## **CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER : 1128526**
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY**
## **STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
Tove Accountancy Ltd Office 6, Town Hall 86 Watling Street East Towcester Northants NN12 6BS
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
|**Registered Charity No.**|1128526||
|---|---|---|
|**Trustees**|G Robinson||
||Paul Hodson||
||Nathan Smith|(resigned 25th July 2023)|
|**Correspondence address**|Life Church Brackley||
||25 Westminster Croft||
||Brackley||
||NN13 7ED||
|**Independent Examiner**|Tove Accountancy Ltd||
||Office 6, Town Hall||
||86 Watling Street East||
||Towcester||
||NN12 6BS||
|**Bankers**|Lloyds Bank||
||30 Market Place||
||Brackley NN13 7BA||
|**Constitution**|Registered 12th March|2009|
|**Governing Document**|Trust Deed dated 15th|December 2008 as amended by resolution dated|
||9th February 2018||
|**Area of Operation**|Charity operates in locations in England and Wales||
||Brackley, Northamptonshire||
## **Objectives**
To advance the Christian faith and to relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health and to provide facilities for recreation in the interests of social welfare.
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
## **1. Structure, Governance and Management**
Life Church, Brackley has been led by a team which determines the strategies and spiritual direction of the church. This team has appointed trustees who are responsible for all required duties of the charity including legal compliance, finances, human resources and any property requirements.
For a list of the trustees serving at the date of this report and those who served during the period of these accounts, please refer to the leagal and administrative information page.
## **2. Objectives and Activities**
The mission statement of the charity is:
_"We are a church family of ordinary people living out what it means to follow Jesus Christ every day. We are a lively, relevant and relaxed church family in the heart of Brackley that is filled with the spirit of God and committed to: Learning, Caring, Worshipping and Sharing."_ (see www.lifechurchbrackley.com)
2023 was a year of consolidation, as well as being marked by the introduction of a long-term plan. The church's meeting venue moved from Brackley Football Club to Egerton Hall, which is a more suitable venue. The Football Club wasn't available every Sunday, so the new venue is more reliable as well as being in the heart of the new estate, and having a lower rental cost.
## **3. Risk Management**
Appropriate steps have been taken to ensure all necessary DBS checks are made on those with any paid or volunteer responsibilities where they may be required. All required insurance cover is in place.
The Safeguarding policy has been reviewed and updated and Safeguarding training sessions are delivered to paid and volunteer staff, including trustees.
An ongoing review of the other major risks to which the church could be exposed is undertaken and systems are implemented to mitigate those risks where possible. Both the risks and systems are regularly reviewed.
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY TRUSTEES REPORT CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
## **4. Achievements and Performance**
Numbers attending Sunday meetings have remained roughly consistent throughout the year.
LifeChurch Brackley works alongside Christians in Sport providing joint internships for young people. The following are some highlights from 2023:-
- Weekly Sunday services.
- Life groups continue to meet.
- Continuing pastoral support for people in need in the community.
- The church has continued to seek a new pastor. As yet without success, however the recruitment team are satisfied that the best approach has been taken. There is no urgent pressure to find someone - it is agreed that it is better to wait for the right person than put undue pressure and risk appointing someone not suitable.
- The paid staff now consists of a treasurer, an administrator and a children's worker. The team are mutually supportive. The cost is being met from ongoing income.
- Two community barbeques were held with excellent attendance, which helped to raise the profile of the church in its new location.
- The church held messy church events which continue to attract local families.
- Monthly prayer and praise events have been held and formed a key part of the children's spiritual life.
## **5. Fund Raising Policy**
LifeChurch, Brackley receives funds through regular tithes from members and weekly church offerings. It does not employ the services of a professional fund-raiser or commercial participator.
## **6. Grant Making Policy**
The intention is for the church to grant approximately ten percent of its income to external causes that are compatible and complimentary to the mission and charitable requirements of LifeChurch, Brackley. Mission disbursement for 2023 money has been set aside and allocated and payments will have been made early in 2024.
## **7. Financial Review**
Income for 2023 was £66,117 (2022 £49,536), and expenditure was £62,421 (2022 £42,042). Reserves carried forward were £120,521 (2022 £116,825).
Whilst this would ot have been sufficient to pay for a new pastor, reserves have increased and the church is in a stronger place to make an appointment than 12 months ago.
