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2025-10-31-accounts

Burlington Baptist Church

Reports & Accounts Financial Year Ending 31/10/2025

Contents

Legal & Administrative Details Trustees Report Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activities Statement of Financial Position Notes - Accounting Policies Notes - Analysis of Income & Expenditure Notes - Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds Notes - Other

Legal & Administrative Details

Charity Name: Burlington Baptist Church Charity Number: 1126707 Charity Address: Burlington Baptist Church London Road IPSWICH IP1 2EZ Trustees: Christopher Simon Lacey Henry Matter Nathan Andrew Luetchford Jane Sarah Hewson Rebecca Elizabeth Garland Christopher James Hewson Paul James Timothy Boulton Alice Speedie Rev Claire Earl Rev Simon Harris Key Management Personnel: Rev Simon Harris Rev Claire Earl Name & Address of Primary Banker: CAF Bank Ltd Kings Hill 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ

Independent Examiner:

Vincent Chandler FCA FCCA

Moore Green Chartered Accountants 22 Friars Street Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2AA

Trustees Report

Objects of the charity

The Charity is governed by an Approved Governing Document which states that the principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination to include the advancement of education, community service and such other general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the church shall determine.

In particular, the charity has the purpose of providing for the advancement of the Christian faith in Ipswich and beyond, providing instruction for children, young people and adults in the Christian faith, holding public Christian worship, and having Christian fellowship with other Christians.

The church occupies premises which are held by The Baptist Union Corporation Ltd, on Trusts which are entirely compatible with the above object.

Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements

To further the above objects and vision, the charity\s main activities and achievements were as

follows:

Additionally, we provide:

Our Senior Minister has been involved in speaking at Christian conferences in the UK and overseas, teaching groups of Baptist ministers online, and offering peer to peer support to other church leaders. In this General Election year, prospective MPs were invited to a Sunday service to answer questions and share their vision for Ipswich.

In planning the activities, the trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governance

The charity is governed in accordance with a Constitution dated 30 October 2008 supplemented by approved relevant notes, a copy of which is available to members of the charity. In line with Baptist Union new and amended clauses ratified by the Charity Commission, the Constitution was updated in September 2021 following approval by the Church Meeting and Trustees to provide for virtual and hybrid church meetings.

Public Benefit

In planning our activities for the year, we have had regard for the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit at our Trustees’ and Church Meetings (addressing Sections 4 and 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011). In achieving the aims and objectives as set out in this report, the Trustees consider that the charity is fulfilling its requirement to deliver a public benefit. This is particularly shown by:

Membership

Members are admitted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution by vote of the Church Meeting on the basis of their profession of Christian faith, either by Believer’s Baptism or by affirmation. This year we have witnessed two baptisms and have a membership of 141. The list of members and friends is carefully reviewed as part of our three yearly Constitutional review schedule. Members are encouraged to assist the work of the church by volunteering to help in various organisations of the church.

Trustees

The managing Trustees of the charity are the Ministers of the church (appointed by the Church Meeting for an unspecified period), the Church Secretary and Treasurer and between five and seven deacons (appointed by the Church Meeting for a period of three years). The Trustees meet at least nine times per year to review operations, the financial position and any developments to ensure the church’s objectives are being fulfilled. Vision/Strategy meetings are held at least twice a year and include the wider staff team.

Church Meeting

A meeting of church members is held 3-4 times per year. One of the meetings incorporates the constitutional annual Church Members’ Meeting to receive the annual accounts and report, to appoint an Independent Examiner, and to consider proposals for the strategy and vision of the church in the coming year, along with other appropriate matters. At one meeting the Budget for the following year is discussed and agreed. Additional Vision Sundays are used to engage strategically with more members as appropriate through the year. The Church Meeting has responsibility for the overall policy of the church, in accordance with the Constitution. Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church Meeting by the Trustees for guidance or may be raised by members in a Church Meeting for further consideration by the Trustees.

Fraud Prevention

A Fraud Prevention and Tax Evasion policy is in place to ensure there will be greater awareness of the risks we face in this area, the necessary behaviour we expect from staff and volunteers and ways in which we are seeking to prevent fraud.

Data Protection

A Data Protection policy and procedures are in place to support our compliance with the European General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). This includes privacy notices and consent forms with on-line tools being used as much as possible for easier operation.

