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2024-08-31-accounts

Croydon Methodist Circuit

(Charity Registration No. 1129515)

Trustees Annual Report & Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 August 2024

Contents

Page
Information 2
Trustees Annual Report including
Reserves Policy 3 – 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Balance Sheet 13
Notes to the Financial Statements 14 – 23
Independent Examiner’s report 24

1

Croydon Methodist Circuit

(Charity Registration No. 1129515)

Trustees Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2024

Information

Superintendent Minister

Rev. Dr. Stephen Day (to 31 August 2024)

Rev. Karen George (from 1 September 2024)

Principal Address

Bankers

Circuit Office West Croydon Methodist Church 93 London Road Croydon CR0 2RF Barclays Bank plc

Independent Examiner

Paul Newton, JCS Accountants

Trustees (Year ended 31 August 2024) (* denotes resigned during that year)

Revd Nigel Cowgill Revd Dr Stephen Day Revd Richard Lowson Revd Gyula Fiak Mrs Juliet Smith Revd Dr Leslie Griffiths Revd Jennifer Potter Rev. Juliet Ushewokunze Mr Robin Haslam Desmond Williams Adrian Pickett Toyin Ogunyemi Simon Tayler Mrs Doreen Ridden Mrs Pauline Little Miss Jennie Hall Miss Fran Byard Mr Alan Mills Mrs Linda White Ms Constantia Pennie Mrs Comfort Croffie Mr Adrian Howe Miss Sukhvinder Kalsi Mr Lawrie Bannister Mr Tolulowaleyi Laval

Mr Paul Parkinson Mrs Gillian Haslam Miss Siân Williams Mr Paul Taylor Mr John Anstey Mr Hugh Roberts Mrs Gertrude Nartey Mrs Rohini Herat Mrs Ruth Tayler Mr David Tayler Mrs Elizabeth Smart Mr Josef Hopeson-Sowah Mr Nicholas Kusah Mrs Ann Atkins Mr Andrew Thynne Mrs Dunstana Davies Mr Byron Asbruce Mrs Adebukola Lawal Mr Ola Ogunyemi Mrs Sonia Smith Miss Becky Chipere* Miss Sian Williams Eunice Boadu Mary Salter Alberta Larkai-Doherty

Tirena Gunter Pauline Foster Christine Elliott Samina Polson (Appointed 13.3.24) Beatrice Lewis (Appointed 13.3.24)

2

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2024

Governing documents and objective

The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the date of the Union the advancement of:

In setting our objectives and planning our activities the circuit has given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public interest guidance on advancing our objectives as set out above.

Mission Statement

Croydon Methodist Circuit draws on the Methodist Church in Britain’s vision as a “discipleship movement equipped for Mission” and works to priorities taken from “Our Calling” within our local context;

The circuit encourages members individually and each of the churches collectively to engage in local community activities, social outreach, ecumenical work and inter-faith contact and co-operation;

We encourage the development of richly diverse and inclusive communities of faith which allows the exploration of discipleship by all people – regardless of background and without discrimination;

We seek to provide to our communities an example of God-filled lives and to enable the people of our churches to respond to the generosity of God’s grace through worship and Christian service;

We seek to link together the people of our circuit churches so that they can be mutually supportive and encouraging, sharing in and learning from each other’s experience of Christian living.

3

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2024

Review of progress and achievements

Throughout the financial year the Croydon Methodist Circuit had four staff members: three ministerial staff: Revd Dr Stephen Day, Revd Richard Lowson and Revd Gyula Fiak, together with Mrs Juliet Smith (Circuit Administrator).

All our churches remain committed to maintaining their involvement in community outreach activities.

4

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Trustees Annual Report For the year ended 31 August 2024

Review of progress and achievements (continued)

The above shows that many of our churches run various activities for children and young people. Churches host and engage with a range of uniformed organisations. West Croydon Methodist Church has a particular ministry with children and young people; it has an active youth club to support young people in their Christian faith with many being confirmed and received as church members.

The circuit provides ministers and preachers to lead a weekly Sunday afternoon worship service at Hall Grange, a residential care home run by MHA. Several church members do voluntary work at Hall Grange.

