Circult Accruals Accounts 2023124 THE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2024 South Essex Circuit Registèred Chaiity- Registrdtion number 1134269 Beds,Essex,Herts District No I Circuit No 34101 Mlnisters Rev F Al-Hassen Rev M Agyam Rev F Smith Circuit Stewards Mrs L Amber, Mrs H Ashworth, Mrs S Stubbs Mr G Hodgson Mrs C Raven Circuit Treasurnr 'ss W A Crayden
South Essex arcult TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR EfioED31 AUfjU5T2024 Introdurtlon This i% the Tru51ees' Annual Report for the Methodist ChuTch of South Essex Circuit covering the north part of the Thames EstU8ry from Basildon irt the east to Grays in the west takln8 in Billericay in the northern part of ihe circuit. The Methodist church South E&sèx Or¢uit is responsible for the ministerial oversi8ht and pastoral care ot elght churche5 In the clrcult- the suppon of a mlnlstry team of three presbyter Ministers, one full time lay employee and one part time lay employee and the maintenance of four CiTCUIt manse5. Aims and ganISatIon The South Essex Circvlt is part of the Methodlst Church and is committed to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in word and action. The Circuiys role 15 to ensure the effectwe use of its resources to furtheT the four dimensions of 'Our callin as Methodists. Worship- to increase awareness of God's presence and to lebrate God's love; Service- to be goThl neEhbours to people in need and to challenge injustice- Evangeli5m-to make more followers (rfJesu5' Learning and Caring- to help people to learn and grow in faith through mutual Support nd care. The Circuit caring policy is to: Encourage everyone in our churche5 to care for one another, and maintain an establlshed pastoral system where church members work in conjunction with 5tsff. Make it a requirement for an annual review of Safeguarding Policies and ènsure necessary DBS checks are made and training attended. Encourage churche5 to work alongside other a8ències. as well as Ècumèniolty to geek to allw8te social needs locally identified. Be sensitive to people of other faiths and to face the challenge of being open to dialogue with them lemphasising what we have In common. rather than solely focus5ing tsn those issues on whl¢h we dlfferl.
Famity Minlstry Encourage and equip volunieers and leaders to build each churth into a community for all generation5. Encourage and nurture relationships betsween God, church and families. NLkrture relatitsnshlps across age groups within church. Facilitate Ilnks between the church, families, the wider community and other OTganisations through outreach and church-based events includingworship. Hospitsllty Encourage local churches to extend Christ-like hospitality and practlce an artNe and generou5 lo. Inwte. welwme, re1ve and care for those who are 'strangerg. so they may find a spiritual home and the rlchnes5 of Chrlst in our churche Express God'5 invitstion to others. Pray, plan, prepare and woik toward helplng others to recelve Chrlst. Inclusi¥lty Encoura8e and facllitate a sense of bèlonging together a5 one in the Bo(ty of Christ. Acknowledge the uniqueness of indlviduals and foster inrlusivitv. Encourage mutual concern, goodwill respect for others regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientatlon. marltal statu5, age, dtsabS1ity or opinion. Acknowle(18e Chrlstians hold different vlews on issue5 including faith and1rftr5tyle, and encourage all exchange5 of opinion to be within a framework of mutual fespect, prayèrfulness. gra and honesty. Challenge discrimination and injustice. Workln8 Together Encourage openness to change and 3 willingness to ceIve the talents of other5. Encourage people within church to work together as effectively as possible. To be conscious arKI considerate of the we114)eing needs of those who servelwork in our churches= volunteers, lay workers, ordained ministers. Buslnes5 and Resources Poll Peo The Clrcult policy is to= Malntain effective oversight of churche5 through the grouped responsibilsties of staff and the location of manses.
Develop and support its mlnlsterlal stsff and lay worker5, who meet rUlarlY for mutual support, encouragement and conversation about Circuit and thurch issues. Traln and authotise local preachers and worship leaders, who, together wilh ordained ministers. have the prlmary role in leadingthe worshipping life of the churches. Seek appropriate people to join the Leadership Team a5 Circuit stewards. offer Induciion and encouragement to take an interest in partl¢ular aspects of ar¢utt work. Buslness and Resources Po Bui The Circuit will.. Maintain and improve, where approprlate, those manses for which It Is responsible. Continue the independent quinquennial inspections of all Orcuit property, supported by annual physical inspections by the relevant stewards, and wlll malntaSn a list of relevant maintenante and professional a8encie5. Requlre churthes to comply with the Safeguarding and Equality legislation and Connexional policy. Require churches comply wlth current buildings Health and Safety leglslation and undertake Annual Risk Assessments. Seek to support and give advSce on the Smprovement and Maintenan of church premise& Seek to support and prLJvide resour¢es towards energy efficiency, health and safety, accessibility and property improvements foi outieach. Buslne55 and Resources Poll Finance The Circuit poll is to- Encourage eath church to maximise the use of regular, tax4ffident giving. Consider and approve an annual budgeL tO8her wlth two forecast years. Consider and review futurÈ Circuit finance. Consider and approve the annual church contributions. in the knowledge that giving is one response we can make to God's constant love. Business and Re rces Poll sin The fjrcult pollcy Is to.. Plan and dischèrge Its re5ponslb511ties in an efficient and effective manner. Encourage churches to plan and discharge thèir responsibilities efficiently and effectively.