Financial Review

Financial policies

The church has established systems to properly receive monies in and to control expenditure in accordance with the Constitution and the directions of the Trustees and Church Meeting. Budgets are matched to anticipated income based upon previous years and anticipated changes. Financial guidelines have been approved by Members for the protection of the Church’s finances and assets and also for the protection of individual members of the Finance Team. The guidelines stipulate

who may authorise payments, and what processes should be followed when purchasing goods or services. The Treasurer is always a Trustee. The Finance Manager is a part-time paid employee who manages day-to-day financial transactions (income and expenditure) on behalf of the church, monitors and reports on the financial situation, and prepares the annual budget and annual accounts. The Finance Manager reports to the Treasurer. The Church Meeting is responsible for approving the budget. Similarly, the annual accounts are reviewed and approved by the Trustees’ Meeting and are then received by the Church Meeting. A comparison of budgeted income and expenditure against actual income and expenditure is presented to the Trustees multiple times per year. The annual church accounts are prepared by the Finance Manager and independently examined by external, qualified accountants. The accountant who will carry this out is previously agreed by the Church Meeting.

General Fund

All freely available reserves are held in the General Fund. The Trustees monitor the level of reserves and will address any shortfall or make proposals to the Church Meeting in respect of any accumulated surplus to meet the church’s objectives. The reserves also represent the working balance of the church, particularly given the claiming of Gift Aid in arrears.

Restricted funds

Monies are held in Restricted Funds where an appeal or a donor restricts their use, for instance to support the work of a particular organisation within or outside the church.

Designated Funds

Some monies have been designated for particular purposes and have not been included in the calculation of reserves as they are considered essential to support the running of the church. As well as holdings for internal organisations, the main Designated Funds is the Repair and Renewal Fund: The Church and Church Halls are over 160 years old and we have a modern manse and modern Church Centre. We need to maintain a Repair and Renewal reserve. Some big items of work, such as repairing roofs and windows are expensive and reserves are built up for these as needed. The Trustees recognise that if large or unexpected repair expenses occur, we would need to organise an appeal.

Living Wage

The church recognises that the mandatory minimum wage or the government national living wage may not be sufficient for people to be able to pay their bills. The optional but higher rate set by the Living Wage Foundation is implemented for all employees. Revised rates for the real Living Wage are announced each November. Pay for all employees and Minister(s) is increased from 1st January each year by the Baptist Union recommended percentage increase for ministerial stipends, unless this would leave an employee’s pay below the real Living Wage level set the previous November in which case the real Living Wage rate is used.

Presentation currency

The presentation currency is £ sterling.

Reserves Policy

Expenditure is controlled to match anticipated income based on annual budgets, with some allowance to build up reserves as prudent provision for known upcoming major expenses or anticipated deficits. The Reserves Policy is reviewed from time to time. Taking into account the Church’s current financial position, its annual income, its financial oversight, the potential for loss of key income and the need for adequate cash flow, the current minimum reserve level of three months expenditure, calculated across all non-restricted funds is considered prudent.

Responsibilities of Trustees under charity law

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).

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity as at the balance sheet date, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

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 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. 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.

Signature

This report was approved by the trustees, and is signed on their behalf by:

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Name Alice Speedie
Signature
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Dale 11 August 2026

Independent Examiners Report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Burlington Baptist Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31/10/2025.

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity’s trustees 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 Trust’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

The charity’s gross income exceeds £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable 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.

Independent Examiner’s Details

Name: Vincent Chandler FCA FCCA

Address: Moore Green Chartered Accountants 22 Friars Street Sudbury Suffolk CO10 2AA

