## **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: 

- Provision of Sunday public worship (celebration). Usually, one main service at 10.45am and age-appropriate teaching for children and young people. The service is recorded and made available online via our website and podcast service (primarily Apple & Spotify), which extends our reach across the UK and abroad. 

- Bring and share lunches after a Sunday celebration at least twice a year, and hot refreshments served weekly. 

- Provision of a variety of groups and services developing community (termed Burlington Communities). These include Small groups for friendship and Christian support and learning; Ring of Fire (men’s group); Missional focused groups for friendship, Christian support and learning usually offering a wider service to the public community, (e.g. A Time to Sew and Elevenses); Refugee, Asylum Seeking and Migration Support (seeking to support Ukrainians in the town); Songwriting group; Burlington Football. 

Additionally, we provide: 

- Extra teaching through various courses eg. Alpha. 

- Extra opportunities for learning and friendship for children and young people eg 8-11 and Emerge, Youth Drop-in evenings, worship events, Children’s & Youth Camps and Duke of Edinburgh scheme. 

- Links to other Christian churches in our locality, eg. holding combined celebration services and sharing the journey of the Daniel Fast for three weeks each January. We are also involved with Together for Ipswich, which is a collective of approximately 80 churches from several denominations working collaboratively and in partnership with the Council and local agencies to bring about change in the town. Several church members hold key volunteer roles with Together for Ipswich. 



- Links to the wider Christian community to provide additional public services eg, Inspire Christian Counselling, CAP (Christians Against Poverty), Route 2 Freedom (support for those caught up in addiction) and various initiatives supporting Ukrainian families in Ipswich. 

- Care for our community through our Pastoral Team including home and hospital visits and communion to those who are housebound. Our harvest thanksgiving offering enables us to provide food parcels to those in need. 

- Prayer Ministry Appointments offering specific help and support for people with emotional needs. 

- Christian weddings, dedications, baptisms and funerals. 

- Internship opportunities for 18-25-year-olds. 

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: 

- Public opportunity to attend worship events on Sundays, with key events being advertised on our website. 

- Open access activities for children eg. Tiddlywinks, youth, and young adults eg. Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, sewing café, those in need in Ipswich eg. Elevenses, Open Door Christmas Day meal. 

- Support for publicly accessible mission activities locally eg. Inspire, CYM; nationally eg Home Mission; and internationally eg. BMS, Project Ruth (Romania), Path to Victory (Kyrgyzstan) and Happy Home (Kenya). 



## 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: 

- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

- make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and 

- prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. 

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: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Name                          Alice Speedie<br>Signature<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




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 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Signature<br>Date  12.08.2026<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




## **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<br>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<br>Resources (before gains/losses)|36,936|179|37,116|1,542|
||||||
|Investment Gains (or Losses)|0|0|0|0|
|Net Incoming / Outgoing<br>Resources (before Asset<br>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<br>(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<br>Equipment Reserve<br>(Designated)|18,320|0|18,320|22,330|
|Repairs and Renewals<br>(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<br>(Restricted)|0|0|0|0|
|EBA Church of the Year<br>(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<br>Community Meals (Restricted)|0|0|0|0|
|Sanctuary Refurb Restricted<br>(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<br>(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<br>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<br>(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<br>Equipment Reserve<br>(Designated)|18,320|0|18,320|22,330|
|Repairs and Renewals<br>(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<br>(Restricted)|0|0|0|0|
|EBA Church of the Year<br>(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<br>Community Meals (Restricted)|0|0|0|0|
|Sanctuary Refurb Restricted<br>(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<br>(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: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Name  Christopher Lacey<br>Signature<br>Date  10 Aug 2026<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




