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2025-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1134358 (England and Wales)

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Charity number 1134358
Principal address Chapel Field Road
NORWICH
Norfolk
United Kingdom
NR2 1SD
Trustees Listed inTrustees Report
Secretary M Callam
Auditor Sumer Auditco Limited
15 Palace Street
NORWICH
Norfolk
United Kingdom
NR3 1RT
Bankers CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
WEST MALLING
Kent
United Kingdom
ME19 4JQ
Central Finance Board
25 Tavistock Place
London
WC1H 9SF

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities 5
Independent auditor's report 6 - 8
Statement of financial activities 9
Balance sheet 10
Statement of cash flows 11
Notes to the financial statements 12 - 26

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.

The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Revd Andy Burrows (Chair) (resigned 31.08.25) Revd Tom Osborne (Chair) (appointed 01.09.25) Martin Callam (Secretary) Graham Thompson (Treasurer) Jacky Baker Geoffrey Brown Tina Chan (appointed 04.02.2025) Darren Cogman Elizabeth Cook Revd Mary Cousins Revd Stephen Cullis (resigned 01.05.26) Dianne Zing Eagling Susan Eldridge Revd Mark Elvin Christopher Emms Ruth Gaskin Michael Green Christine Greenhalgh Robert Hendry David Hood (resigned 30.06.25) Marilyn Hood (resigned 31.08.25) Keir Hounsome (appointed 24.09.24) David Huntington (resigned 31.08.25) John Johnson Josephine Johnson Ricky Lai (appointed 04.02.25) Pastor Stephen Lau Kai-Chiu Liu Pauline Mann (resigned 01.03.26) Jean Matthews (appointed 24.09.24) John Morgan (appointed 04.02.25) Linda Morgan Revd. Helen Nice

Martin Nisbett Olu Ogunnowo Revd Matthew Olanrewaju Sam Orbell (appointed 01.09.25) Stephen Osborn Susan Pamplin Kevin Parfitt Jean Parker Susan Parker Vivienne Pease Kim Pike David Read Judith Read Elizabeth Reed-Beadle Revd Mary Sachikonye Victor Sachikonye (appointed 19.09.25) Ian Scales Peter Sergeant Elizabeth Sidebottom Sally Simpson Susan Skinner Valarie Smith Margaret Snelling Joy Southam Eric Steward Livian Tan (resigned 07.12.24) Liz Thetford Norma Virgoe Revd Dr Alan Wakeman Richard West Rev. Sharon Willimott (resigned 31.08.25) Eugene Wong (appointed 04.02.25) Graham Wrenn

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "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)".

Objectives and activities

The Circuit acts as a custodian of the properties, other than the Church buildings, owned by the Church within its area, collects contributions from each of the individual Churches within its area and arranges the payment of stipends to the Ministers of the Circuit, and salaries to lay employees. Its investment policies are those authorised by the Standing Orders of the Methodist Conference.

The Methodist Conference stations Ministers annually in the Circuit and the Circuit undertakes to pay to the central Stipends Office the relevant costs which are set nationally. Lay employees are on contracts that have been approved by the District Lay Employment Committee in line with the Methodist connexional guidelines and polices.

Risk management

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Significant activities

The Circuit acts as managing trustees of the church premises in Forncett St Peter pending decisions being made regarding the future of the building.

Achievements and performance

This difficult year for the Norwich Methodist Circuit started as our Chair of Trustees and Superintendent Minister, Revd Andy Burrows, was signed off on long-term sick leave. He remained off until he took early retirement on the grounds of ill-health in May 2025.

In addition, following the sudden and unexpected death of the Circuit Safeguarding Officer in December 2023 and the appointment of their replacement in July 2024, it was found that all the Safeguarding records had been lost. This proved to be a reminder of the need to put in place ways of accessing such information and to ensure the continuity of the work of the Circuit and its churches. In March 2025 a Deputy Safeguarding Officer was appointed with the remit to produce a spreadsheet of all the Circuit’s Safeguarding information, including records of individual DBS checks and Safeguarding training dates. In addition, Safeguarding records for individual churches would also be held by the Circuit Safeguarding Officer. Included in the spreadsheet is a useful electronic traffic light system to alert Officers six months before training and DBS checks become due and where and when training sessions are required. Copies of the spreadsheet are to be held securely by the Circuit Safeguarding Officer and the Circuit Administrator.

