EPWORTH, SCUNTHORPE AND GAINSBOROUGH METHODIST CIRCUIT – Registered number 1133752
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The Trustees are pleased to present the Annual Report of the Trustees of the Epworth Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit (hereinafter referred to as “The Circuit”) for the year ended 31[st] August 2024.
The charity’s objective is to act as a resource provider within the area around Epworth Scunthorpe and Gainsborough for the Methodist Church:
The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union, the advancement of:
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a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church;
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b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church;
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c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church;
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d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church.
The Circuit seeks to enable:
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a) The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non members alike.
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b) The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.
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c) Taking religious assemblies in local schools.
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d) Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.
Public Benefit Test
When reviewing aims and objectives, the Trustees have had due regard for the public benefit guidance as published by the Charity Commission.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
September 2023 saw the beginning of the newly merged Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit. During the year every effort has been made to promote cross circuit links and foster circuit cohesion. In Advent we shared a Circuit ‘Travelling Nativity’ and have shared occasions of food & fellowship.
We exercise our calling as Methodists through organising worship opportunities led by ordained staff and local preachers, offering pastoral care (including a circuit member who is recognised as a BRF Anna Chaplain), serving our neighbourhoods (e.g. supporting charities like the Forge, Lindsey Lodge Hospice and so on) and being engaged in outreach.
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
Review of the financial results for the year
The Circuit has the following principal sources of funds:
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Assessments on churches within the Circuit
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The Circuit Model Trust Fund
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Investment income
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Funds transferred from related institutions
All monies received are used to further the work of the Circuit.
Income for the year was £479,307 (2023 - £196,149) and the increase in the year of approximately £283,000 was due to transfer of assets from a neighbouring Circuit of £200,000, refund of a grant previously made to a related institution of £30,000, increase in assessments on churches of £36,000 due to the geographically enlarged Circuit and £17,000 due to increased monies on deposit.
Total expenditure for the year was £300,189 (2023 - £321,119) being a reduction year on year of approximately £21,000. This was largely attributed to a reduction in property disposal levies of £29,000 (dependent on property sales), along with a reduction of £24,000 in salary costs (reduction of employees in the year) but also an increase in property maintenance of £16,000 (irregular pattern of expenditure) and District Assessment increase of £24,000 (increase in churches) in the year. Other small expenditure movements in the year resulted in reductions of £8,000.
Gains on investments of £132,199 (2023 – losses £146,855) were largely due to property revaluations by the trustees during the year.
As a result of these activities there was a net increase in funds during the year of £311,317 (2023 – deficit £271,825).
Total reserves held by the charity on 31 August 2024 were therefore £1,842,000 (2023 - ££1,530,683) and this includes free reserves at the yearend of £1,416,015 (2023 - £1,209,060). However, this does include property assets of £1,282,606 (2023 - £1,041,414), therefore revealing free relatively liquid assets of £133,409 (2023 - £167,646).
Reserves level and policy
The reserves policy of the Circuit is to hold a minimum of 8 months average expenditure as free reserves, and from 2026/27 onwards this is anticipated to be approximately £165,000 (additional funding is available to cover the higher availability which will be required on a temporary basis until then and this is held separate in the Circuit Model Trust Fund).
Free reserves are defined as unrestricted net assets, excluding fixed assets and Circuit Model Trust Funds as none of these assets are easily convertible into ‘on demand cash’. These free reserves are required to enable the Circuit to employ ministers and administrators, for the
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required contributions to District and Connexion and to ensure financial stability amongst the churches within the Circuit.
At the yearend such reserves were £133,409 and the trustees are mindful that this means that reserves held are approximately £30,000 below the required level. However, the Circuit is due further funds because of the inclusion of further churches from a now defunct neighbouring Circuit, as noted elsewhere and negotiations are ongoing to determine the amount and then obtain a transfer of these required monies. Also, it should be noted that the final transfer amount is unknown and therefore may not fully replenish reserves to the required level.
The trustees are mindful of this and are monitoring the situation closely but are confident that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation of these financial statements.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and 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). Management of the circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Meeting advised by the Staff and Circuit Stewards Meeting, Circuit Leadership Team, along with the Local Preachers meeting and the Circuit Finance and Property Committees. Managing Trustees of local church property are the Church Councils of those buildings, Managing Trustees of Circuit property are the Circuit Meeting, Trustees for Methodist Church Purposed act as Custodian Trustees overall.
From September 2023-August 2024 the circuit had 2 full-time presbyters- the Superintendent taking pastoral charge of 11 churches and another ordained colleague having pastoral charge of 8. The circuit also benefitted from the presence of URC student training for ordained ministry in 3 of its churches. There were 5 Supernumerary Presbyters, 4 of whom were particularly involved in both local church and circuit life, a retired deacon, similarly involved and associate minister status was given by Conference to a retired minister from another denomination. Sadly, one of the supernumerary ministers died in June 2024. Including an employee from the former Wolds & Trent Circuit, our circuit organisation was enhanced by 4 part-time administrative assistants. There continue to be numerous other volunteer lay office holders. We were especially grateful to all our lay volunteers this year for working together as a team to ensure tasks were handled when other volunteers were not available/indisposed.
Related Parties
The Circuit is part of the Lincolnshire District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference.
The following Methodist Churches are linked to the Circuit --- See Appendix B
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Trustee Training
A range of guidance is produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the circuit, specifically the leaflet ‘The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church’ which we endeavour to give to all new Circuit meeting members as induction to their role as trustees. Safeguarding training and Equality Diversity and Inclusion updates were handled by the provision of training opportunities at a Circuit and District level. Some individuals also completed this training via the Methodist website online.
Risk Management
We are developing our risk management strategies in response to the changing landscape with fewer ordained staff available for stationing.
Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS:
Full name of Charity: Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit
Registration Charity Number: 1133752
Date of Registration: 2010
Main communication address: Circuit Office, Ashby Wesley Methodist Church, Ashby High Street, Scunthorpe. DN16 2JT
The members of the Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit Meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership bring made up of circuit office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches.
Full membership is shown as Appendix A to this report.
Circuit Ministers and Officers Active Circuit Ministers: Rev Victoria Atkinson Rev Paul Braisdell
Circuit Stewards:
Ms Hazel Jackson (Senior Circuit Steward from December 2022)
Mr Andrew Lockwood Miss Betty Oldridge Mr Mervyn White Mrs Val Hackney Mr Tim Smith Mr Mike Childs Mrs Karen Elvidge
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Circuit Administrator: Mrs Mai Lin Grimbleby
PA to the Superintendent – Mrs Louise Howard
PA to the Rev P Braisdell – Mrs Bronwen Braisdell
Circuit Admin & Support Worker – Joan Smithson
Andrew Lockwood acted as the principal officer overseeing the day to day financial management and accounting for the Circuit during the year.
Independent examiner: Glover and Co. Chartered Accountants Investment Bankers: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes Bankers: HSBC, 84 High Street, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN15 6HQ
EXEMPTIONS FROM DISCLOSURE
None
FUNDS HELD AS CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF OTHERS
None
Approved by the members of the Circuit Meeting and signed on their behalf by:
Revd. V. Atkinson
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Appendix A
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity (including those appointed/resigned from September 2024)
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs C Allison | |||
| Mrs J. Atkins - Snow | Supernumerary | ||
| Rev Vicki Atkinson | Superintendent Minister |
From September 2023 | |
| Mrs R Barratt | |||
| Mr S Bilton | Misterton | From Sept 2023 | From W & T |
| Mr K Boardman | |||
| Mrs B Braisdell | Local Preachers Secretary |
||
| Rev P Braisdell | Minister | ||
| Mrs P Briggs | |||
| Mrs S Brown | From Sept 2023 | From W&T | |
| Mrs R Brumby | Haxey | From Sept 2023 | |
| Mrs P Chennells | |||
| Rev Liz Childs | Supernumerary | From Sep 2023 - June 2024 | From W & T |
| Mr M. Childs | From Sept 2023 | From W & T | |
| Mrs A Craddock | |||
| Mrs V Cochrane | |||
| Mrs B Credland | |||
| Mr J Credland | |||
| Mrs C Cuthbertson | |||
| Mr A Dawson | |||
| Mrs J Dawson | Beltoft & Butterwick Methodists |
From 04.11.2024 | |
| Mrs D Edwards | |||
| Mrs K Elvidge | Circuit Safeguarding Officer |
From Sept 2023 | From W&T |
| Mrs J Emery | Gainsborough | From Sept 2023 | From W&T |
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| Mr P Fotheringham | Upton | From Sept 2023 | From W&T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs P Gray | Lea | From Sept 2023 | From W&T |
| Rev S Gunson | Supernumerary Minister |
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| Mrs M Hall | |||
| Mrs V Hackney | Circuit Steward | ||
| Mrs C. Holmes | |||
| Mrs V Holmes | Old Brumby | From Sept 2023 | To replace L Holtby |
| Mrs M Holmes | Lea | From Sept 2023 | From W&T |
| Mrs L Howard | Circuit Meeting Secretary |
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| Mrs V Isitt | |||
| Mrs H Jackson | Senior Circuit Steward |
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| Mr P Jackson | Local Preachers Meeting |
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| Mrs M Jones | |||
| Mrs P Kirk | |||
| Dr J Lambert | |||
| Mrs P Layton | |||
| Mrs J Levesley | |||
| Mr A Lindley | |||
| Mrs M Lindley | Owston Ferry | From Nov 2024 | |
| Mr A Lockwood | Circuit Treasurer | ||
| Mrs J Lockwood | Resigned 04.11.24 | ||
| Mrs S Lynaugh | |||
| Mr W Maw | |||
| Mrs J Marshall | Beltoft & Butterwick Methodists |
From 04.11.24 | |
| Deacon C May | |||
| Miss B Oldridge | Circuit Steward | ||
| Mrs J Pike | Until March 2024 | ||
| Mrs L Pollard | |||
| Mr R Sheard | |||
| Mrs S Simpkin | |||
| Dr KG Simpkin | |||
| Mr T Smith | Circuit Steward | From Sept 2023 | From W & T Circuit |
| Mrs J Talbot | From Sept 2023 | From W&T |
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| Mrs K Welch | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr M White | Circuit Steward | ||
| Dr J Wilkinson | |||
| Mr K Wilbur | |||
| Mrs C Wood |
Appendix B
Churches in the Epworth, Scunthorpe & Gainsborough Circuit
Althorpe & Gunness Methodist Church Ashby Wesley Methodist Church Beltoft & Butterwick Methodists Burton upon Stather Methodist Church Crowle & Ealand Methodist Church Ealand Methodist premises (Sold May 2023) Epworth Wesley Memorial Methodist Church Gainsborough Methodist Church with Marton Chapel as a class Haxey Methodist Church Laughton Methodist Church (as a class of Yaddlethorpe Methodist Church) Lea Methodist Church Messingham Methodist Church Misterton Methodist Church Old Brumby United Church Owston Ferry Methodist Church Roxby Methodist Church (sold 1[st] September 2023) Scotter Methodist Church Upton Methodist Church Winteringham Methodist Church Winterton Methodist Church Yaddlethorpe Methodist Church
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CIRCUIT ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND REPORT 2023-2024
THE METHODIST CHURCH
EPWORTH SCUNTHORPE AND GAINSBOROUGH CIRCUIT
Registered Charity – Registration Number 1133752
In the Lincolnshire District no 17/01
MINISTERS
Rev’d Victoria Atkinson
Rev’d Paul Braisdell
CIRCUIT STEWARDS
Mrs Hazel Jackson (Snr Steward)
Miss Betty Oldridge
Mr Mervyn White
Mrs V Hackney
Mr M Childs
Mr T Smith
CIRCUIT TREASURER Mr Andrew Lockwood
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Name of Circuit: Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit Circuit No. 17/01
Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31August 2024
| Notes to the accounts Income 1 Donations and legacies 2 Income from monetary investments 3 Income from investment properties 4 Assessments on Churches 17 5 Capital Receipts 2 6 Grants received Unspent grant monies returned Ministers' Pens. Contributions Rtd. 7 Other charitable income 8Total income Expenditure 9 Grants and donations 3 10 Salaries and associated costs 4 11 Property maintenance 5 12 Connexional assessment & model trust levy 17 13 District Assessment & Levy 17 14 Depreciation 6 15 Office expenses (stationery, tel. etc.) 16 Other outgoings (travel & sundries) Legal & Professional fees (quinquennials etc.) Interest on finance leases 17Total charitable expenditure Net income before investment gains/(losses) 18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments 19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties 10 20Net income/(expenditure) 21 Transfers between funds 8 22 Other gains/(losses) 23Net movement in funds 24 Total funds brought forward 25 Total funds carried forward 15/16 |
General Fund (Unrestricted) Circuit Model Trust (Unrestricted) Total 2023-24 £ £ £ 638 638 6,682 21,195 27,877 16,887 16,887 203,407 203,407 200,000 200,000 0 0 30,000 30,000 498 498 458,112 21,195 479,307 13,933 13,933 105,848 105,848 36,047 36,047 25,525 25,525 66,276 15,372 81,648 6,977 6,977 12,998 12,998 11,715 917 12,632 3,468 3,468 1,113 1,113 258,375 41,814 300,189 199,737 -20,619 179,118 1,167 1,167 131,032 131,032 330,769 -19,452 311,317 -123,814 123,814 0 0 206,955 104,362 311,317 1,209,060 321,623 1,530,683 1,416,015 425,985 1,842,000 |
Total 2022-23 £ 0 9,807 17,820 166,733 0 0 1,689 0 100 |
|---|---|---|
| 196,149 | ||
| 14,500 130,115 20,328 54,268 57,393 14,611 12,595 9,166 7,120 1,023 |
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| 321,119 | ||
| -124,970 -669 -146,186 |
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| -271,825 0 0 |
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| -271,825 1,802,508 1,530,683 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages xx to xx form part of these financial statements.
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Name of Circuit: Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit Circuit No. 17/01 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024
| Notes to the Accounts |
General Fund (Unrestricted) |
Circuit Model Trusts (Unrestricted) |
Totals 2023/24 |
Totals 2022/23 |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Circuit Manses & Equipment | 9 | 297,506 | 297,506 | 532,500 | |||||
| Investmentproperties | 10 | 985,100 | 985,100 | 508,914 | |||||
| Investments | 11 | 16,251 | 16,251 | 15,084 | |||||
| Total fixed assets | Total fixed assets | 1,282,606 | 16,251 | 1,298,857 | 1,056,498 | ||||
| Current Assets | |||||||||
| Debtors | 12 | 54,875 | 54,875 | 7,261 | |||||
| Loans bythe Circuit | 0 | 965 | |||||||
| Investments with TMCP | 11 | 409,734 | 409,734 | 306,539 | |||||
| Central Finance Board Deposits | Central Finance Board Deposits | 80,191 | 80,191 | 116,648 | |||||
| Cash at Bank and in hand | 52,716 | 52,716 | 91,594 | ||||||
| Total current assets | Total current assets | 187,782 | 409,734 | 597,516 | 523,007 | ||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||||
| Creditors (due in under 1 year) | 13 | -50,361 | -50,361 | -43,493 | |||||
| Grants payablewithin 2022-23 | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| Total current liabilities | -50,361 | -50,361 | -43,493 | ||||||
| Net current assets/(liabilities) | 137,421 | 409,734 | 547,155 | 479,514 | |||||
| Total assets less current liabilities 1,420,027 425,985 1,846,012 1,536,012 Long term liabilities (due after more than one year) Grants payable after 2022-23 0 0 Loans to the Circuit 0 0 Creditors(due in over 1year) 14 -4,012 -4,012 -5,329 Net assets 1,416,015 425,985 1,842,00 0 1,530,683 ~~—saeee~~ |
|||||||||
| Funds of the Circuit General Fund(Unrestricted) 1,416,015 1,416,015 1,209,060 Circuit Model Trust Fund (Unrestricted) 425,985 425,985 321,623 Designated Funds (Unrestricted) 0 0 Total Unrestricted Funds 1,842,000 1,530,683 Restricted Funds 0 0 Endowment Funds 0 0 Total Funds 15/16 1,416,015 425,985 1,842,000 1,530,683 3 ~~=-ia==~~ |
Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024
1. Accounting and accounting policies
1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the ‘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)’ (Charity SORP -FRS 102).
In addition, they are prepared in accordance with ‘FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (FRS 102), and under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and the Charities Act.
These statements are also prepared on a going concern basis and under the historic cost convention as modified to include certain assets at fair value. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historic cost or transactional value unless otherwise stated. These statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.
1.2 Consolidation
The Circuit has denominational regulatory oversight in respect of the work of the Methodist Churches within the Circuit but has no legal or operational control of those churches or their governing body except in extreme circumstances. For this reason, the financial statements of individual churches within the Circuit, of which each are considered a separate charity, are not consolidated into these financial statements and therefore these accounts represent solely the activities of the Circuit.
1.3 Income recognition
Income is brought into account when there is entitlement, the amount is reliably measurable and once it is more likely than not that the economic benefit of the income will be forthcoming.
1.4 Expenditure/transfers
This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, where the amount is reliably measurable, and it is considered more likely than not that there will be an outflow of economic benefit.
Where income is received or expenditure has been paid out of the general fund but that subsequently an application is made to apply the monies to the Circuit Model Trust Fund (CMTF) that is held for the Circuit’s use, then funds may be transferred to/from this Trust Fund held by Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) for use by the Circuit. This transfer will be accounted for in the Statement of Financial Activities but sometimes the timing of the two transactions will lie in different accounting periods and the nature of any such transactions are disclosed in ‘Transfers’ see note 8.
TMCP is a body corporate established by the Methodist Church for the custody and administration of monetary/property assets and consequently is the Custodian Trustee for most of the land and buildings and some monetary investments of the Circuit.
1.5 Grants
Grants made by the Circuit from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of approval of the agreement unless there are performance conditions attached which are within the control of the Circuit and in which case it will normally be recognised when these have been fulfilled.
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1.6 Pensions
The Circuit makes payments to the Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme which is a defined benefits scheme. The Scheme is effectively a multi-employer scheme operated by the Methodist Church and as insufficient information is available to use defined benefit accounting the Circuit accounts for it as a defined contributions scheme.
The Circuit also operates a defined contribution scheme for other employees.
Further details of pensions are disclosed in note 4.
1.7 Taxation
As the Circuit is a registered charity it is potentially exempt from taxation on income and gains however it is not VAT registered and therefore all input VAT is charged with the expense to which it relates.
1.8 Tangible fixed assets
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and individually cost at least £500.
Tangible fixed asset property consists of manses and other buildings used in the work of the Methodist Church. The majority have been owned for many years and where the cost of individual properties is unknown, they are disclosed in the accounts at deemed cost being 80% of insured value as of 1 September 2013. If the trustees consider that there is evidence of impairment then an impairment charge is made against the individual property, otherwise depreciation is provided on buildings at the rate of 2% per annum on deemed cost which is designed to write the properties down to zero over their estimated useful economic life. See also accounting policy note 1.4 regarding custodian arrangements of most property.
Land is not depreciated.
Purchased office equipment is depreciated at 33% per annum on cost from the month that the asset is acquired and equipment that is subject to a finance lease is depreciated at 20% per annum which is designed to write off the asset over the life of the primary agreement.
1.9 Investment property
The Circuit may hold property which is surplus to its requirements. Where this is the case, and that the property is no longer held for Church Society use then it is transferred from tangible fixed assets to investment properties and valued at fair value. See also accounting policy 1.4 regarding Custodian trustee.
1.10 Financial instruments
The Circuit holds assets and liabilities that qualify as basic financial instruments which are therefore initially recognised at their transactional value and subsequently measured at settlement value, other than investment properties, other investments and assets held on a finance lease which are then subsequently valued at fair value.
1.11 Monetary Investments
The Circuit’s monetary investments are held by TMCP as custodian trustees (see accounting policy 1.4) and the valuations, at market value, are provided by TMCP. The unrealised gains/losses arising on investments for the financial year are disclosed in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA).
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1.12 Funds
All funds are unrestricted, and details of the funds are disclosed in the financial statements.
1.13 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The Trustees are required to adjust as necessary estimates and judgements regarding the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the application of the accounting policies. These estimates and judgements are based on experience and other relevant factors however actual results may differ from these recorded estimates.
They are revisited on a regular basis and any revisions are recognised as they arise.
The only area where the trustees consider there could be a significant risk of material adjustment is in the valuation of Investment Properties which are based on fair value. However, even if these valuations proved to be materially lower than as stated in the financial statements the trustees are confident that the Circuit’s ability as a going concern will not be compromised.
1.14 Finance leases
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the date of inception of the agreement at the lower of the asset fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Each lease payment is treated as consisting of a capital element and an interest charge and this interest element is applied to the Statement of Financial Activities to produce a constant periodic charge on the remaining balance of the liability.
2. Capital Receipts
This relates to the addition at fair value of redundant church buildings and other Methodist property transferred to the Circuit which are then either sold or held for further use. The relevant asset is shown net of all related selling fees. Sale of such property is also subject to a Connexional Priority Fund (CPF) levy by the Connexion calculated on a sliding scale and based on eventual selling price and this is disclosed in expenditure as ‘Connexional assessment & model trust levy’. Any historic grants made by Connexion to the closed church are also reclaimed from the proceeds of sale.
Net current assets received from a closed, or transferred Society, would also be treated in the same manner.
Society assets transferred during the year were as follows:
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----- Start of picture text -----
2023-24 2022-23
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
Buildings 200,000 0 0 0
Cash received from closed Society 0 0 0 0
Total 200,000 0 0 0
----- End of picture text -----
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3. Grants and donations made by the Circuit
Grants and donations as listed below have been agreed during the year and are recognised in accordance with the accounting policy as stated in note 1.5.
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----- Start of picture text -----
2023-24 2022-23
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
The Forge Project 9,900 9,900
Grants to local churches 4,033 4.600
Total 13,933 0 14,500 0
----- End of picture text -----
4. Salaries and associated costs
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----- Start of picture text -----
2023-24 2022-23
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
Stipends 60,984 83,477
Ministers’ fixed allowances 388 555
Administrators’ gross pay 22,554 15,950
Social Security costs 5,959 7,982
Pension costs – defined benefit 15,623 21,731
Pension costs – defined contribution 33 0
Apprenticeship Levy 307 420
Total 105,848 0 130,115 0
----- End of picture text -----
Trustees’ remuneration
Ministers of the Circuit being Reverend A. Long (Superintendent Minister, but resigned on 31 August 2023), Reverend P. Braisdell and Reverend V. Atkinson (Superintendent Minister from 1 September 2023) were also trustees of the Circuit. Their stipend and allowances are determined annually in advance by the Methodist Conference and the relevant Circuit is responsible for meeting these costs. They all received a stipend of £29,040 pa (2022/23 - £26,928) and the superintendent minister also received the Superintendent Allowance of £2,904 pa (2022/23 - £2,693). At the year-end salary of £8,014 (2022/23 - £5,082) had been paid in advance (one months’ salary).
It should be noted that the superintendent minister in the previous year had also similar responsibilities in a neighbouring Circuit but with her full salary cost met by the Epworth & Scunthorpe Circuit. It is estimated that approximately 15%/20% of her time was taken with these additional duties and therefore the cost to the Circuit of this arrangement in the previous year is estimated at approximately £6,600. This practice ceased from the 31 August 2023 due to a major Circuit reorganisation.
It is normal practice for a minister to be awarded a three-month sabbatical after a period of service within the Methodist Church, but no cost is accrued for this as it is the custom during these times for the Circuit to operate without any additional assistance except for the availability of a neighbouring circuit minister to act in a consultancy role should such a situation be deemed necessary.
The remuneration and pension cost as stated above is largely connected to their role as minister rather than as a trustee and in view of this and the complexities involved in apportionment it is not considered necessary to identify costs between the two roles.
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In addition, manses are provided for each minister and their respective family, and these properties are maintained by the Circuit who also make payments for buildings insurance, council tax and water charges. These costs are not regarded as a taxable benefit by HMRC and therefore have not been disclosed as remuneration in any of these notes.
Two lay trustees received remuneration for administrative tasks carried out during the year and they were Mrs L. Howard £5,448 (2022/23 - £4,915) and Mrs B. Braisdell £3,101 (2022/23 - £3,525). Otherwise no further lay trustees were remunerated in either year.
Key Management Personnel
The Circuit Leadership Team, who are responsible for policy formulation and day to day administration of the activities are regarded as the Key Management Personnel and this team consisted of the Circuit Ministers noted previously and several non-remunerated lay trustees. The aggregate benefit during the year of this key management team (excluding employer National Insurance) was £76,995 (2022/23 - £105,763).
Average number of employees throughout the year were 2 full-time ministers (2022/23 -3) and 4 parttime administration staff (2022/23 -3).
No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the year (2022/23 – nil).
Pensions
Pension cost of £15,623 (2022/23 £21,731) relates to the Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme, this is effectively a multi-employer defined benefit scheme as noted in accounting policies note 1.6, further details of this Pension Scheme can be accessed in the financial statements of the Methodist Church of Great Britain. At the year-end £1,551 (2022/23 -£1,302) had been paid in advance into the Scheme.
In 2021/22 because of an appeal to bolster the Ministers’ Pension Reserve held at the Methodist Church of Great Britain, the Circuit donated a sum of £30,000 which because of improved funding within the pension scheme is now no longer considered necessary and therefore this has subsequently been refunded along with associated interest (see ‘Ministers’ Pension Contributions Rtd.’ on SOFA).
A further pension cost of £33 (2022/23 £ nil) relates to contributions to a defined contribution pension scheme available to administrative staff.
Trustees’ expenses
Two ministers (2022/23 - 3) were reimbursed total expenses of £8,044 (2022/23 -£7,395) and whilst it is not possible to analyse the function of all these expenses it is considered that almost all these expenses relate to reimbursement whilst they were carrying out their role as ministers as opposed to as trustees. It is therefore considered that no further analysis would be useful.
In addition, 12 (2022/23 – 5) lay trustees were reimbursed a total of £8,122 (2022/23 -£6,250) during the year.
These reimbursements were largely for travel and stationery costs.
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5. Property maintenance
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2023-24 2022-23
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
Property costs - manses 12,480 14,045
Property costs – other buildings 15,962 1,581
Insurance 7,605 4,702
Total 36,047 0 20,328 0
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6. Depreciation
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2023-24 2022-23
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
Depreciation on owned assets 5,535 9,323
Depreciation on leased assets 1,440 960
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 2 4,328
Total 6,977 0 14,611 0
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7. Independent Examiner
The fee for the independent examination of these accounts was £420 (2022/23 - £420) and the Independent Examiner provided no additional services during either of the two years.
8. Transfers between funds
Transfers out of CMTF are usually for the funding of specific projects, require further approval and are usually based upon anticipated costing of the related expenditure. During the year 23/24 no such transfers were received from CMTF funds and during the previous year transfers were received of £13,117 for property maintenance and repairs.
In addition, £123,814 was transferred to the CMTF during the year, £195,672 previous year, and this represented the proceeds of the sale of church buildings owned by the Circuit.
The net effect of the above is a transfer to CMTF of £123,814 from the general fund during the year (2022/23 - £182,555).
9. Fixed Assets – Circuit Manses and Equipment
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Land and Office Total
Buildings Equipt.
£ £ £
At cost or valuation
Balance brought forward 619,179 8,354 627,533
Added in year 1,200 1,200
Disposals in year (1,153) (1,153)
Asset reclassified as investment property (269,767) (269,767)
Balance carried forward 349,412 8,401 357,813
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Accumulated depreciation
Balance brought forward 92,921 2,112 95,033
Depreciation charge for year 5,268 1,707 6,975
Depreciation on disposals in year (1,151) (1,151)
Depreciation on asset reclassified as investment (40,550) (40,550)
property
Balance carried forward 57,639 2,668 60,307
Net realisable value at 1 September 2023 526,258 6,242 532,500
Net realisable value at 31 August 2024 291,773 5,733 297,506
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Land and buildings consist of Circuit Manses.
Office equipment includes leased assets with a net realisable value at 31 August 2024 of £4,800 (2023 – £6,240).
10. Fixed Assets - Investment Properties
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Land and
Buildings
£
At valuation
As at 1 September 2023 508,914
Added in year 239,751
Disposal in year (123,814)
Assets reclassified from Circuit manses 229,217
Revaluation in year 131,032
As at 31 August 2024 985,100
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The investment properties have been valued by the Circuit Leadership Team at fair value without any professional advice but where possible by assessment of similar property prices in the area and with any other relevant information that they have obtained.
11. Investment Assets (TMCP)
The funds that support the CMTF are held by TMCP in Trustee interest bearing bank accounts or as Managed Equity funds where interest and dividends are credited on a regular basis.
TMCP is the legal owner and custodian trustee of all Methodist model trust property (see accounting policy 1.4), and this is held on behalf of local managing trustees who are responsible for the day-today operational control. It is ensured by TMCP that through providing guidance and direction that the managing trustees comply with Charity Law and Methodist regulation and policy as determined by the Methodist Conference.
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2023-24 2022-23
£ £
Fixed assets -Managed Equity funds 16,251 15,084
Current assets -Cash deposits 409,734 306,539
Total 425,985 321,623
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12. Debtors
All debtors and prepayments are due within one year and are as follows:
| 2023-24 | 2022-23 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Debtors | 40,000 | 0 |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 14,875 | 7,261 |
| Total | 54,875 | 7,261 |
13. Creditors (due in under one year)
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2023-24 2022-23
£ £
Creditors 492 286
Accruals and deferred income 48,552 42,177
Finance lease obligations 1,317 1,030
Total 50,361 43,493
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Deferred income includes £47,243 (2022/23 - £39,388) for church assessments which are received quarterly in advance.
14. Creditors (due after more than one year)
| 14. Creditors(due after more than oneyear) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 2022- 23 |
|
| £ | £ | |
| Finance lease obligations | 4,012 | 5,329 |
None of the finance lease obligations are due after more than five years.
All finance lease loans are secured on the assets to which they relate (see note 9).
15. Movements in Funds
All funds owned by the charity are unrestricted and consist of two funds with a summary of the movements being as follows:
Current year
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Balance Income Expend’ur Inv’ment Transfer Balance
at e gain/ at
1/09/23 (loss) 31/08/24
£ £ £ £ £ £
General Fund 1,209,060 458,112 (258,375) 131,032 (123,814) 1,416,015
Circuit Model 321,623 21,195 (41,814) 1,167 123,814 425,985
Trust Fund
Total 1,530,683 479,307 (300,189) 132,199 0 1,842,00
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Prior year
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Balance Income Expend’ur Inv’ment Transfer Balance
at e gain/ at
1/09/23 (loss) 31/08/24
£ £ £ £ £ £
General Fund 1,607,468 189,375 (259,043) (146,186) (182,555) 1,209,059
Circuit Model 195,040 6,774 (62,076) (669) 182,555 321,624
Trust Fund
Total 1,802,508 196,149 (321,119) (146,855) 0 1,530,683
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The purpose of these funds is described as follows:
General Fund
The General Fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit.
Circuit Model Trust Fund
The Circuit Model Trust Fund is also for use in the general objectives of the Circuit. Its main source of income is formulaically determined contributions from the sale of manses and church buildings in the Circuit. Although this fund meets the definition of an unrestricted fund under the control of the Circuit Meeting, prior approval is still required from TMCP to access these funds.
16. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds
Fund balances at 31 August 2024 are represented by:
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General CMTF Total
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 297,506 297,506
Fixed asset investments 985,100 985,100
Investments 16,251 16,251
Net current assets in less than one year 137,421 409,734 547,155
Liabilities due in more than one year (4,012) (4,012)
Total 1,416,015 425,985 1,842,000
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Fund balances at 31 August 2023 are represented by:
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General CMTF Total
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 532,500 532,500
Fixed asset investments 508,914 508,914
Investments 15,084 15,084
Net current assets in less than one year 172,975 306,539 479,514
Liabilities due in more than one year (5,329) (5,329)
Total 1,209,060 321,623 1,530,683
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17. Transactions with Related Parties
Related parties include the Methodist Church, Connexion, the Lincolnshire District, other Methodist churches within the circuit, and TMCP.
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None of the Circuit trustees made donations directly to the Circuit during the year or preceding year. All the Circuit trustees are members of a church within the Circuit and may be trustees in their churches.
Each church within the Circuit is required to contribute to the running costs of the Circuit and accordingly an annual assessment is made on all churches using a predetermined formula. Part of this Church Assessment is to reimburse the Circuit for monies required for both District and Connexion costs however, as these costs cannot be identified and as the contractual relationship is between the Circuit, District and Connexion (rather than individual Churches) then it is deemed appropriate to show income and costs in full rather than to net down as in a principal/agent relationship. During the year Assessments were receivable from churches within the Circuit of £203,407 (2022/23 - £166,733) and none of these monies were outstanding at either year end.
The Circuit paid, during the year £81,648 (2022/23 - £57,393) in assessments and levies to the Lincolnshire Methodist District. No amounts were outstanding at the year-end (2022/23 – nil)
Custodianship of most property remains with TMCP (see notes 9 and 10) and some investments and cash deposits (see note 11) are held with them. As noted previously assets held by TMCP will only be released subject to strict conditions.
The Circuit sold a redundant church building during the year and the net disposal proceeds of £123,814 (2022/23 - £195,672) was received by TMCP (who are the legal owner of most Methodist property). They deducted the Connexional Priority Fund Levy of £25,525 (2022/23 - £54,268) and remitted the balance of £98,289 (2022/23 - £141,404) to the appropriate CMTF held by the Circuit. No monies were outstanding at the year-end (2022/23 – nil).
Due to an internal re-organisation as at 1 September 2023 a manse from a now disbanded neighbouring Circuit has been donated to the Circuit at an estimated fair value of £200,000 (see note 2). There are also some monetary assets due to be received and further detail is provided in note 18 below.
18. Contingencies
Re-organisational transfers
Also, as part of the re-organisation structure as noted in the previous paragraph there are certain bank accounts and funds held within TMCP to be allocated to the Circuit. The precise amount of this allocation is still subject to negotiation, which is currently taking place, and is thought to be within the range of £10,000 to £30,000. However, as the trustees do not consider the monetary value of these donations can be reliably measured the value has not yet been recognised in these financial statements but will be so recorded once a clear definition of the amount is known.
Property
A small parcel of land with an estimated value of £10,000 (included in investment property at this value) is held. This land is currently used by the local Parish Council as part of a children’s playground and the Council pay a nominal rent for it although no legal agreement is held by the Circuit.
An additional small area of land is owned with a nominal value of £100 but currently is not income earning.
The Leadership Team will continue to review these arrangements and if considered appropriate will seek professional advice.
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19. Prior Year Adjustment
Some expenses have been reclassified within the SOFA for the current year and therefore comparative figures for the previous year have also been adjusted to allow a meaningful comparison to be made. These only amend comparative expense figures and therefore it has no effect on net income, balance sheet or funds movement in that year.
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DECLARATIONS Treasurer I confirm that I harfe prepared the accounts frcn the records of the Circuii and that trey include all funds under the control of the Circuit Signature of Treasurer Name Address 85 Vtht Strerf Vbtst ButtwwicK DN173LG Prnsentation to the 'Circuit Meeting for approval. l ¢onfiTm that the knunts twe been or will be presented to the Circuit Meeting on and were or will be approved on. Signature of the Chair of the retIng Name of the Chair of the meets'ng Ar14e ,IG125. 15
Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of the Epworth Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit. (formally known as Epworth and Scunthorpe Methodist Circuit) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Epworth Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit for the yearended 31 August 2024. Responslbiiitig¥ and b•sls of report A$the charty trustees ofthe Trustyou 8rè responsibiefofthe preparation ol the accounts in accordance with the requir6ments ol the ChaTfties Act 20111.lhe ACVI. report in respect of my examimion of IheTru¥Vs aCCOLmts caFried rArtunder sectson 145 of the 2011 Actand in carrying out my 9xaminlon I have tolLTh¥Èt1 aLLthe applic8ble DJ"recttons gNen bythe Ch8lrty Commission un¢Jersection 14515}Ib) oYtheAct. Independent examinerts stateme I have completed rnyexamination. I conlirmthat no material rnatte havecometo FTry 8tttrnts.ort in connection with the examination giving me causeto believethat in artymaterial rospect.. 1. accounting reCoSWeren0t keptin re8PeCtoltheTrust 8$ Tequfjr8d ty section 130ot the Actr. OT I the accounts do not 8c¢oryI with thoser$. or 3. the account$ do not complyvrith the applicable Teouiremems conceTningthe fom and conterrt of accounts set OLrt In the Charities IAccounts Reports) RegulutK)ns 2{8 otherthan 8ny rUIrement thatthe accouwrts gr a'tyue and tsarviewt4hich is not8 mènerconsidered as p8rt of an independent examination. I h8ve no concerns antl come across FV) othermotters ID conneetionwiih the exarnin*ton to which Bttention Shou be drawn in this port in orderto enable 8 wopef understanding olthe accounls to be reached. Signed: Name: i& Relevant profession81 qu8lffication or membership of professional ldieS Irf any): CAMPS& ICA Address: LOL 16
Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of the Epworth Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit. (formally known as Epworth and Scunthorpe Methodist Circuit) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Epworth Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit for the yearended 31 August 2024. Responslbiiitig¥ and b•sls of report A$the charty trustees ofthe Trustyou 8rè responsibiefofthe preparation ol the accounts in accordance with the requir6ments ol the ChaTfties Act 20111.lhe ACVI. report in respect of my examimion of IheTru¥Vs aCCOLmts caFried rArtunder sectson 145 of the 2011 Actand in carrying out my 9xaminlon I have tolLTh¥Èt1 aLLthe applic8ble DJ"recttons gNen bythe Ch8lrty Commission un¢Jersection 14515}Ib) oYtheAct. Independent examinerts stateme I have completed rnyexamination. I conlirmthat no material rnatte havecometo FTry 8tttrnts.ort in connection with the examination giving me causeto believethat in artymaterial rospect.. 1. accounting reCoSWeren0t keptin re8PeCtoltheTrust 8$ Tequfjr8d ty section 130ot the Actr. OT I the accounts do not 8c¢oryI with thoser$. or 3. the account$ do not complyvrith the applicable Teouiremems conceTningthe fom and conterrt of accounts set OLrt In the Charities IAccounts Reports) RegulutK)ns 2{8 otherthan 8ny rUIrement thatthe accouwrts gr a'tyue and tsarviewt4hich is not8 mènerconsidered as p8rt of an independent examination. I h8ve no concerns antl come across FV) othermotters ID conneetionwiih the exarnin*ton to which Bttention Shou be drawn in this port in orderto enable 8 wopef understanding olthe accounls to be reached. Signed: Name: i& Relevant profession81 qu8lffication or membership of professional ldieS Irf any): CAMPS& ICA Address: LOL 16