Name Vincent Chandler

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Signature
Date 12.08.2026
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Statement of Financial Activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
Incoming Resources
Donations & Legacies 213,071 9,215 222,287 188,862
Charitable Activities 4,334 0 4,334 8,102
Investments 1,687 0 1,687 843
Trading Activities 23,788 0 23,788 23,859
Other 1,197 0 1,197 525
Total incoming resources 244,077 9,215 253,292 222,191
Resources Used
Charitable Activities 210,388 4,378 214,767 220,559
Raising Funds 0 0 0 90
Governance Costs 1,410 0 1,410 0
Support 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0
Total resources used 211,798 4,378 216,177 220,649
Net Incoming / Outgoing
Resources (before transfers)
32,279 4,837 37,116 1,542
Fund Transfers In 59,039 1,846 60,886 0
Fund Transfers Out 54,382 6,504 60,886 0
Net Incoming / Outgoing
Resources (before gains/losses)
36,936 179 37,116 1,542
Investment Gains (or Losses) 0 0 0 0
Net Incoming / Outgoing
Resources (before Asset
Revaluation)
36,936 179 37,116 1,542
Asset Revaluation 0 0 0 0
Net Movement of Funds 36,936 179 37,116 1,542
Total Funds Brought Forward 125,184 1,555,531 1,680,715 1,679,173
Total Funds Carried Forward 162,120 1,555,711 1,717,831 1,680,715
Represented By
General (Unrestricted) 128,964 0 128,964 33,548
Church Centre Reserve
(Restricted)
0 1,149,237 1,149,237 1,149,237
Community Hub (Restricted) 0 14,425 14,425 12,680
Elevenses (Restricted) 0 1,076 1,076 1,076
Open Door (Restricted) 0 289 289 -122
Property Reserve (Restricted) 0 389,669 389,669 389,669
Suffolk Tours (Restricted) 0 0 0 470
Tea and Toast (Restricted) 0 0 0 -123
Tearfund (Restricted) 0 15 15 0
Youth Fund (Restricted) 0 1,000 1,000 0
Fixtures Furniture and
Equipment Reserve
(Designated)
18,320 0 18,320 22,330
Repairs and Renewals
(Designated)
14,309 0 14,309 14,309
A Time to Sew (Designated) 528 0 528 1,149
BMS (Restricted) 0 0 0 190
Children’s Work (Restricted) 0 0 0 348
Cycling and Walking Hub
(Restricted)
0 0 0 0
EBA Church of the Year
(Restricted)
0 0 0 25
Eternity (Restricted) (Restricted) 0 0 0 15
Flowers (Restricted) 0 0 0 265
FORM Network (Restricted) 0 0 0 1,533
Happy Homes (Restricted) 0 0 0 5
Heart for Ipswich (Restricted) 0 0 0 250
Home Mission (Restricted) 0 0 0 0
Impact (Restricted) (Restricted) 0 0 0 837
Project Ruth (Restricted) 0 0 0 0
Projector (Restricted) 0 0 0 1
Rope Trust: Cookers for
Community Meals (Restricted)
0 0 0 0
Sanctuary Refurb Restricted
(Restricted)
0 0 0 -875
Special Gifts (Restricted) 0 0 0 50
TFI Move On (Restricted) 0 0 0 0
Church Weekend (Designated) 0 0 0 163
Coffee and Chat (Designated) 0 0 0 2,423
Duke of Edinburgh (Designated) 0 0 0 251
Equipment (Designated) 0 0 0 954
Eternity (Designated) 0 0 0 487
Impact (Designated) 0 0 0 121
Intern Fund (Designated) 0 0 0 4,558
Legacy (Designated) 0 0 0 1,000
Mission Giving (Designated) 0 0 0 182
New Projects (Designated) 0 0 0 36,400
Sabbatical (Designated) 0 0 0 6,045
Sanctuary Refurbishment Fund
(Designated)
0 0 0 875
Tiddlywinks (Designated) 0 0 0 389

Statement of Financial Position

Unrestricted Restricted Total Prior Year
Current Assets
Cash 138,744 17,255 155,999 108,235
Accounts Receivable 5,848 0 5,848 13,485
Prepayments 2,064 0 2,064 1,810
Total 146,656 17,255 163,911 123,530
Non-Current Assets
Fixed Assets 18,320 1,538,906 1,557,226 1,561,236
Investments 0 0 0 0
Total 18,320 1,538,906 1,557,226 1,561,236
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable 2,855 450 3,306 4,051
Deferred Income 0 0 0 0
Total 2,855 450 3,306 4,051
Non-Current Liabilities
Long Term Loan / Mortgage 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0
Net Current Assets 143,801 16,805 160,606 119,480
Total Net Assets (Assets Minus
Liabilities)
162,120 1,555,711 1,717,831 1,680,715
Represented By
General (Unrestricted) 128,964 0 128,964 33,548
Church Centre Reserve
(Restricted)
0 1,149,237 1,149,237 1,149,237
Community Hub (Restricted) 0 14,425 14,425 12,680
Elevenses (Restricted) 0 1,076 1,076 1,076
Open Door (Restricted) 0 289 289 -122
Property Reserve (Restricted) 0 389,669 389,669 389,669
Suffolk Tours (Restricted) 0 0 0 470
Tea and Toast (Restricted) 0 0 0 -123
Tearfund (Restricted) 0 15 15 0
Youth Fund (Restricted) 0 1,000 1,000 0
Fixtures Furniture and
Equipment Reserve
(Designated)
18,320 0 18,320 22,330
Repairs and Renewals
(Designated)
14,309 0 14,309 14,309
A Time to Sew (Designated) 528 0 528 1,149
BMS (Restricted) 0 0 0 190
Childrens Work (Restricted) 0 0 0 348
Cycling and Walking Hub
(Restricted)
0 0 0 0
EBA Church of the Year
(Restricted)
0 0 0 25
Eternity (Restricted) (Restricted) 0 0 0 15
Flowers (Restricted) 0 0 0 265
FORM Network (Restricted) 0 0 0 1,533
Happy Homes (Restricted) 0 0 0 5
Heart for Ipswich (Restricted) 0 0 0 250
Home Mission (Restricted) 0 0 0 0
Impact (Restricted) (Restricted) 0 0 0 837
Project Ruth (Restricted) 0 0 0 0
Projector (Restricted) 0 0 0 1
Rope Trust: Cookers for
Community Meals (Restricted)
0 0 0 0
Sanctuary Refurb Restricted
(Restricted)
0 0 0 -875
Special Gifts (Restricted) 0 0 0 50
TFI Move On (Restricted) 0 0 0 0
Church Weekend (Designated) 0 0 0 163
Coffee and Chat (Designated) 0 0 0 2,423
Duke of Edinburgh (Designated) 0 0 0 251
Equipment (Designated) 0 0 0 954
Eternity (Designated) 0 0 0 487
Impact (Designated) 0 0 0 121
Intern Fund (Designated) 0 0 0 4,558
Legacy (Designated) 0 0 0 1,000
Mission Giving (Designated) 0 0 0 182
New Projects (Designated) 0 0 0 36,400
Sabbatical (Designated) 0 0 0 6,045
Sanctuary Refurbishment Fund
(Designated)
0 0 0 875
Tiddlywinks (Designated) 0 0 0 389