The Trustees met on three occasions during the year in September, February and July and two successful ‘Meet and Chat’ meetings were held with Stewards from the Circuit’s churches. At the September meeting it was agreed that the Colindeep Lane manse would be made available for a private let.

In January 2025, the President of the Methodist Conference, Revd Helen Cameron, held a successful meeting in Norwich with members of the clergy and Circuit Stewards from around East Anglia as part of her visit to the District.

At the meeting of Trustees in February 2025, we were pleased to note that Revd Tom Osborne would be appointed as Superintendent from 1st September 2025. It was agreed to help fund the role of an Assistant Lay Pastor at Bowthorpe Road Church for three years. The Circuit also facilitated the use of the Costessey Church building by Bowthorpe Road to house their growing English language services.

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The July meeting made the annual appointment of Officers for 2025-26 and it was agreed to support the transfer of the Old Buckenham congregation to the Diss, Mildenhall & Thetford Circuit from 1st September 2026.

During the year, a number of grants were made. These include:

Financial review

During the year the Circuit received total income of £612,231(2024: £1,845,703), mainly made up from Assessment income and donations (including closed churches transferred to the Circuit). The expenditure for the year amounted to £703,781 (2024: £537,569).

The major cost of the Circuit was the payment of the stipends and salaries and the assessment to East Anglia District.

There was an overall net income for the year of £39,620 (2024: £1,382,853). In 2023-24 the net income included a large transfer of bequests to closed churches to the Circuit, amounting to £1,282,673 of investments. Without this there would have been a net income or surplus for the year of £100,180.

Reserve policy

The policy relates to the general unrestricted funds that are freely available to be used for any or all of the purposes of the Circuit.

Under Standing Orders of the Methodist Church, the Circuit must meet its financial obligations in relation to the support of its minsters, the maintenance of the manses and support churches for the medium term in the upkeep of their premises. To meet these obligations, it is our policy to hold at least 6 months expenditure (approximately £260,000) in easily accessible funds within the General Fund.

The Charity Commission has agreed that most of the TMCP Model Trust Funds be shown in the accounts as unrestricted and for the Trustees to set a policy for the management of these funds.

The property at Dolphin Road, Costessey was purchased on 1st November 2024 for use as a manse for the Pastor of the Chinese Church at Bowthorpe Road at a cost of £380,000.

The redundant church building at Spixworth was sold on 18th December 2024 and the net amount received into Circuit Funds was £190,890.

The Circuit has designated a Key Growth Fund to enable the Circuit to pursue a growth agenda and to work towards its aim of carbon neutrality.

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Plans for future periods

In addition to the ongoing commitment to provide effective resources and support for the members, the community and local churches within the Circuit, the Trustees are committed to:

  1. Furthering the development of Bowthorpe Road Methodist Church;

  2. Supporting the development of new work, particularly amongst children and young people that will lead to growth in both the local church and surrounding communities;

  3. Maintaining to a high standard, the manses under the control of the Circuit and supporting individual congregations in the maintenance of their church buildings;

  4. Providing high quality pastoral support across the Circuit;

  5. Supporting individual congregations in their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and modernise their IT provision.

  6. Developing a training programme for Circuit Trustees.

Structure, governance and management

The Charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Recruitment and appointment of Trustees

The Chair of Trustees is the Superintendent Minister of the Circuit who, along with other ordained ministers, is stationed in the Circuit by the Methodist Conference. The Circuit Officers and Circuit Stewards are appointed by the Circuit Meeting on an annual basis. Circuit lay employees may also be appointed by the Circuit Meeting on an annual basis. The Secretary of the Local Preachers’ Meeting is appointed from among the Circuit’s Local Preachers. Other Trustees are appointed to the Circuit Meeting by the individual churches or by the Circuit Meeting to ensure that all areas of the life of the Circuit are adequately represented.

The need to develop a training programme for Trustees is recognised.