5

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2024

The circuit equips lay volunteers by providing training and development opportunities to empower them to identify and use their gifts and skills to the glory of God. Training has been offered to local church and circuit trustees to equip them for their roles. Prescribed office holders in local churches and the circuit have engaged with the mandatory Unconscious Bias and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion as part of the Methodist Church in Britain’s Justice, Dignity & Solidarity strategy. The circuit trustees also adopted a raft of policies relating to circuit lay employees.

The circuit’s work is guided by the Methodist Church in Britain’s statement “Our Calling”:

The circuit provides initial training for Local Preachers and Worship Leaders as well as ongoing peer support for those accredited. Creating Safer Space safeguarding training is offered annually to those needing initial or refresher training.

The Circuit staff continue to work in partnership with local and national voluntary and statutory bodies. They engage ecumenically with Croydon Churches Forum as well as other local groups.

6

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2024

Plans for the future

A deacon will be stationed in the circuit from September 2024. He will divide his time between supporting the minister of three churches in the south of the circuit and being the Circuit Mission Enabler. The post of Circuit Mission Enabler is a new one for the circuit and has been envisaged to support all circuit churches in clarifying their future vision and mission as well as identifying opportunities for working together between churches and communities.

Risk Assessment

The Circuit Leadership Team (CLT) continues to review the regulatory framework in which the circuit operates and where the CLT finds areas of risk to the circuit, appropriate action is taken to minimise the risk.

Safeguarding

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s recreation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. The Croydon Methodist Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Methodist Connexional Safeguarding policy; government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches in support of this.

Local church and circuit safeguarding officers have ensured that those new to the relevant offices within local churches and the circuit have obtained a DBS disclosure and attended the Foundation Module training offered locally or in the wider district and, where appropriate, the Advanced Module training offered by the London District. Revd Cameron Kirkwood and Doreen Ridden are qualified to offer Foundation training within local churches or across the circuit. Local church safeguarding officers have also been making sure that those who hire our premises are compliant with safeguarding policy and practice.

The Croydon Methodist Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.

7

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2024

Financial Review

The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.

Following the retirement of the circuit’s lay pastor in summer 2022, the two years ended 31 August 2024 have seen reduced staffing costs which have in turn enabled the circuit to let a further manse on a temporary basis.

As a consequence of the reduced staffing costs and additional property income in the year ended 31 August 2024 the circuit’s financial resources increased by £32,493 (2023: £43,519) and the circuit’s net current assets increased from £172,194 at the beginning of the year to £204,687 at year end, of which £101,929 (2023: £71,868) represents general reserves.

Following a review of the circuit’s staffing the circuit meeting approved an application for a deacon to be stationed in the circuit with effect from 1 September 2024. The circuit anticipates that churches will be able to meet future assessment payments in full, and therefore expects its financial performance to be stable over the 2024-27 period. Taking into account the actions taken in recent years to reduce the circuit’s fixed expenditure and therefore church assessment levels, the Trustees have every reason to believe that the circuit is a going concern.

Reserves Policy

The reserves of the circuit are dependent on the extent that its ongoing costs can be funded from the assessments levied on the individual churches. The circuit seeks to operate its financial affairs each year on an ongoing basis. At the year end, the actual readily available reserves, being the circuit’s General and Model Trust funds, represented 8.63 months (2023: 7.73) expenditure, which is in excess of the stated policy of general reserves of at least six months expenditure. Looking forward, the circuit is confident that for the foreseeable future total reserves will remain at an adequate level.

8

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2024

Structure, governance and management

The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and the Methodist Church Act (1976).

Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD).

The Connexional Office implements decisions made by Conference and is also responsible for the stationing of Presbyters in individual Circuits.

Connexional decisions are passed to the Chair of the District and appropriate Officers of the District for regional implementation.

The district passes control down to circuit level for local implementation by the Superintendent Minister, ministerial staff and Circuit Stewards via the medium of the Circuit Meeting.

The membership of the Circuit Meeting is laid down in the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church. Together the members of the Circuit Meeting are the Managing Trustees of the Circuit.

