RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship Stockton-on-Tees
Registered Charity No: 1116634
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Contents
| Item | Page No. |
|---|---|
| Trustees Annual Report | 3-8 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 9 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
| Balance Sheet | 11 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 12-16 |
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees present their report and unaudited financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing documents, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019.
Trustees of the Charity
The directors of the charity are its trustees for the purposes of charity law. Details of the trustees who have served during the year and since the year end can be found on page 8.
TRUSTEES REPORT
1. Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship is a charitable trust governed by a trust deed dated 27th July 2006.
Appointment of Trustees
New trustees are appointed from time to time at the discretion of the ‘Spiritual Leadership’ with the agreement of the trustees.
Trustee Induction and Training
Current trustees are familiar with the ethos and values, and conversant with the Declaration of Trust of Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship.
New trustees undergo an induction process that gives them insight into the roles and responsibilities of trustees and the aims and objectives of the charity.
Following their induction, trustees are encouraged to participate in external training events that will benefit their role and are kept informed of relevant matters by the senior leader.
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2. Objectives and Activities
Local Needs
Ropner Ward (Parkfield and Oxbridge) is in the Stockton West constituency and is home to just over 9,600 people. Experian Mosaic Public Sector (EMPS) tells us it is likely to be predominantly home to single people and home sharers who are likely to be renting their homes from private landlords. Levels of household income are likely to be limited. According to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2019, it is the 4th (out of 26, with 26th being least deprived) most deprived Ward in Stockton-on-Tees Borough.
The Church building is situated in the Parkfield area of Stockton on Tees and suffers a higher level of crime and deprivation than an average part of Stockton, the Northeast, or the nation.
Significant levels of crime are committed in the area with a distinct link to drugs misuse.
The church runs different outreach and support activities. For full details of outreach and support refer to achievement and performance on page 5.
Organisation Summary
To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the statement of Beliefs in such ways and in such parts of Stockton on Tees, the United Kingdom or world as the Trustees from time to time think fit.
Summary of Main Activities
To relieve the sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind, including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of Stockton on Tees or the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit.
Public Benefit
Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship has been committed to the objectives set out in the governing document
We have actively been involved in promoting the Christian Faith bringing both love and practical support where the Leadership/Trustees deem appropriate, and particularly expressed through the provision of a warm and welcoming environment where local people can enjoy food, community and conversation.
We also support several ministries both locally & internationally including the support a child through an international child sponsorship programme.
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
There is a commitment to making sure we have the right structure in place to achieve our charitable objectives.
We feel over the last year that good progress has been made overall in developing a solid basis for growth.
We are an active member of a churches together multi-faith movement known as ‘Transforming Teesside Together’, delivering projects and serving communities across the Tees Valley.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Summary of Main Achievements
We continue to support through 2024 the regular commitments decided by the Leadership/Trustees.
There have been numerous occasions during the year where financial relief has been given within and outside the Fellowship
We have exercised a tight budget throughout the year.
Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship has been supporting local and international ministries.
We manage our own Gift Aid Tax claims, saving the charity significant fees.
Outreach events, regular meetings and drop-in events have been significant to the community and families of those involved in Rivers of Life Fellowship and the local neighbourhood.
The church premises are used extensively each week by both members and a wide variety of groups and projects.
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Sunday mornings - service for a Nigerian group
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Sunday afternoons - gathering for family groups.
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Sunday evening - service for members of Rivers of Life Fellowship.
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Tuesday afternoons - ‘Steel Grace’ women’s drop-in and support group.
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Tuesday evenings - Fellowship meeting and worship time for church members.
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Wednesday lunchtimes - Community drop-in/warm space for local residents and the disadvantaged.
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Wednesday evenings - young adults’ group.
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Thursday afternoon - ‘Crutch’ outreach and drop-in for the lonely, homeless and the local bed-sit community.
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Thursday evenings - Study group for church members.
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
- Thursday evenings - NPPSM group training meeting (Northern Prophetic School of Supernatural Ministry).