Revlew ofthe The Circuit has provided support to all nine thurches to comply wlth the above policy by encouragtnB trainin& financtng scheme to encclurage outreach and maintaining hur¢h buildings. In February a rèserves ptslicy is drawn up for di5CU55ion in the circuit leadership team for the next connexional year and approved at the February Circuit Meeting. This gives us a vision of what we plan to do in the next year. In addition wè also prepare a budget. We are happy to report for 2023124 thai there were no malor dlfferences between actual and budgeted rUTes. In¢ome trends CSrcult Income is primarily drawn from the assessment paid by thecircuit churches. Interest from accounts held with rerognised Banks and Central Finance Board. We h3ve investments valued at É219,578 which generated dividends. This investment Is re-valued each year and the movement Is in induded in the financial statements. The rental income relates to the rental of Meadow Rsse Billericay a redundant manse. OurinE the year sianford Methodist Church was 501d and the funds are included in the accounts. St Andrew's in HeronBate closed during the year and is in the PTO55 of being sold. Ex endTture trends Stipend expendrture ha5 increased each flnancial yoar In Ilne wlth conference approved increases. 17.47% of expenditure 15 the Circuit contributiors to the Distrirt and Connexion. of which a signiftcant part is used to fund the work of the wider Methodlst Church. The other expenditure in the General fvnd Is in respect of living expenses of the ordainèd employees and reirnbursement of variou5 expenses incurred in carryin8 Out Iheir dutle& The current assèts of the circuit equal £505.864 and represents a general reserve to cover Six months of expenditure and the baLanee is allocated to specified re5erve5 which are detailed later in this report.
Plans for 2024 Circuit financial plan5 for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that ihere remains 3 full time ordained staff with 4nti¢ipated cost of livin8 stipènd Increases combined wlth an increase in the assessment paid to the distritt suth that I have not reqUe@d an increase in the as5e5sment fTom the circuit Churches.
South Essex Clrcuit Trnste¥s Anal Report on FlnaJ¢e and Governance Basis of pr•paratloft and legal framework The financial statements have been prepared in accordance wilh the A¢¢ountlng and Reporting by Chartties Statement of Recommended Prathice ISORPI applicable to charities prèparing thèir accounts in accordance with the Financlal Reporting Standard appltcable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 èffective from I january 2015- (Charlties SORP FRS 1021 Full Name ofcharity.. SOUTH ESSEX METHOD15T CHURCH CIRCU Registratlon Charity Number: 1134269. Date of registration Ilth February 2010 Main ujmmunlcation address I CifcuSt offlce l Langdon Hills Methodist Churth, High Road, Langdon Hills, Basildon, Essex. The mernbers of the South Essex Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membershlp being made up of clrcuit offlce holders, ministers and representatives appoinled by the local churches. Full membershlp Is shown as Appendix A to this report. Circuit Mlnisters and officers Active Circuit Minlsters Aev F Al-Hassan Rev M Ay8am Rev F Smith. Mrs C Owens Mrs S Stubbs. Mrs L Amber, Mrs H Ashworth. Mr G Hodgson, Mrs C Raven Circuit Lay Workers Circuit steward5 Administrator.. Mrs H Harr Miss W A Crayden acted as the princip31 Offer overseeSng the day to day financial mana8ement and accoufttinÈ for the circuit durin8 the year. Independent eKaminei Mayor Cuttle & Co. Suite 7B Aquarium 101 Lower Anchor Street. Chelmsford, CM2 OAU Investment Bankers Central Finan BoaTd of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Churth purposes Santander Bank PLC
south Essex arcult Aims and oryanlsation Charity objertive is to act a5 a Resource providÈrwlthin the area around South Essex for the Methodlst Church: The purposes of the Methodist Churth aTe and shall be deemed to have been since the Date gf Union the advancement of: al The Chrlstlan faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church; bl Any tharitable puipose for the time belng of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church,. cl Any Charitable purpose for the time being of any Society or institution subsldiary or ancillaryto The Methodist Church: dl Arry purpose for the tirne belng of any Charity belng a charity subsldiary or ancillary to The Methodlst Church The orBanlsation and resourcing of regular public atts of worship open to members of the church and non rnembers alike. The teaching of Chrislianlty throu8h sermons, courses and small group5. The resourcing of pastoral work includFngvisiting the sick and bereaved. Taking rellgious assemblies in local schools. Promotion of Chri5tianlty through ihe staging of events and serv1. Provision of thaplaincy ser¥ice5 to the local univÈrslty and other institutions. Publ1¢ Benefit We conflrm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commi55K)n's guidance on publlc benefit. Strurture. Governan¢e and Manayment The governing document forthe circuit the Deed of Union119321 and Methodist Church Act 119761 DetèilÈd governance arrangements are ¢)utllned within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual ¢onfeience ICPDI. Day to day management of the drcuit is undertaken by the Orcuit Leadership team along with the Local Preacher5 meetin& the Circuit Finan and Property Committee and thè Circuit PolKy Committee. Trustee Tralning A range of guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effertive runnlng ofthe circuit, specifically the leaflet Yhe Role of a Trusteè in The Methodist Church, is given to all new Clrcuit meetin% members as Fnduction to thelr role as truslees. Rèlated Partles The Circutt is part of the Beds. Essex and Herts District 3nd is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches are linked to the circuit Billericay,Grays. St Andrew5, Horndon n the Hill,Langdon Hills,Linford, St Paul's, Trinity, Wickford Christ Church. Any other specific organssations with spècific linkage.