Trustees

As set out in Methodist Standing Order 510, the members of the Croydon Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of ministers and circuit office holders, who are automatically trustees, together with representatives appointed by the local churches.

Owing to the number of individual churches in the circuit and the fact that the majority of the Circuit Meeting members are those elected by individual churches, it is clear that the make-up of the meeting is subject to frequent change. There were 54 trustees as at 30 June 2024 (2023: 53). A list of trustees is provided on page 2.

Related Parties

The Circuit is part of the London District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches are linked to the Circuit:-

Addington Methodist Church Parchmore Methodist Church
Christ Church Methodist, Addiscombe Shirley Methodist Church, Croydon
Downsview Methodist Church South Norwood Methodist Church
Norbury Methodist Church West Croydon Methodist Church

9

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Trustees Annual Report

For the year ended 31 August 2024

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year.

In preparing these accounts, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Croydon Methodist Circuit and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the law. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Circuit and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

So far as each of the trustees is aware, there is no relevant information that has not been disclosed to the independent examiner and each of the trustees believes that all steps have been taken that ought to have been taken to make him aware of any relevant information.

10

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Trustees Annual Report

For the year ended 31 August 2024

Approvals

The Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf on 29 June 2025 by:

Rev Richard Lowson

Robin Haslam

11

Circuit No: 35/41

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024

Note
Income
Donations
3
Charitable activities
Assessments on churches
5
Grants receivable
6
Letting income
4
Total from charitable
activities
Other
Income from Monetary
Investments
Total income
Expenditure
Expenditure on activities
Grants and donations payable
7
Salaries and associated costs
8
Property
9
District Assessment & Levy
10
Other outgoings
11
Total charitable expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
before investment gains/
losses
Gains or Losses on property
revaluations
Net income/(expenditure)
before transfers
Transfers between funds
21
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 2023 - 24
2022-23
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
0
240
240
0
2,186
2,186
234,973
234,973
236,303
236,303
0
0
0
0
73,865
73,865
68,800
68,800
308,838
308,838
305,103
305,103
7,899
7,899
3,938
3,938
316,737
240
316,977
309,041
2,186
311,227
0
400
400
0
1,600
1,600
153,999
153,999
142,155
142,155
53,801
53,801
40,621
40,621
68,386
68,386
66,834
66,834
7,898
7,898
16,498
16,498
284,084
400
284,484
266,108
1,600
267,708
32,653
(160)
32,493
42,933
586
43,519
0
0
32,653
(160)
32,493
42,933
586
43,519
32,653
(160)
32,493
42,933
586
43,519
2,334,456
586
2,335,042
2,291,523
0
2,291,523
2,367,109
426
2,367,535
2,334,456
586
2,335,042

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All funds are unrestricted. All activities relate to continuing operations.

12

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Circuit No: 35/41

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024
Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets
14
Total fixed assets
Current Assets
Debtors
15
Investments with TMCP
16
Central Finance Board
Deposits
17
Cash at Bank and in hand
17
Total current assets
Current Liabilities
Creditors (due in under 1
year)
18
Total current liabilities
Net current assets
Total assets less current
liabilities
Long Term Liabilities (due
after more than one year)
19
Net assets
Funds of the Circuit
General Fund (Unrestricted)
20.1
Circuit Model Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
20.2
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Total Funds
General
Fund:
Unrestricted
Circuit Model
Trust:
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Totals
2024
Totals
2023
£
£
£
£
£
2,162,848
2,162,848
2,162,848
2,162,848
2,162,848
2,162,848
31,207
31,207
10,845
102,332
102,332
99,740
101,798
101,798
58,210
51,644
426
52,070
29,647
184,649
102,332
426
287,407
198,442
82,720
82,720
26,248
82,720
82,720
26,248
101,929
102,332
426
204,687
172,194
2,264,777
102,332
426
2,367,535
2,335,042
0
0
2,264,777
102,332
426
2,367,535
2,335,042
2,264,777
2,264,777
2,234,716
102,332
102,332
99,740
2,264,777
102,332
2,367,109
2,334,456
426
426
586
2,264,777
102,332
426
2,367,535
2,355,042

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees and were signed on their behalf on 29 June 2025 by:

Robin Haslam

Rev Richard Lowson

13

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 August 2024

1. Basis of accounting and accounting policies

ii Public benefit entity

The Croydon Methodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. It is an unincorporated trust with principal office at West Croydon Methodist Church, 93 London Road, Croydon CR0 2RF.

iii Basis

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s) below.

iv Content

The financial information presented is relevant, reliable, comparable and complete. Where estimates are used these are based on experience, research and judgement. The accounts are expressed in £ Sterling, rounded to the nearest pound.

v

Going concern

vi. Funds

General unrestricted funds represent funds which are expendable at the discretion of the Circuit in the furtherance of the objects of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Such funds may be held to finance both working and capital investment.

vii Consolidation

The Circuit oversees the work of ministers and lay workers in Churches within the Circuit but does not have control over those Churches, ministers or lay workers except in extreme circumstances, none of which were applicable. For this reason, the financial statements of the Churches within the Circuit are not consolidated into these financial statements.

viii Income recognition

Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Donations are accounted for gross when received.

Rental income is accounted for on an accruals basis.

In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the time of volunteers is not recognised. Further information on this matter is provided in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

ix Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

14

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024

x Grants

Grants made by the Circuit from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of the agreement or when the Circuit accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment. When the grant is recurrent over more than one year the balance payable in future years is treated as a provision being released for future commitments in the Balance Sheet against the appropriate fund, the provision being released in future years as instalments are paid in accordance with the originally agreed terms.

xi VAT

Irrecoverable input VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expense was incurred.

xii Tangible fixed assets

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £1,500. The freehold property is shown in the accounts at deemed historical cost representing each property’s gross carrying value at 1 September 2015, being that property’s insurance reinstatement value, as notified by Methodist Insurance plc at the previous renewal date. The value of the land element of the property is deemed to be one third of the total carrying value, based on research undertaken by Savills.co.uk. Further information can be found on their website. If acquired after that date and/or where freehold property has subsequently been extended, the cost of acquisition and/or extension is taken. No depreciation is provided because the trustees consider the current residual fair value of the properties in their present condition is not less than its historical cost, and, in the absence of any evidence of impairment, any depreciation provision for the buildings component of the properties would be immaterial.

xiii Receivables and Payables; Bank and Cash

Debtors are stated at the amounts owed to the Circuit or prepaid. Creditors are initially recognised at settlement amount after any trade discounts, where normal credit terms apply, or amount advanced to the Circuit. Subsequently creditors that are current liabilities are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid. The liquid funds of bank balances and deposit account balances are shown at their realisable values.

xiv Methodist Connexional Funds

The Methodist Church Connexion raises assessments against Circuits and these are paid quarterly to their Districts. The Circuits raise assessments against Churches in the Circuit. The District remits to The Methodist Church Fund quarterly most of the sums received from Circuits. A small sum is retained by the District to meet its own costs.

xv Ministers’ manse costs

The Circuit is required to provide accommodation for each minister in the Circuit and their families and this is seen as a benefit to the Circuit. Ministers are expected to occupy the manse provided for them. The Circuit bears the cost of repairs, maintenance, buildings insurance, Council Tax and water charges. These figures are not separately disclosed as benefits in kind for ministers as HMRC does not seek to tax these receipts in the hands of ministers.

xvi Investment properties

No property is currently deemed to not be held for the long term purposes of the charity.

xvii Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and 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.

15

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 August 2024

2. Glossary of terms

CFB: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church manages a Common Deposit Fund and a series of pooled investment funds for Methodist entities in Great Britain and provides investment advice to those entities

Church: a group of members from fewer than 10 to more than 300

Circuit: a group of Methodist Churches near each other, typically between 10 and 30

Circuit Meeting: The Trustees of the Circuit, most of whom are appointed by their local Churches and others by virtue of a role they undertake for the Circuit and/or their local Churches.