The Trustees' Report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

M Callam

Trustee

18 June 2026

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

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

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Methodist Church, Norwich Circuit (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees' responsibilities, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

Identifying and assessing potential risks related to irregularities

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

Audit response to risks identified

Our procedures to respond to risks identified included the following:

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (as amended) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

This has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with current Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Mark Johnstone (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of Sumer Auditco Limited, Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants 15 Palace Street NORWICH Norfolk NR3 1RT United Kingdom 18 June 2026

Sumer Auditco Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Unrestricted
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
412,620
5,336
-
Investments
3
125,298
6,016
-
Other material income
4
-
-
1,241
Other income
5
61,720
-
-
Total income and endowments
599,638
11,352
1,241
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
688,019
15,762
-
Total expenditure
688,019
15,762
-
Net gains/(losses) on investments
12
131,170
-
-
Net income/(expenditure) and movement in funds
42,789
(4,410)
1,241
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 September 2024
4,016,977
23,037
1,182,673
Fund balances at 31 August 2025
4,059,766
18,627
1,183,914
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted Endowment
Total
funds
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
2024
as restated
£
£
£
£
£
417,956
383,316
4,310
-
387,626
131,314
120,966
11,109
-
132,075
1,241
100,000
-
1,182,673
1,282,673
61,720
43,329
-
-
43,329
612,231
647,611
15,419
1,182,673
1,845,703
703,781
523,099
14,470
-
537,569
703,781
523,099
14,470
-
537,569
131,170
74,719
-
-
74,719
39,620
199,231
949
1,182,673
1,382,853
5,222,687
3,817,746
22,088
-
3,839,834
5,262,307
4,016,977
23,037
1,182,673
5,222,687
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted Endowment
Total
funds
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
2024
as restated
£
£
£
£
£
417,956
383,316
4,310
-
387,626
131,314
120,966
11,109
-
132,075
1,241
100,000
-
1,182,673
1,282,673
61,720
43,329
-
-
43,329
612,231
647,611
15,419
1,182,673
1,845,703
703,781
523,099
14,470
-
537,569
703,781
523,099
14,470
-
537,569
131,170
74,719
-
-
74,719
39,620
199,231
949
1,182,673
1,382,853
5,222,687
3,817,746
22,088
-
3,839,834
5,262,307
4,016,977
23,037
1,182,673
5,222,687
1,845,703
537,569
537,569
74,719
1,382,853
3,839,834
5,222,687

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Investment property
15
Current assets
Debtors
16
Investments
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
18
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Endowment funds
20
Restricted income funds
22
Unrestricted funds
21
2025
£
£
2,515,000
106,800
2,621,800
15,046
2,293,606
481,383
2,790,035
(149,528)
2,640,507
5,262,307
1,183,914
18,627
4,059,766
5,262,307
2024
as restated
£
£
2,135,000
297,690
2,432,690
17,224
2,404,052
513,114
2,934,390
(144,393)
2,789,997
5,222,687
1,182,673
23,037
4,016,977
5,222,687
2024
as restated
£
£
2,135,000
297,690
2,432,690
17,224
2,404,052
513,114
2,934,390
(144,393)
2,789,997
5,222,687
1,182,673
23,037
4,016,977
5,222,687
2,432,690
2,789,997
5,222,687
1,182,673
23,037
4,016,977
5,222,687

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 18 June 2026

Rev G Thompson Martin Callam Trustee Trustee

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from
operations
25
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from disposal of investment
property
Proceeds from disposal of other investments
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Relating to:
Cash at bank and in hand
Short term deposits included in current asset
investments
CASH FLOW OUT OF BALANCE BY:
2025
£
£
(215,551)
(380,000)
322,060
-
131,314
73,374
-
(142,177)
2,917,166
2,774,989
481,383
2,293,606
-
2024
£
£
1,180,787
-
728,148
9
132,075
860,232
-
2,041,019
1,250,471
2,917,166
513,114
2,404,052
374,324
2024
£
£
1,180,787
-
728,148
9
132,075
860,232
-
2,041,019
1,250,471
2,917,166
513,114
2,404,052
374,324
2,041,019
1,250,471
2,917,166
513,114
2,404,052
374,324

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Methodist Church, Norwich Circuit is a unincorporated charity.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

The Circuit acts as managing trustee to a number of Manse properties in the Norwich area, purchased at various times over the past 50 years. They are incorporated at the Trustees' valuation, which does not exceed current market value. The valuation is reviewed annually, and any reduction in market value would be reflected in the accounts.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Investment properties