Investment in staff is intended to enable the church to grow in the long term, which will bring in an increase in income. Whilst reserves are significant, the Trustees view is that this is appropriate to enable the church to appoint a pastor with security of at least two years once an appointment is made.
## **8. Investment Policy and Performance**
The charity has no investment policy. Funds are held in a bank account to enable easy access.
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY TRUSTEES REPORT CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
## **9. Reserves Policy**
The trustees have agreed that a 4 month working capital reserve is suitable. There are sufficient funds to provide this.
## **10. Plans for the Future**
The church will continue with the activities carried out in 2023 which are outlined under the achievements and performance heading in this report.
A key plan for the future is to find the right person to be appointed as the new pastor of the church. However, as noted, the recruitment process in relation to this is ongoing and is being undertaken with care to ensure that the right person is chosen for the role.
Signed Declaration of Trustees:
Signed …............................... Trustee Dated: Print Name Paul Hodson
21st April 2024 ….................
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31st December 2023 as set out on the following pages.
## **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**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in any material respect:-
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- the accounts did 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.
Donna Rowan Gold
Dated 21.04.24
Donna Rowan Gold For and on behalf of: Tove Accountancy Ltd
Office 6 Town Hall, 86 Watling Street East, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6BS
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
|**Note**
**INCOME**
Donations and Legacies
3
**Total Income**
**EXPENDITURE**
Charitable Activities
4
**Total Expenditure**
**Net movement in funds**
Total funds brought forward
**Total funds carried forward**|**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
66,117
0
0
66,117
49,536
**66,117**
**0**
**0**
**66,117**
**49,536**
62,421
0
0
62,421
42,042
**62,421**
**0**
**0**
**62,421**
**42,042**
**3,696**
**0**
**0**
**3,696**
**7,494**
116,825
0
0
116,825
109,331
**120,521**
**0**
**0**
**120,521**
**116,825**|
|---|---|
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
||**Note**|**2023**|**2023**|**2022**|**2022**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Tangible Fixed Assets**||||||
|Tangible Assets|8||15||0|
|**Current Assets**||||||
|Gift Aid Debtor|9|0||2,474||
|Cash at bank|11|121,515||116,085||
|and in hand||||||
|**Current Liabilities**||121,515||118,559||
|Amounts falling due|10|1,008||1,734||
|within one year||||||
|**Net Current Assets**|||120,507||116,825|
|**Total assets less current liabilities**|||120,521||116,825|
|**Funds of the Charity**||||||
|Unrestricted funds|||120,521||116,825|
|**Total Funds**|||120,521||116,825|
## **Trustees responsibilities in relation to financial statements**
Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which comply with the regulations set out in the Charities Act 2011.
On behalf of the trustees
21st April 2024 Signed ….......................... Trustee Date …............... Print Name Paul Hodson
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
## **1. BASIS OF PREPARATION**
## **1.1 Basis of accounting**
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.
## **1.2 Going concern**
There are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
## **1.3 Change of accounting policy**
The accounts present a true and fair view and no changes have been made to the accounting policies adopted.
## **1.4 Changes to accounting estimates**
No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period (3.46 FRS102 SORP).
## **1.5 Material prior year errors**
No material prior year errors have been identified in the reporting period (3.47 FRS102 SORP).
## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **2.1 Income**
## **Recognition of income**
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
▪ it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources; and
▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
## **Offsetting**
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS102 SORP or FRS102.
## **Grants and donations**
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS102 SORP).
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
## **Tax reclaims on donations and gifts**
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
## **Volunteer help**
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.
## **Income from interest**
This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
## **2.2 Expenditure and liabilities**
## **Liability recognition**
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with
## **Grants with performance conditions**
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
## **Grants payable without performance conditions**
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.
## **Redundancy cost**
The charity made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.
## **Deferred Income**
No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts.