CMTF: Circuit Model Trust Fund

Connexion: The Methodist Church in GB which includes the Head Office at Methodist Church House, all Methodist Districts, Circuits and Churches in Great Britain

District: a group of contiguous Circuits, usually between 15 and 30

FRS: Financial Reporting Standard

HMRC: Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs

MCF: Methodist Church Fund

SOFA: Statement of Financial Activities

SORP: Statement of Recommended Practice

TMCP: Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trust property, including Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds

3. Income from donations

Donations Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2023
-
240
240
2,186

4. Income from other trading activities

Letting income has been received in respect of the following properties:-

Huntingfield
Pollards Hill East
Southern Avenue
Total		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2023
24,065
24,065
10,000
27,000
22,800
27,000
22,800
36,000
22,800
73,865
73,865
68,800

16

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024

5. Assessments on Churches

The Circuit comprises 8 churches and each is assessed for a contribution to meet the overall net costs of the Circuit. An Assessment on Churches is determined annually by the Circuit using a formulaic method which takes into account the relative number of members in each church and its relative income.

Addington
Christ Church
Downsview
Norbury
Parchmore
Shirley
South Norwood
West Croydon
Total		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2023
20,991
20,991
20,266
31,501
31,501
33,955
29,488
29,488
28,385
13,862
13,862
14,509
27,056
27,056
26,508
46,301
46,301
49,054
23,001
23,001
22,426
42,773
42,773
41,200
234,973
234,973
236,303

The churches are considered to be related parties of the circuit.

6. Grants receivable

No grants were received in 2024 or 2023.

7. Grants and donations payable

Total grants of £400 (2023: £1,600) were made from the Shared Warmth Fund to assist individuals with energy costs.

8. Salaries and associated costs

Stipends were paid to 3 presbyters in the year (2023: 3 presbyters), and salaries paid to 1 lay worker (2023: 1 lay worker). The salaries are paid by the Connexion but funded by the Circuit.

The superintendent minister of the circuit, the other presbyters, the lay employees and the circuit stewards and treasurer make up the Circuit Leadership Team (CLT) and are considered as key management personnel. The superintendent chairs meetings of the CLT and circuit meetings. The members of the circuit meeting are the trustees of the circuit.

The Presbyters of the circuit undertake the primary executive roles within the circuit. Apart from the three presbyters and the lay employees, who are trustees by virtue of their position, no member of the circuit meeting or CLT was in receipt of any payment for work undertaken on behalf of the circuit although certain travelling and administration costs were incurred in relation to specific projects.

17

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024

Key management personnel and total staff costs related to the presbyters and lay employees were as follows:

Gross stipends and salaries
Employer's National Insurance contributions
Employer's pension contributions to defined
benefit and contribution schemes
Travel expenses
Total key management personnel costs
Fees paid to supernumerary ministers
Communications and other expenses
Computers for Ministry
Ministers training
Removal expenses
Total salaries and associated costs		 2023 – 24
2022 – 23
£
£
108,839
96,850
11,026
7,989
24,583
22,738
660
1,235
145,108
128,812
1,710
1,575
2,997
3,206
582
528
191
287
3,411
7,747
153,999
142,155

Included in key management personnel costs above are salary and employment-related expenses related to non-presbyteral staff by category as follows:

Gross salaries
Employer’s national insurance
Pension contributions
Travel expenses		 Administration
2023 - 24
2022 – 23
19,131
17,545
1,385
1,181
1,142
1,053
66
65
21,730
19,844

No employees received employee benefits that totalled more than £60,000. There is no accrual for holiday pay as it is immaterial; the holiday year ends on 31 August. All staff are paid at or above the living wage. The travel costs of Presbyters who attended CLT and circuit meetings is included within their overall travel expenses and is not separately determined.

Pensions

Most ordained presbyters and deacons are members of the Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme (MMPS). This is a defined benefit scheme. The Supreme Court held in 2014 that Methodist ministers (which term includes presbyters and deacons) are not employees of the Church. For simplicity, however, when dealing with National Insurance Contributions and pension contributions, the terms ‘employer’ and ‘employee’ are used as they would be in an employing body.

On the other hand lay employees are contractually employees and have the option of joining a scheme which the Circuit has arranged with The Pensions Trust. This is a defined contribution scheme and the Circuit contributes as employer to this scheme.

