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2024-03-31-accounts

Annual Report & Accounts

1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024

Charity No. 1124554

Council of Mosques – Tower Hamlets

Praise be to Allah (swt).

The Council of Mosques (CoM) is an umbrella organisation that has been successfully working in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH) since 2001 to improve religious and racial harmony and act as a bridge between the Muslim community and local service providers.

Since our inception in 2001 as a small initiative within Tower Hamlets Council, we have evolved into a highly trusted independent charity that currently supports 59 member organisations and their extended communities.

Formally registered as a charity in 2008, we are continuing to grow each year and represent a diverse membership base of mosques and Islamic centres. CoM serve vibrant and ever-growing community of Tower Hamlets which has the fourth largest Muslim population in England and Wales — 38% — following Birmingham, Bradford and Newham whose Muslim populations were larger, but represented a smaller proportion of residents. (Census 2011).

Central to our approach is building strong partnerships through genuine collaboration and acting as an important conduit of information between the Muslim community in the Borough and the government and statutory bodies especially Tower Hamlets Council.

By building the professional capacities of our members and affiliates, consulting and advocating on local issues, and supporting and advising on community cohesion initiatives; the CoM is at the forefront of creating a modern British society that respects all faiths and cultures and draws strength from its diversity.

Aims and Objectives

The Council of Mosques promotes religious and racial harmony for the benefit of the public by:

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Chairman's Foreword

Alhamdulillah, the CoM has strengthened the bonds and relationships between the Mosques of Tower Hamlets. The CoM has continued to build the capacity of the Mosques and Islamic centres to support one another in the Borough.

Operationally this has entailed consolidation of the communication networks between the Mosques. We have continued supporting improvements in the governance and capacity for service delivery of its members, promoting community cohesion through raising awareness and a shared understanding of key social issues.

The CoM has also been working with other faith communities in Tower Hamlets. It sought to promote knowledge and mutual understanding between different religious and racial groups.

The CoM will work with all sections of the community for the common good of the society and to improve the condition of our community.

We have been instructed by the Holy Qur’an as follows:

“Help one another in righteousness and piety,

And do not help one another in sin and transgression.”

(Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 2)

This is one of the core values that guides the work of the CoM.

Hafiz Moulana Shamsul Hoque Chairman

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Secretary General's Foreword

It is my privilege to present the Annual Report for 2023-24 as Secretary General of the Council of Mosques Tower Hamlets. This year marked a significant period of recovery and growth for our community. Despite the challenges we faced in recent years, our unity and resilience have remained steadfast. We've not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger, ready to expand our impact and better serve our members.

Key Achievements:

In November, we launched the Mosque Engagement Project, a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening our connections within the community. We've also renewed our partnership with Tower Hamlets Council, paving the way for enhanced public service in the coming years.

As we move forward, we're committed to:

I extend my deepest gratitude to our members, volunteers, and the broader community for your unwavering support. Your dedication has been the cornerstone of our progress.We look to the future with optimism, ready to embrace new opportunities and contribute to a brighter tomorrow for all in Tower Hamlets.In the following pages, you'll find a detailed account of our activities and achievements for the last financial year.