Signature

These accounts have been approved by the trustees, and are signed on their behalf by:

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Name Christopher Lacey
Signature
Date 10 Aug 2026
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Notes - Accounting Policies

Basis of Preparation

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest pound.

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. The policies have been consistently applied in all years presented unless otherwise stated.

Going Concern

The Trustees consider the charity to be a going concern at the date of approving the accounts.

Key Risks & Uncertainties

There ae no material uncertainties that the charity can continue as a going concern for the next year.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity, Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Incoming Resources

Income recognition

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

Donations

Donations are accounted for gross when received. Fixed asset gifts in kind are recognized when receivable and are included at fair value.

Legacies

Legacies are accounted for on the earlier of notification of an impending distribution and the legacy being received, provided that the legacy can be properly quantified.

Resources Expended

Gifts Given

The Church makes gifts to other organisations whose charitable objectives complement its work, shown as Gifts Given in the accounts. They are accounted for in the year in which they are paid; payment is unconditional.

Governance Costs

Governance costs are kept to a minimum and primarily relate to independent examination of accounts.

Liability Recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure is recognized where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Land and buildings, held by Burlington Baptists church for its own purposes, are stated at cost. All maintenance costs are written off as incurred. No depreciation is provided on freehold properties since it is the Trustees policy to maintain these assets in a continual state of sound repair, and accordingly the Trustees considers that any depreciation charge would be insignificant. Functional equipment purchased for use within the church premises or elsewhere by Burlington Baptist church is capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis at the following annual rates

Pensions

The charity is a participating employer in the Baptist Union Pension Scheme which, prior to January 2012, was a multi-employer defined benefit pension scheme. The charity is unable to identify its share of this scheme's assets and liabilities therefore, as permitted by FRS 102, the entire scheme is being treated as if it were a defined contribution scheme. The last actuarial valuation indicated that the obligation to provide defined benefits gives rise to a funding deficit and the charity, along with other participating employers, must make additional contributions to remedy the deficit. The obligation to make deficit reduction contributions in future years has been included as a liability in these financial statements. Further information about this defined benefits scheme, and the charity's obligation to contribute towards its funding deficit, is disclosed elsewhere in the notes to these accounts.

Operating Leases

The charity has no operating lease commitments.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Judgements and Key Sources of Estimation

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors considered to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The trustees consider that there are no material judgements or key sources of estimation uncertainty requiring disclosure.

Concessionary Loans

The charity has no concessionary loans.