## **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 

- Fixtures, furniture & equipment 10% 

- Computer equipment 25% 

## **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<br>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<br>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<br>Equipment Reserve<br>(Designated)|22,330|0|4,395|385|18,320|
|Repairs and Renewals<br>(Designated)|14,309|0|0|0|14,309|
|A Time to Sew<br>(Designated)|1,149|1,493|1,387|-728|528|
|Church Weekend<br>(Designated)|163|0|0|-163|0|
|Coffee and Chat<br>(Designated)|2,423|0|0|-2,423|0|
|Duke of Edinburgh<br>(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<br>(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<br>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<br>(Restricted)|1,149,237|0|0|0|1,149,237|
|Community Hub<br>(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<br>(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<br>(Restricted)|348|0|348|0|0|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Cycling and Walking Hub<br>(Restricted)|0|0|0|0|0|
|EBA Church of the Year<br>(Restricted)|25|0|0|-25|0|
|Eternity (Restricted)<br>(Restricted)|15|0|15|0|0|
|Flowers (Restricted)|265|0|265|0|0|
|FORM Network<br>(Restricted)|1,533|0|867|-666|0|
|Happy Homes (Restricted)|5|255|260|0|0|
|Heart for Ipswich<br>(Restricted)|250|0|250|0|0|
|Home Mission (Restricted)|0|0|0|0|0|
|Impact (Restricted)<br>(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<br>Community Meals<br>(Restricted)|0|1,200|388|-812|0|
|Sanctuary Refurb<br>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<br>Equipment Reserve<br>(Designated)|28,089|0|5,759|0|22,330|
|Repairs and Renewals<br>(Designated)|15,719|0|1,410|0|14,309|
|A Time to Sew<br>(Designated)|554|1,461|866|0|1,149|
|Church Weekend<br>(Designated)|0|163|0|0|163|
|Coffee and Chat<br>(Designated)|2,423|0|0|0|2,423|
|Duke of Edinburgh<br>(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<br>(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<br>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<br>(Restricted)|1,149,237|0|0|0|1,149,237|
|Community Hub<br>(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<br>(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<br>(Restricted)|348|0|0|0|348|
|Cycling and Walking Hub<br>(Restricted)|0|4,301|2,329|-1,972|0|
|EBA Church of the Year<br>(Restricted)|25|0|0|0|25|
|Eternity (Restricted)<br>(Restricted)|15|0|0|0|15|
|Flowers (Restricted)|0|760|495|0|265|
|FORM Network<br>(Restricted)|1,677|0|144|0|1,533|
|Happy Homes (Restricted)|114|399|508|0|5|
|Heart for Ipswich<br>(Restricted)|250|0|0|0|250|
|Home Mission (Restricted)|1|189|190|0|0|
|Impact (Restricted)<br>(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<br>Community Meals<br>(Restricted)|0|0|0|0|0|
|Sanctuary Refurb<br>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<br>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<br>Coordinator salary: Grant funding from<br>Tudwick Foundation|Tea and Toast|General|449|
|Contribution to room hire for Tea and<br>Toast: Grant funding from Tudwick<br>Foundation|Tea and Toast|General|819|
|Contribution to utilities for Tea and Toast:<br>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<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|Church Weekend|General|163|
|De-designation of funds as per Trustee<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|Coffee and Chat|General|2,423|
|De-designation of funds as per Trustee<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|Equipment|General|954|
|De-designation of funds as per Trustee<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|Impact|General|121|
|De-designation of funds as per Trustee<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|Intern Fund|General|4,558|
|De-designation of funds as per Trustee<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|Legacy|General|1,000|
|De-designation of funds as per Trustee<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|Mission Giving|General|182|
|De-designation of funds as per Trustee<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|New Projects|General|36,400|
|De-designation of funds as per Trustee<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|Sabbatical|General|6,045|
|De-designation of funds as per Trustee<br>Resolution 4 Mar 2025|Tiddlywinks|General|389|
|Tx to General Fund as per decision from<br>Impact leaders|Impact (Restricted)|General|837|
|Purchase of fixed asset from General<br>Fund|General|Fixtures Furniture and Equipment<br>Reserve|385|
|Contribution to church heat and light|A Time to Sew|General|300|
|Remaining funds from Rope Foundation<br>Grant used for purchase of items for<br>community meals via Tea and Toast|Rope Trust: Cookers for Community<br>Meals|Tea and Toast|812|
|Contribution to Claire Earl (Intern leader)<br>salary|FORM Network|General|666|
|Contribution to church for Time to Sew<br>room hire|A Time to Sew|General|300|
|Contribution to Tea and Toast<br>Coordinator salary: Funding from Suffolk<br>Community Foundation through Suffolk<br>Giving Fund|Tea and Toast|General|690|
|Contribution to room hire for Tea and<br>Toast: Funding from Suffolk Community<br>Foundation through Suffolk Giving Fund|Tea and Toast|General|1,050|





|Contribution to utilities for Tea and Toast:<br>Funding from Suffolk Community<br>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<br>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<br>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<br>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<br>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.