Sincerely,

Sirajul Islam (Hira Islam) Secretary General

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Members List

  1. Aberfeldy Islamic Culture Centre

  2. Al Aqsa

  3. Al Huda Academy & Islamic Trust

  4. Al Huda Mosque & Cultural Centre

  5. Association Of Islamic Teachers UK

  6. Baitul Aman Mosque & Cultural Centre

  7. BBCA Prayer Centre (Burdett Estate Mosque)

  8. BCA Community Centre

  9. Bishops Way Community Centre UK

  10. Bow Central Mosque

  11. Bow Common Masjid & Cultural Trust

  12. Bow Muslim Community Centre

  13. British Estate Cultural Association

  14. Bromley By Bow Bangladeshi Forum & Muslim Cultural Centre

  15. City Bangladeshi Cultural Centre (Burhan Uddin Mosque)

  16. Coventry Cross Mosque

  17. Darul Hadis Latifiah

  18. Darul Ummah Jamme Mosque

  19. Docklands Community Organisation (Island Muslim Centre)

  20. Dorset Community Centre & Mosque

  21. East London Markazi Mosque

  22. East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre

  23. Ebrahim College

  24. Esha’Atul Islam Mosque, Madrassa & Cultural Centre

  25. Globe Town Mosque & Cultural Centre

  26. Hifzul Qur’an Islamic Education Centre

  27. Hind Grove Cultural & Community Association

  28. Island Garden Bangladeshi Cultural Association

  29. Island Gardens Community Association

  30. Lansbury Estate Muslim Association (LEMA)

  31. LCCA Masjid & Centre

  32. Limehouse Mosque & Muslim Cultural Association

  33. Locksley Estate Cultural Association & Mosque

  34. London Iqra Institute

  35. Madani Girls School

  36. Madina Jamme Masjid

  37. Mazahirul Uloom London – Educational & Cultural Institution

  38. Mile End Bengali Muslim Community Association

  39. Millwall Community Association (MCA)

  40. Poplar Central Mosque

  41. Poplar Mosque & Community Centre

  42. Poplar Shahjalal Mosque

  43. Redcoat Community Centre & Mosque

  44. Riverside Community Organisation

  45. Samuda Estate Bengali Association

  46. Shadwell Gardens TRA

  47. Shadwell Jamme Masjid

  48. Shahporan Masjid & Islamic Centre Trust

  49. Shoreditch Masjid Trust

  50. Solander Garden Muslim Education Centre

  51. St Johns Bengali Welfare Organisation & Prayer Centre

  52. St Peters Bengali Association

  53. Stepney Shahjalal Masjid & Cultural Centre

  54. Teviot British Bangladeshi Association (TBBA)

  55. Thames Muslim Society (TMS)

  56. Turners & Locksley Tenants & Residents Association

  57. Virginia Quay Steering Group

  58. Wapping Noorani Masjid & Cultural Centre 59. Westferry Community Masjid

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Governance and Management

Office Bearers

Chair Shamsul Hoque Secretary General Sirajul Islam Hira Treasurer M. Abdul Munim Jahedi Senior Vice Chair Faruk Ahmed Vice Chair Shamsul Hoque Deputy Secretary Mafijur Rab

Executive Committee

Faruk Ahmed M. Atik Miah M. Bashir Ahmed M. Musleh Uddin M. Musleh Uddin Mashuk Ahmed Dr. Muhammad Ali M Nurul Amin Ahmed Abdul Malik

Annual General Meeting & Elections

The Council of Mosques held its AGM and Elections on 18[th] November 2023. Yearly activities report and accounts were presented for the members to scrutinise, seek clarifications and finally approve yearly report and account.

The last AGM also launched the partnership work with LBTH, namely:

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The new Executive Committee was duly elected for the 2023-2025 term

Office Bearers Meetings

During the last financial year, CoM’s Office Bearers held regular meetings. Regular review of the current situation was done including oversight of financial management, strategic planning, partnership development, public profile raising, and strengthening member relations through visits and capacity building.

The Executive Committee

The ExCo met every quarte during last financial year and advised on governance, finance, policy issues and provided oversight for all the activities taking place during the year. They are the main decision-making body of Council of Mosques and hold the Office Bearers to account.

Staff and Volunteers

2 Coordinators were employed in February on a job-share basis to ensure all aspects of CoMs day to day operations and partnership work was fulfilled.

Volunteers total engaged

4 volunteers engaged in regular admin and events related work over the last year

Performance Management

The CoM Coordinators report regularly to the Secretary General who has oversight of performance management, advises the Trustees on staff issues and ensures the highest standard of service delivery.

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Capacity Development, Training, and Seminars for our Members and Affiliates

Developing Policies and Procedures

Council of Mosques has supported member mosques to develop policies and procedures for the after school, evening, and weekend supplementary classes (madrasah’s) in order to help improve the governance and to provide quality education in a safe environment.

The following policies have been developed and reviewed on regular basis for Council of Mosques members.

One of the key services we provide to our members and affiliates is building their capacity to provide improved services to their local Muslim communities. Our capacity development activities reflect the diversity of our members and their activities. We support them at the organisational level through professional development of their leadership team and staff.

Development of workplace policies, and communication capacities. We also focus on the needs of their communities and work with them to provide public

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seminars and training on issues such as child safety, education, challenges of parenting, and accessing public services.

Partnership Work Tower Hamlets Council

Public Health Workshop –Osmani Centre Trust

31/01/2024

This event was focused on preventing some of the most common conditions that reduces healthy life expectancy in LBTH.

This was great networking session on how public health can deliver their services to the local community via voluntary organisation. CoM contributed to the event by suggesting that we can hold workshops/talks in mosque e.g. Friday prayers where you can access large number of residents at one time.

Cost of Living – Leaflet distribution

February 2024:

In partnership with LBTH’s Cost-of-Living Crisis Team, we engaged with 11 Mosques to highlight the cost-of-living crisis and we provided the Mosques copies of the cost-of-living provision booklets published by the Cost-of-Living Crisis Team detailing support available for local residents to help them cope through the current crisis.

