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 provide the high quality service to our customers.

• We remain 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 again from £875 to only £265 and the Labour Party were the sole user at the end of the year. 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 although the last year has been a severe blow to this aspiration.

• 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 only 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 £1,300 which is the highest since we launched this initiative. We continue to press for additional supporters.

• Whilst this was a disappointing year, it is noted that we had overpaid the VAT liability and are received a refund of circa £4.8K which effectively reduced the deficit to £5.2K, still a sizeable amount to claw back.

• We are conscious of the increase in minimum wage each year and will continue to raise prices whilst attempting to maintain a competitive offering to our customers.