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in profit or loss.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
400,420
2,355
Legacies
-
-
Grants
12,200
-
Other
-
2,981
412,620
5,336
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
402,775
380,653
4,190
-
2,663
-
12,200
-
-
2,981
-
120
417,956
383,316
4,310
Total
2024
£
384,843
2,663
-
120
387,626

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

2
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
Assessments
400,420
-
Mission Fund
Contributions
-
720
Funds for the support of
Presbyters and Deacons
-
885
Connexional Property
Fund
-
750
400,420
2,355
3
Income from investments
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Rental income
6,035
-
Dividends received
3
-
Interest receivable
119,260
6,016
125,298
6,016
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
(Continued)
400,420
380,653
-
380,653
720
-
2,740
2,740
885
-
735
735
750
-
715
715
402,775
380,653
4,190
384,843
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
6,035
-
-
-
3
3
-
3
125,276
120,963
11,109
132,072
131,314
120,966
11,109
132,075
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
(Continued)
400,420
380,653
-
380,653
720
-
2,740
2,740
885
-
735
735
750
-
715
715
402,775
380,653
4,190
384,843
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
6,035
-
-
-
3
3
-
3
125,276
120,963
11,109
132,072
131,314
120,966
11,109
132,075
384,843
Total
2024
£
-
3
132,072
132,075

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

4 Material other income

Endowment
funds
2025
£
Bequests of closed churches transferred to circuit
1,241
1,241
Total
Unrestricted Endowment
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
1,241
100,000
1,182,673
1,241
100,000
1,182,673
Total
2024
£
1,282,673
1,282,673

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

5 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Income from closed churches 9,196 8,272
Employment costs reimbursed by churches 52,524 35,000
Miscellaneous income - 57
61,720 43,329

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

Assessment
and
ministerial
activities
Collections
and Grant
funding
activities
2025
2025
£
£
Direct costs
Property costs
126,538
-
District Assessments
78,695
-
Travel costs
13,977
-
Pulpit supplies
-
-
Quinquennial surveys
5,076
-
Expense, training and
sundries
6,637
-
230,923
-
Grant funding of activities
(see note 7)
32,711
4,616
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support
346,982
-
Governance
88,549
-
699,165
4,616
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
688,019
-
Restricted funds
11,146
4,616
699,165
4,616
Total
Assessment
and
ministerial
activities
Collections
and Grant
funding
activities
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
126,538
94,013
-
78,695
73,547
-
13,977
11,843
-
-
1,685
-
5,076
3,012
-
6,637
6,258
-
230,923
190,358
-
37,327
25,134
1,570
346,982
287,995
-
88,549
32,512
-
703,781
535,999
1,570
688,019
523,099
-
15,762
12,900
1,570
703,781
535,999
1,570
Total
2024
£
94,013
73,547
11,843
1,685
3,012
6,258
190,358
26,704
287,995
32,512
537,569
523,099
14,470
537,569

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

7
Grants payable
Assessment
and
ministerial
activities
Collections
and Grant
funding
activities
Total
Assessment
and
ministerial
activities
Collections
and Grant
funding
activities
2025
2025
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£
Grants to institutions:
Mission Fund
Contributions
6,146
-
6,146
2,900
-
Fund for the support of
Presbyters and Deacons
-
885
885
-
735
Connexional Property
Fund
-
750
750
-
715
Property grants to
Churches
16,553
-
16,553
12,234
-
St Peters
5,000
-
5,000
10,000
-
Horsford & Drayton
5,012
-
5,012
-
-
Other
-
2,981
2,981
-
120
32,711
4,616
37,327
25,134
1,570
-
8
Net movement in funds
2025
£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements
7,200
(Profit)/loss on disposal of investment property
(131,170)
9
Support costs allocated to activities
Assessment
and
ministerial
activities
Total
2025
2025
£
£
Staff costs
346,982
346,982
Governance
88,549
88,549
Total
2024
£
2,900
735
715
12,234
10,000
-
120
26,704
2024
£
5,760
3,380
Total
2024
£
287,995
32,512

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

9 Support costs allocated to activities

Support costs allocated to activities
Governance costs comprise:
Audit fees
Accountancy
Legal and professional
TMCP administration
District levy
(Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
7,200
5,760
-
1,194
3,796
5,241
7,811
1,064
69,742
19,253
88,549
32,512
(Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
7,200
5,760
-
1,194
3,796
5,241
7,811
1,064
69,742
19,253
88,549
32,512
32,512

10 Trustees

Included within staff costs was trustees remuneration for the year of £255,937 (2024: £246,823)

The membership of the Circuit comprises Ministers, Deacons, Circuit Stewards, Lay Workers and others either elected by their Church or holding an office within the Circuit. All are eligible to receive reasonable expenses incurred in the course of their activities. Identifying the number of people who incurred such expenses would be unnecessarily time consuming.

