Charity number: 1129360
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 7 |
| Independent examiner's report | 8 |
| Statement of financial activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11 - 24 |
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Trustees | Miss J A Edwards, Chair of Trustees |
|---|---|
| Mr F P Hills, Trustee | |
| Mr S Fox, Trustee | |
| Mr P R Willans, Treasurer | |
| Mrs J Hirst, Trustee | |
| Mr B T Hughes, Trustee | |
| Rev. A Olasunkanmi, Trustee (appointed 9 March 2025) | |
| Rev. B R A Marlowe, Trustee (resigned 30 September 2025) | |
| Mr P Wallach, Trustee (resigned 16 August 2025) | |
| Charity registered number 1129360 Principal office Southborough Lane Petts Wood Kent BR2 8BQ Accountant Paul Baker FFA FAIA 50A Clifford Way Maidstone ME16 8GD |
Page 1
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Southborough Lane Baptist Church for the year 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
a. Policies and objectives
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
Our objective is to engage with all people of all ages in our community, on an emotional, spiritual and educational basis. In addition, to provide aid in our locality as well as overseas.
b. Conversion to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
On 1 September 2025, the charity transferred its activities, assets and liabilities to a newly established Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission as Southborough Lane Baptist Church (charity number 1213349). From that date onward all operational activity is now carried out through the CIO.
All assets, liabilities and ongoing contractual obligations of the former unincorporated association were transferred to the CIO under a transfer agreement dated 1st September 2025. The trustees are satisfied that the transfer was completed in accordance with charity law and the governing documents.
c. Activities for achieving objectives and main activities undertaken to further the Charity's purposes for Public Benefit
The main activities undertaken by the church were regular public meetings for worship, prayer, bible study, preaching and teaching the Christian Gospel, communion of the Lord's Supper, involvement in overseas mission, evangelism and outreach to the community including the welcome, teaching and encouragement of children and young people, on Sundays and mid-week.
We continue to run all our existing activities across all the age groups as well as initiating some new ventures.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
a. Key financial performance indicators
The key financial performance indicators identified relate to the comparison of donations received to amounts expended in meeting the church's stated objectives as well as maintaining the integrity of the various funds that are maintained.
Page 2
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (continued)
b. Review of activities
Until the transfer of ministry activities we continued to endeavour to be a church for all people of all ages, providing spiritual, emotional, physical and educational support, to both those in the church as well as to those from our wider community.
Our regular children’s groups which include Funday Morning, Paddlers and Reset (which started during the year) are very much appreciated by those who attend. In addition to these groups we encourage the children to participate in key Sunday services, such as Christmas and Remembrance Sunday and also Family services held once a month.
We have two important groups for parents or carers and their babies and toddlers namely Just Babies and Toddler Playaway respectively. They meet to give mutual support and encouragement held within the safety of the church premises.
The adults’ range of activities which include Bowls Mornings, Badminton Evenings, Craft Groups and Coffee Mornings and the newly formed Board Games morning are open to anyone from the local community The activities have continued to offer friendship and support. We also ran a number of pop-up cafes that raised funds for local and international charities including a children's hospital, humanitarian aid overseas as well as the local food bank. In addition the pop-up cafes fostered a sense of community to many new attendees both young and old.
We have a range of ‘connect’ groups who meet for study and discussion and pastoral support, which have helped people to develop their spiritual life in a variety of ways. These are interspersed with mid-week prayer meetings held in the church sanctuary on Wednesdays covering both general and specific areas of need.
There have been Baptisms held during the year which is very encouraging.
We continue to run the monthly “Family Fun at Four” event which gives families within the local community the chance to learn together, as well as, play games and do a craft before sitting down, as a family, to eat supper together.
The Petts Wood Mandarin-English Bi-lingual Nursery that operates out of our premises has gone from strength to strength. The relationship that we have with the nursery’s proprietors has allowed us to engage in several joint ventures for children and families at key times of the year.
The Trustees have now completed level 2 safeguarding training (covering children and adults at risk) as well as those church members working in the relevant ministries. Some leaders have now completed Level 3 training.
The Trustees continue to compile or formalise a number of policies needed to run this charity in a caring and responsible matter.These policies will transfer to the newly form Charitable Incorporated Organisation
c. Investment policy and performance
The Church has a long term policy for the investment of funds. Any surplus funds arising from time to time will be held on deposit with either a High-Street Bank Deposit or the London Baptist Property Board, both of which allow easy access to the funds if required.