South E55ex Orcult Rlsk Management The major rlsks have been Identlfied and recorded bythe Clreult Finan and Property Committee with professional advice taken as required. There is 3 regular annual review process undertaken and retorded. Income and Expenditure is being monltored in totsl and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to ett trends a5 part of the rlsk management proces5 to avoid unforeseen calls on reserve& Safe8uèrdlng Every person has a vGlue anddrgnity which Comes directlyfrom the creution mole ondfrmule in God's own Image and IFkeness. Clprlstlans see this potenti(rl uslulfilledby God5 re-creutlon of us in Christ. Amoftg other things this impltes o duty to volue ollpeople os beoring the imoge ofGodond therefore to protert themfrom hum. Methodist Connexional practice outline5 commitment to the follow& principles.. • the care and nurture of. ar)d respectful pastoral ministry wfth, 311 children. youn8 people and adults thÈ safeguarding and protection of all thil¢Jren, young people and a(lults when they are vulnerable the estsblishing of safè, caring communities which provide a loving environment where theie is informed vi8ilan¢È as to the dangers of abuse. We will carefully Select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in Ilne wlth Safer Recruitment principles, includin8 the use of crimlnal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vettlng and barrlng schemes. • We will respond without delay to every complaint made whid) su ests that an adult, child or voung person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse. developlng with them an approprlate mlni5try of informed pastoral care. We will seek to challenge any abuse of rA)wer, èspecially by anyone in a position of trust. We will seek to offer pastoral Carè and support. including supervision and referral tu the proper authorilies. to any member of our church community known to have offended agalnst a child, voung pèrson Of vulnerable adult In all these prlnciples we will follow legislation, guidan and reu)gnised good practice The South Essex Circuit commits itself to ensuringthe implementatlon of Connexional Safeguarding pICy. government legislation. guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches. The South Essex Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advi and training for lay and ordained people that wlll ensure people are clear and confidènt about their roles respiJnsTrbilities in safeguardirsB and promoting the welfare of chlldren and adults who may be vulnerable. Reserves Poli¢y The Reserves Pollcy for the Clrcuit is to hold a minimum sum equNatent to slx months. average expenditure. This shtsuld be 5ufficlent to meet any unforeseen item of major expendlture ort rn3n5es and / or to be able to continue. in the Short teim. funding planned activtties in thè event of any Inabllity to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches. In addtion the tirciit also hold5 reserves in respect of Mansè Maintenance. Trainlng and Learning, Equlpment and misslon outreach, worker with young people, limprovtng church premises.
These are asfollows Manse Caprtal Expenditure £101,335 Tr?inrnrT 2Dfl I <4 flm Equipment and Mission £5,000 Mission work £25,000 ImnrnvÉnk¥ r.hiJrrh Prprni¢ F57 Pastoral Support £5,Th)0
Name ofcircuit South Essex CIrit No 34111 Statement of Financlal Acllvlile51SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024 Notssto Clr¢¥ltMod•l Genernl Fund T¥wt aÈcourts IunrnstrtctJ ILknrtstri¢tsdl luwestrtdod) Fun Funds Incom? 2 Incom&from mthietèry 3 Inc0froM Inv85tmeTrt wDpfrrbèS 4 Asse5srnent¥ on Churts 5 Caprt81 R¥erpts 6 Grnnis r¥d 7 rJ8rilable ir)>Jmo 8 Total in¢om• 22.SB3 13.SDD t82,83S 445.920 13,600 182,833 45.920 664,e3B 6M83S Expenditure g Gran153TrJ 10 Salam$• dssw8t•Y costs 11 Propty rn•irntsn•rKe 12 Connèxional assesSnt & Iru$ti 13 Di5trdAs59ssment & Lavy 14 Depr8vdlvJn 15 Owiw expenses 16 out9ts.ngs 17 Total Chatabl8 oxpenditsrp 18 Gain51(S985j on mono18ry hivÈ8tnnis 19 Gainsllths851 on inve9tment prfwiS 20 Not Ine¢imellexpendiiuv•I 21 Tr8n5ter5 beiw 22 OthRr 1n(sses) 28 Npt movem•nt in fund5 24Total lund3 brou8ht fomrd 25Totsl fijnds tarrtedfQra 133.958 133,9SB 54,692 8,456 38.912 8.45S 36.912 0,5T3 13.445 038 6173 13.4d5 18&03S 1S.788 12 15.768 408,801 18,766 408,t01 le62,9 1070A64 1&768 197.2871 181,319 424,569 2,564.776 2.9,