## **Provisions for liabilities**
A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
## **Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity**
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt. Depreciation is provided for at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life or, if held under a finance lease, over the lease term, whichever is the shorter.
|Equipment
Fixtures and Fittings
**3. INCOME**
**a) Donations and Legacies**
Tithes & Offerings
Gift Aid reclaimed
**Total Income**|33.3% Straight Line on cost
33.3% Straight Line on cost
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
54,992
0
0
54,992
39,812
11,126
0
0
11,126
9,724
**66,117**
**0**
**0**
**66,117**
**49,536**
**66,117**
**0**
**0**
**66,117**
**49,536**|
|---|---|
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
|**4. EXPENDITURE**
**Expenditure on Charitable Activities**
Donations & Sponsorship
Welfare & Hospitality
Wages & pension
Rent
Intern Costs
Advertising/Promotion
Evangelism and Events
Church programmes
Training & Seminars
Printing, postage and stationery
Telephone and fax
Repairs and renewals
Insurance
Computer Costs
Travelling expenses
Bank Charges
Subscriptions
Office expenses
Sundry expenses
Depreciation
Accounting
**Total expenditure**|**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
6,723
0
0
6,723
518
270
0
0
270
0
25,140
0
0
25,140
17,092
8,670
0
0
8,670
5,761
7,000
0
0
7,000
7,000
269
0
0
269
1,297
4,623
0
0
4,623
1,555
1,160
0
0
1,160
1,026
626
0
0
626
1,266
380
0
0
380
469
446
0
0
446
332
252
0
0
252
0
863
0
0
863
949
3,135
0
0
3,135
647
375
0
0
375
83
132
0
0
132
3
22
0
0
22
1,296
112
0
0
112
103
642
0
0
642
457
7
0
0
7
652
1,575
0
0
1,575
1,536
**62,421**
**0**
**0**
**62,421**
**42,042**
**62,421**
**0**
**0**
**62,421**
**42,042**|
|---|---|
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
|**5. DETAILS OF CERTAIN ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE**
**5.1 Fees for examination of the accounts**
**2023**
**£**
Independent examiner’s fees
1,008
Other fees paid to the independent examiner
0
**1,008**
**6.1 Staff Costs**
**2023**
**£**
Salaries and wages
21,626
Social security costs
2,401
Pension costs (defined contribution scheme)
1,113
Other employee benefits
0
Total staff costs
**25,140**
No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting
period of more than £60,000
**6.2 Average head count in the year**
Charitable activities
**1**
**7. GRANTS PAYABLE greater than £1000**
**2023**
**£**
Pro-Vision International
2,000
Brackley Food Bank
1,500
Academia De Baschet Amiral
1,500
5,000
**Grants to Individuals and Institutions under £1000**
Grants to Individuals & Institutions
650
**Total**
**5,650**
**6. PAID EMPLOYEES**|**2022**
**£**
1,008
0
**1,008**
**2022**
**£**
14,304
1,624
1,164
0
**17,092**
**1**
**2022**
**£**
0
0
0
0
518
**518**|
|---|---|
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
## **8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**
|Cost
01/01/23
Additions
Disposals
Cost at
31/12/23
Depreciation
01/01/23
Charge
Disposal
Depreciation at
31/12/23
**Net Book Value**
**31/12/23**
**Net Book Value**
**31/12/22**
**9. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS**
Gift Aid Debtor
**10. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS**
Accruals
**11. CASH AT BANK**
Lloyds TSB - Treasurers Account|**Equipment**
**Fixtures &**
**Total**
**Fittings**
**£**
**£**
**£**
50,160
7,701
57,861
22
0
22
(24,041)
(7,701)
(31,742)
26,141
0
26,141
50,160
7,701
57,861
6
0
6
(24,041)
(7,701)
(31,742)
26,126
0
26,125
**15**
**0**
**15**
**0**
**0**
**0**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
(0)
2,474
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
1,008
1,008
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
121,515
116,085
**121,515**
**116,085**|
|---|---|
## **LIFE CHURCH, BRACKLEY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023**
## **12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS**
|Fund Balances at 31st December 2023 are represented by:
Tangible Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year|**Unrestricted**
**Designated**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
15
0
0
15
121,515
0
0
121,515
(1,008)
0
0
(1,008)
120,521
0
0
120,521|
|---|---|
## **13. DESIGNATED FUNDS**
There were no restricted funds in the financial period.
## **14. RESTRICTED FUNDS**
There were no restricted funds in the financial period.
## **15. PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES**
There were no payments made to Trustees or connected persons other than for the reimbursement of ordinary charitable activity expense claims.
## **16. LEASE OR HIRE PURCHASE AGREEMENTS**
No finance leases or hire purchase agreements were undertaken in the financial period.