Page 3
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that had the Charity continued its ministry activities it would have had adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, the ministry was transferred to the newly formed Charitable incorporated Organisation on a going concern basis which has also been used in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
b. Results for the year
Unrestricted
This year Southborough Lane Baptist Church generated a surplus, before transfers, of £15,361 which compared to the previous year's surplus, before transfers, of £3,829, shows an increase of £11,532.
Overall income has risen by £16,688 when comparing the current year to the previous year. This is due mainly to some one-off donations received early 2025 resulting in donations increasing by £17,067 over the previous year. Other Trading Activities comprising Ministry Support Activities and one-off events such as Pop-up cafes both of which include an element of outreach into the community have together shown a small increase of £744.
The increase in interest received from Investments reflects the increase in interest rates in operation during the year.
The overall increase in income more than compensates for the increase in expenditure of £1,794 when 2025 is compared to 2024.
Restricted
A new fund, called the Family Worker Fund was established during the year to support the employment of a student specialising in Children, Youth and Family work. He will be employed, on a part time basis, by the Charitable Incorporated Organisation and will complete a two year course provided by Bristol Baptist College. During the year £1,600 was collected through pledges to the newly constituted fund.
The Building development loan was repaid in full during the year ended 30 September 2024 and consequently the Restricted Fund was closed down during that year. Under the terms of the pledge supporting this loan, further funds received were to be received by the general fund. During 2024 a total of £12,230 had been received by the Building Fund.
Expenditure totaled £29,900 (2024 - £33,262) which comprised depreciation in respect of those buildings where it was considered appropriate to depreciate their value through usage.
The Website Development Fund which carried a balance of £1,777 was transferred to the General Fund on 1 September 2025 because its purpose had been fulfilled and the donor had given permission to transfer any residual funds to the General Fund.
The two remaining Restricted Funds, the Family Worker Fund and The Notice Board Fund were transferred intact to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
Page 4
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
c. Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy has been revised to reflect more accurately the needs of the church . The new policy is based on an estimate of the financial needs of the church, should it have to restart activities, to cover running costs and obligations over a period of three months or on ceasing activities altogether.
The Trustees estimate that the level of reserves required would be £40,000 and £23,000 respectively.
Under the original policy approximately three months running costs would have been £31,425 excluding depreciation (2024 - £31,307).
The unrestricted funds, classified as General Funds, excluding the cost of property, both cost and revaluation reserve, at the end of the year amounted to £86,670 (2024 - £72,425) which exceeds the Trustees' target for reserves. The level of reserves will continue to be kept under close review.
This shows that the Charitable Incorporated Organisation which commenced activities on 1 September 2025 will have sufficient reserves to continue the ministry here at Southborough Lane Baptist Church..
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
a. Constitution
Southborough Lane Baptist Church is an unincorporated registered charity, number 1129360, and is constituted under a Trust deed dated 28 January 2009.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Trust deed.
c. Organisational structure and decision-making policies
The charity is governed by a committee of management comprising the Trustees and the Minister. They are assisted by the Elders and the Deacons who are elected by the membership of Southborough Lane Baptist Church. These leaders meet on a regular basis to discuss issues affecting the church and its work and witness and make appropriate authorised decisions themselves or recommendations to the Church membership for decisions in general meeting.
d. Financial risk management
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Page 5
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
Future Developments
Charitable Unincorporated Association
The transfer of the ministry results in the charity becoming a shell and it is proposed that it be struck from the register of charities early 2026.
Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Following the completion of the transfer to the new charity the church staff will be transferred from the CUA to the CIO under T.U.P.E.regulations.
The lease with the Nursery will continue in the CUA's name but will be renewed in the name of the CIO. Rental income for September has been treated as belonging to the CIO who now own the property with the London Baptist Property Board continuing as Property Trustees.
Restricted Funds will continue but the property based funds will be merged once approval has been received from the membership.
The ministry was transferred as a going concern with all activities continuing as before.
The next twelve months, we hope, will be a time when we are able to press on with our vision to make Southborough Lane Baptist Church a place of welcome and blessing for people of all ages in the Petts Wood community, as we strive to respond to people’s specific needs and offer spiritual, emotional, physical and educational support, wherever it is needed.
There have been major some changes to our church staff:-
Rev. Ben Marlowe resigned on 30 September 2025 for family reasons and our prayers and thoughts go with him and his wife Sue.