Name of Circuit circ11 No statement of Flnancial Activities (SOFA) for the year onded 31 August 2023 Nots8 to the Ganornl Fund Trust Furtds t¢t$d Endowmwrt Total 2022, COUDts IUTrtestrtctad) IUnre%lrfctrdl ltsnm8bld•dl Fur# Funds In¢omo 1 Donations 8Th1 tegados 2 IrKometrom monetary inslmefftts 3 Incomefron investment prOpee$ 4 A5$ments on Churcles S Capital Recpts 6 Grants eBd 7 Other chairfable incomè 8 Tot81 6,422 13,506 108,396 13.5Q8 1W396 211,782 Expendlthre 9 Grants and donatkn$ 10 Salaries and assodwled costs 11 Properly rnainlBn2rr 12 cOnneonal asses8ment & model ITu5t IBVY 13 Ch$tyrct A$sgssmenl & Le 14 DePredaOn 15 Officèexpensgs 16 Olher 01r 17 Tot81 charllabla expEndlturn 18 G8in51110sses1 Dn monetary Investments 19 Galn51llos5es1 on investment wopert 20 Not InMello¥pOrtdItu1#Tr 21 Trfer$ ttsEen funds 22 OtheTgainslltos$esl 23 N•É mtsvémnt in fund6 24 T31 fltnds brou8htftTrrward 15 Tgtsl fjjnds taTrled lorJard 124.325 98,422 124.32$ 422 6.668 22.780 308.740 -10,709 12 22.7eo 308,Y40 1Q709 -10S,400 95,000 .107.617 -10,400 2.672,4B3 2,662,063 . -97.2B7 -107.687 2,672.463 2,584,776
Name ofctrwft Soufh Esgex Clrcult No Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024 Fu £[•dI T11% FU (UTrrHirktsdl FU Flx4d PM•ts 1.880.f 425.( 2I9.5T8 221,57• 1,880.(KW) 425,ro) 203,810 14 I25.} 2.30ath) 219.$78 DeblOIS 17 10.362 to 10,wJ) LDans Inw8slmontsvAthTrKP wrtral FJBfK bJBrd DS c05hBdthth 3,481 24,662 18 IOD.514 Y8 94M22 CUrrnnt1th1Id0$ 1• 41.( 41.L rts paY¥AeWUn 2021-22 41.091 41.W$ M,765 55,956 219,$7B 2.9B9.344 2.564,776 Idue aftermorethan one Gr9Tht&ab1e alEr2021-22 Ilet•ssvts 2.769.786 219,S78 2.989.314 1564776 FundJdthpeirtuit 2.7e•.7e6 2.709.7e6 21018 7.3VI.042 CirrJAI NdgSTnJStFj lUN1rdI 219&78 2.W,314 672,462 EndtyMenlFurvJ$ ToialF4Trd5 1769.766 219.578 2.989.514 2.672N62 13
mHoDIST CHURCH- SOLITH ESSEX CIRCUTh 1610212024 BUDGET 2024-25 12024125 IBUDGET 99,740 23,435 9,009 3,800 4,500 300 Stipends Pensions National Insurance Contributions Telephones and l.T. Travel Postage Manse Maintenance Council Tax Water Rates Insurdn( Adverb5ing Web site Oesign and Maintenan Quinquennial Inspections Methodist Church Fund Including District Expenses District Levy Preachers Expenses ststionery, Publicity, Plans Et Circuit Accounlin9 Fee Interest on Loan Circurt OfficelAdministration Contingency & Misceltaneous SUB TOTAL 11,000 2,800 3,800 850 2,500 18.000 43,000 750 750 2,700 6,900 2,000 235,834 interest and dlvldends Rent from Meadow Rise Prorrt)sed offering by Church las at 31.1.2023> 9,500 11,500 173,096 194.0 Deficit from reserves. 41,738.00
Notes to the Accounts Basis of accounting and accounting polkles l Accountlng standard The financial statements have been prepared in accordan with th8 Accounting and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practi {SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Stsndard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effedive from 1 January 2015 - (Charities SORP FRS 102) li Public beneflt entry The Methodist Church South Essex Circuit meets the d8finilion of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant aGcounting policy note(s) below. iii Basls These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost expt that investments (including properties) are shown at their market value at the end of each year. The arxruals basis has been used and trustees present accounts that show a true and fair view of the Circuit's financial position and activities. iv Content The financial infomiation presented is relevant, reliable, comparable and cornplete. here estimates are used these are based on experience, research and judgement. The accounts are expressed in £ sterfing, rounded to the nearest pound. V FRS102 SORP 2015 These accounts are compliant with FRS102 and with FRS102 SORP. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable charity law in England, this being the Charites Act 2011 and Sl 20081629 {Charites accounting and Reporting regulations) and, pending the making of replacement Regulations specific top SORP 2015 in accordance with Reg.8 {4) {d) of Sl 20081629, the Charity trustees have departed from the requirements of R8g.8 (5) by following SORP (FRS102) instead of SORP 2005 to extent necessary to give a true and fair view in the ircumstance. Vi Going Concern Based on the monetary assets and human resour$ available at 31st August 2024, the trustees believe that the Circuit is a going conrn.