Trustee expenses in the year totalled £71,454 however this includes £57,477 (2024: £48,831) of costs in relation to Manse properties in which the Ministers (who are also trustees) are allowed to live rent and cost free but have no say over what is and is not spent. The remaining £13,977 (2024: £11,790) is in relation to Trustees travel and administrative expenses.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employees
Ministers
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
2025
Number
10
5
15
2025
£
306,705
29,129
11,148
346,982
2024
Number
9
5
14
2024
£
289,391
18,021
(19,417)
287,995

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

11 Employees

(Continued)

Although 10 Lay Worker employees are paid via the The Methodist Church Norwich Circuits payroll account, only 5 are actual employees of the circuit. The additional 5 employees work at churches within the circuit - the Methodist Church Norwich Circuit is not liable for and is reimbursed for any employment costs in relation to these employees.

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

12 Gains and losses on investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Gains/(losses) arising on: £ £
Revaluation of investments - 9
Revaluation of investment properties - 78,090
Sale of investment properties 131,170 (3,380)
131,170 74,719

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land
and buildings
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2024 2,135,000
Additions 380,000
At 31 August 2025 2,515,000
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2025 2,515,000
At 31 August 2024 2,135,000

Land and buildings brought forward with a carrying amount of £2,135,000 were revalued at 31 August 2022 by the Trustees.

The Trustees have considered that no depreciation should be provided for land and buildings as the current value is greater than cost and regular upkeep would make any depreciation charge immaterial. The Trustees consider that this valuation is still appropriate as at 31 August 2025.

Due to the passage of time, information in respect of the historic cost of land and buildings is not readily available and the Trustees feel that the benefit in recreating or obtaining such data would be outweighed by the time and effort required.

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

15 Investment property

Fair value
At 1 September 2024
Disposals
At 31 August 2025
2025
£
297,690
(190,890)
106,800

Investment property comprises of 1 Church in Norfolk as at 31 August 2025, this is reduced from 2 held at the beginning of the year as 1 was sold in year . These Churches (remaining 1 situated in Forncett,) were transferred into the ownership of The Methodist Church, Norwich Circuit, following the individual churches closures in previous years.

The fair value of the investment properties has been arrived at on the basis of a valuation carried out by the Trustees of £145,000, less the levy percentage to be taken by the Connexional Priority Fund (CPF) and associated selling costs – being £31,200 and £7,000 respectively.

The valuation was made on an open market value basis by reference to market evidence of transaction prices for similar properties, with assistance from Arnolds Keys, Chartered Surveyors in the year ended 31 August 2023. No additional valuation has been carried out in the current year.

16 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
Current asset investments
TMCP investment funds
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
2025
£
14,501
545
15,046
2025
£
2,293,606
2025
£
43,581
76,391
29,556
149,528
2024
£
17,131
93
17,224
2024
£
2,404,052
2024
£
43,581
93,857
6,955
144,393

17 Current asset investments

18 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

19 Retirement benefit schemes
2025 2024
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 11,148 (19,417)

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

20 Endowment funds

Endowment funds represent assets which must be held permanently by the charity. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the assets form part of the fund.