Visitors who access the building during drop-in times benefit from the assistance of visiting district nurses and support agencies who provide health checks, medical assistance, drug blood tests (with clean reward vouchers), drug awareness training and advice.
The local community policing team are regular visitors to the drop-ins.
The building is frequently used by ‘A Way Out’, a local women’s outreach charity to connect with local residents, especially vulnerable women.
Achievements Against Objectives Set
We have made significant repairs and enhancements to the building during 2023, particularly to two of our large visitors rooms, to provide a pleasant and welcoming ambience for both members and the many visitors who make use of the various services, drop-ins and meetings throughout the year.
We have made significant progress towards paying off a 7-year mortgage on the building and should make final payments in 2025.
Reserves Policy
It is the intention of the trustees to maintain cash-backed unrestricted general reserve funds as a minimum of three months of core expenditure, based on the charities size and the level of financial commitments held, and they estimate that a reserve of circa £3,000.The Trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in Income of unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable Charity Law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which show a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its financial activities for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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Comply with applicable accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
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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 operational existence.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They 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.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Total income for the year amounted to £26,511 (2023: £27,013) of which £1,308 (2023: £5,382) was restricted. Expenditure of £24,315 (2023: £32,445) was incurred of which £0.00 (2023: £5,382) was for restricted purposes. At 31 December 2024, the charity had unrestricted funds of £6,543 (2023: £4,347).
The trustees are satisfied with the financial position of the organisation at 31 December 2024 and are confident that the strategies in place will lead to the organisation being able to fulfil its growth objectives.
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Name: RIVERS OF LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON Charity No: 1116634 Principal Address: Lightfoot Grove Stockton-On-Tees TS18 3EE TRUSTEES Gary Leeming Elaine Briscoe Janet Clark Dorothy Mckay Stanley Johnson Bankers: Virgin Money 46 High Street Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1SB Independent Examiner: John Kumpalume AFA MIPA 6 Coatham Road Stockton on Tees TS19 8QY
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees on 16 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by Stanley Johnson.
Signature
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
INDEPENDENTEXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF
RIVERS OF LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Report to the Trustees of Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship on Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages 10 and 11.
Respective responsibilities of the Charity and the Independent Examiner
As members of the Charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements; you consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 3(3) and section 144(2) of the Act do not apply and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to
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Examine the financial statements under s.145 of the 2011 Act;
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Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act ; or
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(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Akondaawo John Kumpalume, AFA MIPA AJK Accounting Services Ltd
6 Coatham Road Stockton on Tees TS19 8QY Date 16 July 2025
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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Unrestricted
Total
Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
funds funds funds funds
2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
INCOME £ £ £ £ £ £
Charitable Activities 25,203 25,203 21,631 4,000 25,631
- -
Mortgage fund 1,308 1,308 1,382 1,382
Total Income 25,203 1,308 26,511 21,631 5,382 27,013
EXPENDITURES
-
Charities Activities 24,315 24,315 27,063 4,000 31,063
- - -
Mortgage fund 1,382 1,382
-
Total Expenditures 24,315 24,315 27,063 5,382 32,445
Net Income/Expenditure 888 1,308 2,196 - 5,432 - - 5,432
- -
Total funds brought forward 4,347 4,347 9,779 9,779
Total funds carried forward 5,235 1,308 6,543 4,347 - 4,347
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Fixed Assets | 2024 £ 6,543 |
2024 £ 85,000 6,543 91,543 |
2023 £ |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and Buildings Current Assets Cash at bank Total Assets |
||||
| 4,347 | 85,000 4,347 89,347 |
|||
| Long term liabilities | ||||
| Land and Buildings | 4,286 | 4,286 | 4,286 | |
| Net Assets | ||||
| 87,257 | 85,061 | |||
| FUNDS Unrestricted funds General Reserves |
6,543 80,714 |
|||
| 4,347 | ||||
| 80,714 | ||||
| Charity funds | 87,257 | 85,061 |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
For the year ending 31 December 2024, the Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Trustees’ responsibilities:
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The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
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The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board on 16 July 2025
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:
Chair of Trustees
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the current Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities and applicable accounting standard FRS102.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which Rivers of Life Christian Fellowship is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body, nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
This is the first year that the accounts have been prepared using the accrual accounting method and this has resulted in the adjustment to the opening reserves. There was insufficient information to prepare comparatives for all balances, however, comparatives are available on the Statement of Financial Activities.