Vli Consolldatlon The Circuit has denominational regulatory oversight in respect of work of the Churches within the Circuit but has no legal or operational control of these churches and their governing bodies expt in extreme circumstance. For this reason, the financial statements of Churches within the Circuit are not consolidated into these financial statements. Vlll Income recognition Income is brought into accounts when there is entitlement and the amount is reliably measurable On it is more likely than not that the e¢onomic benefit of Ihe income will be forthcoming. Individual amounts categorised as Other Income in the SOFA will be shown separately if they are considered material. The Circuit acts as an agent in two matters:_ The Collection from churches and payments over of their contributions to various funds controlled and administrated by the Methodist Chur¢h- 'Connexional Funds. The Administration (application, collection and disbursement) of grants requested by Churches within the Circuit from but not limited to the District and Connexion. In all these matters the transactions are not reflected in the SOFA because they arè income of either the Connexion or Churches as appropriate. Instead the transactions are disdosed in the notes to the Accounts as required by SORP IFRS 102) module 19, 12. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102), the time of volunteers is not recognised. Further infomiation on this matter is provided in the Trustees, Annual Report. If goods are donated, a value will be shown in the SOFA or Notes where the value is considered material. Ix Exp8nditure This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constwctive obligation arises. where the amount is reliably measurable and it is considered more likely than not that there will be an oufflow of economic benef X Grants Grants made by the Circuit from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of agreement to make the grant wthout perfomiance conditions or as and when the circuit accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment if it is subject to perfOnna conditions. When the grant to be accrued is cUrrent over more than one year the balan payable in future years, discounted to net present value where the difference is material is treated as a provision being released in firture years in accordan wtth the originally agreed tems. In the cases where the grant has been charged to one fund but tor ease of payment has been transferred to another fund any fvture payment provision is applied to the fund from which the grarrt will ultimately be paid.
Xi VAT Since the cwcuit is not VAT registered. all input VAT is charged with the expenses to whlch it refers. Xli Tanglble Flxed Assets These are capitalised rf they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at18ast £1,000. The freehold residential properties a Shown In the accounts at the revalued amount or cost rf purchased within lasl two years. The all properties were revalued at 181 September 2020. A new policy has been introduced which r&values one property a year on a four yéar rotation. This year we had 93 Mountnessing Road. Billericay re-valued by John Cottis. No deprecialion is being provided because the trustees consider the cuffent residual value of the properties in their present condition to be not le89 than the historical cost and, in the absence of any impairment, any depreciation provision for the buildings component of the properties would be immaterial. The Circuit has made use of the deemed cost option on transitioning to FRS102 as outlined above. Xiil Investrnent Property From time to time the Circuit may hold residential propety (fomierly manses) which is surplus to its nomal staffing requirements. Where this is the case and it anticipated that the property is unlikely to be used as a manse within a periods of years, the propety is classified as investment property (whether let or not) and any lets are at market rates unless there is a cornpelling reasons not to do so in furtherance of the Circuit's charitable objeGtives. Xlv Recelvables and payables: Bank and Cash (baslc Financlal Instruments) Debtors are stated at the amount5 owed to the Circuit or wepaid. Creditors are Initially recognised at settlement amount after any trade discounts, whèré normal credit terms apply, or the amount advanced to the Circuit. Subsequently creditors that are rrent liabilities are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid. The liquid fvnds of bank balances and deposit fund balances are shown at their reasonable values. Xv Methodist Connexional Funds The Methodist Church Connexion raises assessments against each Circuit arKI these are paid quarterly to their Districts. The Circuits raise assessments against Churches in the Circuit. The District remits quarterly to the Methodist Church Fund mosl of the sum it reiVeS from Circuits. A small sum is retained by the District to meet its own costs. The Circuii may act as an agent for ad hoc collections for various funds controlled and adrninistrated by the Methodist Church. Xvi Funds The Trustees have adopted a policy for all unrestricted reserves which is attached as a separate document.
