## **EPWORTH, SCUNTHORPE & GAINSBOROUGH METHODIST CIRCUIT – Registered number 1133752 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] AUGUST 2025**
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
The Trustees are pleased to present the Annual Report of the Trustees of the Epworth, Scunthorpe & Gainsborough Methodist Circuit (hereinafter referred to as “The Circuit”) for the year ended 31[st] August 2025.
The charity’s objective is to act as a resource provider within the area around Epworth Scunthorpe & 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:
- a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church;
- b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church;
- c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church;
- 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:
- a) The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non members alike.
- b) The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.
- c) Taking religious assemblies in local schools.
- 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**
In September 2024 the Circuit welcomed a new ordained member of staff, Rev Debbie Caulk. Rev Debbie has pastoral charge of the churches on the Isle of Axholme. It has enhanced the mission and ministry of the circuit to have three ordained members of staff stationed here rather than two. The presence of a larger team of ordained staff has also been beneficial as two of the staff (Rev Vicki Atkinson and Rev Paul Braisdell) were due and received their 3 month sabbatical time consecutively within this twelve month period, as expected by the Methodist Church connexionally. In relation to property matters, no longer being required to house an ordained presbyter, the Messingham manse was sold in March 2025.
To summarise the Circuit’s work in more general terms, we continue to 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
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recognised as a BRF Anna Chaplain), serving our neighbourhoods (eg supporting charities like the Forge, Lindsey Lodge Hospice and so on) and being engaged in outreach.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## **Review of the financial results for the year**
The Circuit has the following principal sources of funds:
- Assessments on churches within the Circuit
- The Circuit Model Trust Fund
- Investment income
- Funds transferred from related institutions
All monies received are used to further the work of the Circuit.
Income for the year was £228,190 (2024 - £479,307). The income reduction in the year of £251,000 was mainly due to a reduction in assets donated (effectively transferred in) because of a previous year circuit merger of £192,000 along with the absence of a one-off pension contribution refund in 2023/4 of £30,000 and a reduced assessment contribution from the churches of £18,000. Various other income streams also increased by £11,000 during the year.
Total expenditure for the year was £386,871 (2024 - £300,189) an increase in the year of £87,000. Significant variances on the costs were, salaries and associated costs which increased by £44,000 due to an increase in ministers from two to three during the year, an increase in property costs of £23,000 due to extensive property refurbishment and an increase in Connexional Levy of £23,000 which arises due to the irregular sale of properties upon which this levy is based. There was also a net reduction in other costs of £3,000 during the year.
Gains on investments of £6,288 (2024 - £132,199) were largely due to property revaluations during the year.
As a result of these activities there was a net reduction in funds during the year of £152,393 (2024 – increase £311,317).
Total reserves held by the charity on 31 August 2025 were therefore £1,689,607 (2024 - ££1,842,000) and this includes free reserves at the year-end of £1,260,749 (2024 - £1,416,015). However, this does include property assets of £1,100,498 (2024 - £1,282,606), therefore revealing free relatively liquid assets of £160,251 (2024 - £133,409).
## **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 £170,000
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(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 required financial contributions to District and Connexion and to ensure efficient management and financial stability amongst the churches within the Circuit.
At the year-end such reserves were £160,251 and therefore almost at the required level.
The trustees are mindful of the required level of reserves and are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that reserves achieve the target level and therefore they are confident that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation as regards 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 2024-August 2025 the circuit had 3 full-time presbyters- the Superintendent taking pastoral charge of 5 church councils, the presbyter based on the Isle of Axholme taking pastoral charge of 6 church councils and the presbyter based in Scunthorpe taking pastoral charge of 8 churches (with Laughton church being a class of Yaddlethorpe church). There were 4 Supernumerary Presbyters, 3 of whom were particularly involved in both local church and circuit life, a retired deacon, similarly involved and an associate minister status was given by Conference to a retired minister from another denomination. Sadly one of the supernumerary ministers died in March 2025. Our circuit organisation was enhanced by 4 part-time administrative assistants until one stood down in April 2025 and was not replaced. There continue to be numerous other volunteer lay office holders. We were especially grateful to all our lay volunteers this year for supporting the mission and ministry of their churches when the full-time ordained minister was on sabbatical.
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## **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
## **Trustee Training**
A range of guidance is produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the circuit. Safeguarding training, Equality Diversity and Inclusion and Unconscious Bias 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 & 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 & 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.
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## Circuit Ministers and Officers
Active Circuit Ministers: Rev Victoria Atkinson (Superintendent) Rev Paul Braisdell
Rev Debbie Caulk
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 (Stood down from office Summer 2025) Mr Mike Childs (Stood down from office Autumn 2024) Mrs Karen Elvidge
Circuit Administrator: Mrs Mai Lin Grimbleby
PA to the Superintendent (until April 2025) – 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
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## **Approved by the members of the Circuit Meeting and signed on their behalf by:**
Revd. V. Atkinson
## **Appendix A Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity (including those appointed/resigned from September 2024)**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted Note
Mrs C Allison
Mrs J. Atkins - Snow Supernumerary
Rev Vicki Atkinson Superintendent From September 2023
Minister
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
Rev Debbie Caulk Minister From Sept 2024
Mrs P Chennells
Rev Liz Childs Supernumerary From Sep 2023 - June From W & T
2024
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
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
Mrs J Dawson Beltoft & From 04.11.2024
Butterwick
Methodists
Mrs D Edwards
Mrs K Elvidge Circuit From Sept 2023 From W&T
Safeguarding
Officer
Mrs J Emery Gainsborough From Sept 2023 From W&T
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
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
Mrs V Isitt
Mrs H Jackson Senior Circuit
Steward
Mr P Jackson Local Preachers
Meeting
Mrs M Jones
Mrs P Kirk
Dr J Lambert
Mrs P Layton
Mrs J Levesley
Mr A Lindley
Mrs M Lindley Owston Ferry From October 2024
Mr A Lockwood Circuit Treasurer
Mrs J Lockwood Resigned 04.11.24
Mrs S Lynaugh
Mr W Maw
Mrs J Marshall Beltoft & From 04.11.24
Butterwick
Methodists
Deacon C May Deacon
Miss B Oldridge Circuit Steward
**----- End of picture text -----**
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
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
Mrs K Welch
Mr M White Circuit Steward
Dr J Wilkinson
Mr K Wilbur
Mrs C Wood
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Appendix B**
## **Churches in the Epworth, Scunthorpe & Gainsborough Circuit**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Althorpe & Gunness Methodist Church
Ashby Wesley Methodist Church
Beltoft & Butterwick Methodists
Burton upon Stather Methodist Church
Crowle & Ealand Methodist Church
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
Marton Methodist Centre (no worshipping congregation) came under
direct Circuit care from being a class of Gainsborough in November 2024
Messingham Methodist Church
Misterton Methodist Church
Old Brumby United Church
Owston Ferry Methodist Church
Scotter Methodist Church
Winteringham Methodist Church
Winterton Methodist Church
Upton Methodist Church
Yaddlethorpe Methodist Church
**----- End of picture text -----**
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91Pcige
# **CIRCUIT ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND REPORT 2024-2025**
# **THE METHODIST CHURCH**
# **EPWORTH SCUNTHORPE AND GAINSBOROUGH CIRCUIT**
**Registered Charity – Registration Number 1133752**
**In the Lincolnshire District no 17/01**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
MINISTERS Rev’d Victoria Atkinson
Rev’d Paul Braisdell
Rev’d Deborah Caulk
CIRCUIT STEWARDS Mrs Hazel Jackson (Snr Steward)
Miss Betty Oldridge
Mr Mervyn White
Mrs V Hackney
Mr M Childs
Mr T Smith
Mrs Karen Elvidge
CIRCUIT TREASURER Mr Andrew Lockwood
**----- End of picture text -----**
**1**
## **Name of Circuit: Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit Circuit No. 17/01**
## **Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31August 2025**
|**Notes to**
**the**
**accounts**
**Income**
1 Donations and legacies
2 Income from monetary
investments
3 Income from investment
properties
4 Assessments on Churches
18
5 Capital Receipts
2
6 Grants received
Ministers' Pens. Contributions
Rtd.
4
7 Other charitable income
8**Total income**
**Expenditure**
9 Grants and donations
3
10 Salaries and associated costs
4
11 Property costs
5
12 Connexional assessment &
model trust levy
18
13 District Assessment & Levy
18
14 Depreciation
6
15 Office expenses (stationery, tel.
etc.)
16 Other outgoings (travel &
sundries)
Legal & Professional fees (quinquennials etc.)
Interest on finance leases
17**Total charitable expenditure**
**Net income before investment gains/(losses)**
18 Gains/(losses) on monetary
investments
19 Gains/(losses) on investment
properties
7
20**Net income/(expenditure)**
21 Transfers between funds
9
22 Other gains/(losses)
23**Net movement in funds**
24 Total funds brought forward
**25 Total funds carried forward**
16/17|**General Fund**
**(Unrestricted)**
**Circuit Model**
**Trust**
**(Unrestricted)**
**Total**
**2024-25**
£
£
£
**0**
3,953
20,079
**24,032**
10,020
**10,020**
185,920
**185,920**
7,991
**7,991**
**0**
**0**
227
**227**
**208,111**
**20,079**
**228,190**
12,485
**12,485**
150,377
**150,377**
59,201
**59,201**
48,503
**48,503**
56,000
23,199
**79,199**
7,108
**7,108**
12,042
**12,042**
11,356
1,385
**12,741**
4,389
**4,389**
826
**826**
**313,784**
**73,087**
**386,871**
**-105,673**
**-53,008**
**-158,681**
30
**30**
6,258
**6,258**
**-99,415**
**-52,978**
**-152,393**
-55,851
55,851
**0**
**0**
**-155,266**
**2,873**
**-152,393**
1,416,015
425,985
**1,842,000**
**1,260,749**
**428,858**
**1,689,607**|**Total**
**2023-24**
£
638
27,877
16,887
203,407
200,000
0
30,000
498|
|---|---|---|
|||**479,307**|
|||13,933
105,848
36,047
25,525
81,648
6,977
12,998
12,632
3,468
1,113|
|||**300,189**|
|||**179,118**
1,167
131,032|
|||**311,317**
0
0|
|||**311,317**
1,530,683
**1,842,000**|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages 04 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
**2**
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Name of Circuit: Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit
Circuit No. 17/01
Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025
General Circuit Totals Totals
Fund Model 2024/25 2023/24
(Unrestricte Trusts
Notes to d) (Unrestricte
the d)
Account
s £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets
Circuit Manses & Equipment 10 290,398 290,398 297,506
Investment properties 11 810,100 810,100 985,100
Investments 12 16,281 16,281 16,251
Total fixed assets 1,100,498 16,281 1,116,779 1,298,857
Current Assets
Debtors 13 29,334 29,334 54,875
Loans by the Circuit 0 0
Investments with TMCP 12 412,577 412,577 409,734
Central Finance Board Deposits
151,298 151,298 80,191
Cash at Bank and in hand 43,626 43,626 52,716
Total current assets 224,258 412,577 636,835 597,516
Current liabilities
Creditors (due in under 1 year) 14 - - -
61,600 61,600 50,361
Grants payable within 1 year 0 0
Total current liabilities -61,600 -61,600 -50,361
Net current assets/(liabilities) 162,658 412,577 575,235 547,155
Total assets less current
liabilities 1,263,156 428,858 1,692,014 1,846,012
Long term liabilities
(due after more than one year)
Grants payable after 1 year 0 0
Loans to the Circuit
0 0
Creditors (due in over 1 year) 15 -2,407 -2,407 -4,012
Net assets 1,260,749 428,858 1,689,607 1,842,000
Funds of the Circuit
General Fund (Unrestricted) 1,260,749 1,260,749 1,416,015
Circuit Model Trust Fund
(Unrestricted) 428,858 428,858 425,985
Designated Funds (Unrestricted) 0 0
Total Unrestricted Funds 1,689,607 1,842,000
Restricted Funds 0 0
Endowment Funds 0 0
Total Funds 16/17 1,260,749 428,858 1,689,607 1,842,000
**----- End of picture text -----**
**3**
**Epworth, Scunthorpe and Gainsborough Methodist Circuit Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025**
## **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 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 9.
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.
4
## **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).
5
## **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 the interest 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 assets 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:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024-25 2023-24
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
Buildings 0 0 200,000 0
Assets received from Circuit 7,991 0 0 0
reorganisation
Total 7,991 0 200,000 0
**----- End of picture text -----**
6
## **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.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024-25 2023-24
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
The Forge Project 9,900 9,900
Grants to local churches 2,585 4.033
Total 12,485 0 13,933 0
4. Salaries and associated costs
2024-25 2023-24
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
Stipends 96,162 60,984
Ministers’ fixed allowances 621 388
Administrators’ gross pay 23,170 22,554
Social Security costs 11,176 5,959
Pension costs – defined benefit 18,612 15,623
Pension costs – defined contribution 33 33
Apprenticeship Levy 603 307
Total 150,377 0 105,848 0
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Trustees’ remuneration**
Ministers of the Circuit being Reverend V. Atkinson (Superintendent Minister), Reverend P. Braisdell and Reverend D. Caulk 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 £31,020 pa (2023/24 - £29,040) and the superintendent minister also received the Superintendent Allowance of £3,102 pa (2023/24 - £2,904). At the year-end salary of £8,261 (2023/24 - £8,014) had been paid in advance (one months’ salary).
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.
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 £3,675 (2023/24 - £5,448) and Mrs B. Braisdell £3,969 (2023/24 - £3,101). Otherwise no further lay trustees were remunerated in either year.
7
Average number of employees throughout the year were 3 full-time ministers (2023/24 -2) and 4 parttime administration staff (2023/24 - 4).
No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the year (2023/24 – nil).
## **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 £115,395 (2023/24 - £76,995).
## **Pensions**
Pension cost of £18,612 (2023/24 - £15,623) 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 £1,599 (2023/24 -£1,551) 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 was returned in 2023/24 along with associated interest (see ‘Ministers’ Pension Contributions Rtd.’ on SOFA).
A further pension cost of £33 (2023/24 - £33) relates to contributions to a defined contribution pension scheme available to administrative staff.
## **Trustees’ expenses**
Three ministers (2023/24 - 2) were reimbursed total expenses of £9,337 (2023/24 - £8,044) 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, 7 (2023/24 – 12) lay trustees were reimbursed a total of £5,066 (2023/24 -£8,122) during the year.
These reimbursements were largely for travel, stationery and property maintenance.
## **5. Property maintenance**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024-25 2023-24
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
Property costs - manses 11,100 12,480
Property costs – other buildings (incl. 37,856 15,962
voids)
Insurance 10,245 7,605
Total 59,201 0 36,047 0
**----- End of picture text -----**
**8**
## **6. Depreciation**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024-25 2023-24
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
Depreciation on owned assets 5,668 5,535
Depreciation on leased assets 1,440 1,440
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 0 2
Total 7,108 0 6,977 0
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **7. Gain on investment properties**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024-25 2023-24
General CMTF General CMTF
£ £ £ £
Realised gain on investment property 6,258
Unrealised gain on investment property 131,032
Total 6,258 0 131,032 0
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **8. Independent Examiner**
The fee for the independent examination of these accounts was £420 (2023/24 - £420) and the Independent Examiner provided no additional services during either of the two years.
## **9. 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 current year £50,407 was received from CMTF funds (2023/24 - nil) for transfers in relation to property maintenance and repairs.
Also, during the current year £75,000 (2023/24 - nil) was transferred out of CMTF to assist with general running costs.
In addition, £181,258 was transferred to the CMTF during the year (2023/24 - £123,814) 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 £55,851 from the general fund during the year (2023/24 - £123,814).
## **10. Fixed Assets – Circuit Manses and Equipment**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Land and Office Total
Buildings Equipt.
£ £ £
At cost or valuation
Balance brought forward and carried forward 349,412 8,401 357,813
Accumulated depreciation
Balance brought forward 57,639 2,668 60,307
Depreciation charge for year 5,268 1,840 7,108
Balance carried forward 62,907 4,508 67,415
**----- End of picture text -----**
**9**
**Net realisable value at 1 September 2024 291,773 5,733 297,506 Net realisable value at 31 August 2025 286,505 3,893 290,398**
Land and buildings consist of Circuit Manses currently in use.
Office equipment includes leased assets with a net realisable value at 31 August 2025 of £3,360 (2024 – £4,800).
## **11. Fixed Assets - Investment Properties**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Land and
Buildings
£
At valuation
As at 1 September 2024 985,100
Disposal in year (175,000)
As at 31 August 2025 810,100
**----- End of picture text -----**
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.
## **12. 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.
The funds held as CMTF monies are as follows:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024-25 2023-24
£ £
Fixed assets -Managed Equity funds 16,281 16,251
Current assets -Cash deposits 412,577 409,734
Total 428,858 425,985
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **13. Debtors**
All debtors and prepayments are due within one year and are as follows:
||**2024-25**|**2023-24**|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|
|Debtors|17,633|40,000|
|Prepayments and accrued income|11,701|14,875|
|**Total**|**29,334**|**54,875**|
10
## **14. Creditors (due in under one year)**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
2024-25 2023-24
£ £
Creditors 6,477 492
Accruals and deferred income 53,519 48,552
Finance lease obligations 1,604 1,317
Total 61,600 50,361
**----- End of picture text -----**
Deferred income includes £48,699 (2023/24 - £47,243) for church assessments which are received quarterly in advance.
## **15. Creditors (due after more than one year)**
|**15. Creditors(due after more than oneyear)**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2024-25**|**2023-**
**24**|
||**£**|**£**|
|**Finance lease obligations**|**2,407**|**4,012**|
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 10).
## **16. 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**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Balance Income Expend’ur Inv’ment Transfer Balance
at e gain/ at
1/09/24 (loss) 31/08/25
£ £ £ £ £ £
General Fund 1,416,015 208,111 (313,784) 6,258 (55,851) 1260,749
Circuit Model 425,985 20,079 (73,087) 30 55,851 428,858
Trust Fund
Total 1,842,000 228,190 (386,871) 6,288 0 1,689,607
Prior year
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 1,842,000
**----- End of picture text -----**
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.
11
## **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.
## **17. Analysis of Net Assets between Funds**
Fund balances at 31 August 2025 are represented by:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
General CMTF Total
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 290,398 290,398
Fixed asset investments 810,100 810,100
Investments 16,281 16,281
Net current assets in less than one year 162,658 412,577 575,235
Liabilities due in more than one year (2,407) (2,407)
Total 1,260,749 428,858 1,689,607
**----- End of picture text -----**
Fund balances at 31 August 2024 are represented by:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
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
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **18. Transactions with Related Parties**
Related parties include the Methodist Church, Connexion, the Lincolnshire District, other Methodist churches within the circuit, and TMCP.
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 £185,920 (2023/24 - £203,407) and at the year-end assessment monies of £7,613 were owing (2023/24 – nil) also overpayments of £5,404 were due to be repaid (2023/24 – nil).
The Circuit paid, during the year £79,199 (2023/24 - £81,648) in assessments and levies to the Lincolnshire Methodist District. No amounts were outstanding at the year-end (2023/24 – nil)
12
Custodianship of most property remains with TMCP (see notes 10 and 11) and some investments and cash deposits (see note 12) are held with them. As noted previously assets held by TMCP will only be released subject to strict conditions.
The Circuit sold a redundant property during the year, and the net disposal proceeds of £181,258 (2023/24 - £123,814) was received by TMCP (who are the legal owner of most Methodist property). They deducted the Connexional Priority Fund Levy of £48,503 (2023/24 - £25,525) and remitted the balance of £132,755 (2023/24 - £98,289) to the appropriate CMTF held by the Circuit. No monies were outstanding at the year-end (2023/24 – nil).
Due to an internal re-organisation at 1 September 2023 a manse from a now disbanded neighbouring Circuit was donated to the Circuit during the previous year at an estimated fair value of £200,000 (see note 2). There are also some monetary assets still to be transferred, and further detail is provided in note 19 below.
## **19. Contingencies**
## **Re-organisational transfers**
Also, as part of the re-organisational structure as noted in the previous paragraph there are certain bank accounts and funds still to be allocated to the Circuit. The precise amount of this allocation is still to be determined but is probably within the range of £10,000 to £30,000. However, as the trustees do not consider that they possess sufficient information to reliably value these assets or a clear definition of the nature of some of the funds involved they have not yet been recognised in the financial statements.
They will be accounted for once precise information regarding the nature and value of these funds is obtained and control of them ceded to the Circuit.
## **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.
**13**
DECLARATIONS
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14
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of the Epworth
and Scunthorpe Methodist Circuit.
i ieport to tt iru%tèeS On my QUrni•alion ol rhe aCCOknn'.s of the tpwori* 4ty¢ *unlhorpe Ileihodist Cir{uii for ip.e
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r¢ouiTen*nis of thtr Ch•fJirs A£1 2011 I'ih* ALt'I
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cirryiP8 OUt rny e*arniiaron I h•ve a'.4 the 4poI.<¥ble b¥ the (Tharitv Cofflm.'%%.on linder
secrn 1451511bJ of the A(r
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l ¥£couv.tinR rt.odiSt Cir£u*• lof the
year ended 31, Ats8us: 202
AMpwbiltti*s •nd basis ol r¢port
As:he cha.'It¥'.ruskve5 of the Tib51 YOL4 are resgonsTrble fof ihe preoaraT'.on of :r* aCCQiiryts In accordJn