Cost of Living information was dessiminated at:

  1. Limehouse Mosque and Muslim Cultural Association

  2. Shahporan Masjid & Islamic Centre Trust

  3. British Estate Cultural Centre

  4. Darul Ummah Mosque

  5. Poplar Mosque & Community Centre

  6. Baitul Aman Mosque & Cultural Centre

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  1. Esha Atul Islam Mosque

  2. Mazahirul Uloom London

  3. Bow Muslim Community Centre

  4. Wapping Noorani Masjid & Cultural centre

  5. Al Aqsa

Ramadan Do’s & Don’ts

March 2024

CoM printed and disturbed over 500 leaflets Do’s & Don’ts to all mosques in Tower Hamlets. This leaflets promotes mosque users during Ramadan on what they should and should not be doing. For example, promoting car sharing during night prayers to reduce traffic and avoid littering etc.

Working with Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)

The Council of Mosques (CoM) is a national council member of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and continues to actively participate in national council meetings. CoM also consistently shares important information received from the MCB with all affiliated organisations.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is a national representative body for Muslims, comprising over 500 affiliated organizations, mosques, charities, and schools. It promotes consultation and cooperation on Muslim affairs in the UK while maintaining a non-sectarian approach to serve the common good.

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Treasurer’s Report and Independent Examiner

Review of Transactions and Financial Position:

The Statements of Financial Activities shows a surplus of £41,374 of this year (202223 £4,159, with the Balance Sheet value of £55,749.

Reserves:

The board has determined that the appropriate level of free reserves which are not invested should be equivalent 3 to 6 months' expenditure, approximately £9K to £18K.This free reserve is enough to service the planned reserve policy and the board is working to improve this further during 2024/25 with the view to collect more donations and grants.

Risk Management and Going concern:

The trustees recognise the major risks that the charity faces each financial year when preparing and updating the strategic plan and as such have developed systems to monitor and control these risks to mitigate any impact that they may have on the organisation in the future. With the commitment of grant from LBTH trustees believe that they are able to procure enough fund to keep the charity going concern as the charity does not have any capital commitment or liabilities.

Trustees' Responsibilities:

The trustees 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).

The law applicable to charities in [England & Wales/Northern Ireland] 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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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 Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.

Treasurer’s Report

Praise be to Allah who has given us the ability to work for the Council of Mosques. I would like to thank all the members who had re-elected me as the Treasurer of Council of Mosques – Tower Hamlets for the year 2023 -2025.

I am grateful to our donors and members who have provided financial assistance during the year. We are also proud to be selected by LBTH to run many community and mosque engagement projects and activities.

An independent examination was carried out by Abacus Partners (Ldn) LLP, Chartered Certified Accountants. The charity elected to dispense with the annual appointment of examiner. In the absence of a specific resolution to the contrary Abacus Partners (Ldn) LLP will continue in office.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime' and accordance with FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.

This report was approved by the Executive Committee on 8 September 2024.

Signed on behalf of the board of trustees,

Mohammad Abdul Munim Jahedi

Treasurer, 8 September 2024

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER TO THE TRUSTEES OF COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 15 to 20.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity’s gross income not exceeded £500,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ACCA.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

Nur A Chowdhury FCCA Abacus Partners (Ldn) LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit A, Abbotts Wharf 93 Stainsby Road London E14 6JL Date: 9 September 2024

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COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Total Total
Notes Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary Income 3 11,851 - 11,851 16,070
LBTH 4 12,983 51,934 64,917 -
Total Income 24,834 51,934 76,768 16,070
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Voluntary Cost 5 200 - 200 100
Fund Raising Cost 6 - - - -
Charitable Activities Cost 7 1,750 29,335 31,085 10,440
Admin & Support Cost 8 2,447 1,663 4,109 1,371
Total Resources Expended 4,397 30,997 35,394 11,911
NET INCOME /DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR 20,438 20,937 41,374 4,159
Fund as at 1 April 2023 (B/Fwd) 14,375 - 14,375 10,216
34,813 20,937 55,749 14,375
Fund Movement 13 - - - -
Funds as at 31 March 2024 34,813 20,937 55,749 14,375

The notes on pages 17 to 20 form part of these accounts.

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COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
Total
2024 2023
Notes £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS:
Tangible Assets 9 - -
Current Assets:
Debtors & prepayments 10 22,250 -
Cash at Bank and in hand 42,793 11,756
65,043 11,756
Creditors:
Amount falling due within one year 11 9,294 1,540
Net Current Assets 55,749 10,216
Total Net Assets 55,749 10,216
Funds
Total Unrestricted funds 13 34,813 10,216
Restricted Funds 13 20,937 -
Total Funds 55,749 10,216
----- End of picture text -----

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 8th September 2024 and signed on it's behalf by

Hafiz Maulana Shamsul Hoque (Chairman)

Mohammad Abdul Munim Jahedi (Treasurer)

The notes on pages 17 to 20 form part of these accounts.