Notes - Analysis of Income & Expenditure

Analysis of Income

Current Year

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Incoming Resources
Donations & Legacies
Donations 184,501 3,455 187,956
Gift Aid 28,570 0 28,570
Grants 0 5,760 5,760
Charitable Activities
Event Income 4,334 0 4,334
Investments
Bank Interest 1,687 0 1,687
Trading Activities
Rental Income 23,788 0 23,788
Sales 0 0 0
Other
Other Income 1,197 0 1,197
Total incoming resources 244,077 9,215 253,292

Prior Year

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Incoming Resources
Donations & Legacies
Donations 146,167 6,109 152,276
Gift Aid 28,898 1,237 30,135
Grants 150 6,301 6,451
Charitable Activities
Event Income 8,102 0 8,102
Investments
Bank Interest 843 0 843
Trading Activities
Rental Income 23,859 0 23,859
Sales 0 0 0
Other
Other Income 525 0 525
Total incoming resources 208,544 13,647 222,191

Analysis of Expenditure

Current Year

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Resources Used
Charitable Activities
Activities 6,102 1,701 7,803
Admin 7,234 0 7,234
Advertising 0 0 0
Bank Charges 497 0 497
Depreciation 4,395 0 4,395
Event Costs 7,758 1,505 9,263
Gifts Given 11,552 734 12,286
Other Expenditure 0 388 388
Premises 42,969 0 42,969
Staff Costs 129,882 50 129,932
Raising Funds
Fundraising 0 0 0
Governance Costs
Governance Costs 1,410 0 1,410
Total resources used 211,798 4,378 216,177

Prior Year

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Resources Used
Charitable Activities
Activities 3,518 0 3,518
Admin 11,628 1,961 13,589
Advertising 0 0 0
Bank Charges 169 0 169
Depreciation 5,759 0 5,759
Event Costs 8,465 3,734 12,199
Gifts Given 0 0 0
Other Expenditure 11,518 4,019 15,537
Premises 43,651 90 43,741
Staff Costs 125,896 151 126,047
Raising Funds
Fundraising 0 90 90
Governance Costs
Governance Costs 0 0 0
Total resources used 210,604 10,045 220,649

Notes - Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

Current Year

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Current Assets 146,656 17,255 163,911
Non-Current Assets 18,320 1,538,906 1,557,226
Current Liabilities 2,855 450 3,306
Non-Current Liabilities 0 0 0
Total Net Assets (Assets Minus
Liabilities)
162,120 1,555,711 1,717,831
Prior Year
Unrestricted Restricted Total
Current Assets 105,337 18,193 123,530
Non-Current Assets 22,330 1,538,906 1,561,236
Current Liabilities 2,483 1,568 4,051
Non-Current Liabilities 0 0 0
Total Net Assets (Assets Minus
Liabilities)
125,184 1,555,531 1,680,715

Prior Year

Notes - Other

Volunteers

The charity benefits greatly from the voluntary contributions of time and money. Please refer to the trustees' report for further detail about volunteer contributions in the organisation.

Independent Examination Fees

Fees payable to the independent examiner for independent examination were: £1410 (fee payable in the prior year: £1290).

Staff Costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

Gross wages and salaries: £116,694, Employers NI costs: £3,420, Employers Pension costs: £8,410 (prior year: Gross wages and salaries: £111,010, Employers NI costs: £2,965, Employers Pension costs: £8,156)

The average number of employees during the year was 6 (prior year: 5)

No employees received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year or prior year.

Accrued holiday pay is not recognized in the financial statements as this is not considered to be a material component of total expenditure.

Key Management Personnel

The charity considers its key management personnel to be Rev. Simon Harris and Rev. Claire Earl.

The total employee benefits received by the key management personnel (including employer national insurance and pension contributions) was £72,097 (prior year: £68,575).

Trustee Remuneration

The two ministers included as "Key Management Personnel" (Rev. Simon Harris and Rev. Claire Earl) act as Trustees and received benefits in respect of their services as Minister, including the provision to the Senior Minister of manse accommodation owned by the church. Please see the "Key Management Personnel" section for details of employment costs.

During the year, no other trustees received remuneration.

Trustee Expenses

One trustee received a total of £793 for reimbursed expenses (2023/24: five trustees, £2,057).

Trustee Donations

During the year the total aggregated donations made to the charity by the trustees was £32,085. There were no conditions attached to the donations. (Total aggregate donations from prior year: £37,744)

Tangible Fixed Assets

Computer & Office Equipment Freehold Property Furniture and Equipment Total
Cost
Prior to 1st November 2024 4,207 1,538,906 35,732 1,578,845
Additions in financial year 385 0 0 385
Total as at 31st October 2025 4,592 1,538,906 35,732 1,579,230
Depreciation
Prior to 1st November 2024 3,100 0 14,509 17,609
Additions in financial year 894 0 3,502 4,395
Total as at 31st October 2025 3,994 0 18,011 22,005
Net Book Value
As at 31st October 2025 598 1,538,906 17,721 1,557,226
As at 31st October 2024 1,107 1,538,906 21,223 1,561,236