The Connexion accounts for the MMPS in the annual Methodist Church in Great Britain accounts. The MMPS is in deficit but a plan for removal of the deficit has been proposed and is being implemented. Details of the deficit on this scheme can be found in the Annual Report and Accounts of The Methodist Church at www.methodist.org.uk

18

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024

9. Property costs

The circuit is Managing Trustee for 7 manses, 4 of which were occupied during the year by presbyters or lay staff serving in the Circuit. Three manses, Huntingfield, Pollards Hill East and Southern Avenue were let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancies. With the exception of the let manses, the Circuit is responsible for the payment of Council Tax, Utilities, Water Charges, Insurance and maintenance. In addition the Circuit pays a contribution towards the operational costs of the Circuit Office and periodic professional survey fees for the manses and churches in the Circuit. All costs are paid from the General Fund.

Maintenance -
Barnfield Avenue
Norbury Avenue
The Manse, Huntingfield
Pollards Hill East
Sefton Road
Southern Avenue
Letting agents’ fees
Council Tax
Water charges
Insurance
Survey fees
Total		 2023 – 24
2022 – 23
£
£
1,928
2,299
6,401
751
755
9,283
962
2,973
19,561
606
1,292
75
7,451
7,693
7,982
9,571
959
963
3,970
3,983
2,540
2,424
53,801
40,621

10. District Assessment & Levy

The District Assessment is calculated relative to the proportion of church members and staffing (presbyters and mission staff only) of all Circuits in the London District. 25% of the overall cost is calculated using relative staffing proportions and 75% is calculated using relative membership proportions.

The Levy is calculated on a sliding scale percentage of the Circuit’s CMTF account balance as at 31 August of the accounting year.

Methodist Church Fund
(MCF)
District Expenses
Levy on CMTF funds
Total
ther outgoings
Circuit office
Youth and childrens work
Resources
Payroll admin cost
Independent examiner’s fees
Miscellaneous
Total		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2023
56,160
56,160
51,514
9,448
9,448
12,182
2,778
2,778
3,138
68,386
68,386
66,834
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
2023
2,191
2,191
1,986
258
258
1,747
1,747
2,036
480
480
480
1,453
1,453
1,554
1,769
1,769
10,442
7,898
7,898
16,498

11. Other outgoings

19

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024

12. Payments to trustees

The Circuit does not make payments to trustees other than as disclosed in note 8 above.

13. Governance costs

A fee of £1,453 (2023: £1,554) was charged by the Independent Examiner for the examination of the Circuit’s accounts and accounting records.

14. Circuit manses and equipment

The Circuit Manses are all freehold properties and their value is shown as the deemed historical cost representing each property’s carrying value at 1 September 2015 or acquisition value if purchased after that date (see Note 1 (xii). The cost of extensions to freehold properties since 1 September 2015, or acquisition date if later, are capitalised.

Office equipment consists of one computer in the Circuit Office

14.1 Cost or valuation

Cost or valuation
Balance brought forward at
1 September, at cost
Additions in the year
Revaluations in the year
_Less:_Disposals in the year
Gain on sale
Balance carried forward
ccumulated depreciation
Accumulated depreciation
Balance brought forward at
1 September
Depreciation charge for the year
Balance carried forward
et book value
Brought forward
Balance carried forward		 Office
Land
Buildings
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
704,100
1,458,748
1,336
2,164,184
704,100
1,458,748
1,336
2,164,184
Office
Land
Buildings
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
1,336
1,336
0
0
1,336
1,336
Office
Land
Buildings
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
704,100
1,458,748
0
2,162,848
704,100
1,458,748
0
2,162,848

14.2 Accumulated depreciation

14.3 Net book value

20

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024

15. Debtors and prepayments

Circuit assessment debtors are measured on the basis of the amount expected to be recovered within twelve months. Debtors refer to the General Fund.

Trade debtors
Circuit assessments (net of provisions of £54,476
(2023: £54,476))
Prepayments and accrued income
Total (net)		 2023 – 24
2022 – 23
£
£
19,127
0
12,080
10,845
31,207
10,845

16. Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

The funds that support the Circuit Model Trust Fund are held by TMCP in Trustees Interest Funds on which interest is credited to the accounts each month. These are regarded as medium and long term investments.

TMCP is the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trust property, including Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds. Trust property is held for and on behalf of local Managing Trustees who are responsible for the day to day management of trust property. TMCP ensure that, through providing guidance and acting under their direction, the Managing Trustees comply with charity law and Methodist law and policy as determined by the Methodist Conference.

17. Central Finance Board (CFB) and Cash at Bank

The Circuit has a current accounts at Barclays Bank plc, an authorised institution. The sums held on those accounts are immediately available. In addition the Circuit has a deposit accounts at CFB, a common deposit fund. Interest is earned on these accounts and credited monthly; the sums deposited can be withdrawn without notice and without loss of interest. These sums are viewed as being liquid.

18. Creditors and accrued expenses

Creditors and accrued expenses refer to the General Fund

Creditors and accruals
Trade Creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Total
Maturity analysis of basic financial
instruments
Trade creditors
Trade Creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Total		 2024
2023
£
£
0
0
82,720
26,248
82,720
26,248
Accrued at
Accrual made
Accrued at
01-Sep-23
Paid in year
in year
31-Aug-24
0
0
0
0
26,248
(26,248)
82,720
82,720
26,248
(26,248)
82,720
82,720

It is expected that all sums accrued at 31 August 2024 will be paid during the year to 31 August 2025.

21

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 August 2024

19. Long Term Liabilities

The Circuit has no long term liabilities as at 31 August 2024 (2023: £Nil)

20. Unrestricted Funds

20.1 General Fund – balance £2,264,777 at 31 August 2024 (2023: £2,234,716)

The purpose of the fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit and which have not been designated for other purposes. About 95% of this fund is held as freehold properties.

20.2 Circuit Model Trust Fund – balance £102,332 at 31 August 2024 (2023: £99,740)

The purpose of the fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit. Its main source of income is the contributions from the sale of manses in the Circuit.

Although this is technically an Unrestricted Fund under the control of the Circuit Meeting, prior approval is still required from the District to utilise these funds. Methodist Standing Orders 930, 913 and 917(2) are applicable.

21. Summary of movements on significant individual funds

Fund
General Fund
Model Trust Fund
Shared Warmth Fund
Total Funds
Fund
General Fund
Circuit Model Trust
Fund
Shared Warmth Fund
Total Funds		 Balance at
Balance at
01-Sep-23
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Aug-24
£
£
£
£
£
2,234,716
311,368
(281,307)
2,264,777
99,740
5,369
(2,777)
102,332
586
240
(400)
426
2,335,042
316,977
(284,484)
0
2,367,535
Balance at
Balance at
01-Sep-22
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Aug-23
£
£
£
£
£
2,184,850
305,836
(262,970)
7,000
2,234,716
106,673
3,205
(3,138)
(7,000)
99,740
2,186
(1,600)
586
2,291,523
311,227
(267,708)
0
2,335,042

Transfers from the Circuit Model Trust Fund were to facilitate major repairs to circuit manses.

22. Volunteer contributions

Every entity (Connexion, District, Circuit, Church) within the Methodist Church in GB is heavily reliant on volunteers who contribute their skills, time and money in the furtherance of the work of the Church. Principally this contribution is by serving on committees of the Circuit that deal with mission, manses, finance, policy, grants, training, development. We are grateful to all of them for their help and commitment.

22

Croydon Methodist Circuit

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 August 2024

23. Capital commitments and contingent liabilities

There were no capital commitments at the year end (2023: £nil). The circuit had contingent liabilities of £7,000 at the year end (2023: £7,000) representing grants awarded subject to conditions which had not yet been met at that date.

24. Lease Commitments

The Circuit has contracts or obligations for the following:-

There are short term obligations for telephones and ancillary equipment at the Circuit Office. The total annual cost in not considered material.

23

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Croydon Methodist Circuit

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Croydon Methodist Circuit (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages 12 to 23 .

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 Church’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 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

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

  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 Report) 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.

Paul Newton FCA JCS Accountants Ltd 5 Robin Hood Lane Sutton Surrey SM1 2SW

Date: 30 June 2025

24