Xvll Mlnsters. manse costs The Circuit is r8quired to provlde accommodation for each minister and pastor in th8 Circuit and their families and this is seen as a benefit to the Church. Minister and pastors are expected to occupy the manse provKl8d for them. The Circuit bears the Cost of the repairs, maintenance, buildings insuran, council tax and water charges. These figures are not separately disclosed as benefits-in-kind for minsters or pastors as HMRC does not seek to tax these re¢eipts in the hand of them. 2. Glossary of Temis CFB.. Central Finan Board of the Methodist Church manages a Common Deposit Fund and a series of pooled investment funds for the Methodist Church in Great Britain and provides investment advi to these entities. Church.. a grwp of members from fewer than 10 to more than 100. Circult.. a group of Methodist Church near each other. typically between 10 and 20 Circuit Meeting.. The trustees of the Circuit. Most of whom are appointed lo¢al Ghurches and others by virtue of a role they und8rtake for the CirGuit an{Or their local churches. CLT (Clrcuit Leadwship Tearn). A Group (comprising mostly" Ixrt not exGlusively) of Circuit trusteès responsible for the day to day administration and policy formulation of the Circuit. Generally the CLT comprises the Presbyters (Ministers) and pastors stationed within the CirGUit, the Circuit stewards and the Circuit Treasurer. CMTF . Circuit Model Trust Fund Connexion.. The designated andlor Restricted Funds held and administrated by the connexion in the furtheran¢8 of its charitable and mission objectives District: a group of contiguous circuits, Usual 15 and 30 DAF.. District Advance Fund FRS: Finanrial reporting standard HMRC: His Majesty's Revenue and Customs Lay Employees.. Personal employed by the Circuit on generally accepted commerclal employment tems. MMPS., Methodist Ministers Pension Scheme PASLEMC: Pensions and Assurance Scheme for Lay Employees of the Methodist Church. Penslon Trust.. The Fension Trust, the organisation through which the Circuit arranges a pension's scheme for its lay employee.
Presbyters (including superintendent) Probatloner or ordained Methodist Ministers who have pastoral and administrative responsibility for the Churches within the Circuit. SOFA: Statèment of Financial Activities SORP: Statement of recommended practice TMCP.. Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, the legal owner and Custodian Trustees of all Methodist Model Trust Propety, including legacies, endowments and accumulated Funds. Funds The funds held ¢onstltute'. General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are Unrestricted. The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted. Restricted funds whi¢h are hdd for a narrower purpose. There are no Endowment funds. Details of each material fund are disclosed in the final note to these accourrts. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash. 3 Income from invostment Property The trustees had determined that the properties listed below were unlikely to te returned to use as a manse in the foreseeable fiJture and have therefore dassifi8d the same as an Investment Properties. Letting income is shown gross of fees and repairs General Fund CMTF Deslgnate Totsl Meadow Rise 13,500 13,500 4. Assessments on Churches The Circuit comprises 8 Churches and each is assèssed for a contribution to meet the overall net costs of the Circuit. In making its Assessment budgeted income from investment income induding property letting, and confonned external grants are taken into account. The Circuit aims to cover all its net core costs from the assessment. The as5es5ment on Churches is determined annually and is based upon the purchase of shares being equal to £250.00 for each share. The Churches voluntary to buy the shares but are requested to consider the C1Ult requirements and their own churches finances. The assessment is paid on a quarterty basis in advance and is treated as Greditors in the Balan Sheet.
Assossments recelvèd are shown below:. General CMTF Total BILLERICAY GRAYS HORNDON-ON-THE-HILL LANGDON HILLS LINFORD ST. PAUL'S STANFORD-LE-HOPE (sold) TRINITY WICKFORD 70,000 16,838 7,000 17.000 70.000 16,838 7,000 17,000 I"1 7.000 21.586 11,000 21,210 7,000 21,586 11.000 21,210 182.833 182,833 5. Capital Recelpts During the year to 318t August 2024 Stanford Le Hope church was sold. After deduction of the levy by the Methodist Church the circuit received £445,920. 6. Stipends. Salarieg and assoclated costs Stipends Stipends were pabd to 3 Presbyters (2023124) as follows General CMTF Total Stipends National Insuran 90,605 90,605 8,943 23,435 2,300 8,943 Pension Fund Contribution 23,435 Travel 2,300 The Circuit employs lay staff involved in administration work, The costs of Ihese staff are shown below. Administration Staff General CMTF Totsl Stipends National Insuran 7510 7,510 61 61 Pension 49 49 Bureau charges stipends & Salaries Total 133,958 133,958
Pension All presbyiers are members of the Methodist Ministers Penslon Scheme {MMPS). This is a defined benefit scheme. The Supreme Court held in 2014 stated that Methodist Ministers (which term indudes presbyters) are not employees of the Church. For simplicty, h¢)wever, when dealing with National Insurance Contributs'ons and pension ¢ontrtbutions, the tems 'employ8r' and 'employee' are used as they would be in an employing body. Lay employees are conlractually employees and have the option of joining a pension scheme which the Gircuit has arranged with Nest Pensions. This is defined benefrt scheme and the circuit contributes as employer to the scheme. The Connexional accounts for both pensions, schemes show the figure in the annual Methodist Church in Great Britain accounts. The MMPS is in deficit but plan for removal of this deficit has been proposed and is being implemented. 7. Costs of Superintendènts, Presbyters and Trustees The Superintendent of the Circuit, thè Presbyters and the remaining members of the CLT are considered as Key Management Personal. The Superintendent chairs meeting of the CLT and Circuit Meetings. The members of the Circuit meeting are the trustees of the Circuit. The stipends, employers NIC and employerfs pension contributions and other expenses of the Presbyterys of the Circuit are paid by the Circuit. The manses are provided by the Circuit arKI the Circuit maintains the property. The value of the Council Tax and water charges paid by the Circuit is not disclosed here as HMRC does not regard this a5 a benefit in kind in the hands of the minister. Paymènts to Trustees The Circuii policy is to reimburse members of the CLT and other trustees for expenditure propedy incurred in carrying out their dLrties, including where appropriate travelling expenses, or where they have been requested to undertake certain activities for the Circuit. The Superintendent Minister and other presbyters undertake the primary executive roles within the CIrlt. None of the trustees is an employee of the Circuit nor was in re[pt of any payment for work undertaken on behalf of the Circutt other than reimbursements of appropriate expenses. 8. Property Expenses The Circuit is Managing Trustees for three manses and one investment property which is let on an assured shorthold tenancy. Wrth the exception of the let property the circuit is responsible for the payment of Council Tax, water rates. In addition the Circuit is responsible for insurance and maintenance on all properties.