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COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting Policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of accounts:

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with charities Act 2011, and "FRS 102 SORP 2015"- Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2015.

1.2 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it, it is probable that inocme will be received and when received. Donation recognised when received.

1.3 Allocation of cost:

Costs are allocated between restricted and unrestricted fund according to the terms of income.

Where items expended are mixed, they are apportioned between the categories according to the income they relate to.

1.4 Going concern

At the time of approving the accounts, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity had adequate resources to continue in operational existance for the forseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing accounts.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation:

Fixed assets for the charity use are capitalized at cost. They are stated in the accounts at cost less depreciation.

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:

Furniture, fittings and equipments 10% straight line

2 Incoming Resources

The incoming resources and surplus are attributable to the principal activities of the charity.

INCOME SUMMARY

3
Voluntary Income
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
£
£
£
Donation and sponsorships
11,851
11,851
11,851
-
11,851
4
Grants
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
£
£
£
LBTH-Community cohesion
2,083
8,334
10,417
LBTH-Mosques engagement
10,900
43,600
54,500
12,983
51,934
64,917
Total Income
24,834
51,934
76,768
2023
£
16,070
16,070
2023
£
-
-
-
16,070

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COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

EXPENSES SUMMARY

5 Voluntary Cost Unrestricted Restricted Restricted 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Volunteer expenses inc subscriptions 200 200 100
200 - 200 100
6 Fund Raising Cost Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Fund Raising Consultancy - - -
- - - -
7 Charitable Activities Cost Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Salary & Wages Note 12 - 11,780 11,780 3,524
Travelling - - -
Printing and stationery - -
Publicity & Publications - 3,222 3,222 572
Rent & Hall Hire 1,750 2,630 4,380 5,828
Telephone charges 363 363 394
Charitable activities Cost - 11,232 11,232 -
Food and Refreshments - 108 108 122
1,750 29,335 31,085 10,440
8 Admin & Support Cost Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Support Cost:
Salary & Wages Note 12 1,309 1,309 391
Repairs & renewals and IT expenses - 1,300 1,300 -
Telephone charges - 363 363 394
Bank Charges & Sundry Expenses 195 195 86
Insurance 193 193 -
Depreciation on FF & Equipments - - -
1,697 1,663 3,359 871
Governance Cost:
Salary & Wages Note 12 - - -
Accountancy fees 750 750 500
Legal & professional - - -
750 - 750 500
2,447 1,663 4,109 1,371
Total Expenses 4,397 30,997 35,394 11,911

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COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9 Tangible Fixed Assets:

9
Tangible Fixed Assets:
Cost B/Fwd
Addition
Depreciation:
Charges B/Fwd
Charge for the year
Net Book Value
As at 31 March 2024
As at 31 March 2023
10 DEBTORS & PREPAYMENTS:
Debtors
11 CREDITORS: AMOUNT FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Other Creditors
Accruals
PAYE
12 STAFF EMOLUMENTS:
Total wages and salaries
Employer's NIC
Direct Charitable
Admin and support
Avg No of employees: Direct
Employees paid in excess of £60,000 during the current year
and previous year
Furniture
& Fixture
Total
£
£
3,533
3,533
-
-
3,533
3,533
3,533
3,533
-
-
3,533
3,533
-
-
-
-
2024
2023
£
£
22,250
-
22,250
-
2024
2023
£
£
-
-
8,450
500
844
-
9,294
500
2024
2023
£
£
3,915
3,915
-
-
3,915
3,915
11,780
3,524
1,309
391
13,089
3,915
1
1
None
None

No Remuneration was paid to any trustees or their associates during the year ended 31.03.2024 nor at 31.03.2023.

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COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13 FUND MOVEMENT
As at 1 April 2024
Current year
Current year transfer
As at 31 March 2023
Unrestricted
Designated Unrestricted
Restricted
Fund
Fixed asset
Total
Fund
Total
£
£
£
£
£
14,375
-
14,375
-
14,375
20,438
-
20,438
20,937
41,374
-
-
-
34,813
-
34,813
20,937
55,749

There has been no fund movement and overall fund is positive.

14 TAXATION

The entity is a registered charity and does not undertake non-charitable activities and are entitled for tax exemption by the Inland Revenue.

15 POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There were no significant post balance sheet events.

16 TRANSACTION WITH TRUSTEES

There were no transactions with the trustees during the year.

17 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The company/charity had no contingent liabilities as at 31 March 2024 nor at 31 March 2023.

18 RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTION

There were no disclose able related party transactions during the year.

19 GIFTS IN KIND AND VOLUNTEERS

During the year the company/charity benefited from unpaid work performed by volunteers.

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