Debtors

Accounts Receivable

Description Amount
Gift Aid 4,385
Trade Debtors 1,463
Total 5,848

Prepayments

Description Amount
Prepayments 2,064
Total 2,064

Creditors

Accounts Payable

Description Amount
Accruals 1,410
Finance Lease Liabilities 0
Tax & Social Security 1,146
Trade Creditors 750
Total 3,306

Deferred Income

Description Amount

Deferred Income 0 Total 0

Analysis of Charitable Funds

Current Year

Fund Name Opening Balance Income Expenditure Fund Transfers Closing Balance
Unrestricted
General (Unrestricted) 33,548 241,516 204,210 58,110 128,964
Total 33,548 241,516 204,210 58,110 128,964
Designated
Fixtures Furniture and
Equipment Reserve
(Designated)
22,330 0 4,395 385 18,320
Repairs and Renewals
(Designated)
14,309 0 0 0 14,309
A Time to Sew
(Designated)
1,149 1,493 1,387 -728 528
Church Weekend
(Designated)
163 0 0 -163 0
Coffee and Chat
(Designated)
2,423 0 0 -2,423 0
Duke of Edinburgh
(Designated)
251 0 251 0 0
Equipment (Designated) 954 0 0 -954 0
Eternity (Designated) 487 1,068 1,555 0 0
Impact (Designated) 121 0 0 -121 0
Intern Fund (Designated) 4,558 0 0 -4,558 0
Legacy (Designated) 1,000 0 0 -1,000 0
Mission Giving
(Designated)
182 0 0 -182 0
New Projects (Designated) 36,400 0 0 -36,400 0
Sabbatical (Designated) 6,045 0 0 -6,045 0
Sanctuary Refurbishment
Fund (Designated)
875 0 0 -875 0
Tiddlywinks (Designated) 389 0 0 -389 0
Total 91,636 2,561 7,588 -53,453 33,157
Unrestricted Total 125,184 244,077 211,798 4,657 162,120
Restricted
Church Centre Reserve
(Restricted)
1,149,237 0 0 0 1,149,237
Community Hub
(Restricted)
12,680 1,745 0 0 14,425
Elevenses (Restricted) 1,076 0 0 0 1,076
Open Door (Restricted) -122 455 45 0 289
Property Reserve
(Restricted)
389,669 0 0 0 389,669
Suffolk Tours (Restricted) 470 0 470 0 0
Tea and Toast (Restricted) -123 4,560 1,246 -3,191 0
Tearfund (Restricted) 0 0 -15 0 15
Youth Fund (Restricted) 0 1,000 0 0 1,000
BMS (Restricted) 190 0 190 0 0
Childrens Work
(Restricted)
348 0 348 0 0
Cycling and Walking Hub
(Restricted)
0 0 0 0 0
EBA Church of the Year
(Restricted)
25 0 0 -25 0
Eternity (Restricted)
(Restricted)
15 0 15 0 0
Flowers (Restricted) 265 0 265 0 0
FORM Network
(Restricted)
1,533 0 867 -666 0
Happy Homes (Restricted) 5 255 260 0 0
Heart for Ipswich
(Restricted)
250 0 250 0 0
Home Mission (Restricted) 0 0 0 0 0
Impact (Restricted)
(Restricted)
837 0 0 -837 0
Project Ruth (Restricted) 0 0 0 0 0
Projector (Restricted) 1 0 0 -1 0
Rope Trust: Cookers for
Community Meals
(Restricted)
0 1,200 388 -812 0
Sanctuary Refurb
Restricted (Restricted)
-875 0 0 875 0
Special Gifts (Restricted) 50 0 50 0 0
TFI Move On (Restricted) 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1,555,531 9,215 4,378 -4,657 1,555,711
Restricted Total 1,555,531 9,215 4,378 -4,657 1,555,711
TOTAL 1,680,715 253,292 216,177 0 1,717,831