Expenditure on properties is as foll¢)w5". General CMTF Total Council tsx 8,722 8.722 Water Supply Insurance 2.808 2,808 4,042 32,684 4,042 Maintenance 32,684 1,296 Management Fees Telephone Property Totsl 1.296 Manses 36,557 36,557 Investment Properties Property Total 54,692 54,692 9. Connexional assusments and levy The Connexional Assessment is calculated relative to the proportion of Church Members, and staffing {Presbyters and Mission staff only) of all the Circuits in the Beds. Essex & Herts District 50% of the overall cost is calculated using the relative membership proportions and 50% using relative staffing proportions. 10. District Asgessment and Lovy The Dlstrict Assessment is calculated relative to the proportion of Church Members, and staffing (Presbyters and Mission staff only) of all the Circuits in the Beds, Essex & Herts District 50% of the overall cost is calculated using the relative memb8rship proportions and 500/0 using relative staffing proportions. The levy is calculated on a sliding scale percentage of the CirGuit's CMTF Accounts balan as at 315t August for the previous aGcounting period. 11. Office and Administration Cost General CMTF Total Rent 3,720 80 3,720 80 Software Hire of Photocopier 6.573
- Other Outgoings General CMTF Total Accountancy Fees Independent Examiner Postage and Stationery Training Mission Work 2,266 640 2,266 593 593 900 900 1,083 -3.578 1.083 Expenses Stanford Le Hope Exp8nses- Herongate Web Site -3,578 8,952 8.952 1,442 1,442 Pulpit Expenses General Expenses 194 194 949 949 13,445 13,445 During 2023 it was found that the church in Stanford Le Hope was unhabitable and therefore the General Church Council decided to sell this and th& local church handed over the control to the Circuit in addbtion St Andrew's at Herongate ceased meeting and is it be sold.
- Investment Management During the year Cirlt paid TMCP, the custodians of the Circuit's investments {Circuyt Model Trust Fund and Restricted Funds) management Charges based on 0.2% of the value of the individual funds at the beginning of the year. The amount was £590. (2022-23 £994).
- Manses and Other Properties There are three Manses located in Basildon, Billericay and Stanford Le Hope. The investment property is located in BilleriGay. These properties We revalued at 31 August 2020 by Smith LaGhter but a new policy has been introduced this year to re- value one property on a rotation basis. This year 93 Mountnessing Road was valued at £800,000. There is no Office equipnent or Assels as these are d)arged to the General Fund when purchased.
I S.1 Cost or Valuation Investment Properties Man8es Total Balan Brought FopNard 425,000 425,000 1,880.000 1,880,000 2,305,000 2,305,000 Schedules of Manse and Investment Proporty 15.2 Property Type Valuation 93 Mountnessing Rd- Billericay Manse 86 Meadow Risery Billericay Investment 61 Vowler Road 800,000 425,000 560,000 Manse 198 Southend Road Manse 520 000 2.305.000 16. Inveslment Assets and Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes ITMCP) The funds that support the Circuit Model Trust Fund and the Circuit's other funds (as listed below) are held by TMCP in the Trustees Interest Fund on which interest is credited to the accounts each month. These are regarded as medium-term investments. TMCP is the legal owner and custodian trustee of all Meth¢)dist model trust property, including legacies, endowments and accumulated funds. Trust propèrty is held for and on behalf of local managing agents who are responsible for the day to day management of trust property. TMCP ensures that, through providing guidance and acting under their direction, the managing Trustees comply with charity law and Methodist law aThJ poliw as detemiined by the Methodist Conferen. 17 Debtors and Prepayments All sums shown as Debtors at 1 September 2023 were received during the y&ar 2023-24. All sums paid in advance at 1 Septembèr 2024 were for activities that have been held during 2023124. It is expected that payments in advance at 31 August 2024 will be expensed during 2024-25. General CMTF Total 2023 Debtors and Prepayments Stipends st Paul's MC 10.362 10,362 10,383 537 ¢4
In 2023 St Paul's Methodist Church is changing signatories on their Bank account and we were awaiting that confirmation that thi5 is done meanwhile the Circuit draw cheques on their behalf. 18. - Central Flnance Board {CFB) and Bank Balances Monetary balances held at the Central Financè Board of the Methodist Church and at Santander are all available on demand without loss of irrterest. Deposits with the CFB are specifically designated to the appropriate funds. General Fund CMTF 2023 Central Finance Board 100,514 TMCP Trustees Interest Account 335,353 24,662 3,481 55.579 Santander 495,502 83.902 19. Credltors. Accruals and Incomo in Advaneo It Is expected that all sums accrued at 31 August 2024 will be paid during the year to 31 August 2025. Creditors and AcGruals G8neral CMTF Total 2023 Assessments 40,458 40,458 38.237 620 Examiners Fees 41,098 41,098 38,857 20. Unrestrictsd Funds 20.1 General Fund The purpose of this fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtheran of the general objectives of the Circuit and which have not been designated for other purposes. Some 91% of this fund is held as a freehold property, being manses for ministers and investment property. Details of the grants and donations made from the General Fund during the year can be found in note 9. 20.2 Clrcult Model Trust Fund The purpose of this fund is for use at the discretion of the truste8s in furtheran of the general objectives of the Circuit. Its main sour¢8 of income is legacies and formulaically detènnined contributions from the sale of manses and churth bulldings