At 1 Incoming At 31 August At 31 August
September resources 2025
2024
£ £ £
Permanent endowments
Dr Thomas Evans fund 1,182,673 1,241 1,183,914
Previous year: At 1 Incoming At 31 August
September resources 2024
2023
£ £ £
Permanent endowments
Dr Thomas Evans fund - 1,182,673 1,182,673

21 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
September
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
Circuit Advance
Model Trust
Fund
939,627
38,844
(73,148)
General funds
2,942,350
560,794
(614,871)
3,881,977
599,638
(688,019)
Revaluation
reserve
135,000
-
-
Transfers
Gains and
losses
At 31 August
2025
£
£
£
(213,426)
131,170
823,067
213,426
-
3,101,699
-
131,170
3,924,766
-
-
135,000

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

21
Unrestricted funds
Previous year:
At 1
September
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
Circuit Advance
Model Trust
Fund
373,368
32,547
(87,549)
General funds
3,309,378
615,064
(435,550)
3,682,746
647,611
(523,099)
Revaluation
reserve
135,000
-
-
(Continued)
Transfers
Gains and
losses
At 31 August
2024
£
£
£
621,253
8
939,627
(621,253)
74,711
2,942,350
-
74,719
3,881,977
-
-
135,000

22 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August At 31 August
September resources expended 2025
2024
£ £ £ £
Circuit Mission Fund 21,103 1,736 (6,146) 16,693
Benevolent Fund 981 - - 981
Connexional Fund - 1,635 (1,635) -
Gift Fund 953 - - 953
St Peter's Jessop Road LEP - 5,000 (5,000) -
Collections for External Organisations - 2,981 (2,981) -
23,037 11,352 (15,762) 18,627
Previous year: At 1 Incoming Resources At 31 August
September resources expended 2024
2023
£ £ £ £
Circuit Mission Fund 20,154 3,849 (2,900) 21,103
Benevolent Fund 981 - - 981
Connexional Fund - 1,450 (1,450) -
Gift Fund 953 - - 953
St Peter's Jessop Road LEP - 10,000 (10,000) -
Collections for External Organisations - 120 (120) -
22,088 15,419 (14,470) 23,037

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

23 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
At 31 August 2025:
Tangible assets
2,515,000
-
-
Investment properties
106,800
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
1,437,966
18,627
1,183,914
4,059,766
18,627
1,183,914
Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
funds
funds
funds
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
At 31 August 2024:
Tangible assets
2,135,000
-
-
Investment properties
297,690
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
1,584,287
23,037
1,182,673
4,016,977
23,037
1,182,673
Total
2025
£
2,515,000
106,800
2,640,507
5,262,307
Total
2024
£
2,135,000
297,690
2,789,997
5,222,687

Fund Purpose:

Connexional Fund - Funds are collected from church each year and forwarded by the circuit.

Benevolent Fund - This fund is to assist those in need as directed by the circuit meeting.

Circuit Mission Fund - Voluntary contributions made by Circuit churches and transfers made by the General funds for the mission of the church.

Model Trust Fund - Funds arising from the sales of local Churches and Circuit property.

General Fund - Derives its income from assessments levied on the Churches and uses it to meet the costs of employing presbyters, deacons and lay workers, administration costs and District Connexional Assessments.

24 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year with the exception of trustees remuneration disclosed in the trustees note(2024 - none).

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

25
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
(Gain)/loss on disposal of investment property
Fair value gains and losses on investment properties
Fair value gains and losses on investments
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
2025
£
39,620
(131,314)
(131,170)
-
-
2,178
5,135
(215,551)
2024
£
1,382,853
(132,075)
3,380
(78,090)
(9)
544
4,184
1,180,787

26 Analysis of changes in net funds The charity had no material debt during the year.

27 Prior period adjustment Changes to the balance sheet

At 31 August 2024 At 31 August 2024
As previously Adjustment As restated
reported
£ £ £
Current assets
Investments 2,297,124 106,928 2,404,052
Capital funds
Endowment funds 1,182,673 - 1,182,673
Income funds
Restricted funds 23,037 - 23,037
Unrestricted funds 3,910,049 106,928 4,016,977
Total equity 5,115,759 106,928 5,222,687

THE METHODIST CHURCH, NORWICH CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

27 Prior period adjustment (Continued) (Continued)
At 31 August 2024
As previously Adjustment As restated
reported
£ £ £
Changes to the profit and loss account
Period ended 31 August 2024
As previously Adjustment As restated
reported
£ £ £
Material other expenditure 106,928 (106,928) -
Net movement in funds 1,275,925 106,928 1,382,853

During the process of preparing the financial statements it came to light that an amount which was previously recognised as "closed churches transfered from circuit" expenditure in the previous year should have been recognised an an investment. Accordingly, a prior year adjustment had been made to de-recognise the expenditure and treat the amount in question as a Current Asset Investment.