Prior Year

Fund Name Opening Balance Income Expenditure Fund Transfers Closing Balance
Unrestricted
General (Unrestricted) 27,285 200,059 193,019 -777 33,548
Total 27,285 200,059 193,019 -777 33,548
Designated
Fixtures Furniture and
Equipment Reserve
(Designated)
28,089 0 5,759 0 22,330
Repairs and Renewals
(Designated)
15,719 0 1,410 0 14,309
A Time to Sew
(Designated)
554 1,461 866 0 1,149
Church Weekend
(Designated)
0 163 0 0 163
Coffee and Chat
(Designated)
2,423 0 0 0 2,423
Duke of Edinburgh
(Designated)
292 220 861 600 251
Equipment (Designated) 1,115 75 236 0 954
Eternity (Designated) 781 4,293 5,687 1,100 487
Impact (Designated) 252 0 131 0 121
Intern Fund (Designated) 4,694 500 636 0 4,558
Legacy (Designated) 0 1,000 0 0 1,000
Mission Giving
(Designated)
182 0 0 0 182
New Projects (Designated) 32,130 0 0 4,270 36,400
Sabbatical (Designated) 6,619 0 1,624 1,050 6,045
Sanctuary Refurbishment
Fund (Designated)
5,045 100 0 -4,270 875
Tiddlywinks (Designated) 352 411 374 0 389
Total 98,247 8,223 17,584 2,750 91,636
Unrestricted Total 125,532 208,282 210,603 1,973 125,184
Restricted
Church Centre Reserve
(Restricted)
1,149,237 0 0 0 1,149,237
Community Hub
(Restricted)
10,518 2,342 180 0 12,680
Elevenses (Restricted) 1,501 207 632 0 1,076
Open Door (Restricted) -97 63 88 0 -122
Property Reserve
(Restricted)
389,669 0 0 0 389,669
Suffolk Tours (Restricted) 2,462 0 1,992 0 470
Tea and Toast (Restricted) 0 0 123 0 -123
Tearfund (Restricted) 5 244 249 0 0
Youth Fund (Restricted) 0 0 0 0 0
BMS (Restricted) 1 189 0 0 190
Childrens Work
(Restricted)
348 0 0 0 348
Cycling and Walking Hub
(Restricted)
0 4,301 2,329 -1,972 0
EBA Church of the Year
(Restricted)
25 0 0 0 25
Eternity (Restricted)
(Restricted)
15 0 0 0 15
Flowers (Restricted) 0 760 495 0 265
FORM Network
(Restricted)
1,677 0 144 0 1,533
Happy Homes (Restricted) 114 399 508 0 5
Heart for Ipswich
(Restricted)
250 0 0 0 250
Home Mission (Restricted) 1 189 190 0 0
Impact (Restricted)
(Restricted)
837 0 0 0 837
Project Ruth (Restricted) 0 0 0 0 0
Projector (Restricted) 1 0 0 0 1
Rope Trust: Cookers for
Community Meals
(Restricted)
0 0 0 0 0
Sanctuary Refurb
Restricted (Restricted)
-5,000 4,125 0 0 -875
Special Gifts (Restricted) 1,750 1,090 2,790 0 50
TFI Move On (Restricted) 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1,553,314 13,909 9,720 -1,972 1,555,531
Restricted Total 1,553,314 13,909 9,720 -1,972 1,555,531
TOTAL 1,678,846 222,191 220,323 1 1,680,715

Fund Transfers

Description From To Amount
Reimburse General Fund with Time to
Sew expenditure from prior year
A Time to Sew General 128
Net off matching accounts Sanctuary Refurbishment Fund Sanctuary Refurb Restricted 875
Contribution to Tea and Toast
Coordinator salary: Grant funding from
Tudwick Foundation
Tea and Toast General 449
Contribution to room hire for Tea and
Toast: Grant funding from Tudwick
Foundation
Tea and Toast General 819
Contribution to utilities for Tea and Toast:
Grant funding from Tudwick Foundation
Tea and Toast General 455
Close off trivial balance EBA Church of the Year General 25
Close off trivial balance Projector General 1
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
Church Weekend General 163
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
Coffee and Chat General 2,423
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
Equipment General 954
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
Impact General 121
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
Intern Fund General 4,558
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
Legacy General 1,000
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
Mission Giving General 182
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
New Projects General 36,400
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
Sabbatical General 6,045
De-designation of funds as per Trustee
Resolution 4 Mar 2025
Tiddlywinks General 389
Tx to General Fund as per decision from
Impact leaders
Impact (Restricted) General 837
Purchase of fixed asset from General
Fund
General Fixtures Furniture and Equipment
Reserve
385
Contribution to church heat and light A Time to Sew General 300
Remaining funds from Rope Foundation
Grant used for purchase of items for
community meals via Tea and Toast
Rope Trust: Cookers for Community
Meals
Tea and Toast 812
Contribution to Claire Earl (Intern leader)
salary
FORM Network General 666
Contribution to church for Time to Sew
room hire
A Time to Sew General 300
Contribution to Tea and Toast
Coordinator salary: Funding from Suffolk
Community Foundation through Suffolk
Giving Fund
Tea and Toast General 690
Contribution to room hire for Tea and
Toast: Funding from Suffolk Community
Foundation through Suffolk Giving Fund
Tea and Toast General 1,050
Contribution to utilities for Tea and Toast:
Funding from Suffolk Community
Foundation through Suffolk Giving Fund
Tea and Toast General 700
Close out negative project balance General Tea and Toast 159