Rivers of Life fellowship Stockton-on-Tees 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 note(s).
Fund accounting.
Restricted Funds comprise revenue donations or grants for a specific activity intended by the donor. Where these funds have unspent balances, interest on their pooled investment is apportioned to the individual funds on an average balance basis.
Unrestricted Funds are income funds which are to be spent on the general purposes.
Designated funds are general funds set aside for use in the future. Project funds are designated for particular projects for administration purposes only. Designated funds remain unrestricted, and the will move any surplus to other general funds.
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Incoming resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
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the charity becomes entitled to the resources.
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the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
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the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Resources expended.
Resources expended have been analysed using a natural classification.
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fixed assets
Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, less estimated residual values, of all fixed assets, over their expected useful lives. It is calculated at the following rate:
Land and Buildings Reviewed as needed for revaluation but not depreciated Church.
Other fixed assets are written off in the year of purchase. The trustees consider that this is prudent in view of the short life of these assets.
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ANALYSIS - DECEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Total funds |
Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Total funds |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 |
| Income from Charitable Activities | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| Donations | 9,589 | - | 9,589 | 8,636 | 4,000 | 12,636 |
| Offerings | 8,388 | - | 8,388 | 10,948 | - | 10,948 |
| Gift Aid | 7,210 | - | 7,210 | 1,240 | - | 1,240 |
| Mortgage Fund | 1,308 | 1,308 | 1,382 | 1,382 | ||
| 25,186 | 1,308 | 26,494 | 20,824 | 5,382 | 26,206 | |
| Other Income | ||||||
| Other Income | 16 | - | 16 | 807 | - | 807 |
| 16 | - | 16 | 807 | - | 807 | |
| Total Income | 25,203 | 1,308 | 26,510 | 21,631 | 5,382 | 27,013 |
| EXPENDITURES | ||||||
| Charitable Activities | ||||||
| Gas | 5,177 | - | 5,177 | 4,313 | - | 4,313 |
| Electricity | - | - | - | 1,249 | - | 1,249 |
| Water | 274 | - | - | - | ||
| Broadband | 372 | - | 372 | 360 | - | 360 |
| Guest Speakers expenses | 400 | - | 400 | 300 | - | 300 |
| Fellowship | 9,238 | - | 9,238 | 16,092 | - | 16,092 |
| Charitysupport | 4,326 | - | 4,326 | 3,633 | - | 3,633 |
| Warm Space | 945 | - | 945 | 431 | - | 431 |
| Mortgage fund | - | - | - | - | 1,382 | 1,382 |
| Repairs and Maintenance | 3,582 | - | 3,582 | - | - | - |
| Upper room | - | - | - | 685 | 4,000 | 4,685 |
| Total Expenditures | 24,315 | - | 24,315 | 27,063 | 5,382 | 32,445 |
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
3. FIXED ASSETS
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Land
Total
Buildings
£ £
At 1 January 2024 85,000 85,000
Additions - -
Disposals - -
At 31 December 2024 85,000 85,000
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024 - -
Charge for the year - -
Tota at 31 December 2024 - -
Net Book Value at 31 December 2024 85,000 85,000
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4. SALARIES AND WAGES
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2024 2023
Number of employees 0 0
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RIVERS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP STOCKTON-ON-TEES
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5. Funds
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Unrestricetd Funds Balance B/F Income Expenditure Balance C/F
£ £ £ £
Charitable Activities 4,347 25,203 24,315 5,235
Total Restricted funds 4,347 25,203 24,315 5,235
Restricted Funds Balance B/F Income Expenditure Balance C/F
£ £ £ £
Charitable funds - - - -
Mortgage funds - 1,308 - 1,308
Total Restricted funds - 1,308 - 1,308
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6. BANK AND CASH IN HAND
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2024
£
Barclays Current Account 6,543
-
Pett cash
y
Total 6,543
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