Rev Tom Fisk and his family will be joining us early 2026 and we look forward to his ministry.
Matthew Higginbottom our newly appointed Children, Youth and Family Worker joined the CIO on 1 September 2025 and at present is formulating a strategy concerning the ministry work involved.
The emphasis going forward is for youth work including young families which we pray will prove to be exciting and fruitful in the ministry here at Southborough Lane Baptist Church.
Page 6
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 22 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Miss J A Edwards (Chair of Trustees)
Page 7
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Southborough Lane Baptist Church ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts 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 (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 22 December 2025
Paul Baker FFA FAIA
Applied Accountancy Limited
Page 8
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Other trading activities: 4 Fundraising events Ministry Support Activities Investments 5 Other income 6 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income Transfers between funds 16 Transfers to CIO Total transfers Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Restricted funds 2025 £ 1,600 - - - - 1,600 29,900 29,900 (28,300) (1,777) (1,240,452) (1,242,229) (1,270,529) 1,270,529 (1,270,529) - |
Unrestricted funds 2025 £ 106,522 3,992 3,624 2,148 27,017 143,303 127,942 127,942 15,361 1,777 (666,243) (664,466) (649,105) 649,105 (649,105) - |
Total funds 2025 £ 108,122 3,992 3,624 2,148 27,017 144,903 157,842 157,842 (12,939) - (1,906,695) (1,906,695) (1,919,634) 1,919,634 (1,919,634) - |
Total funds 2024 £ 101,685 2,300 4,572 2,518 27,770 138,845 156,048 156,048 (17,203) - - - (17,203) 1,936,837 (17,203) 1,919,634 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 11 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
Page 9
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 12 Current assets Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 14 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets excluding pension asset Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds 16 Unrestricted funds 16 Total funds |
- - - - |
2025 £ - - - - - - - - - |
16,836 68,440 85,276 (9,555) |
2024 £ 1,843,913 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,843,913 75,721 |
||||
| 1,919,634 | ||||
| 1,919,634 | ||||
| 1,919,634 | ||||
| 1,270,529 649,105 |
||||
| 1,919,634 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 22 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Miss J A Edwards Mr P R Willans (Chair of Trustees) (Trustee)
The notes on pages 11 to 24 form part of these financial statements.
Page 10
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. General information
Southborough Lane Baptist Church is an unincorporated organisation, registered as a charity with the Charity Commission charity number 1129360. On 1 September 2025 all ministry activities were transfered to a newly formed charitable incorporated organisation with the same name and with a charity registration number 1213349.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Southborough Lane Baptist Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.
Donations and Legacies received, other than the Sunday Offeratory or any recognised cash collection point, are only accepted if the church is able to establish who the donor is and the purpose for which the donation is made to the church .
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
Page 11
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.4 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £NIL or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, .
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
| Freehold property | - | Straight Line over the life of the Property |
|---|---|---|
| Plant and machinery | - | 25% Reducing Balance |
| Fixtures and fittings | - | 25% Reducing Balance |
2.6 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Page 12
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.8 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
2.9 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.10 Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.
2.11 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
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 are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | 1,600 | 106,522 | 108,122 |
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SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
3. Income from donations and legacies (continued)
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | 12,230 | 89,455 | 101,685 |
4. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Pop-Up Cafe and other events 3,992 Income from other activities Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Ministry Support Activities 3,624 |
Total funds 2025 £ 3,992 Total funds 2025 £ 3,624 |
Total funds 2024 £ 2,300 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 4,572 |
5. Investment income
| Unrestricted funds 2025 £ Investment income - Bank Interest received 2,068 Gift Aid Tax repayment supplement 80 2,148 |
Total funds 2025 £ 2,068 80 2,148 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,981 537 2,518 |
|---|---|---|
Page 14
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
6. Other incoming resources
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Rental income | 27,017 | 27,017 | 27,770 |
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Ministry Support Costs Staff and Ministry Costs Ministry Support Costs Staff and Ministry Costs |
Activities undertaken directly 2025 £ - 90,379 90,379 Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ - 87,679 87,679 |
Support costs 2025 £ 67,463 - 67,463 Support costs 2024 £ 68,369 - 68,369 |
Total funds 2025 £ 67,463 90,379 157,842 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 68,369 87,679 156,048 |
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SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
7. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of direct costs
| Staff costs Ministry activities Analysis of support costs Depreciation Office costs Support costs Maintenance repairs Bank charges Grantmaking Governance costs |
Direct costs 2025 £ 60,665 29,714 90,379 Activities 2025 £ 32,151 3,573 8,227 167 133 16,892 6,320 67,463 |
Total funds 2025 £ 60,665 29,714 90,379 Total funds 2025 £ 32,151 3,573 8,227 167 133 16,892 6,320 67,463 |
Total funds 2024 £ 62,079 25,600 87,679 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 34,649 2,421 8,011 1,126 31 18,634 3,497 68,369 |
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SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
8. Analysis of Grants
| Grants awarded comprise. Overseas Mission LBA/Home Mission The Michael Project Samara's Aid Charity Events Total 2025 Grants awarded comprise Overseas Mission LBA/Home Mission The Michael Project Samara's Aid Charity Events Total 2024 |
Grants to Institutions 2025 £ - 3,420 4,375 1,700 4,297 13,792 Grants to Institutions 2024 £ - 4,560 4,750 1,925 3,799 15,034 |
Grants to Individuals 2025 £ 3,100 - - - - 3,100 Grants to Individuals 2024 £ 3,600 - - - - 3,600 |
Total funds 2025 £ 3,100 3,420 4,375 1,700 4,297 16,892 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2024 £ 3,600 4,560 4,750 1,925 3,799 18,634 |
In addition a number of smaller grants which totaled £747 (2024- £355) were awarded and because the recipient lives locally these grants are included in ministry activities.
9.
Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination of the Charity's annual accounts | 1,620 | 1,500 |
Page 17
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
10. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2025 £ 54,876 112 5,677 60,665 |
2024 £ 56,257 117 5,705 |
|---|---|---|
| 62,079 |
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
| Minister Office Staff |
2025 No. 1 2 3 |
2024 No. 1 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year, one trustee, Rev. B R A Marlowe was paid remuneration and received benefits comencerate with his position as Minister in Office during the year covered by the accounts. In addition pension contributions were made into a scheme run on behalf of the Charity. These payments were in accordance with his contract of employment with the charity. The value of this Trustees' remuneration and other benefits was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Rev. B R A Marlowe | Remuneration | 37,601 | 39,603 |
| Pension contributions paid | 4,466 | 4,531 | |
| Other benefits | 814 | 870 |
During the year ended 30 September 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL) .
Page 18
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
12. Tangible fixed assets
| At 1 October 2024 Additions Disposals At 30 September 2025 At 1 October 2024 Charge for the year On disposals At 30 September 2025 Net book value At 30 September 2025 At 30 September 2024 |
Freehold property £ 2,057,241 - (2,057,241) - 225,224 28,127 (253,351) - - 1,832,017 |
Plant and machinery £ 32,594 - (32,594) - 24,859 1,773 (26,632) - - 7,735 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 75,076 5,661 (80,737) - 70,915 2,251 (73,166) - - 4,161 |
Total £ 2,164,911 5,661 (2,170,572) - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320,998 32,151 (353,149) - |
||||
| - | ||||
| 1,843,913 |
In accordance with FRS102 the church buildings have been revalued by the Trustees and where appropriate any surplus arising has been taken to a Revaluation Reserve, refer to note 16.
It has been decided that the costs and related depreciation of the Audio Visual system be disclosed separately even though they are an integral part of the building. This is to show clarity as well as the impact of the shorter life of these assets when compared to the freehold property.
On 1 September 2025 all Tangible Fixed Assets were disposed off to the newly formed charitable incorporated organisation at Net Book Value.
13. Debtors
| Due within one year Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2025 £ - - - |
2024 £ 14,103 2,733 16,836 |
|---|---|---|
Page 19
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
14. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Other taxation and social security Other creditors |
2025 £ - - - |
2024 £ 823 8,732 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,555 |
Included in Other Creditors at 30 September 2024 is an amount of £3,000 in respect of a Rent deposit given by a Mandarin- English Bi-Lingual Nursery prior to commencing activities in the church's newly refurbished rear hall. This deposit has been transfered to the newly formed charitable incorporated organisation who will repay the deposit on 31 December 2025 when the current lease expires.
15. Financial instruments
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Financial assets | ||
| Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure | - | 68,440 |
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure comprise a number of bank accounts held within High Street Banks and the London Baptist Property Board.
Page 20
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
16. Statement of funds
Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Manse at Cost Manse Revaluation Ministry Support Activities General funds General Fund Special Purpose Fund Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Church Site Church Site Revaluation Church Site Redevelopment Family Worker Fund Website Development Notice Board Fund Total of funds |
Balance at 1 October 2024 £ 110,000 462,500 4,180 576,680 72,425 - 72,425 649,105 502,134 488,469 276,649 - 1,777 1,500 1,270,529 1,919,634 |
Income £ - - 3,854 3,854 115,886 23,563 139,449 143,303 - - - 1,600 - - 1,600 144,903 |
Expenditure £ - - (2,738) (2,738) (125,204) - (125,204) (127,942) (6,900) (6,758) (16,242) - - - (29,900) (157,842) |
Transfers in/out £ (110,000) (462,500) (5,296) (577,796) (63,107) (23,563) (86,670) (664,466) (495,234) (481,711) (260,407) (1,600) (1,777) (1,500) (1,242,229) (1,906,695) |
Balance at 30 September 2025 £ - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - - - |
|||||
| - | |||||
| - - - - - - - |
|||||
| - |
Page 21
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
16. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds Designated funds Manse at Cost Manse Revaluation Ministry Support Activities General funds General Fund Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Church Site Church Site Revaluation Church Site Redevelopment Building Development Website Development Notice Board Fund Total of funds |
Balance at 1 October 2023 £ 110,000 462,500 4,330 576,830 64,996 641,826 509,694 495,869 257,451 28,720 1,777 1,500 1,295,011 1,936,837 |
Income £ - - 4,834 4,834 121,781 126,615 - - - 12,230 - - 12,230 138,845 |
Expenditure £ - - (3,229) (3,229) (119,557) (122,786) (7,560) (7,400) (18,302) - - - (33,262) (156,048) |
Transfers in/out £ - - (1,755) (1,755) 5,205 3,450 - - 37,500 (40,950) - - (3,450) - |
Balance at 30 September 2024 £ 110,000 462,500 4,180 576,680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72,425 | |||||
| 649,105 | |||||
| 502,134 488,469 276,649 - 1,777 1,500 1,270,529 |
|||||
| 1,919,634 |
Page 22
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
17. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| Designated funds General funds Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 October 2024 £ 576,680 72,425 1,270,529 1,919,634 |
Income £ 3,854 139,449 1,600 144,903 |
Expenditure £ (2,738) (125,204) (29,900) (157,842) |
Transfers in/out £ (577,796) (86,670) (1,242,229) (1,906,695) |
Balance at 30 September 2025 £ - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summary of funds - prior year
| Designated funds General funds Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 October 2023 £ 576,830 64,996 1,295,011 1,936,837 |
Income £ 4,834 121,781 12,230 138,845 |
Expenditure £ (3,229) (119,557) (33,262) (156,048) |
Transfers in/out £ (1,755) 5,205 (3,450) - |
Balance at 30 September 2024 £ 576,680 72,425 1,270,529 1,919,634 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
Total
Total funds 2025 £ -
The charity's net assets were transfered to the newly formed charitable incorporated organisation on 1 September 2025 with no net assets remaining at the year end 30 September 2025.
Page 23
SOUTHBOROUGH LANE BAPTIST CHURCH
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
18. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 1,267,252 3,277 - 1,270,529 |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 576,661 81,999 (9,555) 649,105 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,843,913 85,276 (9,555) 1,919,634 |
|---|---|---|---|
19. Pension commitments
The group operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the group in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the group to the fund and amounted to £5,677 (2024 - £5,706) including those for the Defined Benefit Plan. There were no arrears of contributions at the year end (2024 - £nil).
In addition to the present scheme contributions were made to an existing scheme referred to as The Defined Benefit Plan (The DB Plan) for employees in employment up to the plan's closure on 31 December 2011. Actuarial review indicates that the pension scheme is in deficit and deficiency payments are due from those churches who are in the scheme. The present level of payment is 12% of the employees' salary. During the year ended 30 September 2025 a total of £1 (2024 - £12) was paid into the closed scheme. Under arrangements entered into by the pension scheme trustees, the employers' deficit contributions will be cleared by 2028. Under present arrangements, operating from 1 August 2022, the annual deficiency payments payable ended 31 October 2024.
On 1 September 2025 the scheme was transferred to the newly formed charitable incorporated organisation
Page 24