Fund Descriptions

Name Description
General -
Church Centre Reserve Fixed assets fund for the church centre building
Community Hub Community Hub development project
Elevenses Donations for the missional community that offers hot food and drinks as well as
clothes, sleeping bags
Open Door Donations for the missional meal at Christmas
Property Reserve Fixed assets: Church building
Suffolk Tours Grant funded project to run tours for Ukrainian Refugees
Tea and Toast Grant funds for community project
Tearfund Donations received from church members to add to church mission giving to
Tearfund
Youth Fund Donations received for use in relation to youth work
Fixtures Furniture and Equipment Reserve Fixed assets
Repairs and Renewals Designated for repairs and renewals
A Time to Sew Designated for the Time to Sew Missional Community
BMS Receives church member donations to add to church mission giving to BMS
Children’s Work Donations from church members for children's work at Burlington
Cycling and Walking Hub Suffolk County Council grant funded project
EBA Church of the Year Funds awarded to Burlington
Eternity (Restricted) Donations from church members for youth work at Burlington
Flowers Donations to be used for church flowers
FORM Network Funds for running the FORM Network
Happy Homes Donations received from church members to add to church mission giving to Happy
Home (Kenya)
Heart for Ipswich Funds allocated for Heart for Ipswich (now Network Suffolk)
Home Mission Donations received from church members to add to church mission giving to EBA
Impact (Restricted) Donations for the activities of the missional community that visits a local hostel
Project Ruth Donations received from church members to add to church mission giving to Project
Ruth
Projector Donations for replacement of the church's projector
Rope Trust: Cookers for Community Meals Grant award from Rope Trust for the project "Cookers for Community Meals"
Sanctuary Refurb Restricted Sanctuary refurbishment fund
Special Gifts Proceeds from special collections to add to church mission giving to various charities
TFI Move On Donations received for Together for Ipswich
Church Weekend Designated for the Church Weekend
Coffee and Chat Designated for Coffee and Chat outreach
Duke of Edinburgh Donations from church members for activities of the DofE group
Equipment Designated for equipment purchases
Eternity Designated for youth work at Burlington
Impact Designated for the Impact Missional Community
Intern Fund Designated for work with interns
Legacy Designated in memory of those for whom legacies were donated
Mission Giving Designated for mission giving
New Projects Designated for new projects
Sabbatical Designated for ministerial sabbaticals
Sanctuary Refurbishment Fund Designated for refurbishment of the church sanctuary
Tiddlywinks Designated for work with babies and toddlers

Transactions to Related Parties

The custodian Trustee of the church is the Baptist Union Corporation Limited (charity number 249635), controlled by the Baptist Union Council. The church is also a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and the Eastern Baptist Association (charity number 1089795). The church made donations to the Baptist Union Home Mission scheme of £2,224 (2023/24: £2,400).

One trustee received a total of £793 for reimbursed expenses (2023/24: five trustees, £2,057).

The aggregate amount of donations received from trustees and related parties was £32,085 (2023/24: £37,744).

Pensions

The Church is a participating employer the Baptist Pension Scheme (“the Scheme”), which is a separate legal entity administered by the Pension Trustee (Baptist Pension Trust Limited). The Scheme, previously known as the Baptist Ministers Pension Fund, started in 1925. At the beginning of the 2024 financial year, the scheme comprised of a defined benefits scheme which was closed to future accrual on 31 December 2011 and a defined contribution plan which was opened in January 2012.The assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers.

For the current and previous financial year, the pension provision for members of the Scheme is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan. In general, members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members’ Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts, which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Broadstone Corporate Benefits Ltd. In addition, the employer pays a further 4% of Pensionable Income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provides income protection for Scheme members if they are unable to work due to long-term incapacity. This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva Limited. Furthermore, members of the Basic Section pay reduced contributions of 5% of Pensionable Income, and their employers also pay a total of 5%. In October 2024, the insurance company Just Group completed a buy out of the liabilities of the closed defined benefit scheme. From that date any remaining liability of the participating scheme members to defined benefit scheme ceased and the £1 per month deficit contributions payable by the participating employers which were agreed in the recovery plan approved in August 2022 also ceased from that date. Administration of the closed defined benefit scheme transferred from the pension trustees to Just Group from that date. The Ministers are eligible to join the Scheme.

Section 28.11A of FRS 102 requires agreed deficit recovery payments to be recognised as a liability. The present value of the agreed deficit contributions were immaterial at the beginning of the financial year and were fully extinguished once buy out was completed by Just Group in October 2024.