in the Circuit. Although this is technically an Unrestricted Fund under the control of the Circuit Meeting, prior approval is still required from the District to utilise these funds. Methodist Standing Orders 930. 931 and 917 {2) are applicable. 21. Summary of Fund Movements Fund Balance at 11912023 Income Expenditure 31.8.2024 2,564,776 680,603 256,035 2,989,344 Genernl CMTF I)oslgnated Restrl¢tsd Total Fund 2023 Tangible fixed assets Investments 2,305.000 219,578 2,305,000 2,305,000 219,578 203,810 505.864 94,822 (41,098) (38,857) Current Assets 505,864 Current liabilTties 141,098) 464,766 2,524.578 2.989,344 2,564,776 Related Parties None of the Circuit trustees rnade donations direct to the Circuit during the year or in the preceding year. All of the Cir¢uit trustees are members of one or another Church within the Clrcuit and may be trustees of their Churches. Related parties including the Methodist Conferen, the BE & H District and Churches within the Circuit, other Methodist Districts in Great Britain, CFB and TMCP. 24 Volunteer Contribution Every Entity (Connexion, District, Circuit and Church) within the Methodist Church in GB is heavily reliant on volunteers who contribute their skills, time and money in the furtherance of the work of the Church. In the Circuit the principal contribution is by setving on committees of the C1Ult that dèal with the mission, manses, finan, policy, grants, training and safeguarding. We are grateful to all of th8m for their help and commitment. No attempt has t£en made by this Circuit to value the non- monetary Contributions to the Circuit in monetary tems. 25 Capital commltments and Contingent liabilities The Circuit has no contracts or obligations. ob
26 Lease commitments The Circuit has no contracts or obligalions. 27 Independent Examiner The fees payable to the independent Examiner in the sum of £640 (2023 £624) have been provided for in these accounts. The examiner has provided no additional services during the year.
List ofTrustees at 31" August 2024 Rev F Al-Hass8n MrG Hodgson Mrs G Rogers Mrs G Willcox Mrs C Weedon Mrs Nice Mrs Burton Rev M Kweku Agyam Mr R Davison Mr Kcowell Mrs H Harrls Mrs L Harris Rev F Smith Mrs C Raven Miss G N M Sutton Missc Key Mrs Sstubbs Mrs C Nice Mis B A Everett Miss D Gilbert Missw Crayden Mis$T Sanger Mrs J M Hylton-Thompson
Name of Cir¢u6t......... s.ou n4 6SJe"4 No.. Declarations and Scrutiny I confimi that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been PreParj from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Cirit meeting. Signature of treasurer .. Date.i.%[g ! ?LS I Name and address of treasurer .. . P08t CodW.Il 6hA... Presentallon to thg Circuit meoting I conflnn that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 werethill . be presented to the Circuit meedng held on: ............. Signature of the Chair of the meeting: .. Name of the Chair of meeting.. gq
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLANO AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the twstees On accounts for the year endèd Charlty no (If any) 111¥26? Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the a¢Unts of the above charity {Yhe Trust'l for the year ended31 o& Zo Responsibilities and basls of report As th8 charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the a¢¢ounts in a¢cordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('Ihe A¢t'). I report In respect of my examination of the Twst's accounts Carried out under section 145 ofthe 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions gwen by the Charity Commission under section 145151(bl of the Act. Independent he charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 arvj l am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by bein9 a qualified mernber of IiA9ertr [ l if not applicable. A I have compleled my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ") which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting COrdS were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the a¢¢ounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements on¢eming the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent exarnination. I have no cOnmS and have come across no other matters in connedion with th8 examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a propèr understanding of the accounts to be reached. ' Please deletè the words in the brackets rfthey do not apply. Signed: Date: Name: Relevant professional qualillcatlon(s) or body IER Oct 2018
Mayor Cuttle & Co ere CCOLtntants {if any): Address: nc or reet Essex CM2 OAU Section Disclosure Only complete ifthe examiner needs to highlight material matters of conrn (see CC32, Independent examinatKJn of chartty accounts.. diredions and guidan for examiners). Glve here brlef detalls of any Items that the examiner wishes to